Chapter 35: Beneath the Cherry Moon
The moonlight poured like silver milk over the stone pavilion, painting everything in quiet serenity. Mei Xiao sat on the cold steps, resting her chin in her hand while staring up at the night sky. The estate was silent for once, guards posted, servants tucked away, and no screeching demons or dramatic scrolls to ruin the peace.
Only her… and the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Why are you out here alone?" Murong Jing He's voice was soft but carried the weight of command, as always.
She glanced sideways, half smiling. "Avoiding the thirty-fifth lecture from Elder Wu about 'proper martial posture.' I told him my spine wasn't made of iron."
He chuckled lightly—an actual chuckle. "You told the elder that?"
"I may have also mentioned he needed more fiber in his diet." Mei Xiao smirked.
Jing He blinked, then raised an amused brow. "You're either brave… or completely reckless."
"I'm both," she said cheerfully.
A quiet beat passed.
He finally sat beside her, folding his long sleeves across his knees. The scent of sandalwood and cold steel surrounded him, oddly comforting.
"You've changed," he said.
She tilted her head. "Into what?"
"Someone… unpredictable. Less afraid. But also more…" He paused, then looked straight at her. "More like someone I once knew."
There was a twinge in her chest. "The real Mei Lin?"
He nodded slowly.
"I'm not her," she whispered. "Not entirely."
"No," he agreed. "But maybe that's why I'm starting to forget the difference."
She froze, heart skipping.
Just then, a breeze blew through the cherry blossom tree above them, scattering petals like snow.
One landed on his shoulder. She leaned over without thinking and brushed it away.
Their faces were close. Too close.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"For what?"
"For being her. And for not being her."
Before she could respond, loud shouting echoed from the lower courtyard. A guard ran toward them.
"My lord! There's… something emerging from the sealed tomb. A pulse of heat—it bears the mark of the Obsidian Sect!"
Jing He stood instantly, every trace of softness gone.
Mei Xiao groaned. "We never get to finish a moment, do we?"
He glanced at her. "If we survive the night, I'll give you two."