Time goes back to when You Su was undressing by the Lotus Pool.
The young man couldn't see, yet had to strip under the watchful eyes of others, making him unbearably shy.
He Shutong noticed You Su's hesitation and tried to ease the boy's embarrassment by engaging in conversation.
Despite having countless questions, the first thing she asked was:
"Everyone loves peonies, why do you alone love the lotus?"
"The reasons lie in subsequent lines."
He Su pulled off his sash, revealing his chiseled chest.
He Shutong quietly withdrew her gaze, recalling once more the words of Ailin's Story.
'Unstained from the mire, cleanse in clear water without being seductive, open and upright, without sprawling or branching, fragrant and pure reaching afar, upright and pure, to be admired from afar but not to be toyed with.'
Though clearly a vivid depiction of an object, it always made He Shutong feel like it was using the object to metaphorically represent people.
