Cāng Jì sat on the steps of the guest hut, his golden robes immaculate, his hair perfect, his expression one of profound suffering.
"You look terrible," Zhāo Yàn observed, sauntering past with a cup of tea.
"I look magnificent."
"You look like you haven't slept."
"I haven't slept." Cāng Jì's voice was flat. "I was... occupied."
"Occupied." Zhāo Yàn's eyebrow arched. "With the teacher?"
Cāng Jì's ears went pink. "That's none of your business."
"So it's true." Zhāo Yàn's smile was insufferable. "You finally stopped being a coward and told her how you feel."
"I was never a coward. I was... strategically patient."
"Strategically patient for seven days while she avoided you."
"I was giving her space."
"You were moping."
"I was NOT—" Cāng Jì stopped. Took a breath. Let it out. "You are the most insufferable creature I have ever met."
"I'm also the one who helped you get together." Zhāo Yàn sipped his tea. "You're welcome."
