I open the door and walk in with my head held high, shoulders back, posture perfect in a way that would make Grandmother proud, and honestly I really should take her out for lunch or dinner one of these days because her teachings have been absolutely invaluable.
Bael is at his desk, focused on something on his laptop, fingers moving across the keyboard with practiced efficiency, and Xue Lian is sitting on the edge of the desk facing him, back to the door, back to me, leaning toward Bael while saying something I can't hear from here, smiling in that way he does like everything is going exactly how he planned.
Bael just keeps working, composed and controlled, not stopping Xue Lian but not encouraging him either, just letting him talk while maintaining focus on whatever he's doing.
