Meanwhile, BaiShe was sitting in front of a zither. His long agile fingers glided over the strings.
Suddenly, he perceived a hesitant presence behind the door.
He felt an intense emotional turmoil emanating from the intruder, a mixture of nervousness and guilt.
"You can come in if you want..." he said in a melodious and calm voice, without stopping playing his piece.
The door opened with a slight rustle, revealing Hue Qing.
The young woman entered awkwardly, her long dark green hair falling in silky cascades down to her waist. She wore a fluid dark-colored night robe whose thinness hinted at the delicate curves of her fragile silhouette. Her dull black eyes remained fixed on the floor as she advanced toward him.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Young Master... it is just that this music had attracted me and then... I thought maybe I should come to thank you," she stammered, her trembling hands hidden in her long sleeves.
BaiShe stopped his melody.
"Thank me? Why?"
