Morning light slipped quietly into the inn, soft and pale, touching the wooden floor and the edges of the table. Han Liang opened his eyes before the room had fully brightened, already awake with anticipation. Today felt different.
Gu Feng would come.
He rose without hesitation and dressed more carefully than usual. The black robe he chose was newly embroidered, the details subtle but enough to draw attention. Against the dark fabric, his features appeared sharper.
He noticed it—but didn't linger.
The Second Commander appeared beside him, silent as always. His gaze moved over Han Liang's attire, and a faint smile appeared.
"Isn't this a bit much?" he asked.
Han Liang didn't answer. He adjusted his sleeve and sat to eat, though his attention kept drifting toward the door.
Today will be different.
Then—
The door opened.
A young man stepped inside, dressed in white. A wide hat shaded his face, and a thin layer of tulle fell over it, hiding his features. Still, there was no mistaking him.
Han Liang's expression softened immediately.
"Gu Feng… you're here."
Yuan Yu smiled faintly and sat beside him.
"Have you eaten? Are you hungry? I wanted to tell you—"
"I'm fine," Yuan Yu said gently.
For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other.
Then Han Liang moved.
Without hesitation, he reached out and took Yuan Yu's wrist. His gaze dropped at once to the marks.
They were fading.
For a brief moment, both Yuan Yu and the Second Commander froze, caught off guard by the sudden gesture.
Han Liang didn't seem to notice. His focus remained on the marks, his expression softening.
"It's better now," he said quietly. "Did they notice at home? Were they angry with you?"
His fingers lingered a moment longer.
"How were your days… without me?"
"Everything is fine," Yuan Yu said softly.
Han Liang let go slowly.
"I have something to show you," he said, his tone lighter.
"Maybe one place… maybe two."
He stepped forward.
Yuan Yu followed.
They stepped out of the inn together.
After a short walk, they arrived at the shop. Work was still ongoing, quiet sounds filling the space.
"I bought this," Han Liang said. "This will be our shop."
He gestured lightly.
"And there's a house nearby."
As he spoke, he smiled—naturally, without thinking.
The girls working nearby noticed immediately. Their eyes lingered, their voices dropping into whispers.
Yuan Yu noticed.
A faint, unfamiliar discomfort stirred within him.
Why did that bother him?
What was this feeling…?
He lowered his head slightly beneath the tulle.
Still, his gaze returned to Han Liang.
Han Liang led him inside.
"I wanted you to see this first," he said. "Everything I've done here… everything I plan to do."
Shelves, tables, newly placed boards—the shape of the place was already forming.
Yuan Yu moved slowly, observing each detail.
"It's well done," he said quietly.
Han Liang nodded.
"This place will stay closed for two months," he said. "When I return, everything will be ready."
Yuan Yu paused.
"Two months?" he repeated softly.
A slight hesitation followed.
"I thought it would only be one month."
A brief silence settled between them.
"That was the plan," Han Liang said. "But things may take longer."
He held his gaze.
"I'll return in two months… maybe earlier."
Yuan Yu did not answer, but something in his gaze lingered.
They walked through the back and into the garden.
Peach trees stretched above them, petals drifting slowly in the air. Lilacs and roses lined the narrow path.
"This is the house," Han Liang said, a quiet excitement in his voice.
"In a few days, the owner will leave. Then we'll move in completely."
"When everything is ready, you should come and visit," Han Liang said.
After a brief pause, he added,
"If you'd like, you could stay for a night."
Yuan Yu smiled faintly.
"I'll try."
That was enough.
They sat beneath the peach tree. Their conversation flowed easily, drifting from one topic to another. Laughter rose from time to time.
Without noticing it—
time slipped past them beneath the falling petals.
An old man approached, carrying tea. His gaze lingered briefly on Yuan Yu before he set the tray down.
"This is my friend, Gu Feng," Han Liang said.
The man smiled.
"A beautiful name."
Yuan Yu relaxed slightly.
"I should go," Yuan Yu said softly.
He turned.
Han Liang spoke quietly:
"You should come next week. I'll be waiting."
His voice softened as he added,
"Today passed too quickly… it feels like nothing happened at all."
Yuan Yu paused just for a moment—then walked on.
Han Liang stood there, watching until the white figure disappeared.
Even after that—
something of him seemed to remain.