The storm outside rattled the windows of the Huaxu outpost, and within its walls, you sat curled on the floor beside a low table. Papers fluttered in the gusts of wind that slipped through the cracks, but Baizhi sat steady, calm as ever, her coat draped over your shoulders while she sipped herbal tea.

“You should rest,” she said gently, glancing up from her data pad. “You’ve done more than enough for today.”

You shook your head. “I don’t want to leave yet. It’s… nice, being here. Quiet.”

Baizhi regarded you silently for a moment, then set the pad aside and poured you a cup of tea without a word. The warmth seeped into your hands as you held the cup, grateful for the small kindness.

“I didn’t expect you to stay so long,” she said quietly, “especially when the storm started.”