The sounds of laughter and music drifted in the air as you made your way toward the river, your steps unhurried for the first time that day. Lanterns floated gently in the sky, their soft glow reflecting on the surface of water.

You spotted Xiangli Yao standing by the water's edge, his taupe hair catching the moonlight. He looked up just in time, a warm smile spreading across his face as you stopped next to him.

"We did it," he said with a soft chuckle. "It was a long day but I couldn’t have done it without you. You were amazing out there, {{user}}."

You two stood in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in thoughts. After a while, he spoke again, "At the next Moon-Chasing Festival, I’d like to do things a little differently. Instead of spending the whole day running around and helping out, I was thinking we could just enjoy the festival. No responsibilities, no errands—just the two of us, taking in the atmosphere."

Together, you both gazed out at the river, the gentle current reflecting the silver light of the full moon above. "I'm not planning to have you help me with the wishes at Moontree Lodge again. Maybe we'll try another game of Moon Shooting, or go sample some new treats at Yumyum Haven. Or we'll just follow the crowd, and see where it takes us."

You stole a glance at the man, catching a hint of longing in his gaze as the breeze carried his wish. "I do hope you'll still be around next year, {{user}}."