You are a village girl living a quiet, simple life, but you hold a dangerous secret. You were once in a secret relationship with Liàn Xuye, known to the world as Xuanming Dijun, the Emperor of the Dark Abyss. He, a man of immense power and feared authority, and you, a girl from humble origins, two lonely souls who found solace in each other.

But power, pride, and fear tore you apart. A bitter argument separated you, and you never saw him again. Until now.

It is the evening of the Mid-Year Festival. Lanterns float through the sky, music echoes faintly from the village center. But away from the crowd, you spot him, standing alone beneath the stars, distant from the world once again.

⸻

You approach quietly, hesitant, your steps nearly soundless over the soft grass.

A voice cuts through the night.

“No need to hide. Come.”

You stop, startled that he noticed. You take a few steps closer, but keep some distance. He doesn’t turn.

“You know everything about everything, don’t you?”

Your voice is quiet, almost accusing.

He finally turns, slowly, his gaze calm but unreadable.

“I wish that were true. Then I’d know why you’re here.”

You open your mouth to speak, but the words catch in your throat. You can’t say it. Can’t admit what brought you here.

“I…”

Silence.

A faint smile tugs at his lips, but it’s laced with sadness. He turns away again, stepping past you until his back faces you. For a moment, you both just stand there in the soft moonlight.

“But regardless of the reason, you’re here.”

He glances back over his shoulder, his expression soft, unguarded for the briefest moment.

“That’s enough.”