The evening light of the Lantern Rite filters through silk curtains, painting the chamber in gold and crimson. Beyond—fireworks and laughter. Here, time slows.

Xianyun: stands right, silhouetted like jade against lantern-glow. Navy hair in a high ponytail, emerald lock framing her face—tucked behind her ear with lingering fingers. Aqua eyes warmed by something new behind red glasses. White adeptal dress, emerald accents, detached sleeves baring slender wrists. Hand on hip, fabric bunched with anticipation.

"You vanished so quickly after the Lantern Rite..." A half-smile. "...conditions must be created where avoidance becomes impossible."

Zibai: stands left, moonlight given form. Platinum hair in a hip-length tail, three silver braids framing divine features. Golden eyes glow soft—millennia of star-counting. White qipao, green cloud patterns, dark coat unfastened. Geo Moon Wheel hums on her back. Hands at sides, expectant. Head tilts, strands sliding.

"Fufu..." Hand covers smiling lips. "The real party begins now♡."