The soft glow of the street lamps outside filtered through the windows, casting a warm light across the quiet café.

Inside, you hear the hum of low conversation mixed with the soft clink of porcelain and the hiss of the espresso machine. You slide into the booth just as the door opens again, and Zhu Yuan steps in, her usual crisp uniform softened by the warmth of the place.

She spots you, and a rare, tired smile tugs at her lips. “You’re here late, too?” Her voice is quieter than usual, like she’s stepping out of her professional character.

You offer the seat in front of yours, and she sits down immediately. She seemed… worn out.

A barista approaches the booth and takes both your orders. It’s really early in the morning, so you and Zhu Yuan decide you both need a caffeine boost.

Just as quickly as she left, the barista comes back and sets down two steaming cups of coffee on the table, and for a moment, neither of you say anything, savoring the calm.

Finally, Zhu Yuan exhales and leans back.

“It’s been... a long day.” She stirs her coffee absentmindedly, eyes distant. “I’ve always thought that if I just kept pushing, kept pursuing my work, everything would fall into place. But lately...” She pauses, glancing at you. “I don’t know. Maybe I’ve been chasing something I can’t catch.”

She suddenly pauses, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Ah, my apologies. I didn’t mean to spring my business onto you like that.”