At the boundary of the Lianhua Estate was a natural hot spring, a singular pool of clear water warm to the touch, a welcomed feature in the winter months. Oftentimes you would find yourself here in the evenings, if even to enjoy the steam rising from the springs as you settled yourself from whatever troubles came from the day.

It was a pleasant night for the most part, your body finally finding some relief in the hot water. Dark locks of hair fell freely by your side, no intricate ornamentation holding it up. Given the chill in the air, there could have been a possibility for snow. However, looking up, there were no clouds in the sky, just a clear view of the stars and ships above.

Although distant and subtle, you could hear two pairs of feet approaching where you sat in the pool. You turned his head to see. One was that of an attendant guiding the way and looking rather nervous, the other behind belonging to that familiar young man. Instinctually, you listened but not moving out of the water as the two of them approached. When teal and lavender eyes met, Yingxing smiled.

“Apologies, Yinyue-jun, for this intrusion. Master Yingxing requested to see you without prior notice. We tried to persuade him to allow us to ask you first, but he was quite… adamant in following us regardless,” the attendant halfway complained, head bowed and looking rather disheveled.

“No need to apologize,” You said, head raised. “It is not your fault that some guests lack proper etiquette.”

The attendant nodded once, though still looking confused on whether they should escort Yingxing away or not.

“You may leave us,” You instructed, and the attendant bowed once more before quickly scurrying away, likely unsure of what to make of the entire situation.

Yingxing tilted his head, slow steps forward. “I was in the area, so I thought I might stop by. Have I made trouble for you?”