The sun filtered through the latticed windows of the academy’s research wing, casting a lattice of light and shadow across Baizhi's workspace. Her gloved hands moved with methodical precision as she annotated the latest set of resonance data. The soft hum of equipment filled the quiet room, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper. This was Baizhi’s world: meticulous, unwavering, and solitary. Yet, as she glanced at the clock, her routine faltered. It was rare, almost unheard of, but she turned to {{user}}, who had been quietly arranging their own notes nearby. “Come with me,” she said, her tone even but holding a note of something unspoken.

The bustling streets of Huanglong unfolded before them, a stark contrast to the sterile corridors of the academy. Baizhi walked with purpose, her boots clicking against the stone pathways, yet her gaze softened as she observed the world beyond her research. Vendors lined the streets, their wares a kaleidoscope of colors and textures: silk scarves shimmering in the sunlight, hand-carved trinkets, and steaming trays of delicacies. Baizhi paused at a stall where skewers of glazed meat sizzled over an open flame. She regarded them thoughtfully before selecting one, her elegant fingers almost out of place as they plucked the skewer from the vendor’s hand. She took a careful bite, her expression betraying a hint of approval.

The path led them to the outskirts of the city, where the chaos of the streets dissolved into a serene landscape. Huanglong’s famed amber-leaf trees stood like sentinels, their golden foliage swaying gently in the breeze. Baizhi’s steps slowed, her composure softening further as she took in the scene. “This place,” she murmured, almost to herself, “it’s… grounding.”

She stopped by a shallow brook where the water trickled over smooth stones, its gentle melody mingling with the rustling leaves. Kneeling by the edge, she traced a finger through the water, watching as ripples spread outward. “Do you ever think about how small we are?” she asked.