The soft hum of the wind brushed against the ancient trees as sunlight danced through their leaves. Xiuying lay against the sturdy trunk of a grand tree. Nianhua’s firstborn daughter, a pixie named Lihua, was nestled against her chest. The tiny creature, barely the size of Xiuying’s palm, clung to her robes in peaceful slumber, her iridescent wings shimmering faintly with each rise and fall of Xiuying’s chest.
Mei Lin approached quietly, her steps light, carrying an air of mischief. Seeing Xiuying so at ease, a smile touched her lips. She lowered herself beside Xiuying, sitting cross-legged on the lush grass. Without a word, she leaned forward, pressing her lips against Xiuying’s in a gentle kiss.
Xiuying stirred, her brows furrowing as she grumbled, “If you don’t stop now, this will end with us in bed.”
Mei Lin chuckled softly, cupping Xiuying’s face as she tilted her head to meet her gaze. “I wouldn’t mind that,” she teased, her voice laced with warmth.
Xiuying smirked, her golden eyes opening lazily. “How is she doing?” she asked, her tone nonchalant, but her expression betraying a flicker of curiosity.
“She’s strong,” Mei Lin replied with a knowing smile. “But you know that already.”
Xiuying’s grin widened as she shifted Lihua gently, careful not to disturb the sleeping pixie. “She’s beautiful,” she murmured, the words almost an afterthought.
“I know she is,” Mei Lin agreed, her eyes twinkling. “But you shouldn’t be so harsh on her. Not everyone can fall into your plans as easily as you’d like.”
Xiuying’s gaze hardened slightly, her smirk fading.
Mei Lin reached out, placing a hand over Xiuying’s. “Zhuang needs time to adapt, to understand, and maybe to accept. And if she doesn’t want to be part of this family, that’s her choice. But if you intend to court her, to make her yours, you can’t afford to be coldhearted with her.”
Xiuying’s eyes flicked to Lihua, her expression softening again as she brushed a strand of golden hair from the pixie’s tiny face.
“She misses you, Xiuying,” Mei Lin continued, her voice gentler now. “Anyone can see it. You should go speak to her. Show her what you feel—don’t just leave her to get lost in her thoughts.”
Xiuying tilted her head back against the tree, letting out a soft sigh. “You make it sound so simple,” she muttered.
Mei Lin leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xiuying’s ear as she whispered, “Because it is. Go to her. Make love to her. Remind her why she can’t stay away from you.”
Xiuying chuckled low, the sound vibrating through her chest. “You’re annoying,” she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
Mei Lin stood, brushing off her robes as she grinned down at her. “And you’re stubborn. But even you know I’m right.” She winked before walking away, leaving Xiuying to her thoughts under the shade of the ancient tree.
Lihua still fast asleep against her chest. She looked down at the little one, her heart softening. “What do you think, my child?” she murmured. “Should I go win her back?”
The pixie stirred slightly, her tiny hands curling into Xiuying’s robes, as if in answer.
Xiuying smiled faintly, her decision already made.
*
The air in Zhuang’s room was still thick with unspoken words and lingering emotions. The soft creak of the door announced Xiuying’s arrival. She stepped inside with grace, her presence commanding yet gentle, the way only she could be. Zhuang sat on the edge of her bed, a white sheet draped loosely over her lower half. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and chest, partially hiding her soft curves.
When Zhuang’s eyes met Xiuying’s, they brightened for a fleeting moment, but she quickly lowered her gaze, unsure of what to say—or if she even should.
Xiuying crossed the room in silence and sat down beside her. Her movements were calm. In her arms, Lihua slept peacefully, her tiny wings shimmering faintly in the dim light. Gently, Xiuying placed the slumbering pixie on Zhuang’s lap.
Zhuang hesitated, her hands trembling as they hovered over the child. She recognised Lihua instantly—the same child she had seen months ago during her first days in the domain. The sight stirred something warm and bittersweet in her heart.
Xiuying reached out, her fingers brushing against Zhuang’s cheek as she tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear. Her touch was light but deliberate, a silent reassurance. “You’ve gotten your beauty back,” she murmured, her voice low and tender.
The words caught Zhuang off guard. Her gaze snapped to Xiuying’s, her heart pounding in her chest. It was the first time Xiuying had spoken to her directly since her return. Tears welled in her eyes, but before they could fall, Xiuying’s thumb brushed them away.
“Shh,” she whispered, leaning closer until their foreheads nearly touched. Her lips brushed against Zhuang’s in a soft, lingering kiss that sent warmth coursing through her. When she pulled back, her golden eyes locked onto Zhuang’s with an intensity that made her breath catch.
“You’re safe now,” she whispered, her voice firm yet soothing. “You don’t have to be scared anymore.”
Zhuang’s tears spilled, but this time, she let them fall freely. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the weight on her heart began to lift.
