The afternoon sun bathed the forest in a warm glow as Mei Lin and Zhang Wei sat by a bubbling stream. They were enjoying a simple meal of grilled fish, the savory aroma mingling with the earthy scent of the woods.
Mei Lin had made significant strides in her training. Her Shadow Steps were now fluid, and her ability to sense her surroundings in the dark had become second nature.
Zhang Wei patted Mei Lin's head. "Student Mei, your progress is incredible. You might just be my most talented student yet."
Mei Lin swatted his hand away. "How many students have you had, Teacher Zhang?"
Zhang Wei stretched lazily, looking immensely pleased with himself. "Details, details. The point is, it's all thanks to my unparalleled teaching prowess."
Mei Lin gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curling into a smirk. "Exceptional teaching skills or my sheer talent?"
"Both," Zhang Wei replied with a wink. "But mostly my teaching skills. Who else could mold such raw talent so effectively? Truly, I should be commended for my patience and brilliance."
Mei Lin rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "You do have a knack for boasting, Scholar Zhang. If only there were an award for that."
"It's not boasting if it's true," he said, puffing out his chest. He moved to lay his head on her lap, recounting the recent incident about getting caught eating chicken with his Shidi. A masterstroke of cunning and ingenuity—he termed it—until it wasn't.
Zhang Wei painted a rather exaggerated tale while Mei Lin laughed at his misfortune. "...told him we were... ah, conducting an experiment in culinary techniques."
Mei Lin flicked his forehead. "Serves you right for eating meat without me."
"Well, you see," Zhang Wei sighed dramatically, "Even if I wanted to save it for you, my Shixiong was relentless. He didn't give us a moment's peace for weeks. I think he was jealous of my culinary genius."
"Don't you mean how he was lamenting on having two sneaky gluttons as his Shidis?" Mei Lin teased. "Good. Next time you get your hands on something better than fish, you know where to find me."
Zhang Wei laughed. "Noted. But how do I sneak inside the temple to borrow my little student?"
They continued their banter in good spirits, chatting about everyday life, the sound of the stream providing a peaceful backdrop. Mei Lin watched Zhang Wei with a deep sense of accomplishment and contentment. She had indeed missed their time together. It had felt even more suffocating than usual to stay inside the nunnery for longer stretches of time without his company.
Mei Lin's thoughts turned to a matter she'd been itching to bring up. She turned to Zhang Wei with a sly grin.
"Teacher Zhang," she began, "how's my fund looking? You know, the one you've been graciously keeping for me."
Zhang Wei reluctantly got up from her lap, reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. "Ah, your escape fund. Here you go." He tossed it to her with a grin.
Mei Lin caught the pouch and eagerly opened it, her eyes lighting up even before she counted the coins. "There's more here than what I gave you!" she exclaimed, looking up at him in surprise.
Zhang Wei shrugged, a sly smile on his face. "Consider it my contribution. A little something for your future endeavors."
Mei Lin raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Are you finally supporting my escape plan? You always seemed rather against it before."
Zhang Wei leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I wouldn't say I'm supporting it per se. But I've come to realize that having some financial security isn't a bad idea. Besides, it's a pity you know," Zhang Wei pulled Mei Lin's cheeks, flushed with happiness. "My little LinLin missed her calling as a merchant. Such love for money."
Mei Lin let him do as he pleased for once. Zhang Wei very reluctantly let go, instead lazily hugging her from behind, looking at her fingers expertly sorting the coins. Mei Lin mused, "Perhaps in another life. It's enough for me that you don't laugh at my paltry savings."
"Paltry? Hey, I added quite a bit." Zhang Wei complained.
Mei Lin leaned back, pressing her cheek against his chin, smiling gently. "Uh-huh. Well, thank you for your generosity, Teacher Zhang. I'll make sure to spend it wisely."
Zhang Wei released her, feeling a little awkward about her gesture. He laughed, trying to hide the feelings that the seemingly careless gesture had caused. "I have no doubt about that. Just remember, whatever you do, try not to get caught. I'd hate to have to come up with another clever excuse to bail you out."
Mei Lin grinned. "Don't worry. With your exceptional teaching, I've learned to be quite the shadow. And if I do get caught, I'll just tell them I was conducting an experiment in financial independence."
Zhang Wei laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the forest. "Now that's the spirit. Just don't forget your old teacher in the future when you're rolling in wealth and adventure."
Mei Lin tucked the pouch away, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "I could never forget you, Teacher Zhang. After all, who else would I have to brag about my financial acumen to?"
Zhang Wei watched Mei Lin count the coins with a mixture of amusement and longing. As the last coin slipped through her fingers, he sensed a shift in her demeanor, a hint of melancholy beneath her usual spirited facade.
"Zhang Wei," Mei Lin began softly, her tone tinged with sadness, "I probably won't get to use this money all my life. If I escape, I'll probably be caught and then excommunicated. Having my cultivation severed. Just the thought of it is scary."
Zhang Wei shook his head. "It doesn't matter, Mei Lin. It's not necessarily for any future plans. I just wanted to ensure you have something to rely on, no matter what."
Mei Lin looked up at him, her eyes reflecting gratitude and warmth. Silently, she closed the pouch and extended it back towards him.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "For believing in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself sometimes. I just-", her voice broke.
Zhang Wei accepted the pouch but waved off her words. "I can't take you being so serious. Come here and lie down next to me."
Mei Lin obeyed, laying her head down on his arm that he had graciously extended.
Zhang Wei watched the tears pool in her eyes. She seemed sad all of a sudden. "Is little LinLin gonna cry?", he teased her, stroking her face.
She swatted his arm away, burrowing her head into his chest.