Mo Ran turned back to Lixue, who handed him a steaming cup of tea. "You're deflecting," he said softly, taking the cup from her.
She hesitated for a moment before meeting his gaze. "And you're overthinking," she replied, her tone playful.
Mo Ran didn't look convinced, but he let it slide for now. "Alright, but don't think you're off the hook. If something's wrong, I'll find out sooner or later."
Lixue smiled, leaning slightly against the counter. "You sound so confident. Maybe I'll let you in on my secrets one day."
"Maybe?" He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a teasing smirk. "But that's not very reassuring."
The lighthearted banter eased some of the tension in the air, and Lixue felt herself relax, at least for a moment. They carried their tea into the living room, where Auntie Feng had already set out a tray of fruit and small snacks.
