"Hey, look at this, the latest news! Damn, Mr. Qiao passed away today!" A group gathered around at the announcement. "Really? Even the wealthy can't escape death. It's a pity, but truth be told, Mr. Qiao was a good man," someone remarked, his voice laced with indifferent sympathy.
Suddenly, a girl exclaimed, "Ah, does it feel like it's snowing?" She reached out her hand and a pristine snowflake landed delicately in her palm, melting slowly until it vanished completely. "Damn, it really is snowing. Someone must be falsely accused again!" Laughter erupted among the group. Although amusing, snow in June was indeed strange, especially since the weather forecast had predicted clear skies for the next six days, which had prompted these wealthy heirs to choose this time for their mountain trek.
"The weather today is quite unusual; let's gather and head back down the mountain for safety," Ji Yan advised with a frown. "Ah, Brother Ji Yan, I want to stay a bit longer!" Liao Zhenying, the most privileged among them, protested defiantly. "It's fine, Ji Yan, let's play a little longer. A little snow is no big deal," chimed in one of Zhenying's admirers, quickly supported by the rest.
Despite his reservations, Ji Yan, outvoted, reluctantly agreed to continue the ascent. "Have you guys heard about the legend of this mountain?" "That one?" "Yes, exactly that one!" "Let's not be superstitious. It's all fine, don't worry!" But as they spoke, the temperature seemed to drop further, and Ji Yan noted, "Half an hour ago, we should have passed this spot." "No way!" "It's true." He had marked it earlier, and now they had circled back to the same spot.
After several futile attempts to find a way forward, they faced the grim reality that they were trapped. As the snow fell heavier and the light dimmed, their situation grew desperate. With no mobile signal, anxiety and fear started to pervade everyone's thoughts. Eventually, the group split into four teams with Ji Yan going solo. Zhenying initially insisted on joining him but, accustomed to avoiding her, Ji Yan firmly refused until she, unable to save face, joined another admirer's group, leaving him to a much-desired solitude.
Ji Yan continued southwards through thickets and towering ancient trees until the landscape abruptly opened into a vast, desolate expanse blanketed with white snow. Years later, he would still vividly remember the breathtaking beauty of that day.
Amidst the ashen clouds resembling ink-washed silk, a maiden knelt in the snow, the wild blizzard tenderly caressing her. Her long hair cascaded down as her robe fluttered softly, each movement seemingly choreographed by the serene storm.
Turning slowly at his approach, her deep brown eyes seemed to harbor a world of emotions, yet they appeared calm, as if settling dust after a storm. His heart clenched suddenly, and involuntarily, he felt the urge to kneel, all for a mere glance from her. "Who are you, and why are you here?" His voice trembled slightly as he slowly stood and took steps towards her.
Her long eyelashes cast a play of light and shadow that irresistibly drew his gaze. "Kunlun Ruins have always been a place of no return, did you not know?" Her voice was husky, as if unaccustomed to speaking, yet each word rang with the clarity of jewels dropping onto a plate.
Bewitched, Ji Yan's focus wavered as he absorbed her warning. Unsure whether he was facing a reality or a dream, whether she was human or a divine temptress, he murmured, "I mean no offense."
She rose slowly, her steps unsteady as if drained of strength. "Be careful!" Ji Yan rushed to support her, concern flooding his eyes. The contact sent a warm pulse through the Charm Bead on her, and a faint orange glow flickered around him.
"I'll take you to the hospital," he offered, captivated by the pale hue of her lips, her beauty fragile like a crystal figurine. She clasped his wrist, her tone lazy yet enticing, "Are you betrothed?"
"I am single," Ji Yan replied, understanding her meaning. "May I ask you for a favor?" Her request, coming from such a graceful figure, seemed anything but humble—it felt like fulfilling a heartfelt wish.
"Sure," he agreed without waiting for her to explain, compelled to grant her every desire. She smiled gently, her features gaining a hint of color that was overwhelmingly alluring. "Could you love me unconditionally, wholeheartedly, even to the point of sacrificing everything for me?" Her words were deliberate, locking eyes with him.
His heart raced, his limbs grew warm, and his mind buzzed: "Yes." In that moment, despite knowing nothing about her—not her origin, her name, nor her age—he made a promise. Only she could see the sparks of orange light that slowly seeped into her body through their touching skins.