She blinked, her pulse still hammering, as her eyes focused on the figure crouched just outside, climbing the window to get in.
"Xiliu?"
Xiliu grinned up at her, her face flushed with exertion. "Who else?"
Peizhi exhaled sharply, her grip on the pole slackening and she dropped it to the floor with a thud. "You scared me half to death!"
Xiliu chuckled as she climbed over the windowsill with surprising grace. "You're too easy to frighten. I couldn't exactly knock on the door, could I?"
"You shouldn't be here." Peizhi's scolding tone melted into warmth. "If someone saw you—"
"That's why I came before dawn. No one's awake and around here d but the ghosts." Xiliu grinned, brushing off her sleeves as she stepped into the room gracefully . "Besides, I couldn't leave you alone in this place, I miss you so much already ."
Peizhi shook her head but couldn't suppress a smile as she flickered her forehead playfully. "You're impossible."
Xiliu's eyes sparkled with mischief as she giggled as she slid a small bag from her shoulder. "I brought something to lift your spirits, just take a guess ."
"What is that?". Peizhi asked as she gazed at the bag in her grasp.
She watched her opened it, the scent of the sweetness immediately wafting out. "Osmanthus cake, fresh straight from the western market. Your favorite."
Peizhi's face lit up almost immediately. "You didn't!"
"Of course, I did." Xiliu plucked a piece from the bundle and held it out. "Taste it."
Peizhi i took a bite, her eyes closing as the delicate flavors melted on her tongue. "Mmm... Still perfect as always". She broke off a piece and offered it to Xiliu. "Here, have some too".
The two ate in companionable silence, the sweetness filling the bitter emptiness that had gnawed at Peizhi's heart.
Xiliu's gaze swept the room, her expression darkening. "Lord Chen must be really angry and must y really mean to punish you this time. Not even a blanket... No food, either and this place. ."
Peizhi shrugged, her voice light despite the weight in her chest. "It's quiet here. I think I might use the chance and time to think."
Xiliu frowned. "That's s too harsh." She muttered and upon noticing that Peizhi's encountance had taken a change she couldn't help but blame herself for talking about that then she suddenly reached for her bag and rummaged deeper into it pulling out a small, ornate mirror and a delicate set of rouge. "Look! I brought you the newest set of rouge version and an exquisite hairpin."
Peizhi's eyes widened with delight as she took the mirror.
"You spoil me."
She dabbed a bit of rouge on her cheeks, her reflection coming to life with a touch of color. She pinned her hair with the intricate accessory and turned to Xiliu.
"How do I look?"
"Beautiful, as always," Xiliu said sincerely, grateful that she was back to her normal self .
Peizhi smiled, but the warmth in her eyes suddenly dimmed as if she'd come upon a sudden realization. She set the mirror down carefully and turn to face Xiliu.
"Where did you get the money for all this?"
Xiliu shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "From my salary."
"You shouldn't spend so recklessly on things like this ". Peizhi chided. "Especially not on me."
"Who else would I spend it on?" Xiliu's smile softened. "You're worth it, every single penny of it."
Peizhi's expression wavered between gratitude and sorrow and she mumbled . "Thank you."
"There's no need for such words between us ."
The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Peizhi's voice trembled as she suddenly asked, "Do you think I'm a bad person?"
Xiliu's eyes softened as she reached for her hands, holding it with hers.
"You're not bad. You're just a victim of circumstances beyond your control. And no matter what happens, I'll stand by your side. Always ."
Peizhi swallowed hard at her words , s her eyes glistening with fresh tears. She reached out and embraced Xiliu finding solace in the simple act of connection. At least , she still had one person by her side.
Xilu pulled back gently, holding up the hairpin. "See? Isn't it pretty?"
Peizhi gazed at her reflection again, a small smile breaking through the shadows as she checked herself out in the mirror . "It is."
The two sat side by side, a fleeting moment of peace amid the storm that still loomed and as the duo remained in the room, passing time idly and chatting happily, she felt like the whole world hadn't forsaken her yet and she was grateful for this.
She wasn't alone and that she knew now and Xiliu didn't even think of her as a bad person and that was enough to keep her going.
Just as the duo were chatting, they suddenly heard sounds of footstep approaching and Xiliu immediately rushed to the window to have a glance.
" It's Lady Zeitan". She informed as she returned to her seat beside Peizhi who suddenly went quiet. " I wonder what she's here for this time again, I just hope it's something good cause it's always something bad whenever she's around". She sulked.
"The wall have ears, you'd better not let anyone hear that or you'll be in trouble". Peizhi chided her as as she finished her words, the door swung open.