Morning came quietly.
Xu sat on the porch, a cup of tea resting in his hands as he watched the mist roll over the trees. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and freshly cut wood. Somewhere in the distance, villagers were starting their day, merchants setting up stalls, farmers tending to fields.
It was peaceful. Deceptively so.
Behind him, Yue stretched as she stepped outside, her hair still slightly damp from washing up. She was dressed simply, sleeves rolled up as she tied a sash around her waist.
She eyed him lazily. "You've been sitting there for a while."
Xu took a slow sip of tea. "Thinking."
"Dangerous habit."
He glanced at her, unimpressed. She smirked and sat down beside him, propping her chin on her hand. "Thinking about last night?"
Xu didn't answer right away.
She exhaled, leaning back against the wooden railing. "I should've expected it. That man doesn't like losing his possessions."
His fingers tightened slightly around the cup. Possession.
Yue noticed but didn't comment. Instead, she tilted her head back, watching the morning sky. "So, how many were there?"
"Five."
She let out a low whistle. "He's getting impatient."
Xu remained silent. He had already decided his next move, but there was no need to tell her yet.
Yue turned to him, resting her cheek against her palm. "You're not going to ask me why I ran from him?"
He finally met her gaze. "Would you tell me if I did?"
She grinned. "Nope."
"Then there's no point in asking."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "You really don't waste words, do you?"
Xu finished his tea and set the cup down beside him. "No."
Yue hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose it doesn't matter. You've already made up your mind."
He raised a brow. "About what?"
She smiled knowingly. "About dealing with him."
Xu didn't confirm or deny it. But the slight shift in his expression was enough.
Yue leaned closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You're not doing it for me, are you?"
He met her gaze, unblinking. "Does it matter?"
She held his stare for a long moment before leaning back with a small smirk. "It does."
Xu didn't react immediately. He simply watched as she stretched out her legs, crossing them at the ankles.
Her bare feet peeked out from under her robes, smooth and unblemished, the pale skin untouched by the roughness of labor. Her nails were neatly kept, with a natural pinkish hue, there was a quiet refinement to her posture as if she had once lived a life far removed from the simplicity of this village.
"It's a bit annoying, actually," she mused. "You're the kind of person who just does things without asking. You decide, you act, and everyone else just follows along."
Xu frowned slightly. "That bothers you?"
She tilted her head, considering. "No. It just makes me wonder."
"Wonder what?"
Her golden eyes flicked toward him, sharp with curiosity. "If there's ever a time you do something for yourself."
Xu was quiet for a moment. Then, he exhaled, glancing away. "That's a strange thing to wonder about."
She chuckled. "Is it?"
Instead of answering, he picked up the teapot and poured himself another cup. Yue watched him, amusement dancing in her expression.
"Fine," she said at last, standing up. "I'll cook something better today."
Xu raised a brow. "That's your way of showing concern?"
She shrugged. "I have my own methods."
With that, she disappeared into the house, leaving him alone with his tea.
He took a sip, his gaze drifting toward the trees.
If there's ever a time you do something for yourself.
He didn't have an answer to that. But he had a feeling Yue wouldn't stop asking.