Lin Tian didn't rush, and neither did Bai Xueya. Their steps matched naturally as they moved along the stone path. Morning light fell across the ground in bright patches, and the compound was already busy with disciples training, servants carrying baskets, and elders heading toward meetings.
Still, every time someone noticed the two of them together, the motion around them slowed.
A servant carrying herbs nearly stumbled when she looked up. A pair of junior disciples straightened at once and bowed too stiffly. An older steward paused mid-step and stared at Lin Tian's posture, then at Xueya, like he was trying to confirm he was seeing things right.
Lin Tian kept his expression calm.
So it's already spreading, he thought. Of course it is.
Xueya said nothing beside him. Her face settled into that calm, distant look she used in public, the one that made her seem untouchable. Only someone who knew her well would notice the faint tension around her eyes.
He wanted to take her hand.
