[Yao City · Night Street]
The night wind howled through the nearly empty streets. Lanterns swayed, casting dim yellow light across the mottled stone pavement.
Ling Dang dragged her feet, her heart heavy and aching. She looked up at the night sky and murmured to herself,
"Go find Sister Furong… it's too late, I'd be disturbing her.
Go find Brother Sang… but he and Sister Furong are so close, I shouldn't go either…"
She stopped at a street corner, standing there in confusion, a tight knot in her chest with nowhere to go.
Just then, a gentle, smiling voice sounded behind her.
"Little brother, it's so late—why are you wandering around instead of going home?"
Ling Dang spun around. Under the lantern light, a woman stood quietly a short distance away.
Her features were graceful, her demeanor gentle, and her voice carried a strange sense of reassurance. When Ling Dang met her gaze, warmth spread through her chest—as if, in her most helpless moment, someone had handed her a lamp.
If any of the Five Radiant Ones were here, they would gasp.
—Gu Xingyu had returned.
But now, she was known as You Qing.
Ling Dang stared at her, momentarily forgetting how to speak.
You Qing approached with a soft smile.
"Sorry… from behind, with that outfit, I really thought you were a boy."
She stopped and looked closely at Ling Dang's face, her voice growing gentler yet firm.
"But… little sister, it's too dangerous for you to be walking alone at night."
The words were soft—yet they seemed to see straight through her heart.
Ling Dang's breath caught.
This woman had seen through her disguise at a glance.
Shock and panic surged through her. She instinctively clutched her collar, yet couldn't look away.
Because the word "little sister" felt more real than any comfort she had ever imagined.
Her heart pounded as she whispered,
"H-How… how did you know I'm a girl?"
You Qing's eyes curved in a smile.
"Your eyes."
Ling Dang froze.
"Even the smallest boy has sharpness and wildness in his gaze," You Qing said softly. "But yours are clear, gentle, and delicate. And just now, when the wind blew, the way you instinctively pulled your clothes closed—that's something only a girl would do."
Ling Dang's cheeks burned red as she hurriedly tried to wrap her clothes tighter.
"I—I…"
You Qing smiled kindly.
"I don't know why you're dressed as a boy, but no matter who you are, it's not safe to be alone on the streets this late."
As Ling Dang listened, her gaze drifted past You Qing.
Three tall figures stood in the shadows—Tutan, Garo, and Lianyu. Their cold, sharp gazes and heavy presence made them look like ghosts risen from the night.
Ling Dang's heart jumped.
This sister… why is she with people who look so frightening?
You Qing laughed softly.
"Don't judge by appearances."
She added teasingly,
"They may look scary, but they're good people. Without them, I wouldn't dare walk the streets at night so easily."
Tutan snorted in displeasure at being called "uncle."
Garo raised a brow with a lazy grin.
Lianyu said nothing, his cold gaze quietly watching everything.
Ling Dang was still nervous, but seeing You Qing's calm certainty, her tense shoulders relaxed a little.
Tutan suddenly frowned.
"Little girl, what are you staring at?"
His booming voice made her jump. She shrank back, clutching You Qing's sleeve.
Garo chuckled. "Heh, she's pretty quick-witted."
Lianyu's glance alone made her want to curl into herself.
You Qing laughed softly and wrapped an arm around Ling Dang's shoulders.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Then she shot the three a light but firm look.
"Don't scare her."
Gradually, Ling Dang's fear eased. For the first time, she felt a strange but genuine sense of safety.
"Come," You Qing said gently. "Where's your home? We'll take you back."
Ling Dang's lips trembled. Luo Ye's angry face flashed in her mind. She shook her head, eyes reddening.
"I… I don't have a home."
You Qing's heart ached. She brushed aside Ling Dang's messy hair.
"Silly girl. How could you have no home? If you don't want to go back yet, come with me. I'll take you to my place. You can rest there, all right?"
Tears shimmered in Ling Dang's eyes. Somehow, she nodded.
You Qing smiled and took her cold hand. Ling Dang trembled—but didn't pull away.
Together, they walked into the darkened alleys, lanterns swaying above.
[Elsewhere · Yao City Streets]
Luo Ye strode through the streets, lantern in hand, searching frantically.
"Where did that kid go…?" he muttered.
At another corner, You Qing and Ling Dang passed by—
Just brushing past him.
Luo Ye never turned his head.
Ling Dang felt a familiar presence and glanced up—but only saw a retreating silhouette.
Her heart tightened.
Was that… Brother Luo?
But the words never left her lips.
"Let's go," You Qing said softly.
The lantern light drifted away into the mist.
[You Qing's Residence]
Warm lamplight filled the quiet courtyard. Incense curled through the air.
Ling Dang sat timidly on the bed.
"Drink some tea," You Qing said gently. "You look pale. Don't worry—you're safe here."
Ling Dang whispered, "Thank you… sister."
Wrapped in warmth, her exhaustion finally claimed her.
[Yao City · Dark Alleys]
Meanwhile, Luo Ye searched the entire city.
"Ling Dang!"
Only the wind answered.
Cold sweat soaked his palms as fear clawed at his chest.
—Afraid he would never find her.
—Afraid she truly didn't want him anymore.
He shouldn't feel this way…
…but he did.