After Wuzu’s departure, the desolate path fell into a profound silence. Yu Sui began to walk away, but before disappearing into the shadows, he turned back one last time. His eyes were so heavy with emotion that tears finally broke free, falling one after another onto the dusty ground. Despite the ache in his heart, he turned his gaze forward and continued on his solitary path.

  Back in the Royal Courtyard, the atmosphere that was once vibrant with celebration was now replaced by a haunting stillness. Instead of returning to his own chambers, Mo Yan sat in Yu Sui's room. Before him lay a magnificent, elegant Guqin. Its seven strings were perfectly aligned in a harmonious stillness. A faint, bittersweet smile touched Mo Yan’s lips.

  He began to play the same melody that Yu Sui had once played for him. The Guqin sounded so sweet and resonant that it seemed as though the ghostly music of Yu Sui’s flute was echoing from within Mo Yan's own mind. In perfect rhythm, his fingers danced over the strings, plucking each one with tenderness. Every note was a memory of Yu Sui.

  Mo Yan played with calm eyes, but his heart was in a state of perpetual waiting. It felt as though the entire universe was singing along with his music.

  Some time later... silence reclaimed the room. Mo Yan stepped out into the corridor and gazed up at the night sky.

  The lingering echo of Yu Sui’s flute still played in his mind, keeping him anchored and calm waiting for the moment Yu Sui would return to him.

  And then, it happened.

  From across the bridge, Yu Sui appeared, walking toward him with a blooming smile, his flute held in his hand. He crossed the distance and reached Mo Yan's side.

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  Mo Yan turned toward him instantly, a soft smile gracing his face. Yu Sui made a playful face, his movements carrying a familiar, mischievous charm.

  "Mo... how did you know I would definitely come back?"

  Mo Yan’s smile deepened, but instead of answering directly, he asked,

  "Who am I to you, Yu?"

  The sudden question took Yu Sui by surprise. For a long moment, he stared deep into Mo Yan’s eyes. He stepped closer and whispered,

  "The melody. To me, you are the melody that originates from right here."

  He placed his finger over his heart and stood close beside Mo Yan.

  The joy on Mo Yan’s face became even more radiant. Just then, the first snowflakes began to descend from the heavens. Tiny white crystals fell slowly, coating the realm in a soft, silver rain. Yu Sui stepped out from the corridor to touch the snow. Mo Yan followed close behind, watching him with a gaze of pure devotion the way a disciple looks upon his deity.

  His eyes followed Yu Sui’s outstretched palms as they waited for the snow to land. As the flakes settled on Yu Sui's palm, Mo Yan moved behind him, embracing him with extreme tenderness.

  He placed one hand beneath Yu Sui’s palm and wrapped the other around his waist. Mo Yan rested his face on Yu Sui’s shoulder, and Yu Sui could feel every warm breath against his skin. He turned slightly toward Mo Yan, their lips drawing dangerously close, their gazes locking in a silent, eternal embrace.

  A short while later...

  inside the chambers.

  Yu Sui was trembling with intensity, his fingers tightly interlaced with Mo Yan's. Mo Yan’s long, silken hair fell over Yu Sui’s face as he leaned down. Yu Sui’s breath grew shallow and rapid. Mo Yan descended further, his lips meeting Yu Sui’s in a deep, soul-stirring kiss like a drop of dew finding its way into the deepest heart of a flower.

  Yu Sui’s eyes were misty with unshed tears, while Mo Yan’s eyes burned with a fierce, protective fire. There was barely any space left between them; they were two souls merging into one. In a moment of sharp intensity, Yu Sui gripped Mo Yan’s shoulder tightly, whispering his name, "Mo Yan..."

  Once again, Mo Yan claimed Yu Sui’s lips, their breaths hitching as they struggled for air. The room was bathed in soft, flickering light, filled only with the sound of their heavy breathing.

  Outside, the snow continued to fall, touching the blossoms on the trees with a gentle caress before drifting to the earth.

  This season’s first snowfall was more beautiful than any that had come before.