423 (second watch of the night)

The light seemed somewhat dazzling.

In the reflection of the black ring, these hands appeared exceptionally pale, even the protruding blue veins could be seen.

Somehow, Chu Jin felt these hands were eerily familiar, as though she had seen them somewhere before. She raised her eyes slightly and caught sight of the smooth, delicate jawline that peeked out from under the hat's brim, as well as the tightly pressed lip line. His lips lacked color, just like his skin, a kind of white that was paler than ordinary people.

Though he was right before her eyes, Chu Jin couldn't make out his features; his eyes and nose were all hidden in the shadow of the hat's brim, casting a mysterious aura. She felt an impulse to lift his hat and see the true face beneath.

Up close, Chu Jin could even catch a faint, unusual fragrance.

Like—

Black Manjushage flowers.