223, _2

The dim candlelight illuminated her snow-white robe, making it as radiant as the rosy hues of dawn.

Tian Liuli stood in a corner, staring blankly at the moon's reflection outside the window.

Xu Yuan pushed the door open, looking at the dull interplay of light and shadow that seemed to steal away all the brilliance of the room, a chilling silhouette.

A kind of indescribable sadness flowed through the crack of the door, pouring over him.

His throat moved slightly, and he suddenly felt at a loss for words.

The words he had planned to say were stuck in his throat.

She seemed unaware of him, standing quietly to the side, lost in thought. Her lustrous, dark hair fell like a nocturnal icy cascade, seen for its chill, unheard for its sound.

Xu Yuan turned back to close the door, whispering, "I'm back."

"..."

Silence, like the street at the City Lord's Mansion that was bustling in the afternoon but fell suddenly silent and cold at night.