The Mysterious Chinese Girl

Before Arga or Sana could say anything, the man had already reached into his pocket and placed some coins on the table. His movements were quick and confident, like someone used to making decisions without hesitation.

"Huh? That was fast," Arga said, raising his eyebrows, clearly surprised by the unexpected gesture. Sana, on the other hand, only nodded slightly, though her eyes mirrored Arga's confusion.

The man simply gave a faint smile, his face calm, then waved casually. "See you around," he said briefly, walking away before they could respond. His steps were light but full of certainty, as if he knew exactly where he was heading next.

"Hey! Can I at least know your names?" Arga suddenly called out, trying to gather some final piece of information before the man completely vanished from sight.

The man paused briefly at the doorway. The light from outside framed his figure, casting a faint shadow on the cafe floor. He turned his head slowly, the same smile still lingering on his face. "My name's Riven. Just call me Riven." His voice was light but carried an unmistakable confidence. He raised one hand, half in a wave, half in farewell. "Thanks for the meal, my friends."

His smile widened slightly before he turned away again and walked off. His figure gradually disappeared into the bustling crowd, leaving Arga and Sana with more questions than answers.

Arga and Sana sat in silence, exchanging glances for a moment. That name, Riven, lingered like a faint trace that refused to be forgotten, inexplicably leaving a persistent curiosity.

"Ah, there are so many things I wanted to ask," Arga muttered, exhaling deeply as he leaned back in his chair. His gaze shifted to the door that Riven and his companion had just exited through.

Beside him, Sana remained engrossed in her food. Her mouth was full, sauce smeared on the corner of her lips, yet she seemed unfazed. Her life had never been joyful, marked instead by constant stress. But now, she felt a slight relief, her appetite returning. Seeing this, Arga could only smile faintly, a mix of amusement and tenderness.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Arga?" Sana asked, her voice slightly muffled by her full mouth, making it sound amusing.

Arga shook his head, chuckling. "Besides claiming to be old, it turns out you're also quite the eater."

Sana rolled her eyes, half-grumbling, before resuming her meal without a reply. Arga's smile lingered, finding that this small moment eased some of the tension that had hung over them since their meeting with Riven.

But the atmosphere in the diner began to shift. The restaurant grew livelier as the evening progressed. Conversations from the surrounding tables swelled into a symphony of murmurs, like gentle waves. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. The diners inside began to rush toward the door, some even leaving their meals half-finished.

"What's going on out there?" Arga whispered, his brows furrowed. Sana looked equally curious. Without a word, they both stood and followed the crowd heading for the door.

When the restaurant doors opened, the cool evening air greeted them. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the city streets, casting long shadows from buildings and people alike.

Ahead, a large crowd had gathered, all seemingly focused on something. The sound of whispers and astonished murmurs grew louder.

Arga and Sana craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of what held everyone's attention. In the center of the crowd, a woman stood on a small makeshift stage that appeared to have been recently assembled.

The woman was striking, not just because of her poised demeanor but also due to her distinctive attire. Her face was partially obscured by the shadows of the setting sun, lending her an enigmatic aura that was hard to ignore.

Arga glanced at Sana, his eyes filled with questions. Sana gave a small nod, signaling that she was just as bewildered. Without needing to exchange words, they decided to move closer, letting their curiosity guide them toward the center of the commotion.

On the stage, the woman stood with elegance. Her presence was almost indescribable, radiating a captivating charm. Her skin was flawlessly pale, glowing like pearl, as though untouched by the harshness of the world. Her oval-shaped face was adorned with delicate features that exuded both warmth and authority. Her nose was straight and slender, while her lips, naturally tinted a soft red, resembled freshly bloomed rose petals. A thin veil partially covered her face, adding to her mysterious allure.

Her eyes were the focal point of her appearance. Large and luminous, they were a deep, starless black, exuding an inexplicable calm and wisdom. Her perfectly styled black hair was arranged in a traditional fashion, adorned with golden lotus-shaped pins and combs. Jade beads hung delicately beside her temples, catching the sunlight and adding an ethereal sparkle.

She wore a pale pink royal hanfu, intricately embroidered with gold and silver patterns along the collar, sleeves, and hem. The long sleeves, made of sheer silk, fluttered gently with her movements, as if the wind itself followed her every step. A satin blue sash at her waist provided a perfect contrast, completing her breathtaking ensemble. The layered skirts of her hanfu were embellished with cloud and dragon motifs, symbolizing high status.

As she walked toward a guqin placed at the center of the stage, her steps were light yet commanding, reminiscent of a flower swaying gracefully in the breeze. All eyes remained fixed on her, mesmerized by the blend of grace and power that emanated from her every movement.

Without speaking, she bowed her head in a respectful greeting to the crowd, then gracefully seated herself before the guqin. Her slender fingers began to glide over the dark, polished strings, producing the first notes that instantly silenced the audience.

The melody flowed, soft and evocative. Each note seemed to carry an unspoken tale, filling the air with a captivating harmony. The sound was crystal clear, like morning dew touching the leaves. Beneath the beauty of the music lay layers of profound emotion—a longing that defied words, a story of loss and hope intertwined. The performance wasn't merely entertainment; it was a bridge to another world, a realm filled with wisdom and stillness.