Lin Xuan poured each of the three a cup of tea. The amber liquid rippled gently in the cups, reflecting the different thoughts weighing on each of them.
Lin Xuan glanced at Qin Hongmian now and then, then at Mu Wanqing, making a point of talking to them both to liven things up.
Thanks to his efforts, the atmosphere in the room finally thawed a little from its icy chill.
It was still awkward, but at least the silence no longer felt so suffocating.
Qin Hongmian occasionally responded with a quiet "Mm," while Mu Wanqing remained silent. Only the bright eyes behind her black veil would sometimes drift toward Lin Xuan's animated face, her expression impossible to read.
Dinner passed in that same peculiar atmosphere.
Night soon fell, and darkness swallowed the bamboo grove. Only a few clear chirps of insects broke the stillness, making the night seem all the more tranquil.
When it was time to turn in, an awkward problem presented itself.
The bamboo house was small. It had only the room Qin Hongmian and Mu Wanqing had shared as master and apprentice, plus an empty guest room.
These past few days, Lin Xuan had naturally shared a bed with Qin Hongmian.
But now Mu Wanqing was back...
In the dim lamplight, Qin Hongmian's face turned so red it looked ready to bleed. She simply couldn't bring herself to stay in the same room as Lin Xuan again with her disciple there.
She tugged Lin Xuan by the sleeve and pulled him outside. Lowering her voice, she said with a shy hesitation, "Y-you should sleep in the empty room tonight."
Looking at her flustered, embarrassed expression, Lin Xuan found her adorable. He deliberately teased her.
"Why? I think our bed's big enough. One more person wouldn't—"
"What nonsense