He could hear rain pattering against an umbrella. Soaked to the skin, Bian Weikang turned and saw a woman approaching beneath one, holding a grain of sandalwood gold for light. Rain had drenched the hems of her cloak and dress.
He recognized her from her figure alone. When she came closer, the lovely face beneath her hood confirmed it: Xiang Lan'er.
Warmth flooded his heart, and he hurriedly said, "What are you doing here? The rain's too heavy. Go back."
Xiang Lan'er held her umbrella over his head, leaving most of her own body exposed to the rain, and reached to help him up. "My love, let it go. We don't need to rely on anyone. We can survive on our own."
That gesture alone made Bian Weikang's nose sting. He was all the more unwilling to let her suffer alongside him; every extra day of hardship she endured was another sin on his conscience. He immediately pushed her helping hand aside. "It's only right for a son to kneel before his parents. I'm fine. Go back first. Hurry back. Be good!"
Seeing his resolve, Xiang Lan'er straightened and closed the umbrella, letting the rain fall on her. Under Bian Weikang's astonished gaze, she bent her knees and knelt beside him, setting the closed umbrella to one side.
Bian Weikang cried out, "What are you doing? Get up!"
He hurriedly reached for her arm, trying to pull her to her feet.
Xiang Lan'er brushed his hand aside. "I can't watch you suffer alone, my love. You and I are one. If you kneel, I'll kneel with you."
At those words, Bian Weikang's lips began to tremble. He felt certain he had chosen the right woman. Tears welled in his eyes and mingled with the rain as he suddenly shouted toward