Morning light spilled through the window lattice, casting diamond-shaped patches onto the floor paved with warm jade.
The air still held a trace of last night's warm fragrance mingled with the moisture of the Luo River, faint yet lingering.
Mu Chen had already risen and dressed neatly in black. He stood by the window, gazing absently at the Luo River flowing slowly below. The morning light outlined his tall, straight profile, his expression peaceful.
Luo Li sat before the mirror, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall, making her unadorned face look all the more cool and luminous.
She slowly smoothed a lock of hair with her fingertips, her movements unhurried. Through the mirror, her glass-clear eyes quietly reflected Mu Chen's back by the window.
The room was quiet, save for the faint sound of hair being brushed and the distant murmur of water outside.
As though sensing something, Mu Chen turned.
His gaze met Luo Li's in the mirror.
Mu Chen smiled tenderly. He walked back to the bedside and sat beside Luo Li, naturally taking the jade comb from her hand.
"Let me," he said.
Luo Li did not refuse. She tilted her head slightly, entrusting all her silver hair to him. The comb's teeth passed through the cool, silky strands with a faint rustle.
Mu Chen's movements were not particularly practiced, but they were deft enough, patient enough, and gentle enough.
"Does it hurt?" he suddenly asked softly, a hint of apology and tender concern in his voice.
Luo Li glanced at him in the mirror. The faintest trace of reproach flickered through her glass-clear eyes, but a delicate blush rose unbidden to her cheeks.
She did not answer, merely shaking her head gently.
Mu Chen smiled and asked no more, concentrating on the