In the morning mist, Wei Linxia stood among the lotus, her clothing hem filled with pods, facing the person in the half-pavilion. She inwardly lamented her bad luck—who would have thought Xi Zhaoting would appear here so early?
Wei Linxia wanted to turn back but hesitated since Xi Zhaoting wasn’t speaking. She stood with her head lowered, as if having done something wrong.
“Looks like you’ve picked some lotus pods. I’m hungry, so give me those,” Xi Zhaoting said.
“The pavilion is too small to sit in. I’ll have my maid bring the pods to you later,” Wei Linxia replied.
“I won’t be hungry later. Come here,” Xi Zhaoting said, slightly annoyed. It was just a few lotus pods, and if he hadn’t gone without eating all year, he wouldn’t bother.
Wei Linxia was reluctant, still remembering the incident from the day before, feeling anxious about facing Xi Zhaoting directly. With no choice, she adapted to the situation.
Parting the lotus leaves, she spotted a small stake nearby and could easily jump to it. But as she placed her second foot on the stake, it tilted unexpectedly.
Unprepared, Wei Linxia swayed before falling into the lotus pond. The cold morning water soaked her clothes, and unable to swim, she panicked and began to sink. Just as the water reached her chin, she saw Xi Zhaoting leap from the half-pavilion and approach. She heard a “splash” and choked on water.
A hand grabbed her, pulling her forward. Wei Linxia clutched her clothing hem, trying to protect herself from the cold. “You’re so heavy…” Xi Zhaoting complained, then moved his hand to her waist, holding her tightly against him, making her feel safer.
Wei Linxia bobbed up and down, noticing the lotus flowers rising and falling. The nearby stone wall seemed far away, connected to the half-pavilion by steep steps. Eventually, she was pulled onto the stone steps, completely soaked. Water dripped from her hair and clothing, and the morning breeze made her shiver.
“You glutton, falling into the water while holding onto lotus pods,” Xi Zhaoting said, sitting beside her, his body wet as well, but his face remained composed compared to her pale one. Only then did Wei Linxia realize she was still clutching the lotus pods.
