Lianfeng sat by the riverbank, her legs submerged in the cool, gentle flow of the river. The verdant forest surrounded her, a haven of serenity untouched by the chaos of the world. The soft chirping of birds wove a delicate melody, harmonizing with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. A dragonfly skimmed over the water’s surface, its fragile wings catching the fading sunlight.

She gazed at the forest path, her eyes anticipating. She caught sight of Shi Meng, waving at her. He wore a simple robe unlike the other day at the mountaintop. His yellow robe swayed with the breeze. He sat beside her submerging his legs beside hers.

So, why did you ask to meet me here?” he asked, his eyes warm but tinged with curiosity.

Lianfeng gave a short, bittersweet smile. “I need to ask something of you.”

“What is it?” he replied, tilting his head slightly, his gaze steady on her.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her tone soft yet resolute. “Do you remember what our elders always taught us? That loyalty and brotherhood were the foundation of everything our tribe stood for?”

"Of course. I do, how could I ever forget?" He replied, gazing at the other side of the river.

"Do you still believe in them?" She urged, her voice expectant.

"I do."

She exhaled a quiet breath of relief before continuing. “I want answers to the massacre. I want the truth. Will you help me?”

Shi Meng’s jaw tightened slightly, and he looked down at the water. “Xin’er,” he began, his voice low, "I have left the grudges behind. I don't want to open up those wounds again. And I am sure they'd want us to be happy and leave the grudges."

“They would want us to be happy,” Lianfeng agreed, her voice softening. “But don’t they deserve the truth? Do those wounds no longer hurt you?”

Silence fell between them. Shi Meng’s shoulders were tense, his gaze unfocused as he wrestled with her words. Lianfeng turned to him, her expression earnest, her voice steady.

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“We were children when it happened,” she said, “but the pain hasn’t faded, has it? If we don’t seek answers, who will? I need someone I can trust—someone who understands what we’ve lost.”

“This isn’t just about answers, Lianfeng,” he replied, his voice heavy with doubt. “If something goes wrong... what happens to us? I’ve worked so hard to build a life for myself. I can’t let it crumble.”

“That’s why I need you,” she countered, leaning slightly toward him. “To ensure nothing goes wrong. And if it does, I’ll take the blame. No one will know about your involvement. You can stay in the shadows.”

Shi Meng’s lips pressed into a thin line, his mind clouded with uncertainty. “Are you sure about this?”

“I am,” she said firmly. “This isn’t just about what we’ve lost—it’s about what others could lose if the same people remain in power. If we don’t stop them, others will suffer. We have a chance to expose the truth and prevent it.”

Lianfeng reached into her pouch and pulled out the delicate hairpin. The sunlight caught the intricate design, casting tiny reflections onto the water. “I wore this on New Year’s Eve. It was the last festival we celebrated together as a tribe. I remember our elders saying we must always help one another because our tribe is one big family. Are you fine letting the culprits go unpunished? Do their memories not haunt you?”

The silence stretched longer this time. Shi Meng’s expression shifted, the weight of guilt and duty settling over him. Xiner's right. They deserve justice. I am doing them a disservice if the culprit goes free. And what about others? What is the guarantee that he won't hurt others? But what about me? What about the life I've built? Would I be able to stay safe? Can I really remain in the shadows?

He heaved a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as he turned back to her. “Fine,” he said, his voice quiet but resolute. “I’ll help you. But I’ll remain in the shadows. I won’t act openly.”

Lianfeng’s lips curved into a small, relieved smile. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “We will communicate through the Su bookstore or my attendant, Ren will come to you. Go to the Su bookstore and say, ‘I want the three characters.’ If there’s a message, they’ll lead you to a room. If not, they’ll say, ‘We don’t have it, sir.’”

Shi Meng nodded, his gaze steady. “I understand.”

Lianfeng glanced at the horizon, the sun dipping lower into the embrace of the mountains. The golden light bathed the river in hues of amber and crimson. “I should get going now,” she said, rising to her feet. The soft rustle of her robe broke the stillness.

Shi Meng remained seated for a moment, watching her as she walked toward her horse. I guess I wasn't wrong. She carries a lot of weight... How long has she been doing this?

As Lianfeng mounted her horse, she glanced back at him, her expression unreadable. “Be careful, Shi Meng. And remember—no one can know.”

With that, she rode off into the fading light, the sound of her horse’s hooves fading into the distance. Shi Meng turned back to the river, the hairpin’s reflection still lingering in his mind. This is a risk. But perhaps... it’s a risk worth taking.