Over the next few days, a comfortable rhythm returned to the Su Manor. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the bamboo grove outside, carrying the faint fragrance of jasmine.

Zhu Zhihao, an ethereal vision in her flowing crimson robes, sat with poised grace on a silk cushion, her violet eyes fixed on Su Ting as he entered. This was their first time meeting each other, and the air crackled with unspoken tension and curiosity.

He offered a respectful bow, his hands clasped before him. "Greetings, Senior Zhu, It is an honor." he said, his voice a shade less boisterous than usual.

"The honor is mine, Young Master Su," Zhu Zhihao replied, her voice a melodious purr that seemed to soothe the very air around them.

"Mei'er has spoken highly of you." Her gaze shifted momentarily to Yue Mei, who stood quietly by the entrance, her crimson eyes downcast.

"Please, sit," she gestured towards a cushion opposite her. He followed her instructions and sat in front of her.

Su Ting sat, his back straight, trying to project an air of calm he didn't quite feel.

So this is Yue Mei's aunt, he thought. Beautiful, powerful, and utterly intimidating.

"Mei'er," she continued, her tone softening slightly, "is burdened with a secret, a destiny she did not choose."

She added, "And it seems," she said, looking meaningfully at him, "that you are now intertwined with that destiny. So I had to come here personally to assess you."

"Aunt Zhu is right," Yue Mei finally spoke, stepping forward.

Her voice was soft but firm. She looked towards Su Ting. "Su Ting," she began, her gaze finally meeting his, "There's more you should know about me."

She had discussed it with her aunt, and both of them agreed that it was time to tell him the truth. If he decided to run away, they wouldn't blame him for that.

....

A few days later, the morning sun beat down on the Su Manor's training grounds. Su Kang and Su Ting sparred, their movements a whirlwind of controlled energy.

Su Ting, despite his lower cultivation level, fought back with surprising tenacity and a hint of desperation.

"Faster, brother!" Su Kang urged, his voice tight with exertion. "You must push past your limits!"

Su Ting gritted his teeth, parrying a particularly forceful blow from Su Kang. He could feel the difference in his brother's power. Su Kang was training him to improve his combat instinct.

Not good enough, Su Ting thought fiercely. I need to be stronger. For her. He had to start focusing on himself, even if he was not sure whether he was truly qualified to help her or not.

He's pushing himself too hard, Su Kang thought, but he needs this. He delivered a swift kick, sending Su Ting sprawling to the ground.

He needed to light a fire in his heart. "Focus on cultivation, brother," he ordered him in a serious tone. "Or else she will be taken away by others."

He glared at Su Kang, a spark of defiance in his eyes. "I won't let that happen," he growled, launching himself back into the fray.

The two brothers continued their brutal training session under the watchful gaze of the rising sun. Each clash of their energies echoed across the training grounds; they were not using any skills or inner qi but their bodies.

The evening air was cool and fragrant with the scent of night-blooming jasmine as Yue Mei and Su Ting approached Bai Yunxi's courtyard.

Su Ting had practically dragged her there, insisting that it was time for the two women to meet properly. Yue Mei, however, felt awkward in this situation. She was not sure what she should say to Su Kang's future wife.

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What will she think of me? She wondered, her steps hesitant. Will she judge me for the danger I bring to their family? She knew that Bai Yunxi had already heard something about her situation from Su Kang.

Su Ting, oblivious to her inner turmoil, bounded ahead with his usual enthusiasm.

"Sister-in-law!" he called out, his voice echoing in the stillness of the courtyard. "We've come to visit!"

He pushed open the gate and ushered Yue Mei inside, ignoring her attempts to resist. He felt a little guilty for forcing her into such a situation, but his intentions were pure. He wanted them to know and accept each other.

Bai Yunxi emerged from her residence, a gentle smile on her face. She was dressed in a simple but elegant green robe, her beauty understated yet captivating.

Her eyes, though kind, held a depth of wisdom and experience that belied her youthful appearance.

"Su Ting, Yue Mei," she greeted them warmly.

"Welcome." She looked towards Yue Mei and smiled at her. Her smile contained some hidden meanings that others couldn't decipher. She had already guessed their reason for coming here.

Yue Mei felt her apprehension ease slightly under Bai Yunxi's welcoming gaze. She managed a small, uncertain smile in return.

"Lady Bai," she said, offering a respectful bow.

"Thank you for having us." She looked towards Su Ting and sighed.

She gestured towards a stone table in the center of the courtyard, where a pot of fragrant tea and delicate pastries had been set out. "Come, sit. Let's have some tea."

Su Ting, ever the eager one, immediately took a seat and reached for a pastry. Yue Mei, however, hesitated. She felt out of place, like an intruder in this peaceful domestic scene.

She knew nothing about being a family. She needed time to adjust to such matters. Her life had been full of struggles since she was a child.

Bai Yunxi gently took Yue Mei's hand and led her to the table. "Don't worry," she said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "I know this must be difficult for you. But you are welcome here."

Yue Mei allowed herself to be guided to a seat, her gaze fixed on the delicate patterns of the teacups. She couldn't bring herself to meet Bai Yunxi's eyes.

So," Su Ting began, his mouth full of pastry, "how have you been, sister-in-law?" He grinned at Yue Mei, then winked at Bai Yunxi.

"I hope my brother hasn't been neglecting you too much. He can be a bit of a workaholic, you know." He decided to start their conversation and make it easier for both of them to interact.

Bai Yunxi chuckled, pouring tea for everyone. "He's been... busy," she said diplomatically, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"But he always makes time for me when it matters." She handed a cup to Yue Mei.

"Here, try this. It's a special blend of jasmine and chrysanthemum. Very calming." She smiled at her and passed her a cup of tea, hoping it would make her feel more comfortable.

"Thank you," she murmured, finally raising her eyes to meet Bai Yunxi's. She was surprised by the genuine warmth and kindness she saw there.

"So," Bai Yunxi said, turning to Yue Mei, "tell me about yourself. What do you like to do when you're not… running for your life?" She asked the last part with a hint of humor, trying to lighten the mood.

Yue Mei hesitated, taken aback by the question. It had been so long since anyone had asked her about her personal interests.

She had never considered what she might enjoy in a normal life.

"I... I don't know," she admitted softly, her gaze dropping back to her teacup. "I haven't had much time for hobbies." She had spent most of her time cultivating or traveling to different regions with her aunt.

Su Ting, sensing her discomfort, interjected. "She's an amazing cook, you know," he said, nudging Yue Mei gently with his elbow.

Yue Mei blushed, surprised by Su Ting's praise. "It was nothing special," she mumbled, embarrassed.She had never considered her cooking to be anything out of the ordinary.

"Nothing special?" Su Ting scoffed playfully. "It was the best meal I've ever had! You have a gift, Yue Mei. You should embrace it." He winked at her, trying to tease her.

Bai Yunxi smiled warmly, intrigued. "I'd love to try it sometime," she said genuinely.

"Perhaps you could teach me a few things. My cooking skills are... well, let's just say they're not my strong suit." Most of the time it's her husband who cooks for her.

"I... I will try then," she said softly, a genuine smile finally gracing her lips.

Su Ting beamed, happy to see the two women getting along.

"See?" he said smugly. "I told you she was amazing."

He had brought them together so they could form a bond. He hoped they could become friends, or even sisters, in the future.

As the evening progressed, the awkwardness between Yue Mei and Bai Yunxi gradually dissipated. They talked about simple things, about their lives before they met the Su brothers.

Yue Mei found herself opening up to Bai Yunxi in a way she never had with anyone before, except perhaps her aunt. She still held back some secrets, but she felt that she could trust Bai Yunxi with some of them.

Bai Yunxi, in turn, listened with empathy and understanding, offering words of encouragement and support.

As the moon climbed higher in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the courtyard, Yue Mei realized that she was starting to feel something she hadn't felt in a long time: a sense of peace.

She was still scared, still uncertain about the future, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. She looked towards both of them.

Now, she understood the importance of socializing and talking. She smiled at both of them. She finally felt a sense of belonging.