The warm glow of lanterns bathed the dining hall in soft light, the scent of sizzling meat and fragrant rice curling through the air.

Chi Chi and Yue Xue sat at a small wooden table, their plates full after a long day of lectures.

Chi Chi hummed happily, stuffing a dumpling into her mouth, while Yue Xue ate in her usual composed silence.

The day had been exhausting, but now that they were finally seated with good food, the tension had eased—at least until Chi Chi’s eyes lit up with mischief.

“Let’s meet up with Jiang Han!” she announced cheerfully.

Yue Xue didn’t even blink. “You have a talisman. Call him yourself.”

Chi Chi puffed her cheeks. “How did you know I had one?”

Yue Xue shot her a pointed look. “You exchanged talismans right in front of me.”

Chi Chi faltered. “...Oh. Right.”

Yue Xue sighed, sipping her tea. “Just send the message.”

Grinning, Chi Chi activated the talisman, a soft glow pulsing around the jade as she spoke.

“Jiang Han! It’s Chi Chi! Let’s meet up! You, me, and Yue Xue! We can go to the market square tomorrow at noon! We’ll have fun, eat snacks, and—”

Before she could finish, the talisman flickered to life.

“Alright. Tomorrow at noon,” Jiang Han’s calm voice responded smoothly, no hesitation whatsoever.

Chi Chi blinked. “Huh? That was fast.”

Yue Xue raised an eyebrow. “What, did you expect him to ignore you?”

Chi Chi twirled the talisman between her fingers. “I don’t know… Maybe a little hesitation? A little build-up?”

The silence stretched for a second too long, and then, struck by inspiration, Chi Chi leaned forward, whispering conspiratorially into the talisman.

“Jiang Han, if you come, I’ll bring sweets! The golden honey treats! They’re super rare and super delicious! I’ll even give you two whole pieces!”

For a moment, nothing. Then—

A soft chuckle.

Chi Chi gasped. He laughed!

—Ding!—

[Jiang Han Favorability +2! (37 – Growing Ease)]

Yue Xue, unimpressed, sipped her tea. “He chuckled.”

“That’s basically a laugh,” Chi Chi whispered in awe, staring at the talisman like it had just revealed the secrets of the universe.

Jiang Han’s voice came through again, still carrying traces of amusement. “You’re giving me sweets for something I was already going to do?”

Chi Chi grinned. “Shhh. Just take the bribe.”

Another quiet chuckle.

—Ding!—

[Jiang Han Favorability +1! (38 – A Softened Gaze)]

“See you tomorrow,” he said before the talisman dimmed.

Chi Chi turned to Yue Xue, grinning ear to ear. “Did you hear that? He laughed!”

Yue Xue set down her teacup. “He chuckled.”

Chi Chi waved a hand. “Same thing! I’m hilarious.”

Yue Xue exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Jiang Han was never hesitating. You just bribed him for no reason.”

Chi Chi beamed. “And I’d do it again.”

Yue Xue closed her eyes briefly, already resigning herself to whatever chaos awaited them tomorrow.

_______________

The market was a living, breathing entity, a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells that overwhelmed the senses in the most delightful way.

Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, their colorful awnings fluttering in the gentle breeze like flags of a vibrant kingdom.

Merchants called out to passersby, their voices rising above the din of haggling customers, clattering carts, and the occasional squawk of a caged chicken.

The air was thick with the mingling scents of sizzling street food, fragrant spices, and the earthy aroma of fresh produce.

It was chaos, but it was a beautiful chaos—a place where life thrived in its rawest, most unpolished form.

Chi Chi stood on her tiptoes, her wide, curious eyes scanning the crowd.

She was a bright spot in the bustling sea of people, her delicate mask covering the right side of her face from her forehead down to her lips, leaving her chin exposed.

The mask was intricately designed, with swirling silver patterns that caught the light, but it hid scars no one knew about.

Her cheerful demeanor drew glances from passersby.

To most, she seemed like a pampered wealthy girl, someone who had never known hardship. Jiang Han and Yue Xue had always assumed the same.

After all, Chi Chi was always so bright and carefree, never letting anything bother her. It was easy to believe she had lived a life of comfort.

“Where is he?” Chi Chi murmured, standing on her tiptoes to peek over the heads of passing merchants.

Yue Xue, standing beside her, narrowed her sharp eyes. Her gaze was like a hawk’s, piercing through the chaos of the market.

Yue Xue, standing beside her, was a stark contrast. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd like a hawk’s, missing nothing.

She was dressed in practical, dark clothing, her posture straight and her hand resting near the hilt of the dagger hidden in her sleeve.

Her presence was a quiet warning to anyone who might think of causing trouble.

Jiang Han, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen—at least, not until Yue Xue’s gaze landed on a narrow alleyway tucked between two stalls.

“There,” Yue Xue said, her voice low and tense.

Chi Chi followed her gaze and immediately felt her stomach twist.

Jiang Han stood in the shadow of a narrow alleyway, his usual composed expression unreadable as four older boys surrounded him.

Their clothes were rough, their stances cocky, and from the way they sneered, it was clear they had no good intentions.

The tallest of the group, a burly boy with a scar across his cheek, shoved Jiang Han’s shoulder, causing him to take a slight step back.

“Look at you, acting all high and mighty,” the scarred boy taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. “Think you’re better than us, huh?”

Jiang Han’s gaze remained steady, his voice calm but firm. “Leave.”

The largest of the group, a hulking figure with a crooked grin, stepped closer. “Or what? Gonna call for help?”

Yue Xue’s hand twitched toward the hilt of the dagger hidden in her sleeve, but before she could intervene, Chi Chi gasped loudly.

“Oh no! Look at the price of these candied hawthorns!” she exclaimed, her voice carrying over the noise of the market. She pointed dramatically at a nearby stall, her face the picture of innocent dismay.

The thugs turned, momentarily distracted by her outburst. Chi Chi seized the opportunity, darting forward with a bright smile and stepping right between them and Jiang Han as if she hadn’t noticed the hostility at all.

“They’re so expensive, right?” she said, glancing up at the tallest thug with wide, guileless eyes. “It’s outrageous! Don’t you think so?”

There was a pause. The thugs exchanged confused glances, unsure how to respond to her sudden intrusion. Then, one of them smirked, his eyes narrowing as he looked her up and down.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” he said, his tone dripping with sleazy amusement.

Another thug grinned, his gaze lingering on Chi Chi in a way that made Jiang Han’s jaw tighten. “She’s pretty,” he said, his voice low and suggestive.

“Looks soft, too,” the third added, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

Chi Chi’s smile faltered for the briefest moment.

The way they looked at her—their leering stares, their predatory grins—it reminded her of him. Dazhun, the slave trader’s boss.

His cold, calculating eyes, the way he had looked at her like she was nothing more than an object to be played with to his heart's content.

Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she was back in that dark, suffocating room, the chains heavy on her wrists, the air thick with despair.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

____________

Inside, the dim glow of a single candle cast long, flickering shadows on the threadbare walls. Dazhun loomed over her, his intentions clear in his predatory gaze.

Chi Chi's heart raced with terror, her small hands clutching the fabric of her tattered dress. The air was thick with the stench of sweat and alcohol, and the sound of her own heartbeat pounded in her ears like a drum.

"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Don't..."

Dazhun chuckled, a low, menacing sound that sent shivers down her spine. "You belong to me now, little girl," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "No one’s coming to save you."

Chi Chi’s breath hitched, her chest tightening as panic clawed at her throat.

She wanted to scream, to fight, but her body felt frozen, trapped in the grip of paralyzing fear.

His hand reached out, brushing against her cheek, and she recoiled, her stomach churning with disgust.

"Get away from me!" she screamed, her voice raw with fear and defiance.

The sudden force of her voice startled him, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Chi Chi seized the opportunity, summoning every ounce of strength and courage she had left. She pushed him with all her might, her small hands trembling as they made contact with his chest.

Dazhun stumbled backward, his foot catching on the uneven ground. He knocked over the candle, its fragile flame meeting the dry fabric of the tent. Within moments, fire erupted, hungrily devouring everything in its path.

Panic ensued. Dazhun scrambled to escape, abandoning Chi Chi as the flames grew, feeding on the fear and chaos. The heat was unbearable, the smoke thick and suffocating. Chi Chi tried to crawl to safety, but the fire licked at her skin, searing her flesh. She screamed—a sound filled with agony and despair.

"It hurts! Someone, please..." she sobbed, her voice fading amidst the roar of the flames.

The world around her blurred, the heat and smoke consuming her senses. She could feel the fire burning her skin, the pain searing through her body like a thousand knives

__________________________

Her breath hitched, and she took a small step back, her hands trembling at her sides. The thugs didn’t seem to notice her discomfort, but Jiang Han and Yue Xue did.

Jiang Han’s calm demeanor cracked, his eyes darkening with a storm of anger. Yue Xue’s protective instincts flared like a wildfire, her hand tightening around the hilt of her dagger.

The air around them grew heavy, charged with a dangerous energy.

The tallest thug reached for her chin, his grin widening. “Why don’t you come with us, little girl? We’ll show you a good time.”

Before his fingers could touch her, his wrist was caught mid-air.

Jiang Han’s grip was like iron, his voice deadly calm. “Don’t touch her.”

The thug’s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of unease. But before he could react, Yue Xue moved in a blur, stepping between Chi Chi and the other thugs. Her eyes burned with fury, her voice sharp as a blade. “Leave. Now.”

The air shifted, thick with tension. The thugs laughed, but it was forced, their bravado cracking under the weight of Jiang Han and Yue Xue’s combined presence.

“Tch. Acting all protective now?” the scarred boy sneered, though his voice wavered slightly.

Jiang Han’s hold tightened, his expression darkening. “You have three seconds.”

The thugs hesitated, glancing at each other uncertainly. But before they could decide whether to back down, the largest one lunged at Jiang Han, swinging a clumsy fist.

Jiang Han sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

In one swift motion, he twisted the thug’s arm behind his back and shoved him to the ground. The thug cried out in pain, his bravado shattered.

The scarred boy snarled and charged at Yue Xue, but she was faster. Her fist connected with his jaw in a brutal uppercut, sending him sprawling into the dirt.

The remaining two thugs hesitated, their confidence evaporating as they realized they were outmatched.

One of them, desperate, grabbed Chi Chi by the arm and yanked her toward him, holding her in front of him like a shield. “Stay back, or I’ll—”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence.

Yue Xue moved like a storm, her sisterly instincts igniting a fury that burned hotter than the sun.

She was on him in an instant, her fists a blur as she rained down blows with terrifying precision. The thug cried out, releasing Chi Chi as he crumpled to the ground, clutching his face.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Yue Xue snarled, her voice trembling with rage. She kicked him in the ribs for good measure, leaving him gasping for air.

The last thug, realizing the situation was hopeless, turned to run. But Jiang Han was already there, his foot sweeping out to trip him. The thug hit the ground hard, groaning as Jiang Han pinned him with a knee to his back.

“You picked the wrong people to mess with,” Jiang Han said coldly, his voice like ice.

The thugs, now battered and whimpering, scrambled to their feet and fled, their cries of pain echoing down the alleyway. They were practically crying for their mothers, their earlier bravado reduced to pitiful whimpers as they limped away.

Chi Chi stood frozen, her eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress.

The thugs’ stares, their words, their touch—it had all triggered something deep within her, something she couldn’t quite name but that left her feeling shaken and vulnerable.

Yue Xue was at her side in an instant, her expression softening as she placed a gentle hand on Chi Chi’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice unusually tender.

Chi Chi nodded slowly, though her hands still trembled. “I… I think so. I just… I don’t know why they looked at me like that.”

In the end, she still didn't know what both the groups of people wanted to do to her that made her so uncomfortable.

Jiang Han stepped closer, his usual calm demeanor restored, though his eyes still held a flicker of anger. “You shouldn’t have stepped in,” he said quietly, his tone more concerned than scolding.

Chi Chi pouted. “But I helped distract them!”

Jiang Han pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. Yue Xue sighed, shaking her head. “Next time, don’t,” she muttered, though her voice was fond.

Chi Chi hummed, then reached into her pocket. “Here.”

Jiang Han blinked as she held out a small, golden candy.

“…Why?” he asked, his brow furrowing.

“To chase away the bitterness!” Chi Chi beamed, her usual cheerfulness returning. “Sweet things make everything better.”

Jiang Han hesitated for only a second before taking it. His fingers brushed against hers, sending a faint warmth through her hand.

—Ding!—

[Jiang Han Favorability +9! (47 – Neutral Trust / Budding Friendship)]

[Yue Xue Favorability +11! (53 – Genuine Friendship / Deep Trust)]

Chi Chi tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did you just smile?”

Jiang Han popped the candy into his mouth, his expression unreadable. “No.”

Yue Xue crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. “He did.”

Chi Chi gasped dramatically. “I knew it!”

Jiang Han exhaled, turning away to hide the faintest hint of a smile. “Let’s go.”

As they walked away from the alley, Yue Xue glanced at Chi Chi, her sharp eyes lingering on the girl’s previously trembling hands.

Chi Chi was always so bright, so cheerful—it was easy to forget that she might have her own struggles. But the way she had frozen, the way her breath had hitched… it didn’t sit right with Yue Xue.

“Chi Chi,” Yue Xue said, her voice careful, “are you sure you’re okay? You seemed… shaken back there.”

Chi Chi blinked, her smile faltering for just a moment before she waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, I’m fine! It was just… a little scary, that’s all. But you two were amazing! You took care of everything!”

Jiang Han’s gaze flicked toward her, his expression unreadable.

He didn’t say anything, but the way his eyes lingered on her betrayed his own doubts.

Chi Chi was always so quick to brush things off, to act like nothing was wrong.

But the fear in her eyes earlier… it hadn’t been the reaction of someone who had lived a sheltered life.

Still, neither of them pressed her. If Chi Chi wanted to keep her secrets, they wouldn’t pry—not yet, at least. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and it would only grow with time.

Chi Chi giggled, skipping forward as the three of them continued toward the market, leaving behind the tension of the alleyway. She glanced between Jiang Han and Yue Xue, her heart swelling with warmth.

…Both of them liked her. Both of them wanted to protect her.

That made her feel… safe.

And loved.

As they walked, Chi Chi reached out and took Yue Xue’s hand, then grabbed Jiang Han’s sleeve. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice carrying a depth of gratitude that surprised even herself.

Yue Xue squeezed her hand gently, while Jiang Han’s steps slowed for just a moment, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

For Chi Chi, that was enough.

__________________

The trio walked through the bustling market, the tension of the alleyway slowly fading behind them.

The vibrant energy of the marketplace seemed to wrap around Chi Chi like a comforting blanket, and she began to relax, her earlier unease melting away.

Jiang Han and Yue Xue exchanged a glance, their silent communication speaking volumes.

They had noticed her trembling hands, the flicker of fear in her eyes, and the way she had frozen when the thugs leered at her.

Though they didn’t know the full story, they knew one thing for certain: they wanted to make her smile again.

Yue Xue was the first to act. She stopped abruptly in front of a stall piled high with colorful candies.

The merchant, an elderly woman with a kind smile, was busy arranging jars of sweets in every shade imaginable.

Yue Xue pointed to a jar of golden candies, the same kind Chi Chi had given to Jiang Han earlier.

“How much for these?” Yue Xue asked, her tone brisk but not unkind.

The merchant beamed. “Ah, you have good taste! These are honey candies, made with pure golden honey from the southern hills. Five coppers for a bag.”

Yue Xue didn’t even haggle—a rare occurrence for her. She handed over the coins and took the bag of candies, turning to Chi Chi with a small, almost imperceptible smile.

“Here,” she said, thrusting the bag into Chi Chi’s hands. “You like these, right?”

Chi Chi blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. “For me?”

“Yes, for you,” Yue Xue said, her tone matter-of-fact, though her cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of pink. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Chi Chi’s face lit up, her earlier tension dissolving as she clutched the bag of candies to her chest. “Thank you, Yue Xue! You’re the best!”

Yue Xue crossed her arms, looking away. “It’s just candy. Don’t get all mushy about it.”

Jiang Han, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. His sharp eyes scanned the stalls until they landed on one selling candied fruits.

Without a word, he walked over and pointed to a skewer of candied hawthorns, their glossy red surfaces glistening in the sunlight.

“One of these,” he said, handing the merchant a few coins.

The merchant handed him the skewer, and Jiang Han turned to Chi Chi, holding it out to her. “Here.”

Chi Chi’s eyes sparkled with delight. “For me too?”

Jiang Han nodded, his expression as stoic as ever. “You said sweet things make everything better.”

Chi Chi giggled, taking the skewer from him. “You remembered!”

Jiang Han shrugged, though the corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly. “It’s hard to forget when you say it every other day.”

Chi Chi beamed, holding the candied hawthorns in one hand and the bag of honey candies in the other. She felt like the luckiest person in the world. “You two are spoiling me!”

Yue Xue rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a small smile. “Don’t get used to it. This is a one-time thing.”

Jiang Han said nothing, but his gaze softened as he watched Chi Chi’s joy. He didn’t know why she had been so shaken earlier, but seeing her smile now made something inside him feel… lighter.

Chi Chi took a bite of the candied hawthorn, the sweet and tangy flavor bursting on her tongue. “Mmm! This is so good! Here, try some!” She held the skewer out to Yue Xue, who hesitated before taking a small bite.

“It’s… not bad,” Yue Xue admitted, her tone begrudging.

Chi Chi then turned to Jiang Han, holding out the skewer. “Your turn!”

Jiang Han shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“Come on, just one bite!” Chi Chi insisted, her eyes pleading.

Jiang Han sighed, but there was no real annoyance in it. He leaned forward and took a small bite, his expression unchanging. “It’s sweet.”

Chi Chi giggled. “That’s the point!”

As they continued through the market, Chi Chi felt a warmth spreading through her chest.

She noticed how Yue Xue kept glancing at her, as if making sure she was okay. She noticed how Jiang Han stayed close, his presence a steady, reassuring force.

They were trying to distract her, to make her forget about what had happened in the alleyway. And it was working.

She felt… cared for.

At one point, they passed a stall selling handmade trinkets.

Chi Chi’s eyes landed on a small, intricately carved wooden bunny. She paused, her gaze lingering on it for just a moment before moving on.

But Jiang Han noticed.

Without a word, he walked over to the stall and bought the bunny, handing it to Chi Chi as they continued walking.

Chi Chi’s eyes widened. “Jiang Han! You didn’t have to—”

“It’s nothing,” he said, cutting her off. “You looked at it.”

Chi Chi clutched the bunny to her chest, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion.

Yue Xue raised an eyebrow. “You’re spoiling her.”

Jiang Han shrugged. “It’s just a trinket.”

Yue Xue shook her head, but there was no real disapproval in her expression. “You’re both impossible.”

Chi Chi laughed, the sound light and carefree. She felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

The fear, the memories—they were still there, but they felt smaller now, overshadowed by the warmth of Jiang Han, Yue Xue’s and her family's presence.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the market, Chi Chi felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. She knew she wasn’t alone.

She had people who cared about her, who would protect her no matter what.

And that made all the difference.

—Ding!—

[Jiang Han Favorability +3! (50 – Neutral Trust / Budding Friendship)]

[Yue Xue Favorability +3! (56 – Genuine Friendship / Deep Trust)]

Chi Chi skipped ahead, her laughter ringing through the market.

Jiang Han and Yue Xue followed, their steps in sync. For the first time in a long time, Chi Chi felt truly happy.

And as she glanced back at her two protectors, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with a smile.

Because she wasn’t alone.