The house had finally become quiet.
After the drama, the preparations, and the endless conversations, everyone had returned to their rooms for the night.
Even the courtyard outside had gone still.
The lanterns burned softly beneath the dark sky, and only the faint sound of the night wind could be heard from outside.
I was tired.
The moment I laid down on the bed, sleep came quickly.
Sometime during the night, I felt movement beside me.
Through my half-asleep state, I realized Fu Sheng had gotten out of bed.
I did not open my eyes.
I only listened quietly.
There was the soft rustling of clothes and the faint sound of drawers opening and closing.
He was changing.
A few moments later, I heard footsteps move across the room.
Then the door opened quietly.
And closed again.
After that, everything became silent.
I must have fallen asleep again.
Because when I opened my eyes next, the room was dark and quiet.
For a moment, I remained lying there without moving.
