The small wooden boat drifted lazily down the dark river, guided only by the gentle current and the soft, golden glow of thousands of floating lotus lanterns.
Plum Blossom City slowly faded into the distance behind them. The loud music and the bustling crowds were replaced by the quiet chirping of night insects and the rhythmic lap of water against the wooden hull.
Yan Shuo sat comfortably near the back of the boat, one arm casually draped over the tiller. He did not need to steer. The river was wide and peaceful, free of spiritual beasts or hidden dangers.
Sitting right beside him, completely ignoring the beautiful scenery she had been so excited to see, was Tantai Zhi.
She was impossibly close. Her shoulder was pressed firmly against his, and she was clutching her two-copper paper rabbit lantern in her lap. Her golden eyes, completely visible above her white silk veil, were fixed squarely on Yan Shuo's profile.
