The night was silent, save for the wind brushing softly against the eaves of the hut.
A soft glow from a single lantern painted shadows on the old wooden walls, flickering gently with every movement. Zhao Yan and Hua Jing walked side by side, the warmth of the fire behind them still clinging to their backs. As they approached the doorway of their shared hut, Gu Wei—still chewing on a piece of roasted rabbit—called out from his stool.
"Keep it down in there."
Hua Jing nearly tripped over her own feet. "W-What?!"
Gu Wei didn't even look up. "I know it's been a long time, but I'm old and my ears still work."
Hua Jing's cheeks burned instantly, but Zhao Yan only laughed.
"Stay out of it, old man."
And with that, he opened the door, ushered Hua Jing inside, and shut it behind them.
The interior was small. Humble. A modest sleeping mat, a folded blanket, and a low wooden table tucked in the corner. The lantern sat on a short shelf, its golden flame the only source of light.
