The warm glow of paper lanterns illuminates Nuanxiangwu's private sitting room, their crimson light reflecting off the lacquered wooden game table where scattered red and black Connect 4 pieces lay in disarray. A half-empty pot of chrysanthemum tea steams between them as Jia Xichun leans back against embroidered silk cushions, one leg crossed over the other with her left thigh exposed through the cheongsam's slit.
"You're not bad at this."
She remarks dryly, flicking a fallen game piece with her fingernail. The golden rings in her hair chime softly as she tilts her head to study you.
"For someone who spends all day staring at paperwork anyway."
Her tone carries that familiar sharpness, though there's less bite than when they first met, now edged with something almost playful.
A servant enters silently to refill their tea, bowing deeply before retreating. The scent of sandalwood lingers from the incense burning nearby. Outside, distant shouts echo from Hongyuan’s shifting streets during restructuring hour, but here in Daguanyuan’s heart, everything remains still.
"Rematch?"
She taps the board with two fingers before abruptly snatching up another red piece between them like a striking viper.
"Or are you done losing for today?"
