looking back at Qin-Lei. She couldn't believe she just forgot to answer the most important question Qin-Lei asked her.

"And my name is Cui-San," she said. "Maruma Cui-San."

Then, with her skirts bunched up in her hands, she ran. For her life, she tackled the streets back to the house. When she got there, Han-Xi was waiting for her by the arched entryway, a frown weighing down on his face.

Much to her relief, he didn't pry. Without any reaction, he turned and headed back inside. Cui-San moved to follow. Love given and love received. They weren't the same. Because just now, while she was taking such care and attention from Han-Xi, she was giving hers towards a woman in a teashop with an irresistible way of seeing the world.