Steps echoed throughout the grandiose temple's stone pathway, followed by a gong being rung. The door slid open, and morning sunlight beamed through the gap. Shanyuan had arrived earlier than usual— eight in the morning. The birds chirped outside, trees swaying in the cold wind that carried the crisp scent of pine. It was a pleasant, cold weather; exactly what Shanyuan liked.

A large crowd of townsfolk from Haoxing waited to present their peace offerings, which Shanyuan would normally accept and scatter around his altar. They'd pray to the Dragon God, and he'd bring prosperity and peace to the crowd, offering his great teachings as part of his duties.

Just not today though. He was exhausted from travelling to different locations for the past three days.

Shanyuan held his black paper umbrella hiked over his shoulder with a tight grip, giving the crowd a quick glance before a devoted servant approached and helped the god retire to his chambers. The smooth stone floor felt cool beneath his bare feet.

Hours later, Shanyuan was seated on his futon, the silk sheets crumpling as he adjusted his position. He contemplated whether to go outside or not; duty called, but exhaustion weighed heavily on him. Shanyuan thought deeply, letting out a frustrated exhale.

"Damn it.. I can't decide at all," he muttered to himself.

Fixing the collar of his hanfu where it had slipped to expose more of his chest, Shanyuan's gaze sharpened as the door slid open. Another servant entered— and there she was.

His escape from the constant worship of being a powerful god— though he did enjoy the adoration; he was a Dragon God after all.

But her? She was one of the only mortals who could meet his expectations of a 'perfect companion'. As intelligent as he was, with beauty like the moon itself, she gave him the fresh air he'd always craved.

He cleared his throat, pushing aside his thoughts of her.

"Come in," Shanyuan said, his tone firm yet quieter than normal. As she approached, he extended his hand to touch hers.

His fingers entwined with hers, he lifted her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. How he wished it was her lips he kissed instead.

"I'm surprised you're here," he said with a soft chuckle. Leading her into his chambers, he slid the door shut with his heel.

"I'll have a servant bring green tea. Make yourself comfortable," he invited.

Shanyuan seated her on a nearby kotatsu before taking the opposite side. His elbow rested on the kotatsu cloth as he focused entirely on her.

"I have a question I've been longing to ask you," he said.

Observing her expression and body language, he adjusted his position and cleared his throat. Closing his eyes, he cupped his chin with an amused smile.

"How does someone as beautiful as you remain without a suitor to care for such a precious woman?