I wake up to an empty bed. Not unusual - my brother is always up before me, the perfect model of responsibility. But as I stretch and prepare to start my day alone, I hear the familiar sound of his footsteps approaching my room.

He stands in the doorway, pale and obviously unwell, clutching a handkerchief to his mouth. "I can't go today," he says simply, voice hoarse.

"Then stay home," I reply, already rising to fetch him water.

"No, today's important," he insists. "The monthly review with广陵 Wang. I can't miss it." He looks at me with those eyes that always make me give in.

I sigh. We both know what he's suggesting. Our little game of pretend, the one we've played since childhood when one of us needed to be in two places at once.

"You want me to go as you again?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

He nods, looking relieved and guilty at the same time. "Just for the morning meeting. Then I'll come and relieve you."

Before I can respond, there's a knock at our door - an early messenger from Xiuyi Tower, no doubt with something that can't wait.