Liliana didn't know how tempting she looked right now. So pitiful and delicate, it made people want to lock her away in a place only they could access.
Cassian looked at Liliana, her hands clenched tightly, begging him. He picked up the cup of tea on the table, took a sip, and his Adam's apple moved slightly.
Liliana had no idea what he was thinking. What's the big deal? He just scared her a little or maybe wanted to form some sort of revolutionary friendship. If only men couldn't see her, she would've gone to find some pretty girls to befriend long ago.
"You can go back now."
"You agree?"
Cassian gave a soft "mm" as emotions stirred inside him. He touched the wooden token in his hand. Maybe he'd take it out later.
In the Star-Picking Hall, Gabvriel had been counting the days. It had been a while since he gave the wooden token to His Majesty, but there was still no response.
Could it be there really are no ghosts?
He thought maybe he should request to meet the emperor. He didn't really care whether there were ghosts or not. All he cared about was seeing the person he met as a child. That beautiful, delicate person with eyes covered by a white silk ribbon. That person came and disappeared so quickly. He didn't even get to ask their name or say a proper goodbye.
"Why do I have to leave? Can't we start now?" Liliana muttered to herself. Was it really so hard to stir up some emotions? Did she really need more time to prepare?
She had worked so hard to get Cassian to agree. What if he changed his mind one day and sent someone to capture her again?
"Can we start right now?"
Cassian was stunned by the little ghost's innocent yet bold question. Wasn't it a bit too fast?
"Isn't it… a bit too fast?" His steady voice trembled slightly.
"Too fast? If you can't do it, just scare me with something. Don't you people have the Star-Picking Hall or whatever? If you really don't want to do it, at least have them tell me when the next thunderstorm will be." Liliana helpfully suggested.
"You want… me to scare you." It wasn't about love, feelings, or liking someone. She just wanted him to scare her. Cassian found it both funny and frustrating, unsure whether he was angry at himself or at her.
"Leave now."
Liliana left the royal study, confused. Just a moment ago, Cassian had been speaking to her nicely. Why the sudden change in attitude? This world really was strange. Men were way too hard to understand.
"Sis, it's you. Sister."
Gabvriel was on his way to meet the emperor when he saw a blurry figure in the distance. Even though she was dressed oddly and her hair was much shorter than before, he recognized her instantly.
She was the girl he had met as a child. But her face was unclear, and she had no physical form.
Liliana tilted her head and looked around. She was alone. When she turned back, she saw a man who looked like a fairy. White hair, a face like fine jade. His eyes sparkled, reminding her of Prince Allennon.
"Are you… talking to me?" She pointed at herself.
"Sister." Gabvriel quickly walked over. He tried to hug her but went right through her.
The handsome man had tears streaming from the corners of his eyes.
Liliana felt awkward. It was her first time seeing a man cry, especially because of her. It felt a bit weird.
"I finally saw you again, sister."
Liliana thought the man in front of her looked great, but he clearly wasn't right in the head. She searched her memories and found no trace of someone like him.
"You've got the wrong person." She waved her hand and turned to float away. Since Cassian was no help, she would have to go find Prince Allennon. She had spent some time with him, but scaring him might be hard.
She still remembered how shocked he was the first time he saw her. Honestly, if she didn't scare him, that was already a kindness.
"I'm not wrong. You are my sister." Gabvriel took a step forward and grabbed her sleeve.
Liliana was about to escape, thinking the handsome guy was crazy, but she froze.
Not only did he grab her, but he also pulled her into his arms.
"Sister, you're my sister. Please don't leave me alone again. Gabvriel will be good," his voice was shaking.
Liliana felt drops of warmth on her neck. They were his tears.
She couldn't stand seeing people cry, especially when they were beautiful.
Maybe she looked too much like someone from his memories. She lifted her hand and gently patted his shoulder to comfort him.
His body trembled. "I knew it. You're my sister."
Liliana pulled away from his arms and studied his face. He looked like someone untouched by the world, yet his eyes were red from crying. It felt like she had dragged some divine being down to the human world. He looked heartbreakingly beautiful.
If only he didn't act like a madman, clinging to her so tightly.
"You got the wrong person. I don't remember you."
"I didn't get it wrong. Gabvriel didn't get it wrong. Even if I forget myself, I'll always know you're my sister."
"But I really don't remember you."
"You don't remember me? I'm Xiaoyu from Qingshui Village. I get it now. That bad man must have done something awful to you. That's why you forgot me." His voice was gentle and smooth. Liliana felt like he was acting cute on purpose.
"What are you doing?" Prince Allennon arrived. The sun had gone down and Liliana still hadn't come back. He thought maybe Cassian had kept her.
Last time, Cassian caught Prince Allennon.
This time, Prince Allennon caught the white-haired man.
Liliana suddenly felt like she was in a soap opera. She'd probably end up carrying someone's wardrobe next.
"Let her go." Prince Allennon rushed forward like a wild animal. He tried to pull Liliana away, but his hand passed through her.
He had no choice but to push Gabvriel aside.
"Liliana, are you alright?" He stood in front of her, placing himself between her and the white-haired man.
"Greetings, Crown Prince," Gabvriel said with a bow.
"Liliana, let's go." Prince Allennon didn't want to stay another second. That white-haired guy could actually touch Liliana.
He had only touched her once—yesterday. But this guy had been holding her for so long.
Liliana had told him she could only touch things when her emotions were very strong. Did that mean this man made her feel something?
That thought made Prince Allennon furious. He wanted to kill the man right there.
"Wait." Liliana floated out from behind Prince Allennon.
She reached out her hand toward Gabvriel.
Was she choosing him instead? Was she leaving Prince Allennon? What should he do? He was the first one to see her. He had shared a bed with her many times. How could she just say she didn't want him anymore?
She had promised to celebrate his birthday.
Gabvriel looked at her hand, pale with a soft pink at the tips. It reminded him of that snowy day, when she had blindfolded him and stretched out her hand.
"Hey, kid, are you okay?"
Just like this moment.
Mini Drama
Prince Allennon: Master doesn't want me anymore. Master, master.
Gabvriel: She's my sister.
Prince Allennon: Liliana is mine. You're not allowed to call her sister.