The village was abuzz with excitement. Colorful banners fluttered in the summer breeze, and children ran through the streets holding handmade lanterns. Today was the annual Harvest Festival, and the entire village was gathering to celebrate under the open sky.
Inside the cozy kitchen, Yun Lan was helping her grandmother prepare festival dumplings. Her sleeves were rolled up as she expertly folded the dough, her fingers quick and delicate. A subtle flush touched her cheeks from the steam and warmth.
"Are you sure you're up for this, child?" her grandmother asked softly, eyes filled with both affection and worry.
Yun Lan nodded with a faint smile. "I want to feel normal, even just for tonight."
The older woman gave her a knowing look but didn't press further.
After the preparations, Yun Lan went upstairs to change. Her grandmother had prepared a traditional hanfu for her, soft ivory silk with pale pink floral embroidery. Her long hair was tied half-up, with a delicate pearl pin keeping it in place. The soft colors made her look like a painting come to life.
When she came downstairs, Leon was waiting near the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. His usual dark clothing had been exchanged for something lighter — a crisp white shirt with the collar slightly undone, revealing the elegant line of his neck.
The moment his eyes landed on her, he froze.
"You…" His voice was low. "You look beautiful."
Yun Lan blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just for the festival."
Leon reached out and took her hand gently. "No. You look like you were born for this."
Together they stepped out into the evening glow. The sky was a dusky lavender, lanterns already being lit and strung between trees. Music echoed through the village, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet buns lingered in the air.
The villagers greeted them warmly, whispering behind their hands about how good the newlyweds looked together. A few children tugged on Yun Lan's sleeves, offering her paper flowers. She knelt to thank them, her smile bright but her eyes tired.
They stopped near the central square, where a bonfire was being prepared. People were laughing, dancing, eating. Yun Lan held Leon's arm lightly as they strolled. It all felt surreal—this moment of peace, of warmth, as if the poison inside her wasn't slowly eating her away.
"Wife," Leon whispered close to her ear, leaning down slightly. "Are you happy?"
She looked up, startled by his sudden seriousness.
"Yes," she said quietly. "For now, I am."
Before he could respond, a young man approached them. He was tall, with bright eyes and a confident smile. A local farmer's son, known for his easy charm.
"Yun Lan, is that really you? You look even more beautiful than I remembered."
Yun Lan gave a polite smile. "Hello, Jin. It's been a while."
Jin looked over at Leon but barely acknowledged him. "Would you honor me with the first dance? Just like old times?"
Leon's grip on Yun Lan's hand tightened, and his jaw clenched.
Yun Lan laughed softly. "I'm married now, Jin."
Jin grinned, clearly undeterred. "Surely one dance wouldn't hurt?"
Before Yun Lan could answer, Leon stepped forward.
"It would hurt me," he said, voice cold and clipped. "She's not dancing with anyone else tonight."
Jin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the possessive tone. "Alright, alright. Just thought I'd try." He walked off, leaving behind an awkward silence.
Leon didn't say anything, but the tension in his shoulders was palpable. Yun Lan touched his arm gently.
"You're jealous?" she teased.
"He was staring at you like he wanted to steal you," Leon muttered.
She giggled, a light sound that lifted the weight from the moment. "I'm yours, aren't I?"
His eyes softened. "Yes. Mine."
As the music started again, he pulled her close. "Dance with me. Only me."
She nodded and let him lead her into a slow waltz beneath the lantern-lit trees. The village faded away for a few precious minutes. Her hand rested over his heart, her face against his chest. His arms were firm and protective around her.
They moved in perfect rhythm, as if they'd done this a hundred times before.
When the music ended, Leon didn't let go.
"Come," he said. "I want to show you something."
He led her away from the square, up a small hill behind the village. From there, they could see the entire celebration, golden light flickering in the valley below.
Leon handed her a lantern with a small piece of paper attached to it.
"Write a wish," he said. "Something just for you."
Yun Lan hesitated. She stared at the blank paper, heart aching. What could she wish for? More time? A cure? A second life?
After a moment, she wrote: Let him never be lonely.
She didn't show it to him. They lit the lantern together, and it floated into the sky, a tiny spark against the twilight.
Leon turned to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You looked sad just now."
She forced a smile. "I was just thinking. It's been a long day."
He didn't push. Instead, he pulled her into an embrace. The warmth of his body, the strength of his arms, wrapped around her like a promise she didn't deserve.
They returned home much later. The little fox pup was waiting by the doorway, tail wagging. Yun Lan scooped it up, laughing as it licked her cheek. Leon watched her with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
She spent the rest of the evening on the porch swing, the fox pup nestled on her lap. Leon joined her, one arm around her shoulders.
"You know," he said quietly, "You still haven't told me everything. I can feel it."
She tensed, but didn't meet his gaze.
"It's not the right time," she whispered.
He nodded, but the silence between them stretched long. A silence filled with unspoken truths.
For now, they sat under the stars, pretending this happiness would last forever.