"Young Master?"

Xiao Ling, dressed in a tight black-and-white maid uniform, looked up and spotted Baiyi sitting on a stone bench at the garden’s edge.

"It really is... the Young Master..."

Somehow, the moment Xiao Ling saw Baiyi before her, the ache in her chest began to fade.

But it was replaced by a fierce urge to sob aloud.

No, no!

I can’t cry—he’s right there. How can a maid let her master see her like this?

No matter how hard she wiped her eyes, the tears kept streaming slowly down her cheeks.

How stupid. Why wipe them away?

Why cry when seeing him should make me happy?

He must’ve forgotten me by now.

Definitely. Days have passed.

My memory in his mind must’ve refreshed many times—nothing left, right?

It’s almost midnight. The chimes will ring soon.

Even if he sees me now, he’ll forget me again.

I... should leave.

"You... Xiao Ling? What happened? Why are you crying? Did someone trouble you?"

Just as Xiao Ling turned to go, Baiyi’s voice froze her in place.

She never expected it.

Why did he still remember her when her memory should’ve been long gone?

Why?

She looked up, stunned.

"No, I—"

"Don’t talk. Put this on first."

Before she could finish, Baiyi stood, strode over, and draped his dark green military coat over her frail shoulders.

"Young Master..."

"Why so lightly dressed? Don’t you know it’s cold at night? You’ll catch a chill. Maids are off duty now—why still in uniform?"

Questions tumbled from his mouth like rapid-fire marbles.

"Ah, I—"

Xiao Ling didn’t know what to say or do.

Is he... worried about me?

As his warm coat settled on her, the chill from the Hailwind and her inner pain began to melt away.

Smelling his familiar scent, she longed to curl into his chest and weep freely.

But she was just a maid; he was her master.

She shouldn’t burden him with unreasonable acts.

So, despite the sorrow clawing inside her, she stayed still, keeping minimal distance.

"What’s wrong?"

Baiyi didn’t know her thoughts, but he saw she was off.

Tear tracks streaked her face. When he stepped closer, she retreated.

Her body trembled slightly; her eyes brimmed with tears.

She seemed to be forcing something down...

"Nothing, Young Master."

"But you—"

"I’m fine."

"Fine? Something’s wrong."

"Really not, Young Master. Really—ah!"

Before she finished, Baiyi lunged forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Startled, Xiao Ling instinctively pushed back—but her efforts were feeble.

After a few weak struggles, she went limp in his arms.

"Young Master... Young Master, I... mmph..."

"What is it?"

"I’m sorry. I just... want to cry a little..."

"Mm. Cry."

"Sob... wail..."

Slowly, Xiao Ling’s forced restraint shattered. She wailed openly, hot tears soaking his shirt.

Baiyi didn’t move. He just held her tighter.

Ah, I don’t know what’s wrong, but she’s hurting badly.

This feels... shy. I’ve never done this to a girl. Will she hate me?

She’s my maid—we see each other daily. She probably doesn’t dislike me.

I hope she doesn’t mind.

Her faint scent filled his nose as she cried. Baiyi flushed, face warm.

He had no experience with girls. He’d copied this hug from street scenes, unsure if it helped.

Maybe it won’t fix anything, but crying might ease her pain.

Aah! What’s wrong with my brain? Did the midnight Hailwind freeze my thoughts?

I don’t overthink like this normally!

"Young Master..."

"Mm."

After a while, Xiao Ling’s trembling stopped. Her soft hands had looped around his waist; her face pressed to his chest.

Is she better now?

Baiyi wondered but gave up guessing girls’ minds.

Instead, he gently stroked her head.

"Thank you... Young Master..."

"Mm."