A sudden melancholy arose.

Facing each other, they found themselves at a loss for words; what should have been a warm reunion instantly turned awkward. The bitterness pressed deep in her heart refused to surface, leaving her unable to voice her sorrow.

The man before her was darker than she remembered, his skin bronzed from the relentless sun and wind of the battlefield. He had changed, as was only natural. His handsome face was marked by a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes that shone with determination; his strong jaw was lifted slightly, and his whole figure was tall and upright.

Yun Xueyan was struck by how swiftly time had flown—her second brother had become a commanding man in the blink of an eye.

From the moment he entered the Xuan Yue Pavilion, Yun Qixiao had been quietly observing his surroundings. The cold, desolate courtyard spoke volumes about Yun Xueyan’s circumstances. Only when his gaze fell upon her face, pale as parchment, did he finally focus, staring fixedly in one direction.

He longed to embrace the girl in front of him, but their identities had changed irreversibly. She was no longer his innocent little sister, and he... he was no longer the brother she could rely on without reservation.

"Yan’er, are you well?" The moment the words left his mouth, Yun Qixiao regretted them. How could she be well? With Yun Xiyin around, how could she ever be well? Even without Yun Xiyin, with her ruined face, how could she possibly earn Duan Nanyu’s affection?

If only he had been at home, she would never have ended up here. He had failed to protect his little sister...

Seeing the desolation cloud Yun Qixiao’s face, she struggled to find words of comfort. "Second Brother, I’m doing well. What about you? Have you gotten used to life at the frontier? You look thinner."

She took a few steps toward him, raising her hand, but it hovered uncertainly in the air. Yun Xueyan froze. For a moment, she had thought she was still his little sister, but they could no longer share such simple intimacy.

Remembering Duan Nanyu’s warning, she quickly lowered her hand and hid it within her sleeve.

Her brother had a bright future ahead of him—he shouldn’t let his thoughts or energy linger on her any longer.

When Yun Qixiao saw her withdraw her hand, a dull pain throbbed in his chest, though he managed to keep a smile on his face.

"As long as you’re well, that’s all I hope for. Yan’er... if you ever find yourself in need, have someone send word to me."

"Second Brother, you worry too much. Though the Xuan Yue Pavilion is small and secluded, it’s quiet here—you know I’ve always liked peaceful places." Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Yun Xueyan forced a smile. "Come, let’s sit and talk. We shouldn’t just stand here."

"Alright."

Once they were seated, Yun Xueyan spoke first. "Second Brother, how is Mother? Is she well?"

"Mother is doing well, don’t worry."

"Then, when you return, please bring her my regards. Don’t let her worry about me—her health is fragile, and I don’t want her to trouble herself on my account." As she gave these careful instructions, Yun Xueyan suddenly realized there was no one else left for her to ask after.

A bitter smile rose unbidden to her lips. When Yun Qixiao saw it, his heart ached with compassion he could neither express nor soothe. He parted his lips, but all that emerged was a faint smile.

"Yan’er, I can only come to see you for a short while. I can’t stay long." He could sense Duan Nanyu’s displeasure toward him, though he didn’t know why. Still, it was best not to cause Yun Xueyan any trouble.

She gazed at him, reluctant for him to leave, but nodded—he should not linger. He must not linger, even if they were family.

After seeing Yun Qixiao out, Yun Xueyan turned back into her room. Staring at the courtyard before her, melancholy welled up within. Was she truly destined to spend her entire life here, growing old within these lonely walls?