The Silent Plea

On the night of Qixi Festival, the city pulses with celebration—love, devotion, and romanticized legends flood the streets, drowning everything in dazzling lights and laughter. But for Qi Yan, this day is nothing but a cruel mockery, a twisted festival built upon her Lady’s suffering, rewriting history to erase its agony and glorify its tragedy. As she walks along the river, autumn’s cold bite digs into her skin, reminding her—she is no longer immortal. Reincarnation, they call it. A beautifully packaged lie to mask the exhaustion of living life after life, haunted by memories she can never outrun. Everywhere she turns, Qixi is forced upon her, plastered across glowing posters and chattered about by oblivious youth. Seeking refuge, Qi Yan pushes forward, ignoring the city’s relentless insistence on celebrating a legend she knows is far from beautiful. The quiet glow of a small café beckons her in, promising warmth, shelter—an escape. The soft chime of the bell announces her arrival. But as she orders her drink and turns—she freezes. Across the room, seated like a queen in the dim corner, is Wen Huiying. Her eyes locked onto Qi Yan, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. She was waiting. Without a single word spoken, the air shifts. A silent battle begins.