The storm within the hall had finally subsided, leaving behind a fragile peace. In the distance, the rhythmic thundering of hooves could be seen fading along the dusty trails of the Xuemo Sect. Wui Guan had departed with her remaining officers, but her final, lingering gaze had screamed a silent, vengeful vow:

  "Shen Jichuan’s death will be avenged. One day."

  As the day’s turmoil settled, the evening arrived with an enchanting grace. Mo Yan made his way to Yu Sui’s chambers, carrying a bowl of freshly steamed corn, Yu Sui’s favorite. But when he pushed open the door, the room was empty. Mo Yan’s eyes landed on Yu Sui’s deep crimson flute resting on the table. He placed the food beside it and stepped out, knowing exactly where he would find him.

  Snow fell from the heavens like a silent blessing. Mo Yan walked calmly across a long wooden bridge, carrying a single cob of corn wrapped in paper. He entered a secluded, desolate corridor where the chambers stood silent and weathered by time. He moved through the creaking hallway until he reached the place he expected. There, sitting on the wooden stairs amidst the falling snow, was Yu Sui, playing with a tiny, fragile kitten.

  Mo Yan approached him softly and offered the corn. Yu Sui started for a moment, then looked up to see Mo Yan. Accepting the corn, Yu Sui gestured for Mo Yan to sit beside him.

  "Why are you playing with this kitten?" Mo Yan asked gently.

  Yu Sui chuckled softly, taking a bite of the corn. "Because he thinks I’m his mother. Look, when I pick him up by the scruff of his neck, he goes completely still and calm. That means he sees me as his protector... his mother. That’s why I’m playing with him."

  Hearing this, Mo Yan reached out, picked up the tiny creature, and tucked it into his lap. "Then what am I? I picked him up the same way, and he is just as calm with me."

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  Yu Sui laughed again, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well then... I suppose that makes you his father!"

  Yu Sui’s laughter echoed in the quiet air, and a rare smile broke across Mo Yan’s face as he began to pet the kitten with immense tenderness. Then, in a voice that was quiet yet heavy with meaning, Mo Yan asked, "What is his name?"

  Yu Sui took another bite of the corn, his movements playful. "I haven't thought of one yet. I only just found him a little while ago."

  Mo Yan looked at him with a gaze of silent devotion. "Don’t you want to give him a name?"

  At that, Yu Sui’s expression turned slightly somber. He looked up at the falling snow, his voice carrying a sudden weight. "I do, Mo. I want to give him a name, and I want to keep him. I’ve always wanted to raise a cat. But..."

  Yu Sui trailed off, staring at his own feet. His eyes began to mist over. Mo Yan watched him closely, waiting. When the silence stretched too long, Mo Yan asked softly, "But what, Yu...?"

  Yu Sui forced a faint, hollow smile. "Look at what I am, Mo Yan. People fear me. They call me a demon. I know who I am... and I don’t want to put this tiny, delicate life in danger. But... if I were to keep him, I would name him Ai Yin."

  Yu Sui turned to Mo Yan with a deep, knowing look and a sad smile. The tears in his eyes told a story far different from the smile on his face. Without a word, Mo Yan took the kitten and tucked it deep within the folds of his royal robes, shielding it from the cold. He looked at Yu Sui with a gentle smile and said, "No, Yu. What you are is nothing short of a great soul. You are my..."

  He stopped himself, locking eyes with Yu Sui. Yu Sui, sensing a change in the air, leaned in closer with a playful, teasing smirk. "I am your...?? Go on, say it, Mo Yan! Your what?"

  Mo Yan stood up abruptly, his tone turning mischievous this time. "You are Ai Yin’s mother... so, let’s go."

  He began to walk away, and Yu Sui followed closely behind, teasing him relentlessly, "Hey! Where are you going, Father of Ai Yin?"

  Mo Yan continued to smile, keeping the kitten hidden warm against his chest. Inside the warmth of his robes, Ai Yin fell fast asleep, as if he had truly found the warmth of a father’s heart. The two of them ran through the corridor like children, forgetting the weight of the world, calling each other "Ai Yin’s parents" and teasing one another. In that moment, the shadows of the past and the threats of the future vanished, replaced only by the radiant, heartfelt smiles they shared.