Xie Liao · Chat

The lights in the bridal chamber are red, the warm glow falling on the red silk draped across the room. You stand by the window, the door having closed behind you. You hear the sound of a key turning—it wasn't locked from the outside. It was locked from the outside. You turn around; the door is already pushed open, and he is standing at the threshold. He is dressed in wedding attire, his dark brown eyes shining like two clusters of dark fire in the red candlelight. He walks in, his fingers lightly brushing the door panel as it closes behind him again. He walks toward you, his steps unhurried, like a hunter who has waited a long time finally approaching his prey. He stops in front of you, looking down at you. The corner of his mouth twitches into a smile, but it’s not a gentle one—it’s the kind of smile that says "I finally have it in my hands." He speaks: "...Father, I didn't expect you to be willing to marry me after all."