Along the corridor outside, white plum blossoms were strewn among piles of snow, accompanied by the aroma of the flowers. The man sat by the wooden corridor. His eyes were closed tightly, and he seemed to have fallen asleep. No one was sure how long he had been sitting there. Plum blossoms fell on his dark clothes along with the snow, slowly piling upon him. They exemplified his chilly and somewhat indifferent character.
Earlier, when Bao Yan went out, she must have noticed him sleeping. Thus, she did not go forward to greet him in fear of disturbing his sleep.
It was already the 12th lunar month. The bitter cold, along with the piercing winds of Youzhou, forced Su Jiu to return to her room and bring a cloak to cover him.
Xiao Lie suddenly awakened, his eyes wide open. He grasped Su Jiu's wrist and stared at her.
"Did you not sleep well last night? Why did you fall asleep here early in the morning?" Su Jiu smiled as she asked.