There must be something wrong with Calisaya’s development. From her absence at the banquet to her reaction in the cavern. The plot wasn’t progressing like it should. If he left Calisaya to her own devices again, she would fumble to handle the rebellion. He’ll have to push Calisaya onto the right path to embrace her rightful position as a savior. Not only for the sake of the rebellion, but other plot points in the future that threatened the world hindered on her success.

The thought of all the work he’d have to do made him groan. He smacked his head back against the wall. It was like there was something he always needs to fix. When would he ever catch a break? 

“Do you know what he’s talking about?” Xu Yang asked, looking up to where Ming Yi was still sitting on the windowsill. 

Ming Yi probably shrugged since Xu Yang seemed at a loss for words. However, while this exchange took place, Zhen Xue realized too late that his foot wrapped in vines started coming loose.

“Zhen Xue!” Xu Yang yelled, eyes widening to warn him, but again, Zhen Xue realized too late. He always realized too late. One crisis after another. He couldn’t even find a reaction this time, his mind having grown numb from the constant shocking series of events. 

The world blends with colors as he fell through the air until suddenly he wasn’t. With his arms suddenly spread wide, Xu Yang held onto his left arm while Ming Yi held onto his right. Zhen Xue took notice of Ming Yi standing on the ledge of a nearby window next to the balcony.

With his grip remaining firm, Xu Yang released a heavy breath, a sound of tiredness and relief. 

Zhen Xue thought Ming Yi also looked shaken while he lifted him over the railing and onto the balcony next to Xu Yang. 

His feet hit the floor, blood returning from his head to the rest of his body. Yet another problem avoided. What would tomorrow bring? He didn’t know, nor did he care to think about the countless possibilities. From the start, maybe he should’ve just stayed in his room.

The three of them end up sitting on the rooftop together shortly after the whole incident. Zhen Xue sat in the middle, Xu Yang to his left side, and Ming Yi to his right.

They looked out over the city far below, saying nothing for a while. From this height, the world seemed a lot smaller than all their problems.

“You know, sometimes I wish the three of us were born in a different world,” Xu Yang suddenly said, breaking the silence.

Zhen Xue flopped backwards, the snow burying against his neck, but he welcomed the coldness, staring up at the vast empty sky. “A different world, huh?” 

He once believed that entering his novel was a chance at achieving his revenge, but upon getting to know the people here, he couldn’t help wishing for them to have better. If the three of them grew up in the modern world, they could’ve even been college friends, no longer burdened by the weight of their political duties.

“You think I’d still be amazing?” Ming Yi asked with a smug look.

“Annoying, you mean.” Zhen Xue stuck his tongue out at him, but huffed a laugh despite himself. “I can’t believe you were going to leave me up there.”

“That’s what you get for doing something stupid.”

“Ah Yang,” Zhen Xue said with familiarity, tapping his brother’s shoulder. “Do you see how he talks to me? I should have him demoted.” For extra measure, he threw a handful of snow at Ming Yi, who shouted in response.

Xu Yang laughed at the scene, giving Zhen Xue a look that said, “That’s your problem.” 

A moment later, when things quieted down, Xu Yang nudged Zhen Xue’s shoulder with a smile. 

“Come on, tell me,” he said. “If you could do anything, what would you be?”

“Like you don’t already know?”

“Humor me.”

Zhen Xue mulled over the idea. “Ming Yi, why don’t you go first?” 

When he remained silent, Zhen Xue turned to him, surprised by what he saw. The look in his gaze was akin to pride as he stared out over the snow-covered city below. “I’m already where I want to be,” Ming Yi said without hesitation.

What a boring response, but Zhen Xue respected his choice. Now finally having to give his own answer, Zhen Xue sighed. Even in the modern world, he’d only gone to college to support his family, but with them gone, he never thought about pursing anything else. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’ve never been able to choose what I want.” He winced as Xu Yang slapped him on the leg. “Ow...” he glared at him, discovering Xu Yang tossed him a pointed look.

“That’s why it’s hypothetical and not based on real life, you idiot,” Xu Yang muttered, but then his gaze turned softer. “Don’t overthink it. Just say whatever comes to mind.”

“Well, I guess…” He paused, considering an entirely different scenario, one where his characters hadn’t come to life. “An author.”

Xu Yang’s eyes widened a bit. “You like to write?” 

“A long time ago I did... but now I think maybe I shouldn’t have.” As expected, Xu Yang stared at him like he’s lost on another planet.

Xu Yang sighed, shaking his head. “Once again, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but listen, little brother. If you stay this serious, life will pass you by and you won’t enjoy anything. I don’t know who you were placing your hopes on or how they let you down, but you shouldn’t let someone else decide what you can achieve for yourself. While you might not be in Cassanova’s favor right now, don’t forget that you are one of us. You’re an Alistair, and that name carries more weight than any crown ever will.”

When Xu Yang smiled at him again, Zhen Xue wondered why those words meant so much to him. The surrounding snow was cold, but his heart hadn’t felt this warm in a long time.