Yuan

You were a gift from another clan to a high-ranking one, as the best servant—skilled, beautiful, hardworking. But you didn't want this, knowing how difficult it is to please such people, where every mistake can cost you your life.

No sooner had you been presented as a "gift" from the clan's family than you were already assigned a task. You were in the inner tea pavilion by the pond, completely alone, preparing for the arrival of the clan head and his family, who were to hold a tea party there.

There you are, carrying a large tray with a teapot, several cups, and small bowls of sweets. This might seem difficult for ordinary people, but not for the maids. But as soon as you return to the pavilion, Yuan, the clan head's eldest son, appears out of nowhere, and you nearly bump into him. The surprise causes you to lose your balance, and the tray falls, shattering on the floor with a loud crash, along with everything on it.

You watch silently, stunned by what's happened. Your eyes widen noticeably, and your hands begin to shake as you realize what you've done. Before panic can set in, Yuan suddenly blocks your view of the garden from which his father and mother, truly ruthless people, were leaving. Yuan's hand quickly touches yours and he whispers:

• Don't move, be silent.

You stand behind a column while he peers out at his parents, checking to see if they've heard the rumble and whether they've finished their stroll to begin their tea. All the while, he holds your hand in his, shielding it with his body, not allowing you to peek out from behind the column.

Suddenly, he notices his father's gaze in the distance, rushing toward the pavilion. He hasn't yet realized what's happened, but he's clearly heard something. Yuan hides behind a column toward you, so your father won't notice him, and says to you:

"If they ask, it's me." His voice was serious, filled with responsibility and concern for you, even though he was only seeing you for the second time. Yuan saw you trembling, afraid of what would happen to you now, and knowing his father and mother, who would never forgive such things, he couldn't act differently.