Rui's eyes widened in horror, her newly balanced energy flickering with distress.
She clutched Zou's hand, searching his face for any hint of recognition.
"Zou, it's me. Rui."
His golden eyes remained distant as he reached up to touch her face with trembling fingers.
"Am I in heaven?" he whispered, his voice weak. "Have the celestials finally claimed me?"
Kee Kee made a choking sound, while Shen stepped forward, concern etched across his features.
"Your memories—" Rui began, her voice breaking.
But something shifted in Zou's expression—the barest twitch at the corner of his mouth.
The slightest gleam of mischief flickered in his golden eyes as his fingers traced her jawline.
Rui froze, recognition dawning. Her shock transformed into outrage.
"You're faking it!" she gasped, pulling back.
Zou's face split into his familiar roguish grin.
"The look on your face," he laughed weakly, though genuine warmth filled his eyes. "Worth every moment of that horrible corruption."
