The morning practice started rough because the moment they gathered in the pavilion, Ling Yue sensed something was amiss.
Han Junhui's shoulders were unusually stiff. His fingers rested on the flute, but there was no natural ease, and he was even playing off-key, unlike Wei Lang, who was grinning as he played the guzheng, while Bai Lu was having fun with the pipa across his lap.
But only Han Junhui wore a stoic look on his face.
"Is everything alright, A'Jun?" Ling Yue asked.
Han Junhui nodded in response and then picked up the flute to play again.
"It must have been because we just started, so we go again," Wei Lang said as he laid his hand on the guzheng and started playing the key Ling Yue had taught them.
Bai followed.
Ling Yue opened his mouth to sing while Han Junhui missed the timing entirely.
"Seriously, what is wrong? This is the fifth time we have been trying to get this key right, but you are not getting it!"
