Jin Yue did not move.
The stream murmured behind him, steady and unconcerned, as if it had not just become the stage for something unnecessary. He stood with his hands folded loosely inside his sleeves, posture calm, expression unreadable.
"There's nothing to discuss," he said.
Jun Kai stared at him as if he hadn't heard correctly. "That's not true."
Jin Yue inclined his head slightly, a gesture polite enough to be final. "It is."
Ba Ryou shifted, confusion flickering across his face as his gaze moved between them. "Did I interrupt something?" he asked, tone even. "Because if this is official business..."
"It isn't," Jin Yue said.
"It is," Jun Kai said at the same time.
A Xing, leaning against a nearby post with his arms folded, made a thoughtful sound. "Ah. Overlapping truths. My favorite kind."
Jun Kai shot him a look. "This isn't funny."
A Xing smiled wider. "You're right. It's fascinating."
Jun Kai turned back to Jin Yue, jaw set. "We need to talk. Privately."
