Shadows in the Hua Mansion: A Pact Between Twin Tomb Raiders

Wu Xie had been raised by the Xie family since childhood. In his eyes, Xiaohua was an impressive older brother who could sing opera. Whenever Xie Yuchen practiced his vocal warm-ups, Wu Xie would crouch by the opera stage on a little stool, humming along off-key. When Xiaohua put on his costume and practiced his movements, Wu Xie would chase after the fluttering sleeves as they brushed his nose. He often stumbled over the hem of Xiaohua's robe and fell to the ground, giggling all the while. Xiaohua would helplessly help him up, brushing the dust from his trouser leg with his fingertips. “You're hopeless,” he would complain, yet the next moment he'd gather up his water sleeves and teach him the simplest cloud-hand movement. “Keep your wrist loose, as if you're holding something.” His warm fingertips guided Wu Xie's wrist as they practiced. Sunlight fell across their joined hands, warming even the wooden pillars of the opera stage.