The next day, when Fang woke up, she realized she had been sleeping on Syaoran's lap, while he had dozed off, leaning against the wall. She carefully sat up, trying not to wake him, and began to walk away quietly. But Syaoran's eyes opened just then, and he noticed Fang was unsteady on her feet.
She suddenly stumbled and fell. Syaoran rushed over and helped her up, gently asking, "What happened? Why are you walking like that?"
Though he asked calmly, he already knew it was because of the Langshen's heart inside her. Placing his hand on her back, he transferred a bit of his energy to her without saying a word. Fang steadied herself and smiled, brushing it off. "I'm just sleepy, that's all," she said before walking off.
Syaoran watched her go, concern flickering in his eyes. She still doesn't know what's inside her… he thought with a sigh.
Later that day, while Fang was at school, Syaoran tried to take out the stone from his chest once more. As it emerged, he stared at it curiously—it wasn't glowing or reacting like the night before. Holding it up toward the sun, he saw no change. It looked like an ordinary stone.
So it only responds under the moonlight… and when Fang is near, he concluded. That means it's powerless during the day. With that thought, he inserted the stone back into his chest and went on with his work, still dazed by everything that had happened.
That evening, Fang returned home carrying a cake and some grilled meat. She placed them on the table cheerfully.
Syaoran looked surprised. "Why did you buy all this?"
Fang grinned. "Because today is my birthday!"
Syaoran blinked. "What's a birthday?"
Fang gasped in disbelief. "Don't tell me you don't even know that! It's the day I was born!"
Looking a little embarrassed, Syaoran replied, "Ah… so today is the day you were born, right?"
Fang nodded with a bright smile. "Now come on, let's eat!"
They sat together at the table. Fang lit a candle, and Syaoran tilted his head in awe. "What's that?"
"This is a candle," she said. "We make a wish, then blow it out."
He stared at it like a curious child.
Fang closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candle. Then she cut the cake and fed Syaoran a piece. He blinked at her, confused but moved, and she fed herself next, smiling brightly.
Syaoran's eyes wandered to the meat on the table, his expression lighting up. Fang noticed and chuckled. "Here, eat. I got this just for you."
He grinned and eagerly dug in.
As they ate, Fang's voice turned soft. "Syaoran, I've never celebrated my birthday with anyone before. This is the first time… and it feels like I was born again today."
Syaoran paused, his gaze melting as he looked at her.
Then she leaned toward him with hopeful eyes. "Syaoran… will you celebrate my birthday again when I turn eighteen?"
He quickly turned away and smiled gently. "Well… let's see if you reach eighteen first. Then we'll talk."
Fang lightly pinched his arm in annoyance and pouted. "Mean!"
He laughed and continued eating.
Syaoran reached out, patting her head softly, his expression turning thoughtful. Fang… I wish you could just live a normal life. Stay far away from me and my clan… that's the only way you'll be truly happy.