Thanks to VenusUnchained, AdriannaSharp, and iiyasbssmdoodles for helping me with Kunzite's characterization.

Mei asked, "You mean, one's actions, whether they bring merit or negative consequences shall determine the fate of their next life, am I correct?"

Kǎi nodded as he looked at the priestess. "That is correct."

"Choices play a huge impact than one might think in the heat of the moment."

"Indeed, while all beings have free will to make their choices, in the end, the lives that we lead are part of a greater scheme woven by Siming* himself. Inevitable choices and actions that cannot be defied hence the balance be destroyed."

Their world was formed in such a mysterious way and with a semblance of understanding, Mei replied. "What is meant to be will always be."

Kǎi nodded. "One will never lose what is meant to be theirs in any form."

The angel looked behind at the rest of the group as he called out "Time for a break!"

A merman with a yellow-green tail with tied back pale blond hair swam close to the angel's side. "Speaking of choices, mind if we talk?"

"Hmm?"

Kǎi knew that Zhihao was snarky and mischievous, often riling up Ruǎn yù. He also recalled the time Zhihao tried to show off his water manipulation skills, only for it to be not effective. According to Ai, Zhihao had feelings for Qing which seemed to be reciprocated but that was all he knew of him. Unlike Yìngyù and Ruǎn yù, he hadn't really interacted with the immature merman who seemed to be physically younger than all the males in their group.

"I've never gotten the chance to talk to you before so I figured I might as well do so now. Let's get some privacy before we talk further."

The two males went off to the side then Zhihao asked with a smirk. "…What drew you to Ai by the way?"

Kǎi's silver eyes had a glint of mortification before he asked, "How did you know?"

It wasn't like they had announced the fact they were together to the whole group but given how a few of them knew about him being with Ai, it seemed inevitable that they'd all eventually find out, but it wasn't exactly something to be proud of. This relationship was utterly forbidden due to the difference between their races and while he had the fortune that no one from the Heaven clan had condemned him for his feelings yet. He knew that they could not be together. For Ai was of the sea and he was of the sky.

Zhihao chuckled. "It's obvious, during our breaks, you've been going off with her lately."

Kǎi narrowed his eyes, not allowing any indications of shame to show any further. Not only did the merman had a smart mouth but he seemed to be quite observant as well.

"…And you and Qing as of lately as well."

Zhihao chuckled with his eyes closed, looking rather smug. "Oh, we're that obvious? Not surprising to me though, aside from Qing herself until now, everyone else in our friend group seems to have picked up on my feelings. Unfortunately, my adoration for her speaks volumes."

"Hmm." The angel had a thoughtful expression.

"What?" Zhihao frowned.

"Well, if your adoration for her speaks volumes then it is highly unlikely that given her intelligence..."

Zhihao closed his eyes as he interjected "She's the royal librarian."

"Mmm. …That explains a lot so given her intelligence, I find it highly unlikely that she would've missed the signs of your adoration."

Zhihao sheepishly giggled with his eyes closed. "You got me there. Not to brag but I'm pretty good at reading others but I suppose when it comes to emotional matters close to me, it's hard to see."

"I see. …Would you care to explain why you were drawn to her, if you don't mind me asking?"

Zhihao smirked. "I didn't expect you to turn the tables on me."

Was it obvious that he was trying to change the subject?

"If you do not wish to explain then that is understandable. Forgive me for being invasive. Good day." The angel turned to the side.

"Wait!" Zhihao held out a hand, looking shocked, his smirk lost on him.

It was rare he and the angel spoke, and he wanted the conversation with Kǎi to last longer than this.

Zhihao exhaled before smirking at the end of his statement. "Fine, I'll tell you more. In exchange, could you tell me about you and Ai?"

Kǎi inhaled through his nostrils. "I love her because she is beautiful and has a good heart. Now it's your turn, Zhihao."

Zhihao chuckled and replied, "Quick to change the subject hmm? …Very well then. Clearly, we share a friend group since we both work at the palace. We only exchanged a few words but from the moment we met, her beauty and her reserved nature attracted me."

Kǎi raised a silver brow. "You were intrigued by her reserved nature?"

Although the angel admittedly used Zhihao and Qing's relationship to divert the conversation away from that of his and Ai's, he couldn't help but wonder if Zhihao and Qing were bound together. He must inquire Yue Lao about their relationship when he met with the elderly god tonight. He knew Yue Lao would not hesitate to give him the answer he desired.

Zhihao had his eyes closed as he replied. "That and she was intelligent and seemed demure. I figured that there might be more to her, but I was somewhat wrong about her being proper, she can be a little cheeky actually."

Kǎi's laugh came out as a "hmph".

Zhihao's yellow green eyes widened before he pointed at the angel. "You laughed. You actually laughed. And I made you laugh."

The angel rolled his eyes playfully. "It's not as if I'm made of stone."

"But you sure act like it."

Kǎi resumed his default expression as he replied, "I have a serious demeanor and I am devoted to my duties as a guardian angel, that is all."

Zhihao pointed with his right index finger. "Ah, so you're that type of being, top of your class, takes everything seriously."

Much to the angel's irritation, Zhihao was correct in his assumptions. The merman was clever beyond having a smart mouth. He did claim to be decent at reading others. He was observant although his judgements weren't always accurate.

*Siming is the Chinese god of fate.