Chapter 13: Thread Knot

The community center’s lanterns cast warm halos as Chen lingered by the door, the silk pouch still hummed in her pocket. Shen and Su stood beneath the old banyan tree outside, heads tilted close as they laughed over a story about Ms. Li’s strict homework rules. Chen’s fingers brushed the small, crimson envelope in her palm—Zhang had given it that morning, the “Affinity Talisman” inside glowing faintly through the paper.

“Ready?” Zhang’s voice appeared beside her, his ledger tucked under one arm. The silver thread between Chen and Shen shimmered softly, its light now complementing rather than competing with the faint red glow that had begun to stir around Shen and Su’s wrists.

Chen nodded, taking a deep breath. She’d practiced the incantation a dozen times, but her palms still grew clammy. “What if it doesn’t work? After all the messes…”

“The thread doesn’t lie,” Zhang said, nodding toward the pair outside. “They’ve rekindled the bond on their own—your job is just to give it a gentle nudge.” He patted her shoulder. “Now go. The talisman works best when their hearts are open.”

Chen stepped into the cool evening air, the talisman’s warmth seeping into her skin. Shen glanced up first, his smile softening when he saw her. “We were just talking about you,” he said. Su turned, holding out the crumpled milk candy wrapper. “Shen says you’re the reason we ran into each other again. Thank you.”

Chen held up the crimson envelope, her silver magic already beginning to glow at her fingertips. “This isn’t just a thank-you gift. It’s a little help from the Yuelao Office—something to make sure your luck stays on track.” She tore open the envelope, revealing a delicate talisman etched with interwoven red threads.

As she chanted the incantation, the talisman lifted from her palm, floating between Shen and Su. It burst into a shower of red light, wrapping around their wrists like silk. The silver thread between Chen and Shen dimmed, its work done, while Shen’s once-black thread unfurled completely, merging with a bright red thread that had been hidden around Su’s wrist.

The two threads twisted together, knotting tightly with a soft glow that made Su gasp. “I can feel it,” she whispered, touching her wrist. “Like… something clicking into place.” Shen’s eyes widened as he took her hand, the last traces of the curse vanishing from his face.

Zhang stepped outside just as the glow faded, a smile on his face. “Congratulations, Chen. That’s textbook matchmaking.” He turned to Shen and Su. “The knot will hold, but remember—threads need care. Love isn’t magic alone; it’s showing up, even when the signs fall or the dogs chase you.”

Shen laughed, squeezing Su’s hand. “We’ll keep that in mind.” Su nodded, grinning. “Next time, I’ll bring a sturdier picnic basket. And maybe a first-aid kit.”

Later, back at the Yuelao Office, Zhang handed Chen a formal badge engraved with a red thread. “Probation passed. You’re a full Yuelao now.” Chen traced the badge, her heart light. She’d messed up badly at first, but she’d learned that matchmaking wasn’t about perfect talismans—it was about fixing mistakes, and letting people find their way to each other.

The Porcelain Goblin, who’d hitched a ride in her bag, popped out with a piece of osmanthus cake. “Don’t get too cocky,” he muttered, but his eyes were warm. Chen took the cake, smiling. Her first real match had worked—and she was ready for the next one.