The morning sun began to filter through the windows of Li Muwan's private pavilion, signaling the start of a new day. Wu Shen had been awake long before the sun rose, as usual. He was accustomed to his routine as Li Muwan's personal servant. Every step he took was light and cautious, ensuring everything was perfect before his young mistress woke up.
In the small kitchen of the pavilion, Wu Shen skillfully prepared breakfast. Rice porridge with light herbs that were not only healthy but also delicious. His small yet skilled hands arranged everything perfectly. After finishing, he carried the tray of food to Li Muwan's room.
Gently, he knocked on the door. "Miss, breakfast is ready."
Li Muwan, who had just woken up, with her long black hair slightly messy, opened the door slowly. Her sleepy eyes gleamed softly when she saw Wu Shen.
"You're up early again, Wu Shen," she said with a teasing tone.
"It's my duty to ensure that you start your day well, Miss," Wu Shen replied with a small smile.
Li Muwan sat at the small table while Wu Shen poured her warm tea. There was an unusual warmth in moments like this—a simple routine that created a sense of comfort between them.
"Wu Shen, you're always meticulous in everything. You're truly different from the other servants," Li Muwan suddenly said.
Wu Shen only smiled, but deep inside, he felt touched. Her simple words gave him the encouragement to continue trying his best.
---
In the Pavilion's Back Garden
After breakfast, Li Muwan decided to take a walk in the back garden of the pavilion. She often spent time here to calm her mind. Wu Shen followed her, keeping a respectful distance but remaining vigilant.
"Miss," Wu Shen called softly after a moment of silence.
"Yes?" Li Muwan turned to look at him.
"Do you feel happy here?"
Li Muwan fell silent. The question was simple, but it carried a lot of meaning. As the heir of the Li family, she knew that the burden she carried was not light. Sometimes, she felt like a bird in a golden cage—beautiful, yet imprisoned.
"I don't know, Wu Shen," she finally replied. "There are times I feel content, but there are also times I want to see the outside world. What about you? Are you happy being my servant?"
Wu Shen shrugged his small shoulders. "I don't know what true happiness means, Miss. But I feel at peace here. And I'm happy to serve you."
Li Muwan smiled faintly, but there was a subtle blush on her cheeks. Wu Shen's words, though simple, felt sincere.
---
Afternoon: Li Muwan's Training
Li Muwan spent her afternoon cultivating in the courtyard of the pavilion. Wu Shen sat not far from her, watching intently. He knew that cultivation was an essential part of Li Muwan's life as the heir, but he also understood that the process was not easy.
"Miss, please take a break," Wu Shen said after seeing Li Muwan sweating and looking tired.
"I need to raise my level, Wu Shen," Li Muwan replied without stopping.
"But if you push yourself, your body could weaken," Wu Shen insisted, his tone full of concern.
Li Muwan finally stopped and looked at Wu Shen. "You're always worried, Wu Shen. You're like... an older brother."
Wu Shen smiled faintly. "Then consider me an older brother who cares too much."
Li Muwan chuckled. That moment felt light, but there was something different in her laughter—something warmer, something closer.
---
Evening: A Conversation Under the Moonlight
That evening, as usual, Wu Shen sat in the back courtyard of the pavilion. The moonlight illuminated his face, which appeared calm but filled with thoughts. Li Muwan, having finished her activities, approached him with quiet steps.
"You like sitting here, don't you?" Li Muwan asked as she sat beside Wu Shen.
"This place is peaceful, Miss. The moon and stars make me feel... like this world isn't so bad after all."
Li Muwan stared at the moon for a moment before speaking. "Wu Shen, sometimes I wonder... what would my life be like if I weren't the heir of the Li family? Maybe my life would be freer."
Wu Shen looked at her. "But you wouldn't be who you are now without that responsibility. And I'm sure, Miss, you will make a great change someday."
Li Muwan fell silent, but her heart felt warm. Wu Shen always knew how to say things that made her feel better.
"Wu Shen," she said softly, "if I may ask, what do you want from this world?"
Wu Shen thought for a moment before answering. "I want to be strong, Miss. Strong enough to protect the people who are important to me."
Li Muwan looked at him, and for a moment, there was a different warmth in her eyes. Maybe it was admiration, or maybe it was something more.
"Then, you must stay by my side, Wu Shen," she said with a gentle voice.
Wu Shen nodded. "Always, Miss."