A week had passed since Lian's nightmare, and he was now able to walk around with ease, his injuries fully healed.
However, his daily routine had become a source of amusement for Mochen. Every time Mochen tried to give Lian his medicine, they would end up fighting or Mochen would become frustrated. The only exception was when Bai Ye fed it to him; Lian would obediently take the medicine without a fuss.
As Lian wandered around the house, he couldn't help but feel a pang of hunger. He had been taking a nap earlier and was now craving something to eat.
He spotted Mochen in the garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The scent of blooming peonies and jasmine filled the air, and the soft chirping of birds created a soothing melody.
Lian approached Mochen, who was busy pruning a nearby bush. "I'm hungry," Lian announced, his stomach growling in anticipation.
Mochen looked up, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'll prepare something for you. What would you like to eat?"
But Lian shook his head, his expression stubborn. "I don't want to eat your food. I want to eat something prepared by Bai Ye."
Mochen's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Lian, this person you're talking about is a demon prince. Would he really go to such lengths for you?"
Lian's face scrunched up in determination. "I don't care. I just want to eat something he's prepared."
Mochen sighed, shaking his head. "You're spoiled, Lian. Bai Ye has really indulged you."
Lian didn't care. He had grown accustomed to Bai Ye's presence, and the demon prince's absence left a void in his life. As he walked around the house, Lian couldn't help but feel like he was searching for something – or someone.
But why was he looking for Bai Ye? Lian's thoughts were a jumbled mess. He couldn't explain why he felt this way. All he knew was that he needed Bai Ye to be there, regardless of whether the demon prince was ignoring him, insulting him, or teasing him.
Lian's feet carried him through the winding paths of the garden, past the serene pond and the vibrant flowers. He felt lost, unsure of what he was searching for or why he felt this way.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the garden, Lian finally stopped in front of a beautiful weeping willow. Its branches swayed gently in the breeze, creating a soothing melody.
Lian's eyes closed, and he took a deep breath, letting the peaceful atmosphere calm his mind. But even as he stood there, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was waiting for something – or someone.
And then, without warning, Lian's eyes snapped open. He sensed a presence behind him, and his heart skipped a beat as he turned to face the newcomer.
As Lian turned around, he saw Bai Ye standing before him, a gentle smile on his face. The moonlight, which had just begun to rise, cast an ethereal glow on Bai Ye's white hair, making it shine like silk.
Lian's eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately hit Bai Ye's chest. "Old monster, you scared me!"
Bai Ye's smile deepened, and he said, "I'm sorry. I heard from Mochen that you refused to eat."
Lian pouted, acting like a baby. Bai Ye, still holding Lian's hand, looked at him with amusement. "What is it?"
Lian's face scrunched up, and he said, "Old monster, can you prepare something for me to eat?"
Bai Ye's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Me, a prince, prepare something for you to eat?"
Lian's face fell, realizing that he might have overstepped. But then he thought, if he continued to pout and act like a baby, Bai Ye might throw him off. However, something stopped him, and he immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, I wasn't going to ask again. I didn't mean to cross the boundaries."
Bai Ye's expression softened, and he pulled Lian towards him with a gentle tug on his arm. "Come, let's go to the kitchen."
The kitchen was a traditional affair, with a large wooden stove in the center of the room and a collection of clay pots and utensils hanging from the rafters. The air was thick with the smell of wood smoke and cooking oil.
Bai Ye led Lian to the stove, where a variety of ingredients were already laid out. Mochen must have been preparing dinner before Bai Ye arrived. Bai Ye began to chop and stir, his movements swift and efficient.
Lian watched, fascinated, as Bai Ye cooked. Occasionally, he would steal a carrot from the pot, earning a playful scowl from Bai Ye.
Before long, Bai Ye was serving Lian a steaming hot meal. Lian's eyes widened as he took his first bite, the flavors exploding on his tongue.
Bai Ye smiled, pleased with himself. "How is it?"
Lian nodded, his mouth full. "It's delicious!"
Bai Ye's smile deepened, and he sat down beside Lian, watching as he ate. The silence between them was comfortable, the only sound the clinking of utensils on the plate.
As Lian finished his meal, he opted to take away the dishes and do the washing, but Bai Ye refused, asking him to leave them be. Instead, they decided to take a stroll in the garden under the soft moonlight.
The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of crickets. Lian breathed deeply, feeling the peaceful atmosphere wash over him.
As they walked, Bai Ye suddenly stopped and held Lian back, his hand grasping Lian's arm. Lian turned to him, curious. "What is it, old monster?"
Bai Ye's expression turned serious. "I leave for the Underworld tomorrow."
Lian's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing with the . He had suspected that Bai Ye might be hiding something from him, and now he was determined to find out what it was.
But there was another reason Lian wanted to go with Bai Ye - he had grown accustomed to the demon prince's presence. It was as if he was pinned to Bai Ye, stuck to him like glue.
Lian repeated Bai Ye's words, his voice barely above a whisper. "I..."
Bai Ye's eyes locked onto Lian's, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Oh, I meant 'we' leave. If your legs are okay and you're ready, we can depart for the Underworld tomorrow. We'll just stay for three days."
Lian's heart skipped a beat as he processed Bai Ye's words. They would spend three days in the Underworld, and then return. It was a daunting prospect, but Lian was determined to see it through.
He nodded his head, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Bai Ye's eyes seemed to gleam with approval, and he nodded in response.
The two of them stood there for a moment, the only sound the soft rustling of the wind through the trees. Then, without a word, Bai Ye turned and continued their stroll, Lian following closely behind.