The morning sun spilled into the small courtyard, painting everything in soft gold. A peaceful silence lingered in the air, interrupted only by the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Yue stretched lazily, her arms reaching above her head as she stepped outside. The night had been calm, and Lian had slept soundly for the first time since they had taken her in.
She spotted Xu at the well, drawing water with practiced ease. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing lean, scarred forearms, and his expression remained unreadable as always.
Yue smirked. "Look at you, acting like a proper village man."
Xu gave her a sidelong glance but said nothing as he carried the bucket toward the house.
"Where's Lian?" he asked instead.
"Still asleep," Yue replied, rubbing her arms against the morning chill. "She finally seems comfortable."
A faint hum of acknowledgment was all he gave in response.
Yue watched him for a moment before tilting her head. "You never told me you could play the flute."
Xu paused, setting the bucket down. "Does it matter?"
She rolled her eyes. "Of course, it does. It was the first time I saw you do something other than glare at people."
Xu exhaled, shaking his head, but before he could reply, a small voice interrupted them.
"Good morning…"
They turned to see Lian standing at the doorway, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her hair was still messy, and her oversized robe nearly swallowed her tiny frame, but there was something new in her expression something lighter, as if a weight had been lifted.
Yue smiled. "Morning, Lian. Hungry?"
The little girl nodded shyly.
"Well, come help me make breakfast," Yue said, waving her over. "If you're going to stay here, you might as well learn how to cook."
Lian hesitated, glancing at Xu, who simply gave a slight nod.
Encouraged, she shuffled over to Yue's side, watching closely as she gathered the ingredients.
As Yue showed her how to wash rice, she noticed Lian sneaking glances at Xu, who had returned to tending the fire.
"You can talk to him, you know," Yue whispered playfully. "He won't bite."
Lian hesitated, then finally spoke. "Your song last night… was pretty."
Xu didn't respond at first, but there was the slightest flicker of something in his eyes.
"…I'm glad you liked it," he said at last.
Lian smiled a small, genuine smile and for the first time since they found her, she looked like a child again.
Yue glanced between them and grinned. "See? He's not so scary after all."
Xu shot her a look, but she only laughed, nudging Lian gently. "Come on, let's finish cooking before he glares us to death."