The gentle babble of flowing water filled the air, accompanied by the occasional rustling of leaves as a soft breeze passed through. Lian ran ahead, her small feet barely making a sound against the grass as she reached the river's edge.
"Look! The water is so clear!" she exclaimed, crouching down to peer into the shallow depths. Tiny fish darted between the rocks, their silver scales flashing under the sunlight.
Yue followed at a more measured pace, carrying a small woven basket. She watched as Lian reached into the water, her fingers grazing the surface. "Be careful not to fall in," she warned gently.
Shen Xu stood a few steps behind them, his arms loosely folded. His gaze swept over the river, the surrounding trees, and finally settled on the two figures before him. Yue's dark hair shimmered slightly in the sunlight, strands swaying as she moved. She had rolled up the sleeves of her light-colored robe, the fabric gathering just below her elbows.
Lian turned back toward him, her expression full of excitement. "Xu-gege, how do we catch them?"
Shen Xu walked over, crouching beside her. "There are a few ways. You can use a net, set a trap, or.. " he reached into the water with deliberate precision, his fingers barely making a ripple before moving swiftly "catch them by hand."
With a quick motion, he pulled his hand back, and in his palm, a small fish wriggled frantically. Lian gasped in delight.
"Wow!" she clapped her hands. "You make it look easy!"
"It's not," Yue remarked with a slight smirk. "He just has good reflexes."
Shen Xu glanced at her. "Want to try?"
She gave him a skeptical look. "I don't think I have the patience for that."
Lian was already reaching into the water, attempting to mimic Shen Xu's movement. But every time she got close, the fish slipped away. Frustrated but determined, she tried again.
Shen Xu sat back slightly, watching her efforts with mild amusement. "Don't be too eager. Let the fish come to you."
Lian frowned, trying to follow his advice. Yue, meanwhile, crouched beside her and dipped her fingers into the water. The cool sensation spread through her skin, and for a moment, she simply enjoyed the feeling.
Shen Xu's gaze drifted to her hands, to the delicate shape of her fingers trailing against the water's surface. Then lower to her feet, which were bare against the smooth river stones. the way her toes curled slightly against the cool touch of the ground. He caught himself staring but didn't immediately look away.
Yue seemed unaware, too focused on Lian. "Let's try using this," she said, reaching into the basket and pulling out a small, woven scoop net. She handed it to the little girl. "It'll be easier than catching them by hand."
Lian's face lit up. "Okay!"
Shen Xu leaned back, watching the two of them interact. Yue's patience with Lian was clear, and Lian, for all her energy, listened intently when Yue spoke.
"Xu-gege," Lian called out, shaking him from his thoughts. "You have to help too!"
He sighed lightly but moved closer. "Alright."
Together, they spent the afternoon by the river Yue guiding Lian, Lian laughing whenever she failed, and Shen Xu, quietly observing it all. By the time they left, the basket held only a few small fish, but Lian was beaming as if she had caught a hundred.
As they walked back home, the sky turning soft shades of orange, Yue glanced at Shen Xu but said nothing.
As they made there way home the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional chirping of birds filled the air. Lian skipped ahead, carrying the small basket of fish proudly in both hands, humming a cheerful tune as she went.
Yue walked at a steadier pace, rolling down the sleeves of her robe now that the day's warmth was beginning to fade. She glanced at Shen Xu, who was walking beside her, his usual unreadable expression in place.
"You really were staring earlier," she mused, casting him a sidelong glance.
He didn't immediately respond, but after a moment, his lips quirked into the slightest of smiles. "It seems I was caught."
Yue raised a brow. "You admit it so easily?"
Shen Xu let out a quiet chuckle, the sound rare but pleasant. "There's no point in denying what you already know."
She studied him, the way his sharp eyes held an unusual softness beneath their usual guarded depths.
"Was there something on my face?" she asked teasingly.
"No," he answered simply. "Just… watching."
Yue blinked, Before she could respond, Lian turned around, calling out to them.
"Yue-jiejie! Xu-gege! Hurry up!"
Yue smiled and shook her head. "Alright, alright, we're coming."
As they reached the house, the evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of earth and wood. Yue took the basket from Lian's hands, bringing it inside while the little girl sat on the porch, swinging her legs idly.
Shen Xu lingered outside, his gaze drifting to the darkening sky.
He was used to shadows, to solitude. But now, there was light, there was laughter.
And there was Yue.
He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of her through the open doorway, sleeves rolled up again as she prepared the fish for cooking.
He exhaled softly, pulling his thoughts away.
Lian suddenly yawned beside him, rubbing her eyes. "I'm sleepy…"
Shen Xu glanced down at her. "Go inside. Yue will put you to bed."
The little girl mumbled something incoherent, her eyelids drooping. With a small sigh, Shen Xu crouched down and lifted her with ease, carrying her inside. Yue looked up as he entered, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"She didn't even make it to dinner?"
"She was too excited all day," Shen Xu said simply, carrying Lian to her small bed and gently laying her down. The girl barely stirred, already lost in deep sleep.
Yue pulled a blanket over her and straightened, meeting Shen Xu's gaze in the dim candlelight.
"Thank you," Yue said softly.
He tilted his head slightly. "For what?"
"For today," she said. "For spending time with Lian. For making her happy."
Shen Xu was silent for a moment before he replied, his voice lower than usual. "I didn't do much."
Yue's lips curled into a small smile. "You did more than you think."
For a long moment, they stood there, the air between them filled with quiet. Then, without another word, Yue turned back toward the small kitchen to finish preparing the meal, while Shen Xu remained where he was, watching her for just a moment longer.