Soft footsteps and sleepy murmurs filled the small cabin as the children woke up one by one.
Little Mei was the first to appear, rubbing her eyes with tiny fists as she shuffled to the table and rested her cheek on the wood, still half-asleep. Little Jian followed shortly after, yawning widely while scratching the back of his head. One by one, the other three children Little Hao, Little Ling, and Little Yun joined them, each taking their usual seats around the round table with drowsy faces and messy hair.
Ruo Lan finished ladling the porridge and turned toward the table with a gentle smile.
"Alright, everyone, listen for a moment," she said warmly. "This is Jin Kai. He's the person we found injured on the beach yesterday. He'll be staying with us for a while until he recovers. Be good and treat him nicely, okay?"
The children's sleepy eyes instantly brightened with curiosity.
Little Jian leaned forward first, grinning from ear to ear. "Big Brother Jin Kai! I'm Little Jian! I was the one who ran to get the stretcher yesterday!"
"I'm Little Hao!" the second oldest boy said eagerly.
The shy girl with twin braids gave a small wave and spoke softly, "I'm Little Ling… Nice to meet you, Big Brother Jin Kai."
Little Mei peeked out from behind her hands and whispered cutely, "Mei-Mei…"
The quietest boy simply nodded politely. "I'm Little Yun… Please take care of us, Big Brother."
Jin Kai looked at each of them gently and smiled. "It's nice to meet all of you. Thank you for helping me yesterday. I'll try not to trouble you too much while I'm here."
Ruo Lan's eyes softened as she took her own seat.
"Don't worry about troubling us," she said lightly. "We're happy to have you. Now, everyone eat before the food gets cold."
The children picked up their chopsticks, but their attention kept drifting back to Jin Kai. Little Jian, full of energy, spoke up first.
"Big Brother, how did you get hurt so badly? Did you fight with sea monsters?"
Little Ling tilted her head, staring at Jin Kai's torn black robes with wide, innocent eyes. "Big Brother… your clothes are all torn up, but they still look so pretty and special. What kind of cloth is that? It's not like the ones we wear…"
Little Mei, still half-hidden behind her hands, suddenly whispered loudly, "Big Brother is so handsome…"
Soft giggles rippled around the table. Ruo Lan shook her head with an amused smile and gently scolded them.
"Eat your food first. Don't bombard Big Brother Jin Kai with questions so early in the morning. Let him recover a little first."
Jin Kai took a bite of the warm porridge, the simple taste comforting him. As he ate, surrounded by the innocent chatter and curious glances of the children, and the quiet, caring presence of Ruo Lan, a rare warmth settled in his chest.
Seeing the kids eating heartily, their cheeks puffed out as they happily scooped porridge and nibbled on the grilled fish, Jin Kai couldn't help but let his gaze drift across the table to Ruo Lan.
She was eating with quiet grace. Using her chopsticks, she delicately picked up a small, flaky piece of fish meat, brought it to her mouth, and gently placed it between her lips. Her cute, delicate lips closed softly around it as she chewed. The morning sunlight filtering through the window highlighted the subtle movement, making the simple act feel unexpectedly captivating.
Jin Kai observed her in silence, his chopsticks paused halfway to his own bowl. He didn't even realize how long he had been watching until Ruo Lan suddenly lifted her eyes and noticed his steady gaze.
Their eyes met.
Ruo Lan froze for a split second, her chopsticks still hovering near her mouth. A faint blush bloomed across her cheeks, turning them a soft pink. She quickly lowered her chopsticks into her bowl and tilted her head slightly, a mix of surprise and gentle embarrassment in her expression.
"…Is something wrong, Jin Kai?" she asked softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper, clearly trying not to draw the children's attention.
The innocent chatter around the table continued, but Jin Kai could feel the subtle shift in the air between them. He hadn't meant to stare so openly. Yet in this quiet morning moment, surrounded by the warmth of the small home, he found it harder than expected to look away.
With a subtle cough, Jin Kai cleared his throat and gently broke the quiet tension hanging between them.
"I'm okay, Ruo Lan," he responded calmly. "I think I'm full. Let me head back to my room to rest."
"Big Brother, are you full already?" Little Jian butted in immediately, looking up from his bowl with wide, surprised eyes. "You barely ate anything!"
"Yes, Little Jian," Jin Kai replied with a small, patient smile. "I am still injured, so my appetite isn't very big yet."
Ruo Lan looked at him with gentle concern, her earlier blush slowly fading. She set down her chopsticks and stood up smoothly.
"Let me help you to your room," she said softly, her voice carrying that familiar caring tone.
Jin Kai nodded without protest. He rose carefully from his seat, still moving with measured steps so as not to strain his recovering body. Ruo Lan walked beside him, staying close enough to offer support if needed, though she didn't reach out to hold his arm.
As they left the dining area, the children's voices followed them with a mix of curiosity and slight disappointment.
"Get well soon, Big Brother!" Little Ling called out.
"Bring more fish next time, Elder Sister!" Little Hao added cheekily.
Ruo Lan glanced back with a soft laugh. "Finish your breakfast first. I'll be back soon."
She guided Jin Kai down the short hallway to the modest room he had been resting in. Once inside, she helped him settle back onto the bed, adjusting the thin blanket with careful hands.
"You really don't have to push yourself," she said quietly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment. "If you need anything — water, medicine, or just someone to talk to — just call for me. I'll be right outside."
Jin Kai leaned back against the pillow, feeling the lingering warmth from the breakfast table slowly settle into a peaceful quiet.
"Thank you, Ruo Lan," he murmured sincerely.
She gave him one last gentle smile before turning toward the door.
"Rest well, Jin Kai."