Yu Xiao's gaze fell on the pouch of dried apricots cradled in Long Jianyu's hand, her brow furrowing in a mixture of curiosity and hesitation.
She lifted her face, searching his expression for a hint of his intentions.
"Is it... for me?"
"Hmn..."
A soft, reassured smile gradually bloomed on Yu Xiao's lips.
She reached out, her slender fingers brushing against his as she gently took a piece of dried apricot from his open palm.
Bringing it to her mouth, she tasted the fruit, her teeth sinking into its supple flesh. The sweet-tart flavor burst across her tongue, and she chewed slowly, savoring its chewy yet juicy texture.
"How is it?" Long Jianyu asked with curiosity.
"Hmm..." Yu Xiao's eyes lit up as she nodded approvingly. "It's really good—nicely balanced, chewy and juicy at the same time. I like it a lot."
"Then, I'll make sure to prepare more dried apricots every day, just for you." Long Jianyu's voice was gentle, laced with a quiet sincerity as he met her gaze.
Yu Xiao's lips curled in a playful smile, her eyes narrowing with mock suspicion.
"How thoughtful you are. But tell me, how did you know I like these? Did someone give you a hint?"
Long Jianyu's lips quirked into a faint, enigmatic smile. He shook his head, his eyes glimmering with quiet amusement.
"No one told me. I just guessed."
"Oh, well... Stone-Honey, you should have a taste too." Yu Xiao's tone was lighthearted as she offered, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"No need," he replied curtly, turning his gaze away, feigning indifference even as a faint color crept up his cheeks.
Yu Xiao took another bite, her lips curving with mischief.
Quietly, she picked another piece of dried apricot, this time with the clear intention to tease. In one swift motion, she turned to Long Jianyu and, catching him off guard, popped the dried apricot straight into his mouth before he could protest.
Long Jianyu froze in surprise, his eyes widening as Yu Xiao snorted with mock indignation, delighting in his bewilderment.
"Silly boy, I'm just being generous. How dare you refuse me?" Yu Xiao teased, her laughter soft and bright.
Long Jianyu was left speechless, his pride wounded and his cheeks tinged with red.
Resigned, he slowly chewed the dried apricot she had fed him, stealing a sidelong glance at Yu Xiao's triumphant grin.
"How's the taste?" Yu Xiao asked, tilting her head to the side, her eyes glinting with anticipation as she watched his reaction.
Long Jianyu let out a soft, resigned sigh before nodding, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he finally acknowledged her persistent care.
Dusk settled gently around them, cloaking the world in a tranquil hush.
In the growing twilight, Yu Xiao and Long Jianyu found themselves quietly gazing at the sky, where the first glimpse of a round, luminous moon rose above the horizon, bathing their faces in its silvery glow.
"You know," Yu Xiao began softly, her voice carrying a touch of nostalgia, "back in my hometown, I used to watch the moon whenever it was full. There's something comforting about it."
Long Jianyu glanced at her, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"So, you like the moon too?"
"Too?" Yu Xiao echoed with a playful arch of her brow. "Don't tell me we share the same fondness for moon-gazing?"
"There's... a perspective I'm still trying to grasp as well. For me, it's more than just fondness. There's a feeling—something indescribable—that draws me to it, a reason I can't quite put into words, but I find myself always searching for it."
Yu Xiao listened in thoughtful silence, her gaze lingering on Long Jianyu's face as if searching for the meaning behind his words.
"Why does it feel so especially quiet to me tonight?" he murmured, almost to himself, his gaze drifting upward as if the hush in the air might offer an answer.
After a pause, Yu Xiao spoke up, her tone tentative.
"There's something I've been wanting to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"Have you ever been in love before?"
Long Jianyu turned to look at Yu Xiao, silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable beneath the gentle moonlight.
"Just answer me. Don't be shy," Yu Xiao urged gently, a playful yet earnest note in her voice.
"In love?" Long Jianyu repeated softly, considering the question for a moment. "No."
"Really? You know, for humans, the moon carries so many emotional narratives. Sometimes, it's a symbol of comfortable love and joyful life. But when lovers are parted, the full moon can also evoke deep longing and sorrow. It's fascinating—how the moon can embody so many different concepts, not just one cycle or feeling."
"Do you... believe in that superstition? Or maybe, were you ever caught up in something like that yourself?" Long Jianyu asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Yu Xiao smiled, a touch of mischief lighting up her face.
"Not really... That man was a jerk! Luckily, I'm not so easily fooled," she added with a soft chuckle, before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, "He wasn't half as gentle as you."
Hearing Yu Xiao's words, Long Jianyu felt his heart thundering in his chest, the sound echoing in his ears.
A sudden warmth rushed to his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze from Yu Xiao, unable to meet her eyes. Instinctively, he pressed a hand to his chest, trying to steady his breath.
"What is it? Did something happen to you?" Yu Xiao asked suddenly, her brows knitting in concern as she peered at him.
"I'm fine."
"Are you hurt? Let me help you."
"No, no."
Yu Xiao watched him closely, her silence filled with unspoken worry.
"I think I'm just a little tired today. There were so many things I needed to take care of. It's just a bit of exhaustion, nothing more," he said, forcing a small, reassuring smile.
"Oh, sure?"
Yu Xiao steadied herself but continued to peer at Long Jianyu's face, her concern mingling with gentle insistence.
"The breeze is picking up now. These dried apricots are getting cold, you know. Instead of sulking, why don't you have another bite?"
Long Jianyu quietly turned to her, meeting her gaze.
"Fine," he relented with a soft sigh, a small, reassuring smile curling on his lips. He picked up a piece of dried apricot and took a slow, thoughtful bite, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"I'm really curious about you," Yu Xiao spoke up, her tone gentle yet probing. "All this time, you've never told me your real name. Are you... hiding something from me?"
"I never meant to hide my identity from you," Long Jianyu replied softly, a trace of regret in his eyes. "It's just... not the right time yet."
"Yun Qingjue once told me you were the most powerful and respected being in this realm. I get it—you must have so many burdens and constraints placed on you."
"If, one day, you discovered my true identity... would you turn away from me?"
"You've always been good to me. Why would I?" Yu Xiao replied with unwavering sincerity.
Long Jianyu gave a quiet chuckle.
"You amaze me, Yu Xiao. You're more understanding than most."
Yu Xiao gently slapped his arm, feigning indignation.
"You really mean that? But Yun Qingjue is nothing like you. He's always scowling at me, always picking fights. Honestly, he should be grateful I can't beat him up—he's so stubborn!"
Long Jianyu's eyes softened as he listened to her playful rant.
"Qingjue grew up under my care. Even if he acts harsh with his words, I know he'd never hurt anyone without good reason."
"I know," Yu Xiao said with a small smile. "He's kind—and fiercely protective of his Dijun."
"Don't worry, I'll have a word with him—tell him to be gentle with you." Long Jianyu's tone was soft and earnest.
Yu Xiao's lips curled into a warm smile at his gentle promise.
"You don't need to go through all that trouble. Childish squabbles like ours aren't worth your persuasion."
"For me, it's serious," Long Jianyu replied quietly, sincerity shining in his eyes.
Their eyes met and held, an unspoken understanding passing between them in the hush of the evening.
"It's strange," Yu Xiao admitted softly. "Every time I look at you, I get this feeling… as if we've met somewhere before."
Long Jianyu was left momentarily stunned, Yu Xiao's admission echoing in his mind as he struggled to find the right words.
Yu Xiao, if only you knew... I share those same thoughts. But I can't bring myself to tell you about this uncertain feeling. I'm afraid I might be wrong. Still, just as you said, I often wonder too if we've met before.
"You're... spacing out," Yu Xiao murmured, leaning in a little closer to peer at his face.
Long Jianyu snapped back to the moment, suddenly aware of how near she was.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly.
Long Jianyu blinked rapidly, momentarily speechless, his thoughts scattered by her nearness. He could only nod in response, still trying to steady his racing heart.
"Can you... move over a little? I almost fell off the—stone," he mumbled, glancing behind him as Yu Xiao followed his gaze, realizing the narrow space.
With a sheepish smile, Yu Xiao quickly shifted aside, making more room so Long Jianyu could sit comfortably.
"Sorry about that."
Long Jianyu smiled and offered her a warm, reassuring look.
"How are you feeling today?"
"I feel much better. Thanks for your care."
"Even if you feel better, you still need to finish the remedy. Tonight, I'll brew more herbs for you—they're good for another day of healing. After that, you can do whatever you want. But wandering outside my sanctuary is still off-limits. If you want to stay safe, just follow my instructions."
Yu Xiao's expression fell.
"But... staying in your den is boring. I have no one to talk to. You won't even let Tiaopi keep me company."
"I'll let Tiaopi out—just behave yourself."
"Promise?"
"Hmn... Aside from that, what else do you like to do?"
Yu Xiao let out a soft snort of laughter, her eyes dancing as she looked at Long Jianyu's face.
"Why are you laughing?"
"I never expected you to be so considerate. Stop it—why do I feel like you're spoiling me?" she teased, half-amused and half genuinely touched.
Long Jianyu smirked at her, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Do I? I'm just afraid you'll cry if your wish goes unfulfilled."
"You know, I really like exploring beautiful places," Yu Xiao admitted with a wistful smile.
"Is that all?" Long Jianyu chuckled. "Just focus on your recovery first. Once you're well, I'll take you to see all the beautiful scenery you want."
"Stone-Honey, thank you."
Long Jianyu didn't say a word, but his warm gaze lingered on her as he quietly picked up a piece of dried apricot.
With a soft sigh, he offered it to her, inviting her to take a bite from his hand.
"Eat," he said gently.
Yu Xiao smiled and accepted the bite, her eyes bright with gratitude.
Long Jianyu watched her, a soft, reassuring smile curving his lips as a comfortable silence settled between them.