Two hours had passed.
Amidst the sprawling ocean of wildflowers that blanketed the vast plain, Yu Xiao lay sprawled on her back, sunlight dappling her face.
Her nimble fingers wove slender blades of speargrass into a delicate crown, her movements fluid and careful.
She threaded tiny blossoms—violet, white, and gold—between the green, arranging them in a pattern that made the crown look both elegant and regal.
Petals brushed her knuckles, and the sweet fragrance of the flowers mingled with the laughter of the breeze.
Some distance away, on a mound of rich, dark soil, stood a magnificent begonia tree.
The tree's thick trunk bore the marks of centuries, its gnarled roots gripping the earth with ancient strength.
Vast branches arched outward, draped in thick clusters of vibrant flowers. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, scattering dappled shadows across the soft moss below.
Beneath the begonia's protective canopy, Long Jianyu stood before his painting stand, a sheet of pristine paper stretched taut.
He held a magical brush, its bristles shimmering faintly with stored energy.
Jianyu's gaze flicked between the distant Yu Xiao and his canvas, each stroke capturing the way her hair caught the light, the precise tilt of her head, and the fluttering butterflies that danced around her.
The colors of the plain, the gentle movement of the grass, and Yu Xiao's serene focus were all translated onto paper with deft, practiced gestures.
Yu Xiao, lost in her work, remained oblivious to Jianyu's watchful eyes.
She hummed softly, whispering to the flowers as she worked, while butterflies circled her, occasionally pausing to rest on her shoulder or crown.
The scene was alive with quiet magic, the air shimmering with the beauty of an ordinary afternoon given extraordinary life.
As the pristine paper filled with color and life, Long Jianyu turned the page, sliding a fresh sheet onto his painting stand.
This time, he focused solely on capturing Yu Xiao's captivating innocence—her delicate features, the gentle curiosity in her eyes, and the effortless grace in her every movement.
As he painted, a faint smile played at the corners of his lips, a quiet satisfaction accompanying each stroke.
Unbeknownst to Yu Xiao, Jianyu was steadily building a gallery of her likeness, each portrait more intimate than the last.
Soon, Yu Xiao rose to her feet, both hands clutching the two flower crowns she had patiently crafted.
She brushed the dust from her robe, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, then broke into a run toward the mound where Long Jianyu waited.
Jianyu spotted her approaching.
In a swift, practiced motion, he murmured a soft incantation, concealing his most recent portrait with illusion magic.
Should Yu Xiao glance at the canvas, she would see only the tranquil vista of the flower sea, not her own image rendered with such devotion.
"Stone-Honey!" Yu Xiao called, clambering up the earthy mound. "Look what I made!" she announced, beaming with pride.
Her exuberance drew a warm smile from Jianyu.
He stepped forward, offering his hand to help her up the last steep patch.
"Look, I made this crown. Isn't it beautiful?" Yu Xiao declared, holding up a crown woven with a delicate pattern of wildflowers.
"Hmn…" Jianyu murmured, admiration softening his features.
"This one is for me," Yu Xiao said, showing the medium-sized crown. "And this one… I made for you." She lifted the second crown, its ring adorned with blue and purple blooms, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Jianyu's expression shifted, surprise and tenderness mingling as he gazed at her.
"Here, hold this for me," she insisted, pressing the first crown into his hands. "Now crouch down—I want to put your crown on myself."
Momentarily at a loss for words, Jianyu felt an unfamiliar warmth spread across his cheeks.
But after a heartbeat, he complied, kneeling so that Yu Xiao could carefully settle the flower crown on his head.
Yu Xiao straightened, satisfaction lighting her face.
"See? It suits you perfectly. You look even more handsome now," she praised without hesitation.
"Uh…" Jianyu managed, lowering his gaze to the crown in his hands—the one Yu Xiao had just given him.
"Then… let me put this one on you as well," he said softly, a hint of shyness in his voice.
Before he could hesitate, Yu Xiao stepped forward, her eyes bright.
"Then, I'll let you do it," she replied, lifting her chin expectantly.
Long Jianyu's smile grew gentle as he examined the flower crown, ensuring the front faced properly.
With careful hands, he placed it atop Yu Xiao's head, tucking away stray strands of hair and arranging her lustrous locks so the crown rested perfectly.
"How do I look?" Yu Xiao asked, grinning up at him.
Long Jianyu's eyes lingered on her, warm and awestruck.
"I'm… speechless," he admitted.
Yu Xiao's brows arched in delight at Long Jianyu's unexpected honesty, then a sudden shyness colored her features.
She ducked her head, letting her gaze drift away from him.
Almost by accident, her eyes landed on the painting propped beside them. Curiosity sparked, and she stepped closer, drawn by the intricate strokes and vibrant colors.
Seeing the portrait up close, Yu Xiao's breath caught in awe.
The likeness was stunning, the whole scene captured with breathtaking beauty.
"You know how to paint?" she asked, turning to Jianyu, eyes wide with surprise.
"Just think of it as… keeping a record," he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"A record? This is more than that! It's like you brought the entire flower sea onto paper. It's excellent!"
"You like it?" Jianyu asked, his gaze softening.
"Very much. I know how to illustrate, too," Yu Xiao replied, her voice gaining a touch of pride. "But I use charcoal or graphite pencils, sometimes colored pencils to make everything more vivid."
Long Jianyu's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Charcoal pencil? Graphite? Colored… What is a pencil?"
Yu Xiao's lips twitched, trying to hide a smile at his bewilderment.
"A charcoal pencil," she began, "is a special drawing tool—usually a stick of charcoal encased in wood. Artists use it because it gives precise, clean lines and helps avoid making a mess. It's perfect for detailed sketching and shading. Charcoal pencils have been around since the late nineteenth century."
Long Jianyu folded his arms, listening intently to her explanation.
"As for graphite pencils," Yu Xiao continued, "they're mostly recommended for beginners—like pre-schoolers and kindergartners. But they're also commonly used in engineering, for drafting and making precise measurements. Those have been around since the mid-sixteenth century."
She paused, amused by the intent look on Jianyu's face as he tried to absorb each detail.
Raising a finger, she added, "And lastly… the colored pencil."
Jianyu leaned in, curiosity unmistakable.
"Colored pencils were invented in the early nineteenth century, first used for marking and checking things. But now, they're used for art. They have a center core filled with pigment, mixed with clay or talc, and bound with wax or oil for smoothness—all encased in wood. They make illustrations more vivid and captivating, bringing drawings to life with color."
Jianyu listened, fascinated, as Yu Xiao described a world of art both familiar and utterly new.
For a moment, Long Jianyu smirked, nodding thoughtfully.
"I'm impressed by your knowledge," he said. "You seem to have an endless well of wisdom about things I've never seen before."
Yu Xiao ducked her head, a sheepish smile touching her lips.
"I suppose I've just gotten used to it. Some things simply don't exist in this time, so it's natural you wouldn't know them."
Jianyu regarded her with a curious glint in his eyes.
"I also find myself intrigued by your spirit. You're far bolder than the women I've met—most cultivate quietly for years, never daring to stand out. You, on the other hand, are unafraid to speak your mind. This is the first time I've encountered someone so fearless. I hope that part of you never changes."
"Still, you haven't told me your name," she murmured, a playful glint in her eyes. "Between the two of us, you're the mysterious one."
"It's not the right time yet," Long Jianyu replied softly. "But I promise, one day I'll tell you everything."
Yu Xiao smiled gently, her tone turning introspective.
"That's alright. I'm still trying to figure out who I really am in this world, too. I shouldn't pressure you for answers. Let's just say we're even."
"You keep saying, 'in this world.' But you're here now. What are you trying to say?" Long Jianyu asked, his gaze searching her face.
"I came from a land far away," Yu Xiao replied quietly, her eyes distant. "So far, I can't return. I don't even know how."
A hush fell between them, the silence deep and heavy, filled only by the soft rustle of the wind through the flowers.
"Then… if it's that far away, and you can't return, you must stay," Long Jianyu said softly.
Yu Xiao looked at him, her eyes weary and touched with sadness.
"But what if, one day, I find a way back to my home?" she murmured, forcing a faint smile. "Stone-Honey, thank you. And to everyone here who's shown me kindness and care, I'm truly grateful—from the bottom of my heart."
As he listened, Long Jianyu felt a strange heaviness settle in his chest, as if her words pressed against something deep inside him.
Still, he kept his composure, his face calm and steady, hiding the turmoil within.
"If… if that day ever comes, then I will—support you," Long Jianyu said, his tone unusually grave. "After all, I'm just your benefactor. My only duty is to give you what's best, whatever you want."
Yu Xiao looked at him, her voice soft.
"Would you be sad if I left?"
Long Jianyu couldn't bring himself to answer.
The turmoil inside him grew more intense, threatening to shatter his calm exterior.
"We've only spent a handful of days together," he managed, his voice trembling as he fought back the tears welling in his eyes. "I admit, I've been happy. But I would never try to control your fate."
Yu Xiao noticed the gravity in his expression and wondered quietly.
Why does he look so sad about what I said?
She offered a gentle reassurance.
"As long as I can't go back, I'll stay. Besides, Qingjue once told me about your constraints. If you'll let me, I want to help you find a solution—so you can move freely and wander without being hurt. What do you think?"
Long Jianyu lifted his head, meeting her gaze directly.
"What solution could you possibly know?"
"I'll try my best. I can't promise anything, but we shouldn't give up," Yu Xiao replied with a hopeful smile. "You and I—we'll help each other."
A quiet moment passed.
Long Jianyu simply nodded, his eyes fixed on her, quietly taking in her bright determination.
Silly girl, he thought, you don't know how much your talk of leaving pains me. I'll find a way to return to the Spirit Divine Fortune Teller and demand answers. You are my fated one—I am certain of it. I don't care where you came from or who you truly are. I just emerged from seclusion, only for you to speak of leaving? You really don't understand.
"All right, it's a deal," Jianyu replied, his voice steady.
He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until his face was just inches from Yu Xiao's.
"Look me in the eyes," he commanded gently.
Yu Xiao blinked, giving him a questioning look.
"If you're making a bet with me," Jianyu murmured, his gaze unwavering, "that means you're bargaining. Are you prepared to keep your end of it?"