Solitary Toss of Tenderness

Can I hug you?

The driver, who was taking Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng to Ji’an, parked the car and diligently transferred Lu Zizheng’s luggage into the trunk, preparing to depart. Grandmother Jiang couldn’t bear to see her go and couldn’t help but ask, “Huaixi, can’t you stay?”

Mother Jiang stood beside Grandmother Jiang, looking at Jiang Huaixi’s indifferent expression, and couldn’t help but snort, saying, “Mom, isn’t that a pointless question?” She clearly held some grudges against Jiang Huaixi’s stubbornness.

Jiang Huaixi didn’t pay attention to her mother’s words, just smiled and held Grandmother Jiang’s hand, softly instructing, “Grandma, take care of yourself.” Then, she also showed concern for her unhappy mother, who had been nagging since a while ago, “Mom, you too.”

Father Jiang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke in a composed manner, “Grandma, you don’t need to worry. We’re here. Take care of yourself, so we don’t have to worry about you. Understand?”

Jiang Huaixi smiled slightly and nodded.

Grandmother Jiang held Jiang Huaixi’s hand and let out a deep sigh. Her gaze shifted towards Lu Zizheng, who was standing not far away, watching them hesitantly. She gently waved at Lu Zizheng, signaling her to come closer.

Lu Zizheng hesitated for a moment but then hurriedly stepped forward, standing beside Jiang Huaixi, looking puzzled at the elderly woman.

Grandmother Jiang extended her other hand, with its calloused and broad palm, gently holding Lu Zizheng’s delicate hand. She lightly patted the back of Lu Zizheng’s hand and turned it over, placing Jiang Huaixi’s hand, which she was already holding, onto Lu Zizheng’s palm. With kindness and earnestness, she entrusted Lu Zizheng, saying, “Zizheng, I’m entrusting Huaixi to you…”

Jiang Huaixi’s hand trembled imperceptibly, furrowing her brows as she vaguely felt that something seemed off with Grandmother Jiang’s words.

The softness and warmth in her palm touched Lu Zizheng’s heart, and she glanced at Jiang Huaixi with tender and affectionate eyes. In a solemn manner, she promised Grandmother Jiang, “Grandma, rest assured, I will take good care of Huaixi.”

She gently and slowly closed her palms, enclosing Jiang Huaixi’s hand within her own. Sensing that Jiang Huaixi didn’t resist, a faint smile appeared on her lips. Suddenly, she felt an infinite joy and contentment within her heart. Life seemed to have acquired new purpose and meaning, no longer filled with emptiness and confusion.

Jiang Wang, who was standing beside Mother Jiang, couldn’t help but find the atmosphere and the scene like a daughter getting married somewhat amusing. She looked up at the clear blue sky and a faint smile graced her eyes. This tumultuous and uneasy winter was finally coming to an end. Passing by someone else’s happiness seemed to unintentionally bring some cheer.

After boarding the car, it didn’t take long before Jiang Huaixi seemed a bit tired. She closed her eyes to rest, and upon noticing, Lu Zizheng immediately took out a small blanket from her backpack and carefully covered Jiang Huaixi with it, making sure it fit snugly.

Jiang Huaixi sensed the movement and opened her slightly drowsy eyes, giving a smile as she softly said, “Thank you.”

Lu Zizheng shook her head and reassured her in a warm tone, “Go ahead and sleep, I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”

Afterward, all that could be heard was Jiang Huaixi softly responding, and then there was no sound.

Lu Zizheng rested her head on the back of the car seat, gazing at Jiang Huaixi’s tranquil and serene sleeping expression. In her heart, she felt a long-lost sense of peace and harmony, free from restlessness and aggression, devoid of the heart-wrenching despair and frustration. Silently, she counted each peaceful breath of Jiang Huaixi, imagining her heart beating steadily inside her chest. Feeling the pulse of Jiang Huaixi’s life, she suddenly felt like crying, yet also felt like laughing.

Jiang Huaixi must have no idea how fortunate she is, for she never lost her. She probably has no idea how grateful she is to hear this reassuring breathing. The only one in this world that Lu Zizheng cherishes is Jiang Huaixi. For herself, Jiang Huaixi was willing to give up her life, and for Jiang Huaixi, for the only attachment in this world, no matter how tough it gets, she is willing to endure it, just to support her.

Even if it’s just to be able to catch another glimpse of her.

As time slowly passed, the car’s journey, the bustling and noisy city, gradually faded away from Lu Zizheng’s sight, replaced by endless winding mountain roads, one loop after another…

The sky here was no longer the somewhat hazy blue of the city; it was a clear and pristine azure that Lu Zizheng had never seen before. The open fields were vast and boundless, filled with exuberant shades of tender green, a sight that Lu Zizheng had never encountered. Her heart seemed to come alive with all these surroundings, and her thoughts became clearer and clearer. She couldn’t help but gaze outside the car window, unwilling to withdraw her sight, observing the rapidly receding scenery without blinking.

At some point, Jiang Huaixi opened her eyes and calmly said to Lu Zizheng, “Ji’an is a remote little fishing village. You’re probably going to live like a primitive person with me. If you regret it now…”

Lu Zizheng interrupted lightly, turning her head to look at Jiang Huaixi, “You must be about to say that if I regret it now, it’s too late, right?”

Jiang Huaixi raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Oh, when did you start to understand me so well?”

Lu Zizheng remained silent and did not reply.

Jiang Huaixi gazed at the increasingly familiar scenery outside the window and began narrating, “Many years ago, my father wanted to develop a leisure resort here. I came with him once, but in the end, the project didn’t materialize. However, I fell in love with this place, with its simplicity and cleanliness. So, when I had the opportunity, I decided to stay here for many years.” The car started entering the county boundary, and Jiang Huaixi rolled down the window, feeling the salty sea breeze rushing in. She pointed towards the sea under the bridge and explained, “Many years ago, this place used to be full of fishing boats of all sizes. But now, most of the men from the village have gone to work outside, and there’s no one left to fish. Only the elderly, weak, women, and children remain, living day after day, year after year, in the isolated days of the past.”

Following Jiang Huaixi’s gaze, Lu Zizheng looked outside and saw only a few worn-out fishing boats docked on the beach. Some fishermen with rolled-up pants were bending over to pick something up with green fishing nets. Seagulls flew back and forth on the beach in the evening breeze. Lu Zizheng was captivated by the peaceful and beautiful scene before her, and in her mind, only one phrase surfaced: “As the sunset and lonely wild geese fly together, the autumn water shares the same color as the sky.”

They were getting closer to Ji’an Village, and finally, after passing a stone monument with the traditional characters for “Ji’an,” the car entered the village.

On the way into the village, Lu Zizheng could see from afar the simple fishing boats docked at the beach pier, surrounded by several old water huts. The evening sun’s glow cast a charming warm reddish hue over the glistening sea. As the car progressed, a winding rural path appeared before them, connecting the simple brick houses on either side. In the muddy area beside the houses, a few plainly dressed children were playing, and upon seeing Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng pass by, they stood up, their eyes widening with curiosity as they watched them disappear into the distance.

As they passed a small stone house, Lu Zizheng accidentally noticed a little girl with braids sitting on a small stool, playing a rope game with her grandmother. A big yellow dog wagged its tail, excitedly circling around them.

As Lu Zizheng kept watching, she couldn’t help but feel captivated, her expression filled with longing and anticipation.

Observing Lu Zizheng’s gentle profile under the evening glow, Jiang Huaixi lightly tapped her thigh with her slender fingers and voiced some concern, “Zizheng, I’m afraid I’m asking too much of you by having you accompany me.”

Surprised by Jiang Huaixi’s question, Lu Zizheng turned to her, seeing her seriousness, she sat up straight and earnestly replied, “How could that be? Don’t think too much about it.” Gazing at the children flying kites on the distant beach, she vaguely recalled the scene of sitting on her father’s neck and flying paper planes. She murmured an explanation, “I feel that life here might be exceptionally beautiful.”

Jiang Huaixi smiled faintly, clasped her hands together, and raised an eyebrow, making a gentle suggestion, “How about this? To put my mind at ease, from now on, you tell me one beautiful thing about your day every day. If one day you can’t come up with something or you grow tired of this life here, we’ll head back earlier.”

Lu Zizheng widened her eyes in surprise, staring at Jiang Huaixi, uncertain as she asked, “Are you serious?”

Jiang Huaixi blinked and lightly curved her lips, playfully retorting, “Do I look like I’m joking with you?”

Lu Zizheng fell silent for a moment, then turned her head to look outside the window, muttering in a gloomy tone, “Now, suddenly, I feel like life won’t be beautiful at all.”

Jiang Huaixi arched her eyebrows, showing her thoughtfulness, “In that case, should we turn back now?”

Lu Zizheng turned back, glaring at Jiang Huaixi in anger, giving a light snort, and then chose to ignore her.

Jiang Huaixi squinted her eyes in understanding, a hint of tender amusement in her expression.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a double-story villa by the sea, facing the ocean with a backdrop of mountains. Nestled between the mountains and the water, it was as beautiful as a vibrant and fresh oil painting crafted by a skilled artist.

Upon hearing the car’s sound, a middle-aged woman in a traditional blue button-up dress quickly came out of the house to greet them. Speaking in a local Ji’an accent, she warmly addressed Jiang Huaixi, “Oh dear, I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival. It’s been so many years, and I’ve missed you…”

Jiang Huaixi exchanged some nostalgic words with the woman, then introduced her to Lu Zizheng, “This is Auntie Lin, who has been helping me here.” More accurately, it was the housemaid her parents arranged for her. She had lived here since she was a child, and Auntie Lin took care of her daily meals and all aspects of her life.

Lu Zizheng politely greeted, “Hello, Auntie Lin.”

Then, Jiang Huaixi blinked playfully and said to Auntie Lin, “Auntie Lin, this is my younger sister, Lu Zizheng.”

Lu Zizheng couldn’t help but look at Jiang Huaixi in astonishment. Younger sister? Was she taking advantage of the situation? In fact, she was older than Jiang Huaixi! But at this moment, she could only silently swallow her grievances and not say a word.

Auntie Lin, upon hearing this, smiled warmly and replied, “Hello, younger sister…”

Lu Zizheng was just like: “……”

After Auntie Lin and Jiang Huaixi carefully discussed the placement of things in the house and some other specific matters, Jiang Huaixi assured Auntie Lin that she need not worry and should go back to attend to dinner after greeting the children.

Lu Zizheng placed her luggage in the living room and couldn’t resist walking towards the spacious balcony, which was made of wooden boards. She listened to the sound of the waves rolling and watched as the tide came in and went out, wave after wave. Looking up at the vast expanse of the sky, she felt as if she could reach out and touch the white clouds.

Jiang Huaixi stood by her side, quietly accompanying her as they enjoyed the breeze. Then, she spoke up and urged, “Why don’t you take your luggage into the room on the left and tidy up a bit? I’ll prepare dinner.”

Lu Zizheng felt uneasy and offered, “Let me help you prepare dinner.”

Jiang Huaixi rubbed her temples, feeling a bit hesitant as she earnestly said, “Zizheng, I’m hungry. Please don’t make it difficult for me.”

Lu Zizheng was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Huaixi sighed, “I just want to eat dinner early.” The implication was clear.

Lu Zizheng bit her lip, feeling defeated, and silently picked up her luggage and entered the room. Hmph, is cooking really that impressive?!

The bedroom was very simple in decor, but what caught the eye the most was the huge floor-to-ceiling window facing the sea, the large bed, and the photo frame on the bedside table with Jiang Huaixi’s faint smile.

Lu Zizheng sat on the edge of the bed, picked up the photo frame from the bedside table, and with her thumb, gently caressed the graceful face of Jiang Huaixi in the picture. As she gazed at the azure sea and blue sky outside the window, she couldn’t help but become lost in thought.

She was about to start a new life here, and everything, whether there could truly be some new beginnings, made her feel a bit nervous and yet filled with anticipation.

In the kitchen, as Jiang Huaixi was preparing vegetables taken from the refrigerator, she suddenly received a phone call from Xu Baihan, whose name appeared on the caller ID.

Jiang Huaixi thought Xu Baihan was just calling to inquire if they had arrived safely in Ji’an and were doing fine.

However, unexpectedly, Xu Baihan began to ask about something entirely different. She started inquiring strangely about a series of things related to Jiang Wang.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Jiang Huaixi asked Xu Baihan, “Senior, why are you suddenly asking about all of this?”

In the hospital, after receiving nine stitches on her forehead, Xu Baihan fell into a drowsy sleep. When she woke up, taking advantage of her mother leaving to get her some food, she couldn’t resist calling Jiang Huaixi to inquire about something. Upon hearing Jiang Huaixi’s question, she lowered her gaze and after a long pause, she candidly replied, “Jiang Wang reminds me of someone I loved very, very much…”

Jiang Huaixi paused her actions of washing vegetables, remained silent for a moment, and then responded, “Regarding Jiang Wang, to be honest, I don’t know much either. I only know that she came to our house about twelve years ago when my dad rescued her from the sea accidentally while he was on a yacht trip. When she woke up, she claimed to have no memories at all. My dad clearly didn’t believe her, and after a couple of days when she started feeling better, he asked her to go back to her family. However, she refused to leave and didn’t even ask my dad to let her stay. She just silently squatted outside the hospital, refusing to go away. My mom took a liking to her because she was beautiful and had a cute and well-behaved personality. She felt that there must be a reason for her refusal to speak and saw her pitifully enduring hardship, sleeping rough outside the hospital. My mom couldn’t bear it and begged my dad to let her stay, treating it as a good deed. Later, she lived with us for many years. Eventually, she had to go to school and work. My dad, seeing that she genuinely didn’t want to return home, also softened his heart and allowed her to register as a resident with us. So, she registered herself, and her name became Jiang Wang. Over the years, we never pressed her for more details about her background. Other than that, I don’t know much more.”

After listening to Jiang Huaixi’s words, Xu Baihan felt a moment of ecstatic joy. It had to be her, it must be Yun Bo. But in the next instant, she was overwhelmed with sorrow. Yun Bo really hated her, to the point of wishing to forget everything and never remember…

She urged Jiang Huaixi, “Don’t tell Zizheng about this for now. Don’t make her worry. When everything is confirmed, I will tell her myself.”

Jiang Huaixi responded in a steady voice, agreeing to keep it a secret.

Meanwhile, Lu Zizheng finished packing up the things in the bedroom and was about to help Jiang Huaixi in the kitchen. However, Jiang Huaixi had already prepared everything and was bringing the soup out. So, Lu Zizheng didn’t get a chance to show off her cooking skills and had her first simple dinner in Ji’an.

After the meal, Lu Zizheng conscientiously gathered the dishes and took them to the kitchen, offering, “Let me wash the dishes.”

Jiang Huaixi looked at Lu Zizheng with a playful expression, saying, “It’s not very convenient here. We only have a few dishes in the cupboard. If they break, we’ll probably have to eat from a big pot for the next few days.”

Lu Zizheng turned back and glanced at Jiang Huaixi with displeasure, saying, “Are you underestimating me?”

Jiang Huaixi chuckled lightly, and her dark eyes sparkled with a glimmer of laughter. She moved a chair to the kitchen entrance and sat down leisurely, saying, “Well, then I’ll wait and see.”

However, not long after, the sound of chopsticks clattering and falling to the ground echoed from the kitchen. Jiang Huaixi’s amused voice came from behind Lu Zizheng, “It seems like we’ll be having hand-grabbed rice tomorrow.”

Lu Zizheng felt a bit embarrassed and annoyed, saying, “It’s all because you kept watching me, making me nervous. Now go take a shower.”

Jiang Huaixi stood up and moved next to Lu Zizheng, raising an eyebrow as she praised, “Well, actually, there are some good aspects too. Hmm, this bowl is washed really clean, shining brightly…” Just as she finished speaking, Lu Zizheng’s hand slipped, and the bowl she was washing took a dive, making a loud splash…

Jiang Huaixi couldn’t help but hold back a chuckle, lightly laughing.

Lu Zizheng turned back with embarrassment, glaring at Jiang Huaixi’s mischievousness, urging her, “Go take a shower!”

But Jiang Huaixi just smiled calmly, narrowed her eyes slightly, rolled up her sleeves, and pushed Lu Zizheng aside, saying, “Alright, let’s wash together. I’ll wash the first round, and you rinse.” With that, she reached into the water and took out the first bowl, quickly rinsing it, then handed it to Lu Zizheng.

Lu Zizheng watched Jiang Huaixi’s actions, momentarily taken aback before responding. She reached out, slowly accepted the bowl, immersed it in the water, gently scrubbed and rinsed it, and then placed it upside down on the side. Her movements were seamless and swift.

After washing the eating bowls, it was time to clean the plates with grease stains. Jiang Huaixi reached out to Lu Zizheng and naturally asked, “Give me some dishwashing liquid.”

Lu Zizheng immediately cooperated and handed over a small amount of dishwashing liquid onto Jiang Huaixi’s fair and tender palm.

Jiang Huaixi smiled in satisfaction, then turned back and efficiently started scrubbing the plates.

Lu Zizheng had seen Jiang Huaixi busy in the kitchen before, but at this moment, in the quiet night, listening to the sound of the waves outside and the simple clinking of dishes inside, and watching Jiang Huaixi’s figure rolling up her sleeves under the warm glow of the light, Lu Zizheng suddenly felt her heart skip a beat, unable to move her eyes away.

In such moments and scenes, Lu Zizheng felt as if she were in a dream. If she didn’t take her eyes off and refused to blink, could she pretend that time had frozen, and this scene would stay eternally in her eyes and mind, never passing by?

She couldn’t help feeling a bit melancholic. All she ever wanted in life was not much—just to have her parents alive, her loved ones by her side. To be able to laugh during the good times and cry during the bad times, leading a warm and content life. But she realized that sometimes, the most ordinary things were also the most precious and difficult to come by.

In the hospital, Mother Xu brought her food and stood by Xu Baihan’s bedside, setting up a small table and placing the dishes on it with care. She gently opened each dish for Xu Baihan, saying affectionately, “I chose some of your favorite light dishes as you requested. If you don’t like them, I can go back and get something else.”

Xu Baihan smiled gently and shook her head, replying, “Mom, these are all perfect. Have you eaten?”

Mother Xu nodded, “Yes, I’ve eaten. Now you should eat quickly before it gets cold.” She then noticed Xu Baihan taking a few small bites and putting down her chopsticks. Unable to resist, she urged, “Is that all you’re going to eat? Have some more.”

Xu Baihan looked at Mother Xu’s hopeful expression and reluctantly took a couple more bites.

Mother Xu looked at Xu Baihan’s exhausted and weary appearance, hesitating for a while before carefully asking, “Baihan, how about going to see Dr. Zhou in a couple of days with me?” Her gaze carried a plea.

After Xu Baihan had her stitches, she fell into a tired sleep. Mother Xu stayed by her bedside, lovingly watching over her, waiting for her to wake up. But in just a short hour of sleep, she heard Xu Baihan repeat the name “Yun Bo, Yun Bo” a hundred times, and her eyes couldn’t help but moisten.

She knew that Xu Baihan carried a heavy burden in her heart due to the events of the past, and these years hadn’t been easy for her. Both she and her father respected Xu Baihan’s wishes and didn’t force her to go abroad for treatment on her leg. If it could help her feel a little less guilty and a bit better, she felt that all the sacrifices were worth it.

However, the situation seemed different. Over the past two years, Xu Baihan appeared increasingly despondent. To outsiders, everything seemed normal, but Mother Xu could see that her genuine smiles had become fewer and far between. Even the magazine she started with great effort despite opposition seemed to be managed with less enthusiasm. And with the recent incident, Mother Xu couldn’t help but feel alarmed. Despite all these years passing, she couldn’t unravel Xu Baihan’s inner struggles or help her in any way. All she could do was love her with utmost care and indulgence, hoping it would make things a bit easier for her. But now she feared that things were getting worse rather than improving. She couldn’t continue like this; she was starting to feel a sense of panic, suffocating her.

Dr. Zhou was a psychologist at the Xu family’s hospital. Xu Baihan knew her mother’s intentions, and it seemed that Mother Xu couldn’t wait any longer. But Xu Baihan knew that only Yun Bo could help her untie the knot in her heart. If Yun Bo didn’t return in her lifetime to help her untangle it, then she would leave this world carrying the knot intact. Perhaps, it would be her only way of cherishing Yun Bo, engraving her in her heart, merging her with her life, never to be erased.

Fortunately, Yun Bo is still here; she has returned.

Xu Baihan shook her head, firmly refusing her mother, “Mom, I won’t go. In a couple of days, I’m going to Linzhou. Can you please arrange with the housekeeper and driver over there?”

Yun Bo, wait for me, trust me. This time, I will definitely not let you down.

I don’t want anything else in the whole world; all I want is you.

I love you.

After taking a shower, Lu Zizheng sat on the edge of the bed, hesitating about what to do next. Should she wait in the room for Jiang Huaixi to finish her shower and then say goodnight to her, or should she go directly to the living room and wait for her there?

As she was contemplating, she heard a gentle knock on the door. Lu Zizheng hurriedly walked to the door and opened it, only to see Jiang Huaixi wearing a nightgown with a loose robe over it. There was a faint trace of moisture around her neck, revealing her graceful figure in a hazy manner.

Lu Zizheng unintentionally glanced quickly and her face immediately flushed with heat. She immediately averted her gaze, afraid to look any longer.

Jiang Huaixi entered the room, sat down on the edge of the bed, and looked at the dazed Lu Zizheng. She raised an eyebrow, seemingly smiling, and said, “Your face is so red. Did you accidentally see something you shouldn’t have?”

Lu Zizheng’s face turned even redder. She cleared her throat and didn’t answer Jiang Huaixi. Instead, she changed the subject and asked, “Is there something you need so late at night?”

Jiang Huaixi took off her robe, climbed onto the bed, and slipped under the covers, leaning against the bed. She slightly curved her lips and nonchalantly replied, “Nothing much, just going to sleep.”

Lu Zizheng was taken aback, looking at Jiang Huaixi lying on the bed, and couldn’t immediately comprehend, asking in surprise, “Are you going to sleep with me?”

Jiang Huaixi brushed aside the fine bangs that covered her eyes and raised an eyebrow in response, “There’s only one bed here, so unless you want me to sleep on the floor?” In fact, there used to be another bed in the guest room, but she had specifically instructed Auntie Lin to remove it. She was afraid that Lu Zizheng would feel lonely and cry in this unfamiliar night. How could she bear to watch that happen helplessly? She had to prevent any possibility from arising.

Lu Zizheng grabbed her own hair, still in shock, and stammered, “No, of course not, it’s just…”

Jiang Huaixi smiled contentedly, beckoning with her hand and cheerfully saying, “Alright, it’s nothing, just come over and let’s go to sleep. I’m tired.”

Lu Zizheng moved step by step to the edge of the bed, hesitating for a while before lifting a corner of the blanket and quickly slipping inside. Then, she remained motionless at the edge of the bed, afraid to make any further movements. It wasn’t her first time sharing a bed with Jiang Huaixi, but it was the first time they were sleeping under the same covers.

Jiang Huaixi sensed Lu Zizheng’s unease but said nothing. She simply smiled knowingly in silence and then reached out her hand to turn off the room’s light with a soft click, leaving the room in a quiet darkness.

Lu Zizheng found it difficult to fall asleep. Adjusting to a new environment and an uncomfortable sleeping position made it impossible for her to rest. She couldn’t help but toss and turn, trying to get more comfortable.

Outside the window, she heard the sea breeze blowing and the waves crashing against the shore, creating a soothing sound—wave after wave, one after another. Gradually, her heart went from restlessness to calm.

She turned over gently once again, listening to the soft breathing of Jiang Huaixi next to her. Unable to resist, she wanted to steal a glimpse of Jiang Huaixi, who was so close, illuminated by the moonlight.

However, just as she turned her body to look at Jiang Huaixi, their gazes collided. In the hazy night, Jiang Huaixi’s dark, shining eyes were even more dazzling than the stars in the sky, utterly captivating.

Jiang Huaixi asked in a soft voice, “Can’t sleep?”

Lu Zizheng bit her lip and shyly replied, “Um, yeah, a little.”

Jiang Huaixi chuckled softly and teasingly said, “Just a little? I counted, and you’ve turned over thirty-six times.”

Lu Zizheng blushed instantly, “You’ve been counting all this time? Did I disturb you?”

Jiang Huaixi didn’t answer her; she just suddenly sat up and bent over.

Lu Zizheng heard the sound of a drawer being pulled open and then closed. Afterward, Jiang Huaixi lay back down and handed her something that was ice-cold and a bit rough.

Lu Zizheng took it, raised her hand, and examined it closely under the moonlight. She realized that it was a seashell. She looked back at Jiang Huaixi with some confusion.

Jiang Huaixi turned her face to the side, looking at the seashell in Lu Zizheng’s hand, and said softly, “This is the seashell my mother gave me when I left home for the first time. She told me that when I can’t sleep at night, I should put it by my ear, and it will sing me a lullaby.”

In the haze of the night, Lu Zizheng struggled to carefully examine and feel the seashell, only to confirm that it was just an ordinary seashell.

Jiang Huaixi watched her actions and softly chuckled, “It’s just an ordinary seashell, but it really can sing.” Every time she couldn’t sleep at night, she would hold the seashell to her ear, and then she would hear her younger brother softly hum that song in her ear, just like when he came home from kindergarten with excitement, singing to her joyfully, “Sister, sister, today I learned a new song. Will you listen to me sing it…listen…” She could always fall into a deep slumber while quietly listening to him with the seashell in her arms.

However, Lu Zizheng frowned and firmly said, “You’re just fooling around.”

Jiang Huaixi smiled gently, “If you don’t believe me, close your eyes, cover your left ear with one hand, and put the seashell against your right ear. Listen carefully.”

Lu Zizheng was skeptical but stared at Jiang Huaixi. Suddenly, Jiang Huaixi reached out and, in the next moment, her slightly cold hand landed on Lu Zizheng’s eyes. In the darkness, Lu Zizheng heard her voice, carrying a warm tenderness, “Trust me, just listen.”

Unable to resist, Lu Zizheng curved her eyebrows and revealed a faint smile. From under the blanket, she extended her left hand, gently covering her left ear, and then placed the seashell against her right ear, which was closer to Jiang Huaixi. She really closed her eyes and listened intently.

Jiang Huaixi watched Lu Zizheng’s movements and withdrew her hand covering Lu Zizheng’s eyes, a charming smile playing at the corner of her lips.

In the darkness, Lu Zizheng could only hear the howling sea breeze and the roaring of the waves. She complained to Jiang Huaixi with confusion, “I didn’t hear anything, you’re just tricking me…”

But Jiang Huaixi didn’t respond to her.

Lu Zizheng waited in bewilderment for a while, and just when she was about to open her eyes and give up, the right ear that held the seashell finally heard a warm and melodious singing. Softly, the voice sang, “The dark sky hangs low, bright stars follow. Insects fly, insects fly, who are you missing? Tears flow from the stars in the sky, the roses on the ground wither. The cold wind blows, the cold wind blows. As long as I have you by my side…”

In an instant, Lu Zizheng couldn’t help but open her eyes and turned to look at Jiang Huaixi. She saw Jiang Huaixi with closed eyes, her beautiful lips gently moving, and the enchanting melody flowing with each motion of her lips. The gentle moonlight cast a layer of holy and tender gauze on Jiang Huaixi’s lovely face, making her even more captivating and mesmerizing.

Lu Zizheng kept her eyes wide open, unblinking, as she gazed at Jiang Huaixi, feeling as if something was about to overflow from her heart.

“As long as I have you by my side…” With the end of the song, Jiang Huaixi opened her eyes and looked at Lu Zizheng intensely, saying, “Zizheng, I will never, ever deceive you.” Then she turned around, facing away from Lu Zizheng, and softly added, “Sleep now, Zizheng. Good night.”

However, Lu Zizheng fumbled and moved under the blanket, getting closer to Jiang Huaixi. After hesitating for a while, she gently asked Jiang Huaixi, “Can I hug you, Huaixi?”

She felt Jiang Huaixi’s body slightly stiffen for a moment, and then there was silence, as if she had fallen asleep.

Lu Zizheng smiled, suddenly gathering infinite courage. Assuming Jiang Huaixi tacitly agreed, she didn’t wait for a response. She nestled up against Jiang Huaixi’s back, her arm gently encircling Jiang Huaixi’s waist. They shared the same pillow, and Lu Zizheng buried her face in the fragrant darkness of Jiang Huaixi’s hair.

Feeling the gentle warmth of Jiang Huaixi in her embrace, Lu Zizheng was keenly aware that the missing piece in her life had been perfectly filled, and she sighed contentedly in her heart.

With affection and tenderness in her heart, Lu Zizheng gently nuzzled Jiang Huaixi’s hair and softly spoke in her ear, “Huaixi, I’ve figured out how to answer the task you set up for today. I had a wonderful time here today because you were by my side, always, always… Huaixi, good night.”

It’s unclear how much time passed until Jiang Huaixi heard Lu Zizheng’s steady and rhythmic breathing behind her, confirming that she had fallen asleep. Jiang Huaixi struggled to move her half-numb body and turned gently to face Lu Zizheng. Her eyes were even more tender than the moonlight, and she carefully traced the serene features of Lu Zizheng’s face, full of love and affection.

Jiang Huaixi chuckled bitterly in her heart: Now, it’s herself who will have trouble sleeping.

But seeing Lu Zizheng no longer frowning, with a smile on her lips even in her dreams, Jiang Huaixi felt a heart full of sweetness and joy. She leaned closer to Lu Zizheng, gently kissing her forehead, and silently conveyed, “Zizheng, I love you. Good night and sweet dreams.”

Outside the window, the sound of the waves remained, and the moonlight was just perfectly gentle.