“I’m back~!”
Yu Ling pushed open the door to the hut, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows.
Chen Yin looked up from where he was tidying up, a smile spreading across his face.
“Welco back, Big Sister—”
His smile faltered.
Yu Ling’s pretty floral dress was torn and dirty, her face smudged with dirt and gri.
But her smile was as bright as ever.
“I won!”
“That little fox got a good beating—hey! What are you doing?!”
Before she could finish bragging about her victory, Chen Yin grabbed her by the back of her dress and dragged her towards the bathhouse.
“What does it look like? You’re filthy. Even a beggar looks cleaner than you.”
“Hey! Can’t you at least congratulate first?!” Yu Ling protested, tugging at her dress.
“After you’re clean.”
“Are you obsessed with cleanliness or sothing?” she said, annoyed.
“Yes! Are you happy now?!”
They bickered as he dragged her to the bathhouse.
Chen Yin felt like he was back on Mount Yu, dealing with his Master’s antics.
Inside the steamy bathhouse, Yu Ling sulked in the water while Chen Yin added flower petals and fragrant herbs to the bath.
“What are you doing?”
“It’s good for your skin.”
“Oh.” After a mont of silence, she asked, “Why are you so ticulous? You’re like a girl.”
Chen Yin thought for a mont.
“I’ve always been like this.”
Ever since you taught .
But Yu Ling didn’t seem to like his answer.
She glared at him, then, catching him off guard, grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into the bath.
Chen Yin landed with a splash, sputtering and coughing as he erged from the water.
“Hahaha!”
Yu Ling burst out laughing, pointing at his soaked clothes. “That’s what you get for being so smug! Who’s the boss now?!”
Chen Yin glared at her, then removed his wet robes.
Yu Ling’s eyes widened slightly.
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“I’m already wet, might as well take a bath.”
“But I’m still in here!”
“It’s a big bath. I’ll stay on the other side,” he glanced at her sideways. “And I’m just a ten-year-old boy. What are you so worried about?”
Yu Ling was speechless. As if protesting would only confirm her own impure thoughts.
Silence fell over the room, only the gentle splashing of water disturbing the stillness.
The steam obscured Chen Yin’s figure, but she could still see his outline.
He seed taller than before.
Almost as tall as her.
His face seed sharper, his eyes still carrying that world-weary look of a man who had been through countless failed relationships.
“You’ve grown taller,” she comnted.
“Boys do that,” Chen Yin blinked.
He had actually aged three or four years, counting his ti in Epheral Mountain. Although still technically under eleven, he would soon catch up to her in height.
Yu Ling lowered her head, hiding her face in the water, but she couldn’t resist stealing glances at him.
“…I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Chen Yin looked up.
“For ruining your clothes.” She hugged her knees, her face half-subrged.
“I wasn’t really angry. It’s just a dress.”
“I thought you were.”
She whispered, “Because you gave that dress…”
Chen Yin shook his head. “It’s nothing. I gave you a whole wardrobe full of clothes.”
“So all the clothes you gave are worthless?” She suddenly looked up at him, her eyes wide with mock anger.
Chen Yin chuckled awkwardly.
“You haven’t told about your fight with that fox demon yet.”
“Oh, that?” Yu Ling grinned proudly. “That little fox was no match for ! I defeated her in a few moves!”
“Tell the truth.” Chen Yin’s voice was calm.
“Fine… she was actually quite skilled,” she admitted grudgingly. “Those fox demons are so annoying, with their bloodline abilities. Hers was particularly troubleso, she could manipulate space. It was the most tiring fight I’ve ever had. But I’m stronger, so after three days and three nights, she finally collapsed from exhaustion, and I gave her a good beating.”
Chen Yin imagined Yu Ling standing over Qingi Niang, kicking her butt, and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“And then?”
“And then… she gave so delicious pastries called Rainflower Cakes. And so wine.”
“And then?”
“I bought a fox demon dress! Their clothes are so pretty! And the plum wine was delicious! She also took to see the fireworks festival! It was beautiful!”
“And then…”
…
One story after another.
She seed eager to share every detail of her journey with him, her voice growing more animated, her laughter echoing through the steam-filled bathhouse.
Chen Yin listened patiently, a soft smile on his lips.
They both enjoyed these quiet monts together,
These afternoons of shared confidences and unspoken understanding.
It was as if they could shed their burdens and be themselves, their words and laughter echoing through the steam-filled room.
They stayed in the bath until their skin was wrinkled, then reluctantly erged from the water.
That evening, they held a feast to celebrate Yu Ling’s victory. Chen Yin, as usual, was the chef.
The Yu Alliance mbers feasted and drank rrily.
But halfway through the al, Luo Xiaoxiao, Hu Li, and the other boys dragged Chen Yin away.
anwhile, Si Qing and Hua Yulian, feigning intoxication, asked Yu Ling to help them back to their rooms.
But once inside, their expressions changed.
“Chen Yin, be honest with us. Are you and Big Sister a thing? Do you like her?”
“Big Sister, do you have feelings for our new Little Brother?”
“What?!” Yu Ling exclaid, her eyes wide with surprise.
Chen Yin, on the other hand, just stared at them blankly,
Lost in thought.
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