"Sometimes, a simple smile can plant the deepest seeds of trust."
The town was lively and bright, full of colorful lanterns and excited voices. A fair had come, filling the streets with games, food, and music. People laughed, children ran with candied fruit in their hands, and music from flutes and drums echoed through the market square.
Lin Xian walked beside Shen Yue and Li Yueru. He had followed them secretly from the sect, but now, he stood calmly beside them. He had just saved them from a group of thugs who tried to harass them earlier. After checking they were okay, he gently patted Shen Yue's head and smiled.
"You alright, little girl?" he asked with a soft tone, moving a strand of her messy hair behind her ear.
Shen Yue blinked in surprise. No one had spoken to her like that before—not even her own brother, Shen Tian. She nodded slowly, holding onto the edge of her sleeve.
Li Yueru, standing nearby, looked at Lin Xian with suspicion. She didn't say anything, but her eyes stayed alert.
"Why don't I take you both to the fair?" Lin Xian offered. "It's not safe to wander alone. At least until you're back in the inn."
Li Yueru was about to decline, but Shen Yue pulled on her sleeve and nodded eagerly. "Sister Yueru… please?" she whispered.
After a moment, Li Yueru sighed. "Fine. But we won't stay long."
---
The three of them walked through the crowded fair together. Lin Xian didn't push for conversation. He just bought snacks, showed them fun stalls, and quietly walked beside them like a friendly big brother.
He even bought a chocolate stick for Shen Yue and smiled. "This used to be my little sister's favorite too," he said softly. "You kind of remind me of her."
Shen Yue blushed slightly and looked down. "I see…"
As the crowd grew bigger, it became harder for the small Shen Yue to see the puppet show being performed in the distance. Lin Xian noticed this and kneeled down in front of her.
"Want to sit on my shoulders?" he asked kindly.
Shen Yue's eyes sparkled with joy. She looked at Li Yueru, who gave a small nod. Carefully, Lin Xian lifted her up so she could see over the crowd. She giggled as the puppets danced and fireworks popped in the sky.
Li Yueru watched quietly. Something inside her chest softened. This man… wasn't what she expected. He was gentle, respectful, and didn't take advantage of the situation. She began to relax, just a little.
---
After the show, the three of them sat down at a small stall and ate dinner together. It wasn't fancy—just bowls of warm noodles and some grilled meat—but the warmth and laughter made it feel like a family meal.
Shen Yue kept smiling, happily eating and chatting about the food. Li Yueru, though still quiet, didn't stop her. In fact, she even smiled a little when Lin Xian helped Shen Yue wipe sauce from her cheek with a napkin.
When the sun had gone down and the fair lights started to dim, the girls were ready to return to their inn. But when they got there, a surprise was waiting.
"All the rooms are already booked?" Li Yueru asked the innkeeper with a frown.
"Yes, honored guests," the old man said, bowing. "The fair brought in many visitors today."
Shen Yue pouted. "What do we do now?"
Lin Xian thought for a moment, then said, "I rented a small house nearby for the week. You can stay there tonight. It's safe, and I won't bother you."
Li Yueru's eyes narrowed. "No need. We'll find another inn."
But before she could take Shen Yue away, the little girl tugged on her sleeve again.
"Please, Sister Yueru… I want to go. Brother Lin Xian's place must be warm…"
Li Yueru hesitated. Shen Yue rarely smiled so much, and for once, she looked truly happy.
"…Fine," she said after a pause. "But just for one night."
Lin Xian smiled calmly and led the way.
---
That night, as they walked together under the moonlight, something had changed. The walls around the two girls had started to lower, if only a little.
And Lin Xian, the hidden villain, knew one thing clearly—
The real game had just begun.