"Yang'er—you're back?"
A gentle, delighted voice called from inside the house.
Fang Yang froze in the entryway.
That familiar voice sent warmth flooding through his chest—as if time itself had rewound.
"Mom!"
He raised his voice, joy laced with reunion, hand still clasped with Gu Yue's.
From the kitchen, Lin Mengxi hurriedly set down her task, washed her hands, and dried them with a towel.
She smoothed her hair behind her ears and rushed out.
"You reckless child—why didn't you tell me you were coming?!" she scolded—but her eyes sparkled with happiness.
She instinctively ruffled his hair, comparing him to memory.
"Yang'er… you've grown taller again."
"Mom…" Fang Yang scratched his head, embarrassed.
Then—her gaze fell on their intertwined hands.
Her eyes lit with hopeful curiosity.
"Auntie, hello—I'm Gu Yue," Gu Yue bowed slightly, her voice softer than usual.
She'd tied her long hair back, exposing her delicate neck.
Her pure white dress made her porcelain skin glow, the hem swaying gently—radiating graceful warmth.
Fang Yang felt Gu Yue's palm damp with nerves.
He squeezed her hand, then introduced her:
"Mom—this is Gu Yue. My girlfriend."
Lin Mengxi's eyes brightened instantly.
She rushed forward, taking Gu Yue's hands warmly.
"Gu Yue—was the journey tiring? Come, sit!"
She led her to the sofa, completely ignoring Fang Yang.
Standing forgotten, Fang Yang sighed. "Mom… I'm still here…"
"Go cool off somewhere…" She waved him off without turning.
To Gu Yue, she whispered conspiratorially:
"Did this brat treat you well? If he bullied you, tell Auntie—I'll discipline him!"
"Mom, really…" Fang Yang groaned—though a smile tugged at his lips.
"He's been wonderful, Auntie," Gu Yue replied demurely, cheeks tinted pink.
Lin Mengxi whirled on her son, suddenly stern:
"Fang Yang—I swear, if you hurt Gu Yue, you'll regret it!"
"Mom, I wouldn't—" Fang Yang sighed.
"Gu Yue—you must be starving after that long train ride!"
Lin Mengxi stood abruptly. "Auntie'll cook you my best dishes!"
"You see?" Fang Yang whispered to Gu Yue as he sat beside her. "Told you Mom'd adore you."
"Mm," Gu Yue nodded, leaning into him.
"Come—I'll show you my room."
He led her to a simple, tidy space—neat blue bedsheet, books aligned on the desk.
"This is your room?" Gu Yue looked around, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Yeah… it's kinda plain…" Fang Yang rubbed his neck. "I usually train here."
"Not at all," Gu Yue sat on the bed, fingers brushing the sheet. "It feels… warm."
"Fang Yang…"
Her voice dropped, laced with exhaustion. "I'm a little tired…"
"Sleep then. I'll wake you for dinner," he murmured.
Gu Yue gazed at him, trusting, dependent. "Hold me."
"Of course."
He pulled her close.
She nestled against his chest, her hair carrying a faint, sweet fragrance. He watched her peaceful face as her breaths evened into sleep.
…
"Dinner's ready!"
Lin Mengxi's call woke them.
Fang Yang gently roused Gu Yue. "Time to eat."
"Mmm…" She blinked awake, nuzzling against him before sitting up.
In the dining room, the table groaned under steaming dishes, aromas filling the air.
"Gu Yue—sit here!" Lin Mengxi patted the seat beside her, piling Gu Yue's bowl with food. "Eat up—you're too thin!"
"Thank you, Auntie," Gu Yue said sweetly.
Fang Yang eyed the feast. "Mom—going all out today?"
"It's Gu Yue's first visit!" She waved him off, then suddenly paused.
Noticing his puppy-dog eyes, she huffed—but before she could move—
Gu Yue placed a bite in Fang Yang's bowl.
Lin Mengxi's smile deepened—her son had chosen well.
Mid-meal, Fang Yang remembered something.
He set down his chopsticks, pulled a jade bottle from his ring, and handed it to his mother.
"For you, Mom."
"What's this?" She took it, puzzled.
"A pill I refined. Take it, then meditate—it'll boost your soul power."
Lin Mengxi shook her head firmly. "Keep it for you and Gu Yue. I don't need it."
"We've got plenty more," Fang Yang insisted.
Gu Yue added, "Yes, Auntie—please take it."
Relenting, Lin Mengxi accepted the bottle—eyes misty with pride.
After dinner, Fang Yang stood. "Mom—I'll take Gu Yue for a walk."
"Be safe!" Lin Mengxi called after them.
Hand in hand, they stepped into the evening.
"Where to?" Gu Yue asked.
Fang Yang thought. "Aolai City isn't fancy—let's walk the beach."
"Alright."
Their neighborhood was close to the shore—just a 20-minute stroll to the coastline.
This beach wasn't picturesque—rough pebbles and broken shells replaced golden sand.
Fang Yang stared at the endless ocean, voice low:
"Gu Yue… would you ever leave me?"
She froze, then gripped his hand tighter.
"Never. We'll always be together…"
"Always," he echoed softly.
They walked in silence, salt-kissed wind tangling in their hair.
Then—familiar figures appeared ahead.
"Hey—Wulin! Fancy meeting you here!" Fang Yang called, waving.
Tang Wulin and Ouyang Zixin turned, surprised. "Fang Yang—you two!"
"Well—won't disturb you lovebirds."
Fang Yang tossed a jade bottle to Tang Wulin. "Give this to Senior Sister."
Tang Wulin caught it, grateful. "Thanks, Fang Yang."
"No thanks needed," Fang Yang grinned. "Just be my servant for life!"
Laughing, he and Gu Yue continued their walk.
Waves lapped against rocks—a soothing, eternal rhythm.
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