The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

The morning had passed in quiet ease, but Yue wasn't one to sit still for long. After putting the laundry out to dry, she stretched her arms above her head and turned to Xu, who was seated on the porch, sipping his tea like a man with no worries in the world.

"I'm heading to the village," she announced, tying up her sleeves. "We're running low on rice and a few other things."

Xu barely spared her a glance. "Mm."

She rolled her eyes. "You're not going to offer to come with me?"

"You seem capable enough."

"That's not the point," she huffed, stepping closer. "What if something happens?"

Xu finally looked up, his gaze steady. "Then it will happen."

Yue clicked her tongue in annoyance. "You're infuriating."

He didn't respond, merely taking another sip of tea.

With a dramatic sigh, she spun on her heel and made her way toward the village. But before she could take more than three steps, she heard the quiet rustle of fabric behind her. She hid her smirk as Xu fell into step beside her.

"I thought I was capable enough," she teased.

"You are."

"Then why are you coming?"

Xu's voice was calm as ever. "Because I want to."

Yue blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She had expected him to say something dismissive, not… that. She quickly masked her surprise with a grin. "Well, if you're coming, you're carrying the bags."

They made their way down the narrow path toward the village, the crisp morning air carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The sun was warm against their backs, and for a moment, Yue found herself enjoying the simple walk.

The village was bustling with life when they arrived. Vendors called out their wares, children ran through the dirt streets laughing, and the scent of fresh bread filled the air. Yue immediately set to work, bartering with merchants for rice, vegetables, and dried meat.

Xu, true to his word or lack of protest held the bags without complaint as Yue darted from stall to stall.

At one point, she caught him watching her again.

"You're staring," she said without looking up from the vegetables she was examining.

"You talk a lot," he replied.

Yue smirked. "Yet you still follow me around."

Xu didn't deny it.

She tossed a bundle of greens into his arms, making sure to press them against his pristine robes. "Here, mighty cultivator, hold this too."

He barely reacted, merely adjusting his grip.

Yue laughed. "You're really not bothered by anything, huh?"

The village was bustling with life as Yue and Shen Xu walked slowly.

"I still don't get why you came with me," Yue teased, glancing over her shoulder.

Xu, unbothered, replied simply, "You talk too much."

"And yet, you're always here listening," she smirked.

Before he could respond, a sudden commotion erupted from the town square.

"Thief! Stop that brat!"

A small figure darted through the crowd a tiny girl, no older than six, clutching a steamed bun to her chest. Her face was smeared with dirt, and her ragged clothes hung loosely from her frail frame.

She ran straight toward them.

Before Yue could think, the girl collided into her, nearly falling back from the impact.

"Hey, slow down," Yue steadied her gently.

The girl's wide, frightened eyes darted between Yue and the approaching shopkeeper. She clutched the bun tighter, trembling.

Yue quickly fished a few copper coins from her pouch and pressed them into the vendor's palm before he could say anything. "This should cover it."

The man grumbled but took the money and stomped away.

Now that the immediate threat was gone, Yue knelt down, getting a better look at the girl.

"You're hungry, aren't you?" she asked softly.

The little girl hesitated, then nodded.

Yue sighed, brushing some of the girl's messy hair back. "Where are your parents?"

The child looked down at her feet, biting her lip.

"Gone," she whispered.

Yue's chest tightened.

She glanced back at Xu, who remained silent, his gaze unreadable as always.

"Well," Yue said, standing up, "then you're coming with us."

The girl's head snapped up, eyes wide. "Really?"

Yue nodded. "You can't just wander around stealing food. If you don't have anywhere to go, then we'll take care of you."

The girl hesitated, glancing at Xu. He still hadn't said a word, just watching quietly.

Seeing her nervousness, Yue grinned. "Don't worry about him. He's just a grumpy old man in a young man's body."

Xu shot her a look but said nothing.

The girl giggled, some of the fear in her eyes fading.

Yue reached out her hand. "Come on, let's go home."

After a moment's hesitation, the girl slipped her tiny hand into Yue's.

As they started walking, Yue threw Xu a teasing glance. "You're carrying her too, by the way."

Xu sighed but, without a word, lifted the little girl with one arm, holding the baskets with the other. The girl blinked in surprise before settling against him, her tiny fingers gripping his robe.

For once, Yue didn't say anything. She just smiled, watching as the three of them walked home together.