The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

The night was calm, a soft breeze rustling through the trees as Yue sat on the porch, her legs tucked beneath her. The small girl still nameless curled up beside her, clutching the edge of Yue's sleeve like a lifeline.

They had given her food, let her bathe, and wrapped her in warm clothes, but she still looked hesitant, as if afraid this was all a dream that would disappear the moment she closed her eyes.

Shen Xu sat nearby, silent as ever, his gaze distant.

Yue ran her fingers through the girl's damp hair, untangling the strands with gentle care.

"You don't have a name, do you?" she asked softly.

The little girl shook her head, her fingers tightening around Yue's sleeve.

Yue glanced at Xu. "Then we should give her one."

Xu didn't respond right away, only gazing at the child for a long moment. Then, his voice, low and steady, broke the silence.

"Lian."

The girl blinked.

"Lian?" Yue repeated, tilting her head.

Xu nodded. "A lotus. Something small, yet resilient."

Yue looked down at the girl, searching her expression. "What do you think?"

The child hesitated, then, in the softest whisper, said, "Lian…" She tested the name on her tongue, as if it were something precious. Then, slowly, she nodded.

Yue smiled, pressing a hand to Lian's head. "Then from now on, that's who you are."

Lian swallowed, her eyes shining with something unreadable relief, maybe.

A quiet moment settled between them, the cool night air wrapping around them like a blanket. Then, without a word, Xu stood and disappeared into the house.

Yue frowned. "Where's he going?"

Lian gave a small shrug.

Minutes passed before he returned, a slender bamboo flute in his hand.

Yue blinked. "You play?"

Xu ignored her question and simply sat down, resting the flute against his lips.

Then, a sound soft, deep and ethereal drifted into the night.

The melody was slow, carrying a weight that pressed against Yue's chest. It wasn't a song of joy, nor was it one of sorrow. It was something in between a longing that had no words.

Lian, who had been tense all evening, slowly relaxed against Yue's side, her little fingers loosening their grip. Her breathing slowed, her eyelids fluttering.

Yue found herself staring at Xu, his eyes were captivating, his fingers moved effortlessly along the flute.

He looked… otherworldly.

As the song came to an end, Yue exhaled, realizing she had been holding her breath.

Lian was asleep now, her small hand still resting on Yue's lap.

Xu lowered the flute, his eyes unreadable as they met Yue's.

"…That was beautiful," she murmured.

He didn't respond. But there was something different about his gaze tonight something softer.

Yue smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Lian's face. "I think she liked it."

Xu looked down at the child, then back at the flute. "She should sleep inside."

Yue chuckled. "That's the first sensible thing you've said all night."

As she carried Lian inside, she glanced back once more.

Xu remained on the porch, the flute resting in his hands, his expression lost in the night.