The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

Lian sat on a wooden stool, absently watching as Yue kneaded dough for their evening meal. The rhythmic pressing and folding filled the quiet room with a steady, soothing sound. The scent of flour and faint traces of lingering herbs from their midday meal clung to the air.

"You're staring again," Yue remarked without looking up.

Lian huffed, resting her chin on her palm. "I'm observing."

Yue smirked. "Same thing."

Lian didn't argue. It had been a few days since she started living here, and while she was grateful, she couldn't shake the curiosity that had been growing within her. More specifically, her curiosity about Xu.

He sat near the doorway, a small piece of wood in his hands, his blade gliding over it with practiced precision. The late afternoon sun stretched his shadow across the wooden floor, highlighting the angles of his face. He had been like this since she arrived always quiet, always watching. Not in a way that felt uncomfortable, but in a way that made her feel… understood.

And that frustrated her.

"What are you making?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Xu didn't pause in his movements. "A comb."

Lian blinked. "A comb?"

"For you," he added simply.

Yue let out a surprised laugh. "Look at that, he's thoughtful."

Lian felt an unexpected warmth rise to her cheeks. She hadn't expected that answer. Not from him.

She coughed lightly. "Well… I didn't ask for one."

Xu's blade continued to carve, his expression unreadable. "You didn't have to."

Silence settled between them, though it wasn't uncomfortable. It never was with him. Lian watched him work, her fingers tapping idly against the table. The way he moved deliberate, controlled reminded her of someone who thought through every action before making it.

"Why do you talk so little?" she asked.

Xu finally looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Why do you talk so much?"

Lian scowled. "That's not an answer."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he returned to his carving. "Words should have weight. Speaking without need is pointless."

Lian crossed her arms. "That's a ridiculous way to live. People talk to connect with each other."

Xu didn't seem affected by her remark. "If words are all it takes, then people wouldn't lie so easily."

She opened her mouth to argue, but found herself pausing. He had a point, but she wasn't about to admit it. Instead, she huffed and turned her attention back to Yue, who was watching their exchange with clear amusement.

"You won't win against him," Yue teased.

Lian exhaled, feeling both annoyed and intrigued. "He's impossible."

Xu didn't react. He simply continued working, the blade gliding smoothly over the wood.

And yet, despite herself, Lian kept watching.