The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

The scent of warm broth filled the small home as Yue placed three steaming bowls of soup on the wooden table. Lian sat across from Xu, watching as he adjusted his chopsticks with the ease of someone used to simple living. Yet, despite the quiet surroundings, there was something about him that never truly blended in.

She picked up her spoon and smirked. "You're a strange man, Xu."

Xu lifted a brow. "Am I?"

Yue chuckled as she sat down beside them. "You are," she agreed. "You act like a humble man living a quiet life, but everything about you says otherwise."

Xu twirled his chopsticks between his fingers before scooping up a piece of tofu. "That sounds like a compliment."

Lian leaned forward. "It wasn't."

He took a slow sip of his soup, his gaze flickering between the two women. "Then what am I?"

"A man full of secrets," Yue answered before Lian could. Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

Xu sighed, setting his spoon down.

Lian grinned. "So we're right?"

Xu leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the wooden table. "Everyone has things they don't talk about."

"That's not an answer," Yue teased.

He smirked. "It's the only one you're getting."

Yue rolled her eyes but didn't push further. Instead, she changed the topic. "I saw you carving a comb. Where is it?"

Xu reached into his sleeve and pulled out the wooden comb he had been working on. He placed it on the table, sliding it toward Lian.

"For you," he said simply.

Yue rested her chin on her palm, watching the exchange with amusement.

Lian traced the smooth edges of the comb, her expression Happy. "It's well-made."

"Of course it is," Xu said, taking another bite of his food. "I don't do things halfway."

Yue laughed. "That much is true."

Lian studied it for a moment before slipping the comb into her sleeve.

The conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the three of them ate.

Lian ran her fingers over wood table, glancing at him from beneath her lashes. "You really made this just because I needed one?"

Xu leaned back against his chair, taking a slow sip of tea. "Why else?"

Yue chuckled, reaching for a pot to pour herself more tea. "He's not the type to waste time. If he does something, there's a reason for it."

Xu tilted his head slightly, giving her an amused look. "And what reason do you think I have, then?"

Yue tapped her chin thoughtfully before flashing a sly smile. "Maybe you like seeing Lian flustered."

Lian scoffed, crossing her arms. "I am not flustered."

Xu's lips twitched. "If you say so."

Lian glared at him but said nothing, instead stuffing a piece of steamed bun into her mouth as if that would silence the growing warmth in her cheeks.

Yue, clearly enjoying herself, leaned closer to Xu. "You're good with your hands, though. I don't think I've ever seen you do something clumsily."

Xu raised a brow at her phrasing, and she blinked before realizing how it sounded. A small smirk curved his lips. "Good to know you've been watching me so closely."

Yue cleared her throat and busied herself with her tea, but there was a hint of color in her cheeks. Lian snickered at her expense.

Still, there was truth in Yue's words. Xu's movements were precise, whether it was carving wood, or the small, unconscious gestures he made when he thought no one was watching.

Lian tapped the comb against the table, breaking the silence. "I have a question"

Xu hummed in acknowledgment.

She leaned forward, her gaze locking his. "You said you like this life. The quiet, the peace. But if trouble came knocking, would you fight for it?"

Yue glanced at Lian, surprised by the question.

Xu, however, didn't look caught off guard. He simply set down his teacup and met Lian's gaze. "Without hesitation."

Something in the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. There was no arrogance in his voice, just certainty.

Lian studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good."

Xu smirked. "Were you testing me?"

"Maybe," she said, leaning back with a smirk of her own. "I needed to know if I should bother getting comfortable here."

Yue rolled her eyes. "You two talk like you're planning for some grand battle. Can't we just enjoy a peaceful night?"

Xu reached for the teapot and poured her a fresh cup. "Then let's enjoy it."

Yue sighed, shaking her head with a smile before taking a sip.