The Hidden Immortal Leisurely Life

Yue sat at the wooden table, her chin resting on her palm as she watched Shen Xu move about the teahouse with quiet efficiency. Morning sunlight spilled through the windows, casting long streaks of light across the floor. Outside, the village bustled with the usual sounds merchants calling out their wares, children laughing as they ran through the streets.

She had expected boredom. A quiet mountain life sounded painfully dull. Yet, as she observed Shen Xu, she realized he moved with a grace that made even simple tasks look effortless. He swept the floors with precise movements, prepared tea without wasting a single motion, and carried himself with the stillness of a man completely in control.

It was a strange contrast. He was clearly someone powerful, yet here he was, living as a simple tea shop owner.

Yue stretched, rolling her shoulders before pushing away from the table. "I'll cook breakfast."

Xu didn't even glance up. "Do you know how?"

She smirked. "Do I look like someone who doesn't?"

"Yes."

Yue scoffed, tying back her sleeves as she moved toward the small kitchen area. She didn't bother arguing. Instead, she picked up a small basket of vegetables, inspecting them thoughtfully. A quick glance around the room told her where the knives and pots were kept. Everything was neatly arranged of course it was.

She set to work, chopping ingredients with smooth, practiced movements. The scent of simmering broth soon filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of tea. She heard the soft sound of Xu setting his broom aside, then felt his presence near the doorway.

He was watching her.

She grinned without turning around. "Surprised?"

"I thought you'd burn something by now."

Yue let out a dramatic sigh. "You wound me, Shen Xu." She tilted her head playfully. "But I suppose I should be flattered you're paying attention."

He didn't respond, which only made her smirk widen.

By the time breakfast was finished, she had set the small table with bowls of steaming congee and pickled vegetables. Xu sat across from her, studying the meal with his usual unreadable expression before finally taking a bite.

She watched him expectantly.

After a moment, he simply nodded. "It's good."

Yue grinned, leaning back. "Of course it is."

After breakfast, she didn't wait for instructions. She gathered the dishes, rinsed them clean, then moved on to checking the laundry. The sight of his clothes hanging outside, neatly folded but clearly hand-washed by someone who didn't care much for such tasks, made her lips twitch.

"You wash these yourself?" she asked, glancing back at him.

Xu, who had been pouring himself another cup of tea, simply nodded.

Yue hummed, picking up one of his robes and inspecting the rough way it had been scrubbed. "No wonder they look stiff. You're terrible at this."

Xu raised an eyebrow. "Are you offering to do it?"

She waved a hand. "I suppose I'll handle it. Can't have my host walking around in poorly washed clothes."

Without another word, she fetched a fresh bucket of water and soap, rolling up her sleeves. It was strange, really. She had never imagined herself doing housework, yet somehow, it didn't feel like a chore. Maybe it was because Xu was watching her with that ever-so-slightly puzzled expression.

As if he wasn't quite sure what to make of her.