"We've come from very far away, and by the time we arrived, it was already night. Since there are wild beasts, we'll have to wait until tomorrow to go up the mountain."
Chu Lingzhi smiled. That was her plan—stay in the village for one night and head up the mountain tomorrow morning. That's why she had asked Nangong Yehen to send word today.
"You seem like good people. Why don't you stay at my place? It's just me and my grandmother," the little boy said, walking up to Chu Lingzhi.
"We have plenty of rooms. If you don't mind, you can stay with us," Fu Chunyan offered.
"They're staying at my house!" Suddenly, a little girl with traces of dried snot on her face walked over, her voice childish and loud.
Chu Lingzhi looked down and saw it was the same little girl who had been playing with Chu Junyu and Nangong Yichen earlier.
The girl stared at her, her eyes dark and clear, sparkling like black gems.
"Sister, come stay at my house. My family will be so happy!"
Faced with their enthusiasm, Chu Lingzhi really didn't know how to choose.
She knew the villagers would be warm and welcoming.
Over a decade had passed, and only the environment had changed—not their hearts.
Their hearts remained forever kind.
Because they lived off farming, without strife or desire, their lives were simple.
"Mommy, let's stay at this sister's house," Chu Junyu suddenly said, running over and hugging Chu Lingzhi's leg.
"What a handsome little guy," Fu Chunyan remarked, looking at Chu Junyu. Just then, Nangong Yichen also walked over, and Fu Chunyan gasped, "Two identical handsome little guys!"
"You're so lucky to have two such handsome sons," Fu Chunyan said with a laugh, then glanced at Nangong Yehen, "And such a handsome husband too."
Chu Lingzhi smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed that they mistook Nangong Yehen for her husband.
The adults respected the children's wishes and decided to stay at the little girl's house.
It wasn't until they arrived at the girl's home that Chu Lingzhi realized she was Fu Chunyan's granddaughter!
Fu Chunyan lived in a row of flat wooden houses.
With so many people, there were plenty of rooms, including several empty ones.
"Our houses here aren't as fancy as those in your big city, but they're all kept very clean. Feel free to stay," Fu Chunyan said, showing them the rooms, grinning from ear to ear.
Huo Luan shared a room with another bodyguard, while Chu Lingzhi, Nangong Yehen, and the two little ones shared one.
These houses were simple but clean.
After settling them in, the villagers began preparing dinner.
That evening, Fu Chunyan's courtyard was bustling with activity.
A group of people gathered around a fire, where a fat sheep was roasting.
This was Fu Chunyan's most lavish feast for Chu Lingzhi.
"Sister Yan, you killed your family's only sheep to treat us. After we leave, will you regret it and secretly cry in your room?" Chu Junyu said, watching Fu Chunyan personally roast the mutton.
"I might! But if you finish it all tonight, then no, hahaha..." Fu Chunyan laughed loudly, then glanced at Chu Lingzhi. "The moment I saw Lingzhi, I felt like I'd seen her somewhere before. That's why I couldn't bear to kill the sheep to treat you."
Chu Lingzhi's throat tightened slightly at those words. She gazed deeply at Fu Chunyan. They didn't just seem familiar—they truly knew each other...
The villagers were incredibly warm, and the night scenery in the village was exceptionally beautiful.
One sheep was turned into several different dishes with distinct flavors.
Chu Lingzhi and her group ate happily, and by the time the meal ended, it was already late at night.