"Young Master, here's the wild pheasant I caught today! It's super tasty, you should eat more!" Aiden Chen beamed, grabbing a drumstick and handing it to Eli Crane.
But the very next second, Eli Crane picked up the drumstick and passed it to Ivy Shen. "You should eat more," he murmured, then lowered his head and quietly ate, saying nothing else.
Seeing this, Old Man Sai immediately sensed something was off between the two, but when it comes to romance, even he can't help—so he just watched and waited for things to play out.
"I'm full. You guys take your time." Ivy Shen quickly put down her bowl and chopsticks and hurried out. The whole vibe was way too suffocating—she was scared she'd lose her resolve if she kept facing his kindness.
"Huh? She didn't even finish her food—where's she going?" Aiden Chen mumbled, confused, as he kept eating.
Boom—a low rumble of thunder rolled outside, and then the wind started howling.
"Whoa, looks like it's about to rain!" Aiden craned his neck to peek outside.
Hearing that, Eli Crane dropped his chopsticks and slowly got to his feet.
"Young Master, why are you getting up? Grandpa Sai said you should stay seated—come on, sit down." As soon as he finished, Aiden hurried around the table to help him.
"Aiden, get me an umbrella!" Eli Crane didn't sit down—instead, he glanced outside, worry written all over his face.
Seeing this, Aiden frowned and slowly grabbed a paper umbrella, mumbling, "Young Master, are you worried about Little Bird? Let me deliver it for you—you're not even halfway through dinner!"
"No need, I'll go myself."
"But your legs can't handle long walks... Hey, Young Master—" Before Aiden could finish, Eli Crane had already walked out, slow and steady.
"Aiden!" Old Man Sai called out after him.
"Why's Little Bird running around before finishing dinner? Now Young Master has to chase after her, seriously..." Aiden grumbled under his breath.
"Enough, sit down and eat," Old Man Sai quickly called him back, afraid he'd go bother them. He glanced anxiously outside, hoping they'd sort out their feelings.
"Flowers, flowers, who do you bloom for? Spring leaves, spring returns, flowers say they're waiting for one person..." Far off, Ivy Shen's bell-like singing echoed through the valley.
Eli Crane paused, paper umbrella in hand, a small smile creeping onto his lips as he walked toward the voice.
"Helplessly, the flowers fall; the swallows return as before. Wandering alone on the garden path, April's breeze is soft as a dream, lifting petals as they flutter down. Afraid spring flowers will fade before autumn's colors settle, unchanged, they kiss me..." The elegant, peaceful melody drifted through the valley. Watching Ivy ahead, Eli couldn't help but pull out his green flute and join in, softly harmonizing.
Suddenly, the beautiful flute music rang out, making Ivy freeze for a second before she spun around to look.
Dressed in white brighter than snow, hair simply tied back, his handsome face wore a gentle smile—like some otherworldly gentleman, elegant and clear, a fairy-tale immortal come to life. Right now, he held his green flute, playing the tune she'd just sung, the notes swirling through the valley, utterly enchanting.
Ivy stared, dazed, as he walked step by step toward her, her heart starting to race.
"Did I interrupt you?" Eli put away his flute, sounding a little apologetic.
Caught off guard, Ivy blurted, "White Young Master, is there something you need?"
"White Young Master?" Hearing that unfamiliar title, Eli felt his chest tighten—when did they get so distant?
Boom—the sky rumbled with thunder again, wind picking up fast. Eli knew a downpour was coming, so he swallowed his gloom and said, "It's about to rain. I brought you an umbrella!" He bent down and handed her the paper umbrella.
"No thanks, I don't need it." Ivy turned away, not wanting to face him. In that moment, she really hated herself!
Seeing this, Eli's brows knit together. He took a deep breath and finally couldn't hold back: "Will you still take me out of the valley?"
The question hit Ivy like a jolt—he... he remembered?
When Ivy stayed silent, Eli let out a bitter smile. "Do you dislike me now?"