Not in a questioning tone, but very certain.
"Drank some beer," Song Baiyan said, his eyes meeting Tang Li’s doe-like eyes, a trace of interest surfacing in their depths. His voice slowed as he asked her, "Don’t like having people who drink around you?"
"..." She did not mind it.
Tang Li had no choice but to explain: "I just smelled the alcohol, so I asked."
After a pause, she dryly added, "No other meaning."
Seeing her somewhat embarrassed expression, not overly precocious like usual, but rather the age-appropriate "impulsiveness," as vivid as when she emerged from behind the curtain, Song Baiyan’s tone became even more generous and warm: "If you dislike it, I would need to stay further away from you."
That statement seemed to carry a hint of jest.
Tang Li curved her lips slightly, holding her head ornament, "I’m a bit thirsty, I’ll go get some water."
After speaking, she walked towards the big tree.
She had only taken a few steps when Tang Li suddenly stopped.
She turned back around.
Song Baiyan was still standing there, his gaze seemingly never left her, a look of time-honed restraint yet filled with the kind of warmth that comforted her heart.
As if no matter how far she walked, he would always be there watching her.
Like a child just learning to walk, there’s no need to fear tumbling because there’s a big hand always ready to steady her.
"I didn’t lie to you," Tang Li said from a distance: "I really don’t mind. And... thank you for coming to find me just now."
Watching her turn to walk away, Song Baiyan tilted his head to look at the bustling crowd, his hands behind his back, the tips of his right thumb and index finger seemingly still feeling the soft touch of her skin.
Subsequently, there was a hint of helpless amusement on the man’s face.
That evening, upon returning to the mountain, Tang Li lay in bed restless.
Later, she simply dressed and went outside.
Taking with her the can of beer she brought from down the mountain.
As the wooden door creaked open, so too was the ring pull of the beer torn off. Sitting under the eaves on a bamboo chair, Tang Li took a sip, the icy bitter liquid suddenly filling her mouth. Looking up at the high-hanging moon, her thoughts gradually drifted, possibly triggered by tonight’s bonfire party, reminding her of the years spent with her mother in Diannan.
Tang Yin had passed away not more than two years ago.
Yet, for her who had lived a second life, Tang Yin had been gone too long.
So long it started to blur her memories.
The cold wind howled past, and although her fingers felt slightly stiff from the cold, she still didn’t want to go back inside.
The beer can in her hand was nearly empty.
Just as Tang Li was about to tilt her head back to finish the drink, the sound of the door opening came from behind, and she was unable to hide the can in time as she turned to see Song Baiyan stepping out from the next room.
Seeing her, Song Baiyan paused, clearly not expecting her to be outside.
Tang Li had already stood up.
"...Was just about to," Tang Li replied, hiding the beer can behind her with her left hand, her cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, her eyes particularly bright as she looked at Song Baiyan: "You should rest early too, good night."
However, Song Baiyan asked, "What are you hiding behind?"
"Nothing, just thirsty and came out for a drink."
At that, Tang Li looked at him.
Song Baiyan knew his guess was correct, his scrutinizing gaze falling on her face: "White, or beer?"
"..." Tang Li tightened her grip on her left hand behind her back.
At nineteen, being of age, having a drink was no big deal, but still, being questioned by Song Baiyan made her feel the embarrassment of being caught doing something naughty.