"Your grandpa is recovering well, and your aunt is kind," Pei Yining said as she held Xu Nianhua’s hand and walked toward Huaming Lake.
"Yes, grandpa is indeed recovering well."
This was Xu Nianhua’s greatest relief. As for Aunt Deng Juan, she didn’t say much—Deng Juan was no doubt enthusiastic after seeing the gifts from Pei Yining.
Though Deng Juan was a bit greedy and sometimes petty, Xu Nianhua was grateful that she was willing to contribute financially when grandpa was in trouble. She no longer minded Deng Juan’s minor flaws—nobody is perfect after all.
Huaming Lake, a gathering place of spiritual essence, was bathed in sunlight even though it was only eight thirty in the morning. Looking into the distance, the green waters of the lake shone like flawless jade.
As the wind brushed past, it stirred up layers of ripples.
Pei Yining had already asked around about how essential it was to experience this lake via boat to fully embrace the beauty along its shores.
"Wow, it’s so beautiful."
Standing on the boat, the wind whipped through their hair, revealing the beautiful scenery on both sides. Pei Yining was delighted like a child.
Xu Nianhua sat down, enjoying the scenery, thinking that she would bring her parents to visit soon. It would be a waste not to see such a beautiful spot like Huaming Lake.
She should have some time during the winter break.
With her mind wandering, Xu Nianhua looked up to see Pei Yining’s joyful face, which made one inevitably smile.
After fully experiencing Huaming Lake, Pei Yining saw many vendors along the shore and instructed the boatman to dock. Even if she couldn’t buy anything, it was still nice to enjoy the bustling scene.
"Be careful not to fall into the lake," Xu Nianhua said, watching Pei Yining moving about and craning her neck, worried she might accidentally fall in.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Pei Yining pursed her lips unhappily and said, "Can’t you say something nice?"
Xu Nianhua chuckled but said no more, instead gazing at the distant woodlands.
On the shore, a young man was painting. Huaming Lake was so beautiful that today was his third visit; each time he came here, he captured different sceneries in his artwork.
Suddenly, a white figure on a nearby boat caught his attention.
Her position was right behind the sunlight; the light filtered through the lake and occasionally fell on her face, adding a halo around her visage. The wind lifted her hair, and the way she casually brushed it back was so effortlessly graceful it was captivating.
The man tore off his unsatisfactory drawing and, seizing this inspiration, his brush moved as if divinely guided.
"Yining, let’s go back, it’s getting late." Xu Nianhua looked at her watch—they had already drifted on the lake for over two hours.
"Just a little longer." Pei Yining still wanted to buy candied haws, and she couldn’t wait to dock the boat.
"If you place, we can come back after getting off the boat," Xu Nianhua suggested.
Pei Yining’s eyes brightened instantly. She obediently sat back down in the boat, signaling the boatman to head back.
The boat slowly departed.
A male voice called out. Xu Nianhua turned around and was stunned when she saw the man—she hadn’t expected to encounter him.