On the other side of the shore, Le Yao Yao had already finished arranging the wooden frames. She wasnât there to hear the conversation between Leng Jun Yu and Leng Yi Xuan.
Earlier, when she saw that they were going to fish, she felt it was inappropriate to wait by the shore doing nothing. So, she began to gather some branches to create a spot to roast the fishes later.
Now that she was finished, she clapped away the dust in her hands and went over to the boys.
âWhat are you two talking about? Xuanâer, are you bothering uncle?â
âMommy! Xuanâer wouldnât bother uncle! Xuanâer just wants to persuade uncle to stay!â Xuanâer pouted, looking upset.
âBrother Du Gu wants to leave?â Le Yao Yao couldnât hide the shock in her voice.
The moment she imagined him leaving, her heart felt like it was missing a corner.
Yu knew that Le Yao Yao didnât want to accept it. But, he nodded. âI have something to attend to. I will be leaving soon.â
Le Yao Yaoâs expression fell and she turned slightly pale. But, she nodded and forced a smile. âIf thatâs the case, I wonât force brother Du Gu to stay. Do you think weâll meet again in the future?â
For some strange reason, she felt as if this was their final farewell. She really didnât want him to go. Ever since they have been together, Du Gu had never taken off his conical hat.
She truly wanted to see his face. If he would only take off his veil, she would get her answer!
At the moment, Leng Jun Yu was crouching down slitting the raw fish. He could see her forced expression and his thin lips pursed.
Obviously, he was aware of her thoughts. Clearly, Yao Yao was trying to figure out whether he was the man she loved.
Yes, she guessed correctly. He is the man she wanted. But sadly, he canât ever let her know that.
Going through separation once is enough. His days are limited. Even if he wanted, he wouldnât be able to stay with her for long.
So, in order to stop her from furthering her investigation, he must leave.
They will never see each other again.
âWe wonât see each other again.â Leng Jun Yu heartlessly replied. But every word was like a dagger digging into his chest.
Le Yao Yao bitterly smiled. âI seeâ¦â She had no idea that her smiling face looked worse than her crying face.
The wind picked up and the trees swayed. Their sleeves began to flutter.
Underneath the sunlight, both of them felt as if a layer of darkness was looming over them.
ââ
âXuanâer, didnât you say you wanted to learn how to fish? Uncle will teach you now. Okay?â
Perhaps Leng Jun Yu felt like the atmosphere was too uncomfortable, so he quickly turned to Leng Yi Xuan.
âYay! Uncle is awesome!â
âHaha.â
Leng Jun Yu envied how the little guy smiled so freely. He had no worries and lived in the present.
When youâre clueless, you can be so much happier.
Leng Jun Yu handed the three fishes to Le Yao Yao. âIâll hand the roasting part to you.â
âAlright. You two go have fun. When the fishes are ready, Iâll call you guys.â
âMm.â
Then, Leng Jun Yu washed his hands and lifted Leng Yi Xuan onto his shoulders.
Leng Jun Yu was very tall. Compared to his son, he looked like a sturdy gigantic mountain.
Leng Yi Xuan was ecstatic and began to giggle. He loved sitting on every uncleâs shoulders. That way, he could see much further! It also made him felt like an adult.
In a few days, he would probably never hear this laughter againâ¦
On shore, Le Yao Yao began to hang the fishes on the wooden frames. She was also observing Du Gu and her son.
The two figures, one white, one black, were splashing water at each other. The low chuckling could be heard amongst the bell-like laughter.
They were so different but blended so well. It was like listening to the worldâs most touching melody.
The Sun slowly shifted, and the warmth spread throughout the land. The glistening light landed on the water and created a glowing effect on both the figures.
If only time could stop hereâ¦
Dreams are always so perfect. But reality is cruel.
In a blink of an eye, the three fishes were almost done. Since Le Yao Yao knew ahead of time that they were going to be here, she had gotten the waiter from the tavern to help her prepare some seasonings.
So, Le Yao Yao began to apply some seasonings on the fishes. By now, the fishes had been roasted to the colour of golden brown. The smell was mouthwatering and the boys (Leng Jun Yu and his son) could smell it from afar. LIke two hungry kittens, they slowly returned back to their ânestâ.
Leng Yi Xuan was holding on a tiny fish. âMommy, look! Xuanâer caught this fish on his own!â
The fish was only the size of his little palm, but Leng Yi Xuan was extremely proud.
Le Yao Yao smiled warmly and praised, âWow! Xuanâer is so amazing! Xuanâer caught a fish on his own!â
âHehehehe!!!â Leng Yi Xuan began to flush with pride. âMommy, letâs roast this one too!â
âAlright, mommy will do it now.â Le Yao Yao was about to take the fish from Xuanâer, but Leng Jun Yu interrupted. âLet me do it. Iâm more familiar with this part.â
âThanks.â Le Yao Yao handed the fish to Du Gu and he went to take out the intestines by the shore. In no time, he was back.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
So, Le Yao Yao poked a branch through the fish and hung it over the fire. Le Yao Yao removed the other three fishes from the fire. She handed one to Du Gu and took one for herself. She carefully picked out the bones and separated the fish into smaller bits and brought it to Leng Yi Xuanâs mouth.
âHere, have a bite.â
âMmm!â
Leng Yi Xuan began to chew. His eyes smiled like horizontal moons. âMommy, the fish meat is amazing!! You should try some too!â
Then, Leng Yi Xuan carefully picked out some fish and brought it close to Le Yao Yaoâs lips.
Le Yao Yao happily opened her mouth and accepted it. âWow, itâs very juicy!â
Leng Yi Xuan smiled and picked out another piece of fish meat and brought it to Leng Jun Yuâs lips. âUncle, try some too!â
âEhâ¦.?â Le Yao Yao was shocked. Ever since Xuanâer was little, he wouldnât share his food with anybody unless he really liked a person. Looks like Xuanâer really likes Du Guâ¦
Leng Jun Yu was also bewildered. He felt so touched by his sonâs gesture.
His son is personally feeding him. How can he not be touched?
âUncle, hurry and take a bite! Itâs very juicy!!â
âAlright, this uncle will eat.â
Leng Jun Yu reached to take the piece of fish from Leng Yi Xuan. But, he turned around before lifting his black veil to eat.
Without a doubt, he didnât want anyone to see his face. Le Yao Yao was already accustomed to his odd ways. She was super curious but respected his decision.
So, the three of them continued eating until they devoured everything.
By now, the Sun was already setting west. Seeing this, Le Yao Yao sighed.
Just like that, another day was over.
Le Yao Yao lazily laid on the grass and placed her hands behind her head as a pillow. Leng Yi Xuan also imitated his mother. The two of them looked so cute and beautiful. Leng Jun Yu couldnât help but smile underneath his black veil.
A light breeze created small ripples on the river. The moon was shining brightly and the stars were flickering. He had a cute child and a gorgeous woman by his side. How long had it been since he had experienced something like this?
Le Yao Yao was lazily enjoying the view. But suddenly, she turned to the man next to her. He was currently standing with his back facing her. The wind caused his sleeves to fly. At the moment, she couldnât detect his icy aura. Instead, she could sense his confidence and emptiness.
Heâs like the wind. The next second, heâll be gone.
Le Yao Yao crinkled her brows. âBrother Du Gu, when do you plan to leave?â
âThe day after tomorrow.â
âAlready!?!â
Le Yao Yaoâs inner voice was telling her to stop him. Keep him here! If not, youâll regret it for the rest of your life!
But whatâs the point of keeping someone who wants to leave?
So, Le Yao Yao quietly accepted his response. Now, the atmosphere was turning very sad.
âOh yeah, yesterday, I heard that on the west side of Dali, thereâs an ethnic group that raises sheeps as a living. They have vast grasslands and they are known for their fresh milk. Why donât we head there tomorrow?â Le Yao Yao suggested.
She only wanted to create more memories with the man before they part their separate ways.
Leng Jun Yu nodded. âAlright.â
Tomorrow is the last day heâll spend with her. After that, they will never see each other again.