On the other side of the shore, Le Yao Yao had already finished arranging the wooden frames. She wasn’t 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.
“What are you two talking about? Xuan’er, are you bothering uncle?”
“Mommy! Xuan’er wouldn’t bother uncle! Xuan’er just wants to persuade uncle to stay!” Xuan’er pouted, looking upset.
“Brother Du Gu wants to leave?” Le Yao Yao couldn’t 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 didn’t want to accept it. But, he nodded. “I have something to attend to. I will be leaving soon.”
Le Yao Yao’s expression fell and she turned slightly pale. But, she nodded and forced a smile. “If that’s the case, I won’t force brother Du Gu to stay. Do you think we’ll meet again in the future?”
For some strange reason, she felt as if this was their final farewell. She really didn’t 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. She is the man she wanted. But sadly, he can’t ever let her know that.
Going through separation once is enough. His days are limited. Even if he wanted, he wouldn’t 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.
“We won’t see each other again.” Leng Jun Yu heartlessly replied. But every word was like a dagger digging into his chest.
Le Yao Yao bitterly smiled. “I see…” 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.
—–
“Xuan’er, didn’t you say you wanted to learn how to fish? Uncle will teach you now. Okay?”
Perhaps Leng Jun Yu felt like the atmosphere was too uncomfortable, so he quickly turned to Leng Yi Xuan.
“Yay! Uncle is awesome!”
“Haha.”
Leng Jun Yu envied how the little guy smiled so freely. He had no worries and lived in the present.
When you’re clueless, you can be so much happier.
Leng Jun Yu handed the three fishes to Le Yao Yao. “I’ll hand the roasting part to you.”
“Alright. You two go have fun. When the fishes are ready, I’ll call you guys.”
“Mm.”
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 uncle’s 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 again…
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 world’s 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 here…
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 “nest”.
Leng Yi Xuan was holding on a tiny fish. “Mommy, look! Xuan’er caught this fish on his own!”
The fish was only the size of his little palm, but Leng Yi Xuan was extremely proud.
Le Yao Yao smiled warmly and praised, “Wow! Xuan’er is so amazing! Xuan’er caught a fish on his own!”
“Hehehehe!!!” Leng Yi Xuan began to flush with pride. “Mommy, let’s roast this one too!”
“Alright, mommy will do it now.” Le Yao Yao was about to take the fish from Xuan’er, but Leng Jun Yu interrupted. “Let me do it. I’m more familiar with this part.”
“Thanks.” 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.
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 Xuan’s mouth.
“Here, have a bite.”
“Mmm!”
Leng Yi Xuan began to chew. His eyes smiled like horizontal moons. “Mommy, the fish meat is amazing!! You should try some too!”
Then, Leng Yi Xuan carefully picked out some fish and brought it close to Le Yao Yao’s lips.
Le Yao Yao happily opened her mouth and accepted it. “Wow, it’s very juicy!”
Leng Yi Xuan smiled and picked out another piece of fish meat and brought it to Leng Jun Yu’s lips. “Uncle, try some too!”
“Eh….?” Le Yao Yao was shocked. Ever since Xuan’er was little, he wouldn’t share his food with anybody unless he really liked a person. Looks like Xuan’er really likes Du Gu…
Leng Jun Yu was also bewildered. He felt so touched by his son’s gesture.
His son is personally feeding him. How can he not be touched?
“Uncle, hurry and take a bite! It’s very juicy!!”
“Alright, this uncle will eat.”
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 didn’t 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 couldn’t 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 couldn’t detect his icy aura. Instead, she could sense his confidence and emptiness.
He’s like the wind. The next second, he’ll be gone.
Le Yao Yao crinkled her brows. “Brother Du Gu, when do you plan to leave?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
“Already!?!”
Le Yao Yao’s inner voice was telling her to stop him. Keep him here! If not, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!
But what’s the point of keeping someone who wants to leave?
So, Le Yao Yao quietly accepted his response. Now, the atmosphere was turning very sad.
“Oh yeah, yesterday, I heard that on the west side of Dali, there’s an ethnic group that raises sheeps as a living. They have vast grasslands and they are known for their fresh milk. Why don’t we head there tomorrow?” Le Yao Yao suggested.
She only wanted to create more memories with the man before they part their separate ways.
Leng Jun Yu nodded. “Alright.”
Tomorrow is the last day he’ll spend with her. After that, they will never see each other again.