[Warmth at the Resting Place]
In the serene room of You Qing, the morning air smelled of light incense and warm porridge. Ling Dang woke to the sound of soft footsteps. You Qing entered with a tray, her smile as bright as the morning sun.
"Are you hungry? I've prepared some breakfast," she said gently.
Looking at the spread, Ling Dang blushed, her fingers twisting her hem. "Sister... I have a large appetite. I'm afraid this won't be enough."
You Qing laughed, a sound like silver bells, and ruffled Ling Dang's hair. "Silly girl. If it's not enough, we'll just get more."
Ling Dang felt a lump in her throat. She told You Qing the story of her name—how her father named her after the wind chimes (Ling Dang) that rang on the day she was born. "Most people laugh at it," she whispered.
"Don't listen to them," You Qing replied firmly. "It's a blessing from your parents. A lively, joyful sound—who wouldn't love that? I shall call you 'Dang-Dang' from now on."
"Then... may I call you Sister Qing?"
The bond was sealed with a smile, a rare moment of peace for the displaced girl.
[The Search Ends]
As You Qing escorted Ling Dang back, they ran into a frantic Li Furong.
"Where have you been?! I was worried sick!" Furong cried, pulling Ling Dang into a hug. She looked at You Qing with a mix of gratitude and awe. "Thank you for looking after her."
You Qing bowed gracefully. "She is a precious girl. Take her home safely."
As You Qing turned to leave, her silhouette fading into the morning mist, two figures came skidding to a halt: Luo Ye and Sang Qi.
Both men froze. That gait, that aura... it was hauntingly similar to Gu Xingyu, the woman who had once been their entire world.
"That back... it looks so much like Xingyu," Sang Qi whispered, his voice trembling.
[The Hard-Headed Guardian]
The moment passed as Luo Ye's eyes landed on Ling Dang. Relief, fear, and anger swirled in his chest.
"Ling Dang! Where the hell were you?!" he roared, though his voice cracked at the end.
Furong immediately shielded Ling Dang. "Stop yelling! Do you think she wanted to be out all night? It's your fault for what you said yesterday!"
Luo Ye stiffened. He looked at Ling Dang, who was shrinking behind Furong, her eyes red.
"You..." Luo Ye began, his jaw tight. "If you ever disappear without a word again... I'll never forgive you!"
It sounded like a threat, but the tremor in his voice betrayed his terror.
[The Truth Unveiled]
Sang Qi rolled his eyes. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Luo Ye. Can't you just say 'I was scared to death'? You searched for her all night without closing your eyes, and now you're acting like a stone-faced demon. Who's going to understand your twisted way of caring?"
Luo Ye's face flushed a deep crimson. "Shut up!" he barked, mortified.
Ling Dang looked up, stunned. He searched for me all night? He didn't sleep? She saw the exhaustion in his eyes, the bloodshot veins, and the way his hands were shaking slightly.
"Oh..." she whispered, her own ears turning red.
Luo Ye glared at Sang Qi, looking like he wanted to shove him into a gutter, but he couldn't deny the truth. He looked back at Ling Dang, his gaze dark but filled with a raw, undeniable ache.
Ling Dang felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest, replacing the cold fear of the night before. Luo-Dage... you really do care about me.