In the distance, Ye Ziāan stood on a large rock, facing the sea, holding a flute with his delicate hand. The slight sea breeze lifted his ink-black hair and stirred his clothes, giving Yang Chuxia the illusion that he might drift away at any moment.
Disliking this feeling, she stepped forward and hugged him from behind, the warmth of his body finally settling her heart.
"My dear, isnāt the sunrise over the sea beautiful?"
"Not as beautiful as you."
Ye Ziāan shook his head helplessly, "Youāve stolen my line again."
"Youāve been playing for so long, why hasnāt the old demon appeared yet?" Yang Chuxia looked out at the sea, which was too calm.
"Letās wait a little longer."
With that, Ye Ziāan started to play another tune, slightly different from the one before.
Soon, a large whirlpool appeared on the sea, and a big red silhouette slowly rose from the water.
With its small head raised high, it slowly crawled ashore, looking to Yang Chuxia like a proud princess parading with a flower crown.
As it passed by Yang Chuxia, it didnāt even cast her a glance.
It wasnāt until it reached Ye Ziāanās feet that its little head lowered.
But why did she see a hint of shyness in its eyes?
"This is the tune I played for the old demon when I returned to Funan all those years ago. I told it that when it heard this tune again, it should come out."
Yang Chuxia moved closer to Ye Ziāan and scrutinized the old demon. Sure enough, she saw a trace of disdain in its eyes, which was definitely directed at her.
"Iām sure the old demon is a female spirit, and itās taken a fancy to you."
"Pfft..." Ye Ziāan laughed, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Donāt not believe me, just look at its little eyes, how much it dislikes me and likes you?"
As if to affirm Yang Chuxiaās words, the old demon indeed shot her a sideways glance.
Ye Ziāan patted its head, "Have you been well these past two years?"
The old creature nodded, even nuzzling against Ye Ziāanās palm.
"I didnāt bring any food today, Iāll bring you some chicken legs tomorrow."
Hearing this, the old demon immediately nuzzled Ye Ziāan again.
"Iāll be living in Funan from now on, and Iāll come to see you whenever I can."
Yang Chuxia noticed a fleeting glimmer in the old demonās eyes.
"Hey, do you want to come live with us?" Yang Chuxia asked the old demon, "We have a big pool in our yard, it could be your new home. Interested?"
Sure enough, the old demon was tempted, looking expectantly at Ye Ziāan.
Ye Ziāan chuckled, "You should stay in the sea, Iāll come see you every day."
Alright, the old demon was disappointed.
It drooped its little head, looking so pitiful.
"Itās not that we donāt want you to come, but with so many people coming and going at our house, someone would definitely discover you," Ye Ziāan said. "You must know that being a long-lived creature, there are people with higher status than me in this world, and I may not be able to protect you. Itās safer for you to stay in the sea, and weāll come see you every day."
This time the old demon was happy again, casting a smug glance at Yang Chuxia.
"Tsk tsk, really an old demon spirit."
After chatting with the old demon for a while, when the sun got higher, Yang Chuxia and Ye Ziāan held hands and returned from the beach.
They had just returned, still staying at the Yang Familyās side for the time being, and hadnāt even entered the house when they saw Yang Dachuan and Ms. Wang coming out.
"Dad, Mom, where are you going?"
"To your fourth uncleās house," Ms. Wang shook her head, "Laidi and Zhaodi are at it again, dragging your fourth aunt Ms. Hong into the argument too. Someone came to call us over to take a look."