Against the Light - Chapter 168
Chapter 168: Auntie Lin is Super Awesome
"Waaah—waaah—"
"Pfft…"
Everyone stared dumbfoundedly at the mother-daughter pair. Xiao Ye was crying her heart out, yet Bai Yilan was openly snickering. Wasn't that just too bizarre?
"Sister Lan, what's going on? Why is the Little Milk Bun crying so sadly?" Jin Shuang walked over and patted Xiao Ye.
"What's wrong?" Hearing the crying, Gu Xinran also hurried over.
But when Xiao Ye saw her, she cried even louder. She tilted her head back toward the sky, ignoring everything, and just wailed. Tears streamed down her cheeks and soaked her clothes, forming a continuous line.
Bai Yilan almost died laughing!
"What?" Gu Xinran looked completely baffled.
"She's jealous," Bai Yilan mouthed.
"!?" Gu Xinran's eyes widened in realization as she pointed to herself.
"Mhm."
"…"
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry, thoroughly amused by her own cub.
"Xiao Ye?" She tried to take the little one's hand, but it was promptly shaken off!
"Ooh, quite the temper."
"Waaah—"
Gu Xinran admitted she couldn't handle it. Turning to see Lin Yuqing, she waved her over.
Bai Yilan handed Xiao Ye to Lin Yuqing. This time, Xiao Ye didn't resist, but she continued to whimper and cry.
"Xiao Ye? What's wrong? Who bullied you? Tell Auntie." Lin Yuqing gently rocked the little girl, coaxing her softly.
Xiao Ye whimpered for a moment, then glanced at Gu Xinran and pointed a finger at her.
"!?" Gu Xinran pressed a hand to her forehead, once again not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
"Hm?" Lin Yuqing was also a little surprised. She looked at Gu Xinran and paused for a moment. That was someone she couldn't afford to offend.
"Be good, Xiao Ye. Don't cry." All she could do was try to soothe the little one first.
She carried Xiao Ye to the side and looked down at her.
Xiao Ye's little face was flushed from crying; it was clear she was genuinely upset.
Lin Yuqing chuckled softly and wiped the tear stains from her face. "Stop crying for a moment and tell Auntie, why are you crying?"
"Wuwu…" Xiao Ye sobbed, gasping for breath, and took a moment to calm down.
"Mama, Mama… Hmph, woo…" Xiao Ye choked up, unable to form a complete sentence. As she whimpered, the tears started to fall again.
"What about Mama?"
"Mama just now, just now…"
"No rush, take your time."
"Hugged, hugged you, waaah—"
"Hmph!" Xiao Ye snorted angrily.
"Eh?" Lin Yuqing was momentarily stunned, then found it amusing. So this little one was jealous.
Seeing the child's aggrieved, sobbing expression, Lin Yuqing couldn't help but want to laugh, but she didn't dare make it too obvious.
"Ahem, be good, Xiao Ye. Your mama is a very good friend of Auntie's, and also someone Auntie respects very much."
"Wuwu, then what about Xiao Ye?"
"Xiao Ye?" Lin Yuqing paused for a moment, thinking.
The little girl temporarily stopped crying and looked at her with expectant eyes.
"Xiao Ye is someone Auntie holds in her heart," she said softly.
Xiao Ye furrowed her brow and blinked. "What does that mean?"
"It means you're someone Auntie wants to cherish dearly, Auntie's precious darling." After speaking, Lin Yuqing copied her gesture and patted her own chest.
Xiao Ye's big eyes visibly brightened, as if she understood what she meant.
"Does Auntie care about Xiao Ye a lot?"
"Mhm, very, very much." Lin Yuqing nodded and patted her little head.
Xiao Ye wiped the tears from her own face and looked at her with a silly grin.
Seeing that she had stopped crying, Lin Yuqing walked around with her in her arms. She spotted some orchids that the staff had put away, went over, secretly plucked a few leaves, and sat down on the stairs with Xiao Ye.
"What is Auntie doing?" Xiao Ye frowned, watching her fiddle with the leaves.
"Auntie wants to weave a bracelet for you."
Lin Yuqing recalled how Xinran had taught her to weave a ring in her past life and tried to weave a bracelet for the little girl.
"Wow~" Xiao Ye's eyes went wide. She clapped her little hands for her Auntie Lin.
Lin Yuqing raised an eyebrow slightly and gave Xiao Ye a beautiful smile.
"Auntie Lin's eyebrow raise is so pretty!" Xiao Ye reached out to touch Lin Yuqing's eyebrow.
Lin Yuqing chuckled. This little one really knew how to charm people.
"Should Auntie help you put it on?" Lin Yuqing held up the bracelet and dangled it in front of the little girl.
"Okay!" Xiao Ye immediately held out her little hand.
Lin Yuqing tied the bracelet onto her left wrist.
The little girl happily raised her hand high. "It's pretty!"
"Mhm~"
"Auntie Lin, teach Xiao Ye!"
"Okay."
Lin Yuqing ran off to secretly pluck a few more leaves and patiently taught Xiao Ye how to weave bracelets.
"Those two… they're not dating, are they?" The crew members watching from a distance found their interaction incredible. Jin Shuang scratched her head.
"It looks very… delicate."
Hearing this, Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan exchanged a look.
Bai Yilan rolled up her sleeves, ready to march over and break up the CP with her bare hands, but Gu Xinran grabbed her.
"Hey, you'll just make her cry again. Let Xiao Qing play with her for a bit."
"President Gu, aren't you being a little too open-minded?" Bai Yilan raised an eyebrow, her smile not reaching her eyes.
Gu Xinran was startled, goosebumps rising on her skin.
"Talk to me properly!"
"Oh?" Bai Yilan glanced at her, and the next second, her fingers grabbed Gu Xinran's ear. "You enjoyed hugging Xiao Qing just now, didn't you?"
"…" Gu Xinran pressed a hand to her forehead. This mother-daughter pair… weren't they something else?
The staff finished packing up, and the group headed down the mountain.
Xiao Ye clung to Lin Yuqing the entire way, being carried by her Auntie Lin with a delighted expression on her face. She looked incredibly happy.
"Auntie Jin Shuang~"
"Hm? Is the Little Milk Bun calling me?"
"Auntie, look what this is~" Xiao Ye held up her left hand, waving it in front of Jin Shuang to show off the bracelet Lin Yuqing had made for her.
"Ooh? What's this? It's so pretty. Is Xiao Ye going to give it to Auntie?"
"No~ Auntie Lin gave this to Xiao Ye!" The little girl immediately pulled her hand back, holding the bracelet to her chest like a treasure.
"Wuwu, Auntie is so sad. Xiao Ye only likes Auntie Lin now, not Auntie Jin Shuang." Jin Shuang covered her eyes and pretended to cry.
"Auntie, don't cry!" Xiao Ye quickly reached out to pat her comfortingly.
"So sad~" Jin Shuang shrugged, dodging her hand, and pouted.
Xiao Ye was clearly at a loss. She scratched her forehead and looked at Lin Yuqing.
"Xiao Ye, why did you make Auntie Jin Shuang cry?" the other staff members teased.
"Xiao Ye didn't…" Xiao Ye grew a little anxious, her brow furrowed as she shook her little hands.
"Auntie Jin Shuang, don't cry. Xiao Ye… can Xiao Ye give you a kiss?" Xiao Ye opened her arms, wanting Jin Shuang to hold her.
"No." Before Jin Shuang could even respond, Lin Yuqing refused for her.
After saying that, Lin Yuqing glanced at Jin Shuang, picked up the little girl, and walked a few steps ahead.
Xiao Ye was stunned for a moment, then giggled, hugging Lin Yuqing's neck affectionately.
"Hey, is anyone going to do something about this!" Jin Shuang complained indignantly.
Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan exchanged a look. Heh, this was something they couldn't control even if they wanted to.
At dinner that evening, Xiao Ye insisted on clinging to Lin Yuqing.
When it was time to go back to their room, she tried to follow Lin Yuqing, only to be stopped when Yilan grabbed her by the scruff of her neck.
"Mommy, Xiao Ye wants to sleep with Auntie Lin~"
"No."
"Mommy~" Xiao Ye hugged Yilan's hand, wheedling.
"No," Yilan refused again.
"Be good, Xiao Ye. Auntie Lin worked all day and is very tired. She needs to rest well. You can't disturb her, okay?" Gu Xinran said.
Xiao Ye pouted, her face a mask of disappointment.
"Mhm, Auntie is a little tired and wants to sleep now. Xiao Ye, be a good girl and go back with your mamas to rest, okay?"
"Mm, okay," she nodded reluctantly.
"Goodnight, Xiao Ye."
"Goodnight, Auntie Lin~ Have sweet dreams, and dream of Xiao Ye!"
"Okay~"
The little girl waved at Lin Yuqing's retreating back, watching her go into her room before looking away. Yilan then carried her back to their room.
Yilan helped her change into pajamas, carried her to the bathroom to wash up, and checked her for bug bites. Finding none, she gave her a wipe-down. When she tried to take off the bracelet on her wrist, Xiao Ye refused, protecting it like a treasure.
Soon, the little girl was done washing up and ran out of the bathroom, refreshed. She hopped onto the bed, but when she saw her mama beside her preparing her milk formula, she paused. Her little brow furrowed, she pouted, and watched her quietly.
"Xiao Ye, can you hold it and drink by yourself?" Gu Xinran lifted her onto the bed, tucked her in, and handed her the baby bottle for her to hold.
Xiao Ye held the bottle, seemingly lost in thought, not moving for a long time.
"Xiao Ye? What are you thinking about?" Gu Xinran smiled and gently tapped her head.
"Mama."
"Hm?"
Xiao Ye sat up and patted the spot next to her. "Mama, come sit here. Xiao Ye wants to talk with you."
"Eh?" Surprised by the little girl's serious tone, Gu Xinran obediently sat beside her. "What's wrong, Xiao Ye?"
Xiao Ye looked up at her and suddenly sighed, leaving Gu Xinran completely baffled.
The little girl turned, crawled to the head of the bed, took out her little backpack, and pulled out several small stuffed toys, arranging them on the bed one by one.
Gu Xinran watched her quietly.
Bai Yilan vaguely heard their conversation. Intrigued by the little one's tone, she came out to see what was going on.
"What is Xiao Ye doing?" Bai Yilan asked.
"Mama, these are all Xiao Ye's beloved toys," Xiao Ye said in a very serious tone.
"Mhm, Mama knows." Gu Xinran nodded, looking at them. She even brought them when they went out, which showed how much she loved them.
Xiao Ye picked up the toys and placed them into Xinran's hands one by one.
"Xiao Ye is willing to share her toys with Mama."
"Mhm."
"Xiao Ye can give all her toys to Mama."
"Mhm." Gu Xinran continued to nod, listening intently.
"But Mama, can Mama please not steal Auntie Lin? Xiao Ye really, really likes Auntie Lin." As she said this, her face was full of grievance, her eyes red as she fought back tears. Gu Xinran's heart ached seeing this, but she was also deeply moved.
She pursed her lips into a smile. "Does Xiao Ye really like Auntie Lin that much?"
"Mhm! I really do."
Gu Xinran chuckled and exchanged a look with Yilan.
She pulled the little girl onto her lap and placed the toys she had been given back into her arms.
"Xiao Ye, Mama promises you, Mama won't steal your Auntie Lin. Mama has you and Mommy, and I can't even dote on you two enough. Why would I go and steal your auntie?"
"Auntie Lin is Mama and Mommy's friend, a very, very good friend, like family. A very close friend. Can Xiao Ye understand what Mama is saying?"
Seeing the little girl's half-understanding expression, Gu Xinran smiled and stroked her forehead. "Don't worry, Xiao Ye. Mama won't fight with you for Auntie Lin. I won't."
Hearing this promise, Xiao Ye finally smiled, hugged her neck, and gave her a heartwarming embrace.
Gu Xinran gently patted Xiao Ye's soft little body and looked at Yilan, who also looked helpless. She sighed and stroked her daughter's head.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, the family of three was woken by the chirping of birds outside the window.
Gu Xinran got up and opened the curtains. Bright sunlight filled the room. Bai Yilan, still in bed, squinted and stretched languidly.
It had rained heavily the day before, so the weather today was exceptionally clear.
"Aah~" Xiao Ye stretched languidly, rolled over in bed, and ended up in Yilan's arms.
Gu Xinran looked back at the mother and daughter, then opened the window a crack to feel the temperature outside. Although the sun was nice, the wind was still a bit cool.
"Sister Ran, morning," Jin Shuang's voice came from outside the window.
Gu Xinran waved to her. "Why are you all up so early?"
"To have fun! It's a rare opportunity, so we have to seize every minute and second, haha~"
"Sister Ran, is there anything special you want to eat at the wrap party tonight? We can prepare it in advance."
"Anything's fine. You guys can decide."
"Got it." Jin Shuang replied, waved, and led the staff to a nearby market to shop.
"Mama, is that Auntie Jin Shuang?"
"Yes, it is."
"Xiao Ye wants to see too, wants to say good morning to Auntie." Xiao Ye held out her little hands.
Gu Xinran came over, picked her up, and went back to the window to point them out to her.
The little girl only saw the backs of Jin Shuang and the others.
"Auntie Jin Shuang!" she yelled out the window.
"Eh?" Jin Shuang turned around.
"Good morning, Auntie!"
"Morning~"
As the little girl was waving, she caught sight of an orchid swaying below the window out of the corner of her eye.
"Huh?" She leaned down to look, saw a fair hand holding the flower stem, and immediately popped her little head out. Her eyes curved into a beautiful arc.
"Auntie Lin!"
Lin Yuqing was resting her cheek on her hand, looking at her. She waved the orchid in front of her and handed it over.
"Morning, Xiao Ye."
"Morning, Auntie Lin!" Xiao Ye immediately held out her little paw and took it gleefully.
Gu Xinran was dumbfounded. How could she have been standing here for so long and not seen Lin Yuqing?
She also poked her head out the window and saw Lin Yuqing crouching below it, completely hidden unless you leaned out.
Her face darkened instantly.
"You scared me to death."
Lin Yuqing's expression froze, and she gave an embarrassed smile.
"Auntie Lin, you're up so early!" Xiao Ye rested her little hands and chin on the windowsill, beaming at her.
"Mhm, Xiao Ye is up early too."
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry watching her cub. The kid, still in a diaper, was leaning halfway out the window, being all lovey-dovey with her Auntie Lin…
"Xiao Ye? What are you doing?" Bai Yilan asked curiously.
"Hehe." Xiao Ye looked back at her, grinned, and didn't answer the question at all.
"Did Auntie Lin sleep well yesterday?"
"Very well. What about Xiao Ye?"
"Mhm, Xiao Ye even dreamed of Auntie Lin!"
"Really? What did you dream about?"
"I dreamed that Auntie Lin played games with Xiao Ye and took good care of Xiao Ye!" The little girl was delighted, shaking her head. Her little feet were tangled together, and she looked a bit shy.
Lin Yuqing chuckled and gently poked her cheek with a fingertip. The little girl laughed happily.
"Huh?" The little girl's eyes suddenly lit up as she spotted the orchid bracelet on Lin Yuqing's right wrist.
She immediately held up her own little paw. "It's the same!" she said in pleasant surprise.
"Mhm, it's the same." Lin Yuqing nodded. As she was smiling at Xiao Ye, her gaze shifted and landed beside her, where Gu Xinran was eerily poking out half her head, her eyes glowing green as she glanced back and forth between her wrist and Xiao Ye's…
"Make one for me too," Gu Xinran said.
"And one for Yilan," she added.
"…Okay." Lin Yuqing agreed helplessly.
Gu Xinran pulled the little girl back inside. The child protested, "Mama, I was still talking to Auntie Lin!"
"Be good. After Mama helps you wash your face and get dressed, you can go out and play with Auntie Lin."
"Mm, okay. Auntie Lin, wait for me!"
"Mhm."
As Gu Xinran carried Xiao Ye past the bed, she saw Yilan had buried her face in the blankets. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This one… had she shut down?
"Auntie Lin~~" After washing up and changing into new clothes, Xiao Ye pattered over to Lin Yuqing.
Lin Yuqing was sitting in the courtyard weaving bracelets. Hearing footsteps, she turned, and in the next second, she scooped up the little girl and lifted her high into the air.
"Wahaa—" The little girl was overjoyed.
"What is Auntie Lin doing?"
"Weaving bracelets. Why don't you help Auntie, and we can give them to your mama and mommy."
"Oh? Okay!"
The little girl immediately sat in her lap, held out her little hands, and wove bracelets with her.
Inside, Gu Xinran finished washing up and came out of the bathroom to see Yilan still huddled under the covers like an ostrich.
She chuckled, walked over, sat on the bed, and patted Yilan. "Still not getting up? If you don't go watch Xiao Ye, she's gone to find her Auntie Lin again."
"I'm not going. Even if I could watch over her body, I can't watch over her heart," Yilan huffed.
"Ahem, that's true."
The words had barely left her mouth when Yilan glared at her fiercely.
"I'm so sad. Xiao Ye is still so little, and she doesn't want me anymore." Bai Yilan looked gloomy and terribly upset.
Gu Xinran chuckled, pulled her up by the arm, and hugged her. "But you still have me~"
"Hey, don't look so disgusted!" Gu Xinran gently tapped her head.
Only then did Bai Yilan smile.
The two of them were clingy for a while before finally getting up to wash.
After getting ready, they went out to the courtyard and immediately saw the two of them playing under a tree.
Bai Yilan pouted. Seeing the Little Milk Bun sitting in Lin Yuqing's lap, so clingy, she felt a pang of jealousy again.
"Xiao Ye," Gu Xinran called out.
"Huh?" Xiao Ye responded immediately, gave them a sweet smile, climbed out of Lin Yuqing's lap, and pattered over.
Bai Yilan crouched down to welcome her Little Milk Bun, gathering the little one into a full embrace.
"Mommy~"
"Mommy, Xiao Ye wove a bracelet for Mommy!" Xiao Ye held an orchid bracelet in each hand, eagerly showing them off.
"Oh? Did my baby weave it herself?" Bai Yilan was pleasantly surprised.
"Mhm! Auntie Lin taught Xiao Ye! Can Xiao Ye put it on for Mommy?"
"Of course, thank you, baby!" Bai Yilan immediately held out her hand. Watching the little one frowning, tongue sticking out, concentrating on putting the bracelet on her, she was incredibly moved. She unconsciously looked up at Gu Xinran and gave her a smug smile.
Gu Xinran also crouched down and held out her hand, waiting for the little one's favor.
Bai Yilan shook her hand, looking at the little bracelet from all angles, absolutely loving it.
Soon, Gu Xinran was also wearing her bracelet, treasuring it as if it were a priceless gem.
They looked at each other and simultaneously gave the Little Milk Bun a big kiss.
"Xiao Ye has to weave two more!" Xiao Ye said seriously.
"Oh? Why?"
"To bring back for Grandma and Grandmother!"
Bai Yilan's heart warmed. "Okay, that's very thoughtful of you, Xiao Ye."
"Hehe~" The little one smiled sweetly. "Then, Mommy, Xiao Ye has to go get busy." After saying this with a serious face, she ran back to Lin Yuqing.
"It seems it's not as bad as I imagined," Bai Yilan said, lovingly stroking the bracelet on her wrist.
"Xiao Qing is a thoughtful person. Xiao Ye can learn a lot from being with her," Gu Xinran said, pleased.
The two shared a smile.
The two of them sat aside, watching Xiao Ye weave bracelets.
Gu Xinran turned to look at the mountain in the distance.
"What's wrong?" Yilan asked.
"I want to go up the mountain and take another look," Gu Xinran said.
Lin Yuqing heard this and turned to look at her.
The three of them looked at each other and stood up in unison.
Lin Yuqing picked up Xiao Ye, who didn't understand what was happening. Lin Yuqing explained it to her, and the four of them headed up the mountain.
They tacitly walked without rushing, enjoying the scenery along the way. Xiao Ye didn't ask to be carried anymore, instead holding Auntie Lin's hand and walking step by step on the mountain path herself.
Soon, they arrived at the wooden house. The door had been blown open a crack by the wind.
Gu Xinran was the first to enter, taking another look at the wooden house.
After filming ended yesterday, everyone had left without cleaning up, so the house was still a bit messy.
Gu Xinran picked up the broom behind the door and swept the floor.
Bai Yilan found a rag and wiped down the table and bed.
Lin Yuqing cleared the weeds in the yard outside.
The three of them worked in tacit silence, no one speaking.
Xiao Ye scratched her head, looking from one to the other, and obediently followed Lin Yuqing, picking up weeds.
"Be good, Xiao Ye. Sit here and don't move around, okay?" Lin Yuqing stopped her, dusted off her little hands, and led her to the stairs to sit down.
"Mm, but Xiao Ye wants to help."
"It's okay. It's only a little dirty. Auntie will be done cleaning soon." Lin Yuqing smiled at her. Seeing her nod, she turned and went back to the yard to continue cleaning.
Xiao Ye didn't understand, but seeing the three of them silent and the atmosphere being a bit off, she sat quietly without speaking.
Soon, they finished cleaning and stood at the doorway, looking for a while.
Gu Xinran took two steps back, held the two wooden doors, and slowly closed them.
With a click, the door closed, and with it, the heavy memories of the past.
Gu Xinran turned back to the other two and smiled. "What's with those expressions? No need to be so solemn."
Bai Yilan's lips twitched into a somewhat forced smile.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Xiao Ye looked up at her, blinking her big eyes in confusion.
Bai Yilan looked down at her, stroked her little head, and leaned down to pick her up. "Mommy feels so happy."
"Oh? Is it because of Xiao Ye?" The little one grinned, looking at her expectantly.
"Yes!"
Xiao Ye puffed out her little chest, looking very proud.
The three adults walked around the area once more, then left without any lingering attachment.
Just as they got down the mountain, the main group that went shopping returned. Everyone started bustling about, preparing for the wrap party that evening.
Night fell. Jin Shuang got a bonfire going and led everyone in preparing the food, bustling happily.
Xiao Ye was also happily running and jumping around the fire. Lin Yuqing watched her without blinking, afraid she might have the slightest mishap.
Gu Xinran came in from the courtyard with a group of people. "Look what I found for you all," she said excitedly.
Everyone looked over and gasped in unison.
"Wow, are those local costumes?"
"Mhm."
"Everyone go change into them in a bit."
"Okay!"
Everyone immediately picked out an outfit they liked and went to their rooms to change.
The clothes had a distinct ethnic minority style, mainly navy blue with various silver ornaments. They incorporated a qipao design, cinched at the waist, making them very form-fitting. To look good in them, one needed a very good figure.
Soon, most people had changed and come out.
Seeing each other's obvious belly or waist fat, they laughed without mercy.
"Oh my god, help me. This outfit is basically a monster-revealing mirror, isn't it? It gives you no face at all. Couldn't they have at least given us a robe to cover up?" Jin Shuang looked at her own stomach. She didn't even have that much fat, and it wasn't noticeable in her usual clothes, but this outfit revealed everything.
"Hahaha, I put it on, looked in the mirror, and immediately changed back. Forget it, I really can't pull it off. I'll just wear a headpiece."
"Exactly, sis. No need to torture yourself like this."
"No way. Everyone put them on. We're taking a group photo later. We need team spirit!" Jin Shuang wasn't having it and started giving orders.
"I flatly refuse!"
"Hey, look, Xiao Qing looks great in it."
"Yeah, some people can pull it off!"
"But she's still a bit too thin, she doesn't quite fill it out."
"True, if she had a little more meat on her bones, it would look amazing."
Hearing this, everyone turned to see Lin Yuqing also coming out, all dressed up. The outfit looked reasonably well-fitted on her.
"Hey, the little one put one on too?"
Following Lin Yuqing was Xiao Ye, wearing a child's version of the outfit. It was the perfect size, except for her little tummy…
Xiao Ye looked down at her obviously protruding little belly, scratched her head in embarrassment, and shyly tried to cover it with her hand.
Seeing her little gesture, everyone roared with laughter.
Laughed at by everyone, Xiao Ye looked embarrassed and hid behind Lin Yuqing.
Lin Yuqing smiled and patted her head. "It's normal for Xiao Ye to be a little chubby right now. When you get older and your figure slims out, you'll be even more beautiful."
Xiao Ye scratched her head, not quite understanding, but hearing Auntie Lin say she'll be more beautiful, she couldn't help but grin, gaining a little confidence.
She followed Auntie Lin down the steps and suddenly heard everyone gasp in unison.
"Woooow—"
Xiao Ye paused, looked up, and saw almost everyone staring with shining eyes at something behind her. She curiously turned around, and froze on the spot.
Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan walked out hand in hand. The clothes they were wearing looked like they were custom-made, perfectly showcasing their figures—curvy in all the right places, without a single ounce of excess fat!
Slim waists, long legs, full where they should be, and perky where they should be. From the side, you could clearly see their S-curves!
Their steps were in sync, as if they were on a runway, stunning everyone.
"Wow…" Xiao Ye let out a delayed "wow," her little mouth starting to drool again.
Feeling the drool about to escape, she quickly slurped it back, licked her lips, and grabbed Lin Yuqing's hand. "That's Mama, that's my mama!" she announced proudly and smugly to the crowd.
Everyone was amused by her antics.
Hearing Xiao Ye say this, Gu Xinran felt exceptionally satisfied. She walked up to the little girl and winked. The child swayed slightly, as if she'd been zapped, making Gu Xinran laugh out loud.
The next second, however, her joy turned to sorrow as Yilan pinched her ear.
"Caught you. I knew you were the one who taught her to wink," Bai Yilan said with a raised eyebrow and a huff.
"…" It really wasn't me!!!
Soon, the sky was completely dark, and the bonfire party began.
Gu Xinran invited the owner of the farmhouse inn to teach everyone the local dance. Everyone learned enthusiastically, having a great time.
Xiao Ye also wiggled along, her clumsy movements making everyone laugh uncontrollably.
"Sister Ran, sing a song! We haven't heard you sing in ages!" Jin Shuang shouted, and everyone immediately joined in.
"Yeah, it's been so long since we heard Sister Ran sing!"
Gu Xinran smiled. "Alright, I'll sing one."
She stood up and took the microphone.
"Sister Lan, you two sing together!"
"Yes, yes, together, together!!"
Gu Xinran looked at Yilan, walked over, and offered her a hand. "May I have the honor of singing a duet with this beautiful young lady?"
"Sorry, I'm married."
"Hahahaha—"
In the end, Bai Yilan was pushed forward anyway. They looked at each other. "What should we sing?" Gu Xinran searched through her limited repertoire.
"When You Are Old!" Jin Shuang suggested loudly.
"Yes, yes, that's the song that made me fall for Sister Ran!"
"Ahh, which variety show was that from? I remember it was in a cave. She sang it so emotionally, it was beautiful."
"Yes!"
Gu Xinran smiled. That song was indeed very meaningful to her. She looked at Yilan for her opinion.
"Mhm, let's sing that one."
Jin Shuang immediately played the instrumental track on her phone. Everyone else quieted down tacitly, not daring to interrupt. For a moment, the only sound in the empty courtyard was the crackling of the bonfire.
"When you are old, your hair is white, drowsy with sleep…" Gu Xinran glanced at Yilan, beautiful notes flowing from her lips.
"When you are old, unable to walk, dozing by the fire, remembering youth," Bai Yilan sang softly along, their eyes meeting.
Everyone was unconsciously drawn into the song's mood by the emotion the two of them conveyed, listening, mesmerized.
Xiao Ye watched them with wide eyes, her little brow furrowed.
"Only one person still loves your pilgrim soul…" they sang in perfect harmony.
Lin Yuqing was resting her cheek on her hand, listening intently, when she suddenly heard the little one's voice beside her: "Love the wrinkles on your aging face~"
Lin Yuqing was shocked, completely stunned. She turned to look at Xiao Ye. Her bright black eyes reflected the flickering candlelight, her little head swayed unconsciously to the melody, and her mouth opened and closed, humming along, even remembering the lyrics clearly.
"Xiao Ye, have you heard this song before?" Lin Yuqing took a deep breath, suppressing a surge of emotion. That line hit her hard, instantly reminding her of her past life. In that life, she was a full sixteen years older than Xiao Ye. When she grew old and her face was covered in wrinkles, even she herself despised her reflection in the mirror, but Xiao Ye never did.
"Mm? I think so." Xiao Ye thought for a moment and nodded.
"Where did you hear it?"
"Mm, I don't remember. I just have. It's very pretty! But I don't know why, after listening to it, my heart feels uncomfortable," Xiao Ye pouted and patted her chest, looking troubled.
Lin Yuqing's eyes reddened. She took a moment to compose herself, took a deep breath, and pulled Xiao Ye onto her lap, hugging her little body. "Does your heart feel a little better like this?"
"Mhm!" Xiao Ye nodded and started wiggling to the music again.
With tears welling in her eyes, Lin Yuqing held her tightly.
When the song ended, everyone applauded wildly, pushing the party's atmosphere to a climax.
"Encore!"
"Do a dance!"
Everyone kept cheering and egging them on.
"Didn't the owner just teach us the local dance? Sister Ran, Sister Lan, you two have to do one!"
"Yeah~"
The two looked at each other. Well, this group was really having a blast.
"Let's all do it together." Gu Xinran pulled the staff members up one by one. Everyone was a good sport, and the solo performance instantly turned into a large-scale plaza dance.
The group looked like a chaotic mob dance, wiggling freely to the rhythm of the music.
Seeing everyone having so much fun, Xiao Ye got excited too. She stood on a stool, wiggling and hopping. Soon, she got tired and sat back down, panting.
"Auntie Lin, Xiao Ye wants to see Auntie Lin dance!" Xiao Ye tilted her head up, looked at Lin Yuqing sitting behind her, and grinned.
"Hm? Auntie doesn't know how to dance." Lin Yuqing was troubled. Dancing was really her Achilles' heel. She wasn't good at it in her past life either.
"Oh." Xiao Ye furrowed her brow. "Okay then." She didn't press the issue.
Seeing Xiao Ye's slight disappointment, Lin Yuqing stroked her head. "Then, Xiao Ye, wait a moment. Should Auntie go learn right now?"
"Okay!"
Lin Yuqing called Jin Shuang over to watch Xiao Ye, then ran to find the owner to ask for lessons.
The owner was exceptionally enthusiastic and readily agreed, starting to teach her. Lin Yuqing learned very seriously. Even though it was something she was completely unskilled at, she was willing to try as long as Xiao Ye asked.
When Gu Xinran saw this, she was a little surprised. "Look at her," she said, getting Yilan to look too.
"Hm? Is she learning to dance?"
"Mhm. Jin Shuang said Xiao Ye wanted to see it, so she ran off to learn from the owner," Gu Xinran chuckled.
"You know, she couldn't dance in her past life and was very resistant to it. She had no dance training, and her body wasn't flexible. She tried once, but her movements were stiff, and people made fun of her. It was a big blow, so she became very averse to it and never touched dancing again," Gu Xinran said with emotion, a pleased expression on her face.
"Look at that little one, her eyes are shining." Gu Xinran glanced at Xiao Ye again, her smile widening.
Lin Yuqing practiced a simple dance step over and over until she felt she's got it. She thanked the owner and walked over to Xiao Ye, feeling a little nervous as she looked at the child.
Xiao Ye looked at her with anticipation.
"Xiao Ye, don't mind me if I don't dance well, okay?" Lin Yuqing said.
"I won't! Auntie dances very well!" Xiao Ye immediately sat up straight.
Lin Yuqing took a deep breath, still a bit nervous. She glanced around uneasily as the people around them all turned to look at her.
She paused, then started to move with the music.
To be honest, her movements lacked rhythm, her body was clearly a bit uncoordinated, and she had none of the confidence she had when acting.
"Haha, your dancing is…" Jin Shuang was about to tease her.
"Awesome! Super awesome!!" Xiao Ye stood up, clapping with all her might. Feeling her applause wasn't loud enough, she even patted Jin Shuang, telling her to clap for her Auntie Lin too.
"Auntie Lin is awesome! Super pretty! Super, super pretty!!" Xiao Ye was extremely excited, shouting "pretty" over and over.
Greatly encouraged, Lin Yuqing danced it again amidst the little one's enthusiastic cheers.
With the little one's encouragement, she regained some confidence this time and focused more on the dance moves. It was noticeably much better than the first time.
The others couldn't help but applaud for her too. "Great! Go, Xiao Qing!"
"It looks good, it looks good! Really not bad!"
Seeing more and more people applauding for her Auntie Lin, Xiao Ye shouted herself hoarse with excitement.
"Auntie Lin is super awesome!!"
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