The morning mist had yet to fully disperse. The small river beside the camp shimmered with rippling light, while the reeds along the bank swayed gently in the breeze. Lin Zhixia wore a plain-colored outer robe and stood alone by the river, letting the damp wind lift her hair and brush across her still-pale cheeks. She gazed at her reflection in the water, her eyes vacant, as though she wanted to fold this brief moment of peace deep into her heart.
"Zhi Xia." Tang San's gentle voice came from behind her, carrying a hint of caution. He approached alongside Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, and the others, their eyes fixed on Lin Zhixia's slender back with concern. Xiao Wu hurried forward and gently took her wrist. Her fingertips met a chill, and she could not help frowning. "You only just woke up. Why did you come out here to catch the wind? Can your body handle it?"
Lin Zhixia slowly turned around and forced a faint smile at them. Her voice was soft, yet calm. "It's nothing. I'm fine. I've just been in the tent too long and wanted to come out for some air." Her gaze swept over the group, then paused slightly when it touched a familiar figure in the distance—Gu Zhinian had arrived at some point and was standing beneath several willow trees, watching her from afar with an unreadably complicated expression.
Xiao Wu followed her gaze and instantly understood what she was thinking. Remembering how Lin Zhixia had collapsed two days ago, Xiao Wu instinctively tightened her arms and gently wrapped them around her waist from behind. Like a guardian, she said softly, "I'll stay with you." Dai Mubai and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance and tactfully took two steps back, leaving only Tang San