The river scenery was full of summer's breath. The water flowed between two massive boulders at an almost imperceptible pace.
Lush, towering poplars lined the riverbank, their branches thick with leaves. Tangled wild grass grew across the ground, dotted with colorful wildflowers whose names no one knew, while butterflies fluttered gracefully among them.
The river was quite clear, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds like blooming white lotuses.
Xue Yuantong jumped into the little river, splashing up glistening water that wet her pant legs.
It was already past nine in the morning. May's sun had shed spring's reserve and become more assertive, flaunting its charm with blazing sunlight.
The cool river water washed over her skin, bringing waves of refreshing chill.
Jiang Ning waited for Xue Yuantong in the middle of the river. Hampered by the water's resistance, she moved slowly and unsteadily, looking as though she might fall flat at any moment.
Speechless, Jiang Ning stepped closer and looked down at her. "Your pant leg is about to come loose."
"Mm." Xue Yuantong lowered her head. The next moment, the pant leg she had rolled up slipped down because of her movement.
Seeing it about to fall into the water, she hurriedly tried to hold it up.
Jiang Ning bent down at just the right moment, held her pant leg for her, and rolled it up to her thigh.
With both hands free, Xue Yuantong stood foolishly in the water, her little face breaking into a brilliant smile. She suddenly reached out and patted Jiang Ning's head.
"There." Jiang Ning said. He had deliberately used a thread of Spiritual Energy to secure it slightly. Even if she got vigorous while catching fish later, it would not come down.
That way, if Xue Yuantong failed to catch any fish