Green hills and clear waters, an ancient village nestled against a cliff, and a sky full of white clouds. A gentle breeze brushed faint ripples across the river. Everything was peaceful and unhurried.
An Yang sat unceremoniously by the riverside stilt house, his legs dangling over the water as he lost himself in thought.
Suddenly, he felt someone watching him.
"Hehehe..."
An Yang came out of his reverie and chuckled. A lollipop appeared out of thin air in his hand. Turning around, he said, "Why are you hiding behind me and sneaking peeks? What are you up to?"
Standing behind him was a little girl as cute as a doll, about four or five years old. She had big eyes, rosy skin, and wore a light gray hemp outfit. Her bangs were cut straight across, and her hair was tied into two buns. She tilted her head and stared at him curiously, looking utterly adorable.
When she saw him turn around, the little girl jumped. Her whole body trembled, and she turned and ran.
After taking two steps, she suddenly stopped. Keeping what she considered a safe distance, she turned around and studied him again, her eyes shining with childish curiosity.
Gradually, her gaze shifted to the candy in An Yang's hand. Her big eyes suddenly sparkled.
"What's that...? Who are you?"
The little girl's clear, sweet voice could melt anyone's heart. An Yang immediately gave her a warm smile. "It's candy. You've had candy before, right? The kind you put in your mouth and it tastes sweet."
"Candy?" The little girl's eyes widened slightly.
"Mm." An Yang nodded with a smile.
"I've had candy, and candied hawthorn too. But your candy looks different." The little girl fixed her big, bright eyes on him and spoke in a childish voice.