In a quiet little courtyard east of the Water Cloud Imperial Palace, when spring arrived in March, A'man, who had slept for a hundred years, finally awoke.
Over those hundred years, the traces of time on Ning Chen's face had deepened. His eyes had gone blind, and even he looked far more weathered.
On the bed, A'man opened her eyes and looked at the man before her. A smile appeared on her delicate face as she softly said, "You've grown old."
Ning Chen smiled softly and said gently, "I have grown old. Would you like to get up and walk around?"
"Mm."
A'man answered quietly.
Ning Chen stepped forward and helped the girl up, smiling. "Be careful."
His tone was calm, without much emotional turbulence—no excitement, no wild joy, only boundless tenderness.
Having slept for many years, A'man's body was somewhat weak. Half leaning against Ning Chen, she rose to her feet.
"How long did I sleep?" A'man sensed the weakness in her body and asked.
"More than a hundred years."
Ning Chen smiled. "You've slept enough this time, haven't you?"
"That long?"
A'man stuck out her tongue, looking embarrassed.
As they spoke, the two came outside. In the courtyard, Little Gourd was chasing a black fox all over the place, playing about in a lively commotion.
Hearing the chaotic noise in the courtyard, Ning Chen said, "All right, stop for a while. You've been making a fuss all day."
Little Gourd and the black fox both stopped at his words.
"Sister A'man, you're awake!"
At that moment, Little Gourd saw the woman ahead. Delight appeared on his face as he flew over and pounced toward her.
A'man reached out and caught Little Gourd, smiling. "Little Gourd, what's growing on your head?"
Little Gourd stretched out his chubby little hand