Deng Tianxin reached out, caught her hand, and held it as he said softly, "Qiu'er, you were already very brave. At least you took that step before I did."
"Quit flattering me." Di Qiu'er slapped his hand away, but she did not pull away again.
It was already broad daylight outside, and voices gradually began to rise from the village.
Deng Tianxin was in no hurry. He simply sat quietly with her for a while longer before getting up to fetch the clothes they would change into that day.
When the two emerged from the room, Xiao Wu and Liu Erlong were already seated at the small table in the courtyard, chatting over thin porridge and rice cakes. Seeing Deng Tianxin and Di Qiu'er come out one after the other, Xiao Wu first froze, then seemed to understand something. Her eyes slowly lit up.
"Oh? Qiu'er, did you sleep well last night?" Xiao Wu held her bowl, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled. There was no real mockery in her tone, only a hint of teasing.
Di Qiu'er paused. Her expression remained unchanged, but the tips of her ears quietly reddened. "None of your business."
"I'm just concerned about you." Xiao Wu scooped up a spoonful of porridge and winked at Deng Tianxin. "Tianxin, did someone stand watch for me last night? No wonder it felt so quiet outside. Turns out there was a big golden cat guarding the door."
Liu Erlong snorted with laughter. She took a bite of rice cake, then leisurely added another jab, "Guarding the door? I think it was more like the guard stealing what she was guarding. She usually keeps such a cold face that I thought she had impressive self-control. Turns out she's even better than me at picking her moment."