Na'er (Two Chapters Combined)

It was a girl, looking even younger than him. She wore old clothes washed until they had faded to white; the fabric had worn thin, and there was even a small hole at the cuff.

She was curled up at the base of the wall, arms wrapped around her knees, her head buried low in the crook of her arms like a small beast that had shrunk into a ball after being frightened. Her hair was silver-white.

Sunlight spilled down from the gap above the alley, illuminating that short, silver-white hair and casting a soft, almost translucent luster over it.

The little girl kept her head down, as if drawing something on the ground; she did not notice that someone was watching her not far away.

Chu Yan stopped, his gaze lingering on her for two or three breaths before he stepped forward and walked in that direction.

Pang Shan followed behind, his gaze also falling upon the silver-haired girl along with Chu Yan's line of sight. His eyebrows twitched slightly, but he did not speak to ask why.

Chu Yan walked to the base of the wall and stopped about three steps away from the little girl.

The little girl seemed to sense someone approaching; her movements paused for a moment, and she lifted her head.

In that instant, Chu Yan saw her appearance clearly.

She looked even younger than him. Her face was dirty, smudged with dust, but even so, it could not hide the fact that her small face possessed features so exquisite they seemed almost unreal.

Her eyes were large, the irises a clear, limpid purple, like two highly polished amethysts, glowing with a soft luster in the afternoon light.

When those eyes looked over, there was no evasion, no nervousness—only a direct gaze, carrying a trace of imperceptible shock and suspicion.

Their eyes met.

Chu Yan saw his own reflection in her purple irises, clear to an incredible degree.

He paused for a brief moment, then spoke, his voice gentler than usual: "What is your name?"

The silver-haired girl looked at him for another two breaths, as if judging something.

Then she spoke, her voice soft, clear, and delicate, with a hint of natural hoarseness: "My name is Na'er."

Na'er.

Hearing these two words, Chu Yan did not reveal any unnecessary expression on his face, but the sense of suspense in his heart finally settled.

He had finally found her.

He had arrived before Tang Wulin, at this inconspicuous corner of the street, in such an ordinary, unremarkable way.

He looked down at the dirty little girl before him. She was thin and small, her clothes tattered, sitting at the base of the wall like a beast that could not find its den.

Just as Chu Yan was about to say something, a discordant sound broke the brief silence.

"Gurgle—"

The sound came from Na'er's stomach, clear enough that it was hard to ignore.

Na'er's face flushed instantly. Although the dust on her face made it hard to see clearly, she subconsciously lowered her head, staring at her dirty shoetips as if she had been caught doing something wrong.

Chu Yan looked down at her embarrassed little appearance, the corners of his mouth curving upward involuntarily.

To think the Silver Dragon King would have such a moment—it really made him want to laugh.

He said softly, "It seems my stomach is the one growling. Would you like to keep me company for a meal?"

Na'er lifted her head from between her knees, her purple eyes looking at him with some surprise, as if she had not expected him to say such a thing.

She opened her mouth, then closed it again. After hesitating for a moment, she whispered, "I... I don't have any money."

"My treat," Chu Yan said, reaching out a hand toward her. He continued, "Consider it a favor for keeping me company and chatting."

Na'er's gaze lingered on his outstretched palm for a moment before she looked up at him again, as if confirming he was serious. Then, she slowly reached out and placed her own dust-stained little hand into his palm.

Her fingertips were ice-cold, likely from being exposed to the wind for too long.

Chu Yan gently gripped her hand and pulled her up from the ground.

Only after standing up did Na'er appear even smaller; her height barely reached his shoulder, thin and frail.

"Let's go, there seems to be a noodle shop up ahead." Chu Yan released her hand and pointed toward a small shop not far down the street, the sign reading "Old Zhou Noodle Shop."

Na'er followed by his side, her steps somewhat cautious, yet she did not keep much distance.

Pang Shan followed silently a few paces behind, his gaze sweeping the surroundings with some confusion as to why the young master would help this little beggar, but he did not ask.

The three entered the noodle shop. It was not large, containing only five or six tables, and the furniture looked quite aged.

Chu Yan chose a table by the window and sat down. Na'er sat on the chair opposite him, her posture still hunched, her hands resting on her knees, not daring to touch anything on the table.

The proprietress was a plump, middle-aged woman with flour on her apron. She walked over with a smile, and seeing Na'er's state, she didn't ask any questions, simply saying enthusiastically, "What would you two little ones like to eat?"

Chu Yan ordered two large bowls of seafood noodles and added two side dishes.

The proprietress replied with a "Coming right up!" and turned to busy herself in the back kitchen.

Na'er sat quietly across the table. Her eyes didn't wander; she only stared at the bamboo chopstick holder on the table, then looked down at her own dirty hands resting on her knees, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Chu Yan noticed her small movements but said nothing. These habits could not be changed overnight; there was still plenty of time.

The noodles were served quickly. Two steaming bowls of seafood noodles emitted a fragrant aroma, the broth milky white, topped with a few fresh shrimp, slices of squid, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions, looking quite appetizing.

Na'er looked at the bowl in front of her, which was larger than her own face. Her purple eyes brightened slightly, but she did not pick up her chopsticks immediately. Instead, she looked up at Chu Yan first, as if waiting for something.

"Eat. If it's not enough, we'll order more." Chu Yan picked up his chopsticks and was the first to take a mouthful of noodles.

Only then did Na'er pick up her chopsticks, carefully lifting a strand of noodles, blowing on the steam, and eating in small, delicate bites.

After the first bite, her movements quickened slightly; she was clearly famished.

Chu Yan calmly moved a few shrimp from his own bowl into hers. She froze for a moment, looking up at him with lips slightly parted as if to say thank you, but in the end, she simply lowered her head and continued eating her noodles in silence.

Chu Yan didn't speak again, lowering his head to eat his own meal.

The meal was quiet and natural. Na'er finished a large bowl of noodles, even drinking the broth until the bowl was clean.

Her cheeks finally regained a hint of color, no longer as deathly pale as before.

She set down the bowl and subconsciously wiped her mouth with her sleeve, only to realize her sleeve was dirtier than her mouth. Seeing the tissues on the table, she pulled a few out to wipe herself clean.

Chu Yan didn't laugh at her; he simply stood up to pay the bill and walked back to the table.

"Do you want to go somewhere with me?" Chu Yan asked, looking at her.

At these words, a flicker of curiosity crossed Na'er's purple eyes, though it was overshadowed by hesitation.

She looked down at her bare feet and asked in a small voice, "Where to?"

"First, I'm taking you to buy some shoes."

Chu Yan started walking outside, and after a moment of hesitation, Na'er followed him.

Chu Yan didn't say much along the way, simply walking along the street toward the bustling downtown area.

Passersby saw the two children accompanied by a middle-aged man trailing behind; occasionally, curious gazes were cast their way, but it was nothing more than curiosity.

After walking for about seven or eight minutes, Chu Yan stopped in front of a shop.

It was a store selling children's clothing, shoes, and hats. The storefront was small, and the display window held a few pairs of children's cloth shoes and sandals—simple in style, but clean.

Chu Yan pushed the door open and walked in. Na'er stood at the entrance, hesitated for a moment, then followed him inside.

The shopkeeper was a woman in her forties with a kind smile. Seeing the two children enter, she asked enthusiastically, "Are you kids here to buy shoes? Who are they for?"

Chu Yan stepped aside to reveal Na'er behind him and said, "Buy a pair for her. Anything that fits will do."

The shopkeeper looked down at Na'er's bare feet and then at her dirty little face. Her smile didn't falter; she simply nodded, turned around, and pulled a few pairs of small-sized cloth shoes from under the counter.

"Come on, little girl, try this pair."

Na'er looked down at the light blue cloth shoes being offered. She didn't take them immediately, instead looking up at Chu Yan first, as if confirming something.

Chu Yan nodded.

Only then did Na'er squat down and slide her feet into the shoes.

The size was just right. The soles were soft, and the edges were lined with fine, tight stitching, providing a snug and comfortable fit.

"We'll take this pair," Chu Yan told the shopkeeper.

"Alright, that'll be thirty-eight yuan." The shopkeeper's eyes crinkled into a smile.

Chu Yan fished money from his pocket and handed it over, then pointed to some children's clothes hanging on the other side of the shop. "Do you have any dresses that would fit her?"

The shopkeeper paused, looking at the faded, hole-ridden old clothes on Na'er, then back at Chu Yan. She understood immediately and nodded, taking down two simple dresses from the rack.

One was light pink, the other light blue. Both were cotton—not particularly fancy, but clean and comfortable.

"Both of these would suit the little girl well. Would you like her to try them on?"

Chu Yan nodded, then looked at Na'er and asked in a calm tone, "Which one would you like to wear?"

Na'er stood before the rack, her gaze shifting between the two dresses twice before she finally pointed to the light blue one.

"Then we'll take this one," Chu Yan said to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper took the dress with a smile, then looked at the dust on Na'er's face and clothes. "How about I take the child to the back to wash up and change? There's a restroom and hot water in the back."

Hearing this, Chu Yan glanced at Na'er. She kept her head down and didn't speak, but she didn't refuse either.

"Sorry to trouble you," Chu Yan said.

The shopkeeper took Na'er's hand and led her toward the small room at the back of the shop. After a few steps, she turned back to Chu Yan and said, "You sit for a moment, little one; it won't take long."

Chu Yan sat on a small stool by the shop entrance and waited quietly.

After about ten minutes, the shopkeeper led Na'er back out.

Na'er had changed into the light blue dress; the fabric was soft, and the hem fell just to her knees.

Her hair had been wiped down by the shopkeeper with a wet towel. Although it was still slightly damp, the dust on her face and hands had been washed away, revealing fair, delicate skin.

Wearing the new light blue cloth shoes, she looked much more spirited than before.

The shopkeeper had even used a small, light blue elastic band to tie a little braid in her silver-white hair. Though the styling was simple, it looked indescribably cute against her exquisite little face.

Na'er walked up to Chu Yan and stood still, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her dress. She lifted her purple eyes slightly, as if waiting for his assessment.

Chu Yan looked her up and down, the corners of his mouth curving slightly. "It suits you very well."

At these three words, a faint, fleeting smile appeared on Na'er's face.

Chu Yan stood up, thanked the shopkeeper, paid the bill, and led Na'er out of the shop.

As for why he didn't buy both dresses—there was no need; he could buy better ones when they returned.

Pang Shan watched from behind as Na'er walked by in her new clothes, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

The two of them walked slowly along the street for a few minutes before Chu Yan turned his head to glance at her, breaking the silence.

"Na'er, my name is Chu Yan. I'm here from East Sea City on a trip. I should be a year or two older than you, so you can call me Brother Yan."

Upon hearing this, Na'er tilted her head slightly to look at him. After a moment, she nodded gently, her voice still carrying that soft, clear, and delicate quality as she called out, "Brother Yan."

Hearing this, Chu Yan couldn't help but chuckle, then asked naturally, "Where is your family? How come you're here all by yourself?"

Na'er remained silent for a while, looking down at the tips of her new shoes.

"I don't know... I'm all alone."

Hearing this, Chu Yan seemed to pause for a moment before saying, "Let's go, I'll take you to see the seaside."

"The seaside?" Na'er looked up at him, her purple eyes brightening slightly. Her voice held a hint of curiosity as she asked, "Is it nearby?"

"It's just over there, a few minutes' walk."

Chu Yan pointed toward the end of the street. He could smell the sea breeze growing stronger, though it was different from the scent of the sea in East Sea City.

Following that, the two walked along the street in the direction of the ocean.

Before long, their field of vision opened up.

A gray-blue expanse of sea stretched out before them, with a few fishing boats anchored in the distance.

Chu Yan stood at the edge of the beach, looking at the bay, which was not particularly magnificent but peaceful enough. The sea breeze ruffled the hair on his forehead.

He heard soft footsteps beside him; Na'er had walked over to stand next to him. She gazed at the water, her purple eyes reflecting the shimmering waves.

"Is it pretty?" Chu Yan asked.

"It's pretty," Na'er said softly.

She watched quietly for a while before asking, "Brother, is this the sea?"

"Mm, this is the sea."

"I think... I've seen the sea before," Na'er's voice was very light, as if she were talking to herself.

Chu Yan glanced at her without pressing for details, simply saying, "If you like it, you can come often when you have the chance."

Na'er nodded at his words and then watched the distant sea in silence, the breeze stirring her short, silver-white hair and the hem of her dress.

The entire process felt natural and leisurely, like a young boy out for a stroll with a newly met friend.

Chu Yan knew very well that his behavior today had to appear like a aimless wander, not a search with a specific objective; this was crucial.

Whether it was the powerful soul beast that might be lurking near Na'er or Tang Hao hidden somewhere nearby, if either side sensed that he had intentionally come to find Na'er, it could trigger unnecessary variables.

With his current strength, he was far from being able to handle changes of that magnitude, so it was better to be cautious.

At this moment, Na'er spoke up: "Brother."

"Hm?"

"Are you going back today?"

Chu Yan fell silent for a heartbeat before nodding. "...Yes, I only came out for a day trip, so I should head back by evening."

Na'er didn't ask further upon hearing this. She simply lowered her head, and after a short while, replied softly, "Oh..."

Watching her head bowed, Chu Yan didn't rush to speak. He waited a few more seconds before asking:

"Then, would you like to come home with me?"