The gentle breeze by the lake brushed across the water, stirring up layer upon layer of tiny ripples.
Sunlight streamed through gaps in the canopy, dancing in golden flecks across the lake like scattered bits of gold.
Xiao Wu leaned against Lin Chen's shoulder, her breathing gradually becoming steady and deep.
Her eyelashes trembled slightly a few times before falling completely still. It was as though she had let down every last defense, and she sank into a deep sleep.
Lin Chen lowered his head and looked at her peaceful sleeping face without moving. He adjusted his posture so she could rest more comfortably, then continued gazing at the lake, letting time slowly drift by in the quiet.
Da Ming and Er Ming also fell silent. Da Ming sank into the water, leaving only a pair of enormous eyes above the surface as he quietly watched the shore. Er Ming leaned against a massive tree with his arms crossed, his eyes closed as if dozing off.
The entire core region sank into a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
No one knew how much time had passed when Xiao Wu's body suddenly gave a slight tremble.
Her brows furrowed faintly, and her breathing became somewhat hurried, as though she had encountered something unsettling in her dream. Her lips moved slightly, releasing a blurred murmur so soft it seemed to drift from a distant place.
"Mom..."
Lin Chen's body stiffened slightly.
Xiao Wu's fingers unconsciously clenched the corner of his clothes, and she curled herself up even tighter, like a small beast seeking warmth.
A crystalline tear seeped from the corner of her eye and slowly slid down her cheek, catching a brief glimmer in the sunlight.
"Mom... don't go..."
Her voice carried a sobbing note, as though she were chasing something forever