Just as Xun'er kept glancing toward Xiao Yan's courtyard, a steady presence approached from nearby. It carried the gentle warmth of an elder, utterly unlike the youthful awkwardness she had been waiting for. Yet, with anticipation and anxiety tangled together, the girl misjudged it for an instant.
"Brother Xiao Yan!"
But when she saw who had come, the blush on her cheeks briefly froze. The man approaching was not the boy who filled her thoughts, but Xiao Yan's father-Xiao Zhan. Dressed in a dark robe, he wore a warm smile and walked with measured steps, bearing the natural dignity of a clan head.
Xun'er quickly hid that fleeting disappointment, put on a sweet, demure smile again, and bowed gracefully to Xiao Zhan.
"Uncle Xiao Zhan."
Xiao Zhan laughed heartily and waved a hand, his eyes full of an elder's affection for a youngster. He took an exquisite brocade box from inside his robe and offered it to her.
"Xun'er, today's your birthday. I haven't prepared anything particularly valuable, but this is a piece of Spirit-Calming Jade. It helps focus the mind and soothe the spirit. Wearing it while you cultivate, or whenever you're troubled, should do you some good."
Xun'er accepted the brocade box with both hands and opened it. Inside lay a pale blue-green jade pendant, its luster soft and warm, its surface slightly cool to the touch. She could clearly sense the gentle energy within.
"Thank you, Uncle Xiao Zhan. I really like this gift."
Xun'er's thanks were sincere, and her heartfelt delight made Xiao Zhan's smile all the more genuine.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Zhan turned and left. As he walked, he could not help sighing inwardly. Having been young himself, how could he fail to recognize such deep affection? It seemed Xun'er truly liked