The sky was like a pale curtain. Night shrouded the earth, and the Milky Way, formed of countless stars, glittered within it, its scattered light reflected on the tranquil desert lake.
The rising cooking smoke slowly faded away. Several fish skeletons stood stuck in the dirt.
Full and satisfied, Li Qiuzhi and Nilou lay side by side on the oasis grass, looking up at the sky. The girl blinked her emerald-green eyes and said:
"What a beautiful starry sky. Looking at it makes me feel so peaceful."
"Mm." Li Qiuzhi nodded with a smile, quietly moving his right hand over Nilou's left. He stroked the back of her hand, then gently took it.
"U-um, Mr. Adventurer, I've already had a little inspiration for that new dance. Let me perform it for you."
The fair skin of her face turned crimson. Nilou sat up and shyly withdrew her hand.
"It would be my honor." Li Qiuzhi sat up as well, brushing the withered grass and dirt off the back of Nilou's clothes.
Nilou lowered her head and murmured, "Thank you." As though trying to ease her embarrassment, she undid the laces of her ankle boots and took them off, setting her pantyhose-clad feet on the ground.
Perhaps taking off her pantyhose in front of a boy was a little embarrassing. Gripping her skirt hem, she spoke softly again:
"Mr. Adventurer, please turn around."
"It's just taking off your stockings. It's no big deal. Besides, isn't it a little awkward to take them off yourself? Would you like me to help?"
Li Qiuzhi eagerly offered his assistance.
"P-please don't say such strange things!" Blushing, Nilou cupped Li Qiuzhi's face in both hands and forcibly turned his gaze away.
"Stay just like that and don't move, or I won't dance for you!"
Hearing