Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

"That’s right. I named him Jin Xuan."

"What a brave little one, daring to play on the back of a Tier Two Demon Beast." Zhuang Yuechan smiled as she watched the little boy using Jin Xuan’s shell as a slide.

Just then, a gentle voice chimed in. "Yun’Er and Jin Xuan grew up together, so of course he’s not afraid."

"Mother, this is Yuechan, and this is Senior Brother Xing Zhao," Song Changsheng quickly introduced.

"Greetings, Auntie." Zhuang Yuechan curtsied gracefully, her cheeks burning. ’Thank goodness I didn’t take off my veil, or else...’

Hearing this, Xia Yunxue’s eyes lit up. "From the Zhuang family?"

Zhuang Yuechan nodded hesitantly.

"To think that little girl has grown so big all of a sudden." Xia Yunxue’s face was all smiles as she familiarly took Zhuang Yuechan’s delicate hand.

"You know me?" Zhuang Yuechan subconsciously glanced at Song Changsheng, her eyes filled with delight.

Little did she know, Song Changsheng was also stunned.

"Of course." Xia Yunxue warmly invited them to sit down, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "That was more than twenty years ago. Sheng’Er was only five, and I took him to Celestial Sound Mountain to stay for a while. I saw you a few times back then. You were following behind the Great City Lord, and you were only about this tall."

She gestured with her hand, a nostalgic smile on her face. That had truly been the happiest time of her life. The great war broke out right after she returned from Celestial Sound Mountain, and Song Changsheng’s father perished in that conflict.

Not everyone could remember things from the womb like Song Changsheng or Song Qingxing, so Zhuang Yuechan had no recollection whatsoever. Nevertheless, an inexplicable sense of peace settled over her heart.

"I seem to recall something like that," Xing Zhao chimed in from the side with a slight nod.

Though he was of the same generation as Zhuang Yuechan, he was actually close to a hundred years old—a little older than even Xia Yunxue—so he had some memory of those past events.

"Sheng’Er, you didn’t tell me we had guests coming, so I haven’t prepared a thing. Please, wait just a moment." Xia Yunxue shot Song Changsheng a mock-reproachful glance before getting up and busying herself inside the house.

"Changsheng, please ask your mother not to go to any trouble. We’re only staying for a little while," Zhuang Yuechan said in a low voice.

Just as Song Changsheng was about to reply, Little Lingyun stumbled over, rubbing his eyes. He leaned against his thigh and mumbled, "Daddy, I’m sleepy."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yuechan, who had just stood up, felt as if she’d been struck by lightning. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she nearly stumbled.

Xing Zhao stared at Song Changsheng, his face a mask of shock and fury. "Junior Song, you have a child?"

His hands gripped the armrests of his chair, a volcano of rage brewing in his chest.

Song Changsheng froze, instantly realizing their misunderstanding. Looking at Zhuang Yuechan, he could practically see how pale her beautiful face had become beneath her veil.

His mind reeled. "You’ve misunderstood," he said quickly. "He’s..."

Song Changsheng glanced instinctively at Little Lingyun and swallowed the rest of his sentence. "I’ll explain in detail later," he whispered.

With that, he picked up the child and quickly carried him into the house.

His words made them realize there might be more to the story, and their turbulent emotions calmed slightly.

Seeing Zhuang Yuechan’s state, Xing Zhao opened his mouth, but he didn’t know how to comfort her. All he could do was silently vow that if Song Changsheng didn’t produce a reasonable explanation, he was going to cave his head in!

Xia Yunxue watched the scene in the courtyard unfold from the window. After a moment’s thought, she decided not to intervene. It was better for Song Changsheng to explain things himself.

Song Changsheng closed the door to the room and, with a wave of his hand, set up a privacy Restriction. He then came to stand before Zhuang Yuechan. "I’m sorry," he began. "I was wrong not to tell you sooner. The child... I found him on my way to the Celestial Sword Sect..."

After listening to Song Changsheng’s explanation, Xing Zhao breathed an inward sigh of relief. ’I knew it,’ he thought. ’Junior Song isn’t that foolish.’

Zhuang Yuechan had already brought a hand to her lips, unable to stop herself. She never imagined the child had endured such a tragic fate.

After a moment’s hesitation, she pressed her lips together. "Can... can I go see him?"

Song Changsheng was momentarily surprised, then broke into a smile. "Of course."

With a wave of his hand, he dispelled the Restriction. The two of them entered the room to find the little one already fast asleep, one hand clutching tightly to the "Little Fatty Sword" that Song Changsheng had made for him.

"His constitution is a little unusual, so he gets drowsy easily. He used to sleep for the better part of a day, but it’s gotten better now."

"What’s his name?" Zhuang Yuechan sat by the bed and gently tucked the little one in, her voice soft.

"Qingyun. Song Qingyun. But I still like to call him Lingyun." That name carried all of Song Changsheng’s hopes for the boy.

"Poor child..." Zhuang Yuechan reached out and gently squeezed Lingyun’s chubby cheek. A hint of sorrow touched her face; she saw a reflection of herself in this boy.

The village she’d lived in as a child had been attacked by Demon Beasts. Everyone had died. Only she was saved by a passing Muu Guibai, who took her in as a Direct Disciple.

In a way, they shared a similar fate.

Equally tragic, yet equally lucky.

"Thank you," Zhuang Yuechan said, turning to look at Song Changsheng, her large, limpid eyes seeming to sparkle.

"Hm?" Song Changsheng froze, taken aback.

"Thank you for changing his destiny."

Song Changsheng just shook his head. He never felt he could change anyone’s destiny, as he couldn’t even control his own.

"What is this?" Zhuang Yuechan’s gaze fell upon a wooden box by the bed. Inside was a small, long-handled drum with two strings tied to its sides, each with a Jade Bead at the end.

Song Changsheng rubbed his nose. "It’s a rattle-drum."

"A rattle-drum? And what’s this?"

"That’s a Wooden Horse."

"And what is this thing with wheels?"

"It’s a baby stroller."

...

Zhuang Yuechan was like a wide-eyed tourist, finding novelty in everything she saw. These items, so common on Blue Star, were all strange new things in this world.

"You made all of these?"

"Just something to pass the time when I’m bored."

Zhuang Yuechan realized she understood the man before her less and less. He was shrouded in so much mystery...

By the time the two of them came out of the room, Xia Yunxue had already brought out an array of Spirit Fruits and pastries and was chatting with Xing Zhao about the changes Luoxia City had seen over the years.

Seeing them emerge, Xia Yunxue knew the misunderstanding had been cleared up. She quickly beckoned Zhuang Yuechan to sit and began making small talk.

It wasn’t until midnight that Zhuang Yuechan and Xing Zhao finally took their leave.

When Song Changsheng returned from seeing them off, Xia Yunxue let out a soft sigh. "If you had just explained things sooner, all this unnecessary misunderstanding could have been avoided."

Remembering the look on Zhuang Yuechan’s face, Song Changsheng was still shaken. He lowered his head. "You’re right, Mother. I was wrong."

"Oh, you." Xia Yunxue poked his forehead with her finger, her tone exasperated. "You’ve been like this since you were little, always keeping things to yourself. Now, fess up. When did things start between you and Yuechan? And how far have you gotten?"

Song Changsheng scratched his head. "You’re imagining things. Nothing’s even started yet."

"All right, all right. I was just imagining things."

She said as much, but her expression made it clear she didn’t believe a word of it. After all, a blind man could see there was something between them.

After a moment of thought, she couldn’t help but add, "You’ve always been independent, and I’ve never tried to interfere in your life. But on this matter, you’ll have to forgive me for being a busybody."

"You must be serious when it comes to matters of the heart. That Yuechan is a good girl. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I’m sure she’s a great beauty."

"If you have feelings for her, you need to make them clear. A young woman can be shy. As the man, you should be the one to take the first step."

"And if you don’t, you need to make that clear, too. Don’t string her along and waste her youth."

"Do you understand what I’m saying?"

Song Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat. He replied solemnly, "Don’t worry, Mother. I understand."

"Sheng’Er, you must remember that some people, once you let them slip away, are gone for good. That girl Yuechan is wonderful—gentle, kind, and graceful. She’s more than good enough for you."

"Don’t you worry, Mother," Song Changsheng declared, full of conviction. "Sooner or later, I’ll make her your daughter-in-law!"

——————

PS: The following words are not part of the word count fee.

The female lead has been decided. Fellow readers, remember to give Yuechan’s character profile a ’like’ (you can do it every day). Mwah! ~

Also, it’s the end of the month! I’m begging, pleading, and throwing a tantrum for your votes!!!