"…"
Zi Yuanling paused.
For a moment, she said nothing.
The soft evening light continued to reflect across the lake, and the cool water gently lapped against their legs.
Something unreadable flickered deep within her eyes before she quietly lowered her gaze and head.
Beside her, Fen Ziyan turned her head and smiled.
It was a bright, sincere smile... simple and full of warmth.
"But still," she said softly, "I'm really glad… and happy that I get to spend time with you, Mother."
In the next moment—
Zi Yuanling abruptly pulled her into an embrace.
Her arms wrapped tightly around the small figure beside her, holding her close as if afraid she might suddenly disappear.
One hand rose and gently but firmly caressed the back of Fen Ziyan's head, fingers carefully smoothing through her hair in a trembling, protective motion.
"M-Mother…?"
