The man’s words, like a calming anchor, instantly soothed her anxious heart. At that moment, she didn’t have time to consider why she trusted him so much! She lifted her head and looked around, rows and rows of buildings came into view. Despite it being winter, the air carried a chilling atmosphere, yet when she took a deep breath, she only found the air fresh and the environment beautiful. The passing buildings were carved with various patterns, vibrant and striking, and An Yin felt an illusion that the temple before her, shrouded in a thin mist, appeared like a silhouette floating on a cloud, exceptionally quiet and solemn. Looking up at the temple’s roof was dizzying. "Watch your step." Bao Shaojin saw her looking around and reminded her helplessly. The little girl was always so dazed, he couldn’t even imagine how she’d managed to survive all these years. After all, her grasp of life seemed quite shallow. If An Yin knew what the man was thinking, she would probably have been furious long ago! Prompted by the man’s reminder, An Yin finally noticed they were about to climb the steps, she anxiously watched her feet. After a long walk, An Yin saw wisps of smoke rising from a distant temple and a couple of monks sweeping. An Yin pondered: Why haven’t we encountered any pilgrims along the way? She didn’t voice this thought, since the place was remote and surrounded by mountains, giving the sense of being isolated from the world. "We’ve arrived." The young monk leading the way stopped in front of a stone pavilion. After Bao Shaojin spoke, the young monk bowed and left. An Yin wanted to show a friendly smile to the young monk, but she found the monk’s gaze never fell on her. She stood there in a daze until the monk was far away. Bao Shaojin observed the girl’s wistful expression, his lips curved up slightly but quickly restrained. "Let’s go." Bao Shaojin said in a deep voice. An Yin suddenly realized she was still clutching the man’s coat, she shyly withdrew her hand, lowering her head, "I-I didn’t mean to." "If you’re nervous, it’s okay to hold on." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒·𝗇𝗲𝘁 The man’s dark eyes flickered with a few imperceptible emotions. The man’s words made An Yin wish she could find a hole to hide in. Waaah... Why was she holding onto this man for no reason? The little girl, being timid and having thin skin, appeared embarrassed, prompting Bao Shaojin to put away the persistence in his eyes, turning to head toward the fan-shaped stone archway. An Yin, with her mind in chaos, followed behind the man, occasionally raising her head to glance at his solitary and aloof back. He had a robust build, and when they were close, it inadvertently gave off a tremendous sense of oppression. Passing through the long corridor, with walls on the left and a pond with small bridges and flowing water on the right, the water was crystal clear, and colorful koi swam freely. An Yin couldn’t help but take a few more glances. Bao Shaojin noticed her intense focus and frowned, "Like it?" An Yin withdrew her gaze and answered honestly, "I just think it’s very pretty." Bao Shaojin pressed his lips tight and said no more. Finally, they arrived before an artificial pond, crossing a wooden arch bridge, where they saw a simple small cottage. In front of the cottage was a rectangular wooden table. An Yin saw a monk sitting there quietly, motionless. If he wasn’t sitting, An Yin might have thought he was asleep. As they approached the table, Bao Shaojin’s cold and sharp black eyes quietly observed him, "Uncle." Hearing Bao Shaojin’s voice, An Yin’s bright eyes gradually widened. The other person is Bao Shaojin’s uncle? And a monk? No matter how curious, An Yin hadn’t forgotten the necessary politeness, stepping out from behind the man to stand beside him. Since he was Bao Shaojin’s uncle, as Bao Shaojin’s "friend," she should also call him uncle, right? An Yin thought nervously. The originally silent old monk slowly opened his eyes. He wore a blue robe, a monk’s cap, and Buddha Beads in his hand. His face bore a faint smile, exuding a kindly, compassionate aura. When he turned his head, those profound eyes seemed to see through a person’s heart, inspiring awe. The old monk did not glance at Bao Shaojin, his indifferent eyes instead fell on the young girl. An Yin was not tall, her black hair was lustrous, cascading over her shoulders and back like a waterfall, smooth and sleek. Her stunningly beautiful face shone with a captivating brilliance as she glanced around. The young girl was in her prime, resembling the most delicate flower amidst a hundred blooms, radiant yet imbued with mystery. If anyone else had openly scrutinized the young girl, Bao Shaojin would have already shown his displeasure, but as the old monk before the cottage calmly regarded the young girl, Bao Shaojin stood there with a solemn expression, showing no sign of dissatisfaction. "Is your surname An?" The old monk slightly turned and gazed at the young girl with a gradually distant look. An Yin instinctively nodded and feared her action might seem impolite, so she added, "Yes." It didn’t surprise An Yin that the man knew her surname. Perhaps Bao Shaojin had mentioned her before? In contrast to the girl’s composure, Bao Shaojin’s face grew increasingly withdrawn and grim. "Is your mother well?" The old monk’s tone was warm, involuntarily putting one at ease. An Yin pondered: Did Bao Shaojin tell him about Ms. An’s injury? Hmm... why did she find it odd? Why would Bao Shaojin share her family matters with the monk? Though puzzled, An Yin couldn’t question Bao Shaojin now. Her bright eyes, akin to autumn waters, became slightly misty as she muttered, "The doctors suggest she stay in bed to recover for a while, it’ll take some time for her to heal." An Yin confessed openly, without any defensive intention. Bao Shaojin observed the girl’s innocent and straightforward demeanor, a dark shade becoming increasingly evident between his brows. The old monk’s hand, once clasping the Buddha Beads, had come to a standstill, his gaze moving away from the girl to rest on the distant barren mountains. "Girl, come sit." The old monk raised his hand, watching the endearingly charming young girl. An Yin hesitated, only realizing the monk’s gaze was directed at her. She nervously glanced to the side at the man beside her. "Go on," Bao Shaojin said helplessly. Receiving the man’s affirmation, An Yin lifted her foot and slowly walked toward the monk’s wooden table. Bao Shaojin followed An Yin, regardless of whether he was invited to sit down.