As the evening approached, Bai He supported Ruan Li as they walked back, and not far ahead, they encountered Bai Ci conversing with others. At this moment, Bai Ci’s face was both unruly and handsome, exuding a commanding yet composed aura, unmistakably conveying the presence of a leader. He seemed to notice Ruan Li, his gaze sweeping over to them. Ruan Li whispered into Bai He’s ear, "Who is that?" "Uncle Bai," Bai He explained, noting that Uncle Bai was the beastman who had looked after them since childhood, now advancing in age. He ambiguously mentioned living here in the past, and Ruan Li did not probe further. Seeing that conversations were still happening over there, Bai He and Ruan Li lingered at a distance. Only when Uncle Bai left did Bai Ci walk over to them. "Where did you go this afternoon?" Ruan Li replied, "Just wandered around the area." "Want to have dinner at Uncle Bai’s tonight?" Bai Ci looked at Bai He, "Brother, you haven’t been back in a long time. Uncle Bai invited you over once he knew you returned." Bai He nodded, "Alright." As night gradually fell, after crossing a forest, a few scattered households could be seen in the distance, their bright lights illuminating half the night sky. Ruan Li looked around somewhat apprehensively, this seemed to be a small village, and their arrival had drawn the attention of a group of young spectators. They were all male beastmen, appearing to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with some even younger. Soft, fragmented conversations arose around them, with occasional snippets like "female," "so beautiful," "young master," "eldest young master," and similar terms audible. What curious names... After all, it’s already the interstellar era, and terms like "young master," which carry a classic charm, are quite rare. Ruan Li suddenly felt a slight tickle in her palm. Bai He was holding her hand, and his fingertips gently traced her palm. Ruan Li quickly glanced up at him, meeting his smiling eyes, her cheeks feeling slightly warm. Why did it feel like a new bride visiting relatives? They arrived at a tidy, ordinary-looking house, from whose kitchen chimney fragrant smoke was rising. Ruan Li peeked into the open kitchen door. How primitive, using a stove to cook meals. In the kitchen, an elderly person and a younger person were busy. Suddenly a man dashed past them like the wind, clutching a freshly hunted mountain chicken, and hurried into the kitchen. "Dad! I just caught a wild chicken on the mountain! Just right to stew and nourish the young master!" He seemed to have been scolded, then cheerfully came out to pluck the chicken. That’s when he noticed the three standing in the yard. The young man exclaimed, his face full of delighted surprise. Bai Ci nodded, "Xiao Nian, got scolded by Uncle Bai again." Bai Nian scratched his head, his ash-blue clothes dusted with dirt, looking about fifteen or sixteen years old. Someone else emerged from the kitchen, somewhat cleaner, wearing faded, washed white dark green clothes. He wiped his hands on his clothes, his gaze fell on Ruan Li and the two others, and he shyly smiled, "Eldest young master, second young master," finally resting his sight on Ruan Li, hesitating on how to address her. Ruan Li offered, "Just call me Ruan Li." Bai Yan nodded, "Ruan Li." The young man’s clear voice was like a mountain stream, melodious and soothing. Bai Yan led the three to the living room and poured them some hot tea. Ruan Li sipped her tea, taking in the room with her gaze. Such a long-missed small village vibe. Most of the furnishings were old, but they were clearly well-cleaned. After a while, Bai Yan and Bai Nian began serving dishes onto the table: steaming stew chicken, greens, braised fish, sautéed mushrooms, and more filled the round table. The aroma nearly muddled Ruan Li’s senses. No wonder Bai He liked to cook some Chinese dishes. The taste was mild but undeniably delicious. Evidently, the dishes on the table before them were even more appetizing. Six people sat around the round table, Uncle Bai watching the two young masters he had watched grow up, with tears welling in his eyes. Bai Ci joked, "Uncle Bai, what’s this for? My brother rarely visits. Don’t scare him away." Uncle Bai: "It’s good, so good for the eldest young master to be back." Bai Yan filled the wine cups, but Ruan Li declined, though she could smell the fragrant wine even from afar. Bai He also refused the wine. Discover more novels at NoveI(F)ire.net Bai Ci toasted Uncle Bai, who stood up excitedly, holding his cup, "Little young master, what’s this for?" "Uncle Bai, if it weren’t for you taking care of the clan, I would have long been ashamed in front of my mother. I’ll down this cup first as a thank-you." Bai Ci tilted his head back and downed the wine in one go. Uncle Bai couldn’t hide the tears in his eyes, his rough hands trembling slightly, "Guarding this place is my lifelong duty." After three rounds of drinks, Ruan Li had a rough understanding of the situation. Back then, the Heavenly Bird Clan suffered an unwarranted disaster. Some clan members were displaced far from home, while others stayed behind to continue their ancient, simple lifestyle far from worldly affairs. So... Bai He must have been among those who left back then. Ruan Li glanced at Bai He, who at this moment had his eyes slightly downcast. The lamplight reflected in his bright white eyes looked extraordinarily beautiful, though she wasn’t sure what he was thinking. Although he didn’t show any sign of sorrow, Ruan Li could sense his hesitation and conflict. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the food was genuinely delicious; Ruan Li polished off two bowls of rice and many dishes until she was too full to eat any more. Seeing how much she ate, Bai He asked in a small, worried voice, "Are you full? Want another bowl of rice?" Ruan Li rubbed her round belly, shaking her head, "I really can’t eat any more; my belly is three months along." Bai He paused his gaze a few seconds on her slightly bulging stomach. After the feast, Ruan Li intended to help clean up the dishes, but Bai Yan snatched them out of her hands, "Sister Ruan Li, please go rest; leave this to me." Bai He took her hand, "Come on, I’ll take you for a walk to digest." Under the serene moonlight, Ruan Li rubbed her stomach, her head slightly tilted back as she walked forward, her face warm, and mind a bit dizzy. It seemed she was getting tipsy from the little taste of wine she had earlier out of curiosity. Bai He supported her, noticing her tipsy, unsteady steps, nearly stumbling into his arms several times. He held her upright in his arms, "What’s wrong? Feeling uncomfortable somewhere?" In the moonlight, Ruan Li’s flushed face could be seen, her eyes hazy as if carrying a pool of drunk water. Bai He lowered his head and sniffed at her lips, catching a faint hint of wine aroma. He hadn’t noticed it earlier, as the food and wine mixture masked the scent at the table, thinking it was picked up then. Ruan Li looked at the white steamed bun in front of her, opened her mouth, and took a bite. Fortunately, she had a good set of teeth to enjoy such a soft white bun. She tilted her head slightly.