Chapter 8: A Gentle Stirring
The morning sun filtered through the wooden shutters of the modest house, casting warm golden light over the tidy interior. Su Yanyue stretched lightly, rolling up her sleeves as she stood before the hearth. The fragrant steam of simmering rice porridge swirled in the air, mingling with the scent of wild herbs and grilled meat.
Outside, the three identical boys were tumbling around the yard, wrestling over a carved wooden sword. Despite being only three years old, their coordination and wit were already enough to give grown adults a headache.
"Father, Yueyue said we can't go hunt rabbits without her permission!" the eldest, Yu Zhen, huffed indignantly, holding the sword aloft like a general.
"She didn't say that!" countered Yu Feng, the second, pushing his brother's arm away. "She said we can't leave the yard unless she's with us. That's different."
The youngest, Yu Heng, giggled, wisely staying out of the fight while carefully slipping some honeyed chestnuts into his robe.
Under the cherry blossom tree, Yu Shiming stood with arms folded, his long hair tied back, black robes still carrying the scent of mountain wind. He was supposed to be resting—but ever since his injuries had stabilized, he couldn't help watching Yanyue move around the home like a quiet breeze.
His gaze lingered on her back as she gently ladled porridge into earthen bowls. Tall and slim, her waist narrow enough to hold with one arm, her long black hair cascading down like silk. Even in a simple cotton dress, she looked more graceful than any noble lady he had encountered.
Su Yanyue turned her head slightly, catching his gaze, and offered a small smile.
"Breakfast is ready," she said softly.
Yu Shiming nodded, stepping forward with slow, measured strides. "Let me help."
Yanyue shook her head. "You're not healed yet. Sit. I can manage."
Despite her firm tone, there was no harshness in her words. In fact, there was something oddly comforting in her quiet strength. He watched as she wiped the boys' sticky hands, chided Yu Heng gently for sneaking food, and laughed when Yu Feng boasted he would marry her when he grew up.
Yu Shiming raised an eyebrow. "You'll have to grow a bit taller first."
The triplets all glared at him in unison. "We will!"
He chuckled. "I believe you."
After breakfast, Yanyue took out her hand-drawn sketches—plans for building a roadside stall near the village entrance. Her mind had been brimming with ideas since she'd woken up in this world. She didn't know why she had been brought here, but sitting around doing nothing didn't suit her.
"There's a market in the next town three days from now," she muttered, mostly to herself, tapping her brush against her lip. "If I start selling smoked meat, pickled vegetables, maybe some of the herbal teas…"
Yu Shiming leaned forward. "You plan to run a business?"
Yanyue glanced at him, eyes unwavering. "Yes. I may not know this world well, but I won't rely on others to survive."
He studied her expression—resolute, clever, beautiful. There was no trace of helplessness in her. It stirred something unfamiliar in his chest. He didn't often admire people… but Su Yanyue was unlike any woman he had ever known.
He reached for his cup, but their fingers brushed.
She paused.
He didn't move.
For a brief second, something sparked in the quiet space between them—soft, barely perceptible, like the first crackle of embers in a hearth.
Then one of the triplets shrieked, "Yu Heng took my squirrel carving again!"
The moment shattered.
Su Yanyue sighed and stood, her lips twitching as she walked off to mediate. Yu Shiming watched her go, his hand lingering over the place where her fingers had brushed his.
This woman… was dangerous.
But perhaps, just perhaps, he didn't mind the risk.