Fortune Across the World

Chapter 73: Hearts United in a Warm Cave Night (Part Four)

"Hehe, I was quite docile as a child, only occasionally throwing tantrums with my family. I remember the teacher would bring out a box of toys every day for everyone to share. The fun ones were always first come, first served, and I could never get them, so I ended up playing with the least popular ones. Eventually, I stopped even trying to get them, but watching others play with the fun toys made me envious, so I opted to ask my parents to buy them for me instead," Ding Qiyu recounted with a laugh. Her good-natured temperament was innate, making her an easygoing child who later developed a strong sense of right and wrong. She was exceptionally understanding and forgiving towards those she cared about, yet fiercely protective if anyone threatened them.

Lu Weixi couldn't help but smile, a bright grin lighting up her face as she nestled in Ding Qiyu's embrace. "You were such a well-behaved child!"

Recalling her childhood memories, Ding Qiyu continued, "More than you know! I didn't even fight back when others hit me. Once, a classmate punched me, and our teacher saw it. My parents had lent the teacher some money, so she was particularly kind to me. She picked me up and taught me to 'fight back,' but I refused. She even tried to make me hit back by guiding my arm, haha."

Lu Weixi pressed her lips together, amused, "Little Qiyu sounds so adorable!" She felt a pang of regret for not having witnessed Qiyu's childhood since he wasn't even in Da Qian at the time. "It's a shame I never got to see you as a child."

Hearing this, Ding Qiyu thought of the countless photos from her childhood, taken by her parents to document her and her sister's growth, all carefully preserved in albums. Sadly, all traces of her existence had been erased by Xie Bian's spell. She wondered what her parents thought of the missing photos in the albums. Pushing aside the surge of melancholy, Ding Qiyu enveloped Lu Weixi's hand in hers, saying, "Though we never glimpsed each other's pasts, fate brought us together now, ensuring we won't miss each other in the future." After this heartfelt assurance, Ding Qiyu smiled, "Someday, we'll have our own little ones, who might be like I was... or better yet, like Xi'er, definitely cuter and more well-behaved!"

Ding Qiyu's bold remark brought a blush to Lu Weixi's cheeks, and she buried her face in Qiyu's shoulder, murmuring, "What are you saying... Who would..." Although she didn't finish, she imagined a delicate child nestled in Qiyu's arms, listening intently as she played the zither. The thought brought a sweet smile to her face.

After more light-hearted conversation, Ding Qiyu noticed Weixi's fatigue. She wanted to check on Weixi's clothes, but they were placed too far for her to reach. "Xi'er, it's late. I'll see if your clothes are dry," she said, preparing to move her aside.

"I-I'll do it myself!" Weixi quickly stood, retrieving her clothes. She wrapped her more intimate garments in her outerwear, holding them close. By the time she turned back, Ding Qiyu was already looking at her with curiosity.

Her endearing display made Ding Qiyu smile privately. Standing, she asked, "Are they dry?"

Weixi nodded, "Yes, they're dry."

Ding Qiyu stepped closer, touching the clothes Weixi held tightly. Her shy demeanor was irresistibly charming, knowing that this gentle and graceful Weixi showed her vulnerable side only to her. Ding Qiyu felt a deep sense of happiness. She gently caressed Weixi's cheek and leaned in to kiss her forehead before meeting her eyes, now filled with bashful affection, "Alright, Xi'er, change into them and rest." With that, she returned to her spot by the fire, turning her back.