Everyone was present except Feng Bai.
Old Master Feng, suddenly in high spirits, strolled to the backyard of the old estate.
Leaning on his cane, he gazed at the man-made lake still within the Feng family's grounds and remarked pointedly,
"Ah... What lovely weather. Perfect for fishing..."
The sun was bright, the breeze gentle, and the lake's surface shimmered with golden sunlight.
A moist, fragrant scent drifted through the air.
The serene atmosphere gave Sang Lu a misplaced confidence—she began to believe she might actually be a fishing prodigy.
Eager to indulge the old man, she chimed in enthusiastically,
"Grandpa, I'll fish with you~"
"Oh? Little Lu joining me? Wonderful—" Old Master Feng's eyes lit up.
Sang Lu grinned, her eyes curving into crescents as she declared with certainty, "I'll catch ten!"
"Hahaha—" The old man laughed heartily, waving cheerfully. "Old Yue, bring the fishing gear."
Soon after, Uncle Yue handed Sang Lu her fishing rod.
Feng Yan and Feng Yi were also each given one.
Five minutes later...
Sang Lu cast her first line with great ambition.
A perfect throw.
She was convinced she was a natural.
Eight minutes later...
The water remained still, the float undisturbed.
Sang Lu stared intently, refusing to look away.
Ten minutes later...
By the time Feng Yan dropped his third fish into the bucket, she glanced down at her own feet.
An empty pail of clear water.
Regret washed over her as she gazed into the distance, mentally scolding herself:
Why did I have to make such a bold claim?
The only purpose of a flag is to be proven wrong!
How could I forget this universal truth?
Fifteen minutes in...
Her focus wavered, her mind wandering.
She peeked left, then right.
Inner monologue: This lake sure has a lot of water...
Beside her, the aloof man with sharp features turned his head slightly, glancing at her.
A faint chuckle escaped him.
"Go rest in the room. I’ll keep Old Master Feng company," he said, his voice light and laced with quiet amusement.
Hearing this, Sang Lu jerked her drowsy head up. "I’m not asleep!"
His dark eyes reflected the glimmering lake. "Mm, I know. You’re not asleep. Go rest."
The last three words were firm, leaving no room for argument.
Sang Lu was nothing if not compliant.
She set down the fishing rod immediately.
"Alright then, I’ll go take a break and grab a drink~"
"Mm, go ahead," Feng Yan replied casually.
His long arm reached over, pulling her empty bucket next to his own, now brimming with fish.
Not far away, under a shaded canopy,
Outdoor lounge chairs were arranged with plush cushions, accompanied by an array of snacks and refreshments.
Sang Lu grabbed a coconut, reclined comfortably, and slipped in her earbuds.
Soft melodies filled her ears as a gentle breeze brushed her face.
The sunlight was just right.
She took a sip of the ice-cold coconut water and sighed contentedly.
Pure bliss~
Lifting her gaze, she could see three figures sitting in a row.
Feng Yan, with his jet-black hair and striking features, held his fishing rod lazily, his posture relaxed.
Beside him, Old Master Feng cast his line with practiced ease.
And then there was Feng Yi, struggling noticeably.
His brows furrowed in frustration as he fumbled with the uncooperative hook, his lips moving in what seemed like silent curses.
The muttered complaints didn’t last long—Feng Yan shot him a cold glance, and Feng Yi instantly stiffened, miming a zipper over his mouth before quietly wrestling with the bait again.
The scene made Sang Lu stifle a laugh.
Unconsciously, her eyes drifted back to the perpetually stern-faced man.
She pressed her lips together, feeling a sense of wonder.
Somehow, she no longer found Feng Yan’s aura intimidating.
In fact, he seemed almost... cute?
The word felt entirely out of place for someone like him.
But no matter how hard she racked her brain, she couldn’t think of a better substitute.
As light melodies played in her ears, Sang Lu pondered—When did this change happen?
She traced back through time, searching for the turning point.
But no clear moment stood out.
No distinct "spark" of realization.
It had simply unfolded, day by day, until this was how things were now.
And that was just fine.
A small smile curved her lips.
This is nice~
......
Summer days were long.
Even as dinner approached, the sky remained bright.
Uncle Yue approached the fishing platform and bowed slightly. "Old Master, dinner is ready."
The group moved to the dining room.
Servants filed in, carrying dishes to the table.
Sang Lu spotted the dishes her parents had brought over earlier, now elegantly plated and placed closest to Old Master Feng.
The old man took a bite, his face scrunching up in delight as he praised,
"Excellent flavor! Chang Feng’s skills have improved!"
The meal was lively and satisfying.
Even after dessert, Old Master Feng wasn’t ready to call it a night—he insisted on a game of chess with his eldest grandson.
Just then, Uncle Yue hurried in with a tablet.
"Old Master, Third Young Master is calling."
"Bai’s video?" The old man’s eyes sparkled. He turned and beckoned, "Yan, Little Lu—come, let’s all say hello to Bai."
Sang Lu’s eyes lit up too.
She practically skipped over, eager to see Feng Bai’s current state.
Since he was calling from the filming site, maybe she’d catch a glimpse of their harvested crops.
Feng Yan walked steadily beside her, his hand shooting out to grip her arm when she nearly collided with a table corner.
"Slow down."
The warmth of their gathering only highlighted the chill on the other side of the room.
Feng Yi, neither invited nor inclined to join, flopped onto the sofa.
He shot a disdainful glance at the tablet in Old Master Feng’s hands and crossed his legs.
Hmph.
So the kid’s still alive, huh?
Calling when everyone’s together—how performative.
......
Feng Bai had arranged a brief break from filming, stepping away from the cameras for a family call.
When three faces appeared on the screen, he paused mid-greeting.
Old Master Feng’s expression froze him in place.
For a second, Feng Bai wondered if the rural signal had glitched.
Then, the old man’s baffled voice came through:
"Who is this tanned young man?"
On-screen, Old Master Feng turned to Feng Yan and Sang Lu, his wrinkled face full of confusion.
Feng Bai: "......"
