In front of strangers, Chu Xuan didn't want to show any signs of weakness.
So he held back his urge to cry, simply standing there, quietly listening to the melodious chirping of the lark.
Gu Haitang noticed Chu Xuan's sadness, was somewhat surprised, and was about to ask him what was wrong?
But the bird's chirping got closer and closer, eventually circling above their heads.
Chu Xuan stretched out his hand, and a small grayish-brown lark landed in his palm, chirping away, unafraid, occasionally pecking lightly at his palm.
Chu Xuan gently stroked its head, retrieving a small amount of grain from his sleeve to feed it.
This took Gu Haitang by surprise, did he actually carry grain with him?
Moreover, Haitang had raised birds before, and she could tell Chu Xuan wasn't putting on a show in front of her; his actions were skillful, clearly not his first time.
After the little bird had eaten its fill, it flapped its wings and flew off on its own, its chirps full of cheer.
