After parting ways with Xiangling on the hill that day, Lovia's state of mind quietly underwent a change.
Xiangling's words, "You're not alone, little Lovia," and "We are all your friends," were like a warm seed taking root and sprouting in her heart, dispelling much of the loneliness that had long resided there.
No one had ever said anything like that to her, and it had been a long time since anyone had made her feel... warm.
A few days later, on a warm, sunny afternoon, Lovia, carrying a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, followed Xiangling's previous invitation and circled around to the backyard of Wanmin Restaurant at Chihu Rock. This area was much quieter compared to the bustling front street, with only a few scattered wooden crates. The air was filled with the familiar complex scent of cooking steam interwoven with various spices, and passersby couldn't glimpse anyone in the courtyard.
When she arrived, Xiangling was wearing an apron, frowning in deep thought at a basin of newly mixed dough, while Guoba was playing nearby, curiously poking the dough with his paw.
"Sister Xiangling," Lovia called softly from the courtyard entrance, unconsciously tugging at the edge of her Hood.
"Eh, Lovia? You came!" Xiangling looked up at the sound, a Bloom of a smile instantly appearing on her face. She quickly wiped the Flour from her hands onto her apron and hurried over. "Come in, come in! I'm trying out a new wrapping for pastries, but I feel like it's missing something..."
She enthusiastically led Lovia into the backyard, then stopped as if remembering something, and looked around.
The backyard door was ajar. They could vaguely hear the shouts from the front hall and Shenhe's cool voice, but within sight, there was indeed only them... and a broad figure facing away from them, skillfully chopping ingredients at the stove with a steady "thud-thud-thud."
Xiangling leaned closer to Lovia, lowering her voice and winking: "It's very safe here, only me, Guoba, and my dad. Usually, besides the delivery people, no one comes. Do you want to... get some air? Actually, it doesn't matter if others see you. If anyone dares bully you, I'll have Guoba beat them up!"
Guoba jumped up in agreement, letting out a "Rua."
Lovia's heart rate slightly quickened. She looked at Xiangling's encouraging eyes, then glanced at the back of the figure focused on chopping vegetables, and took a deep breath.
Her father's words, Xiangling's acceptance, and the feeling of freedom and ease she experienced on the hill that day all rushed into her heart.
She finally gave a gentle nod, whispering, "...Okay."
Lovia raised her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly. She hesitated for a long time under Xiangling's gaze, but finally, she slowly removed the magical white Hood designed for concealment. Then, she undid the clasp of her cloak and took off the white cape.
Instantly, the cool air brushed past her hair. Her blue antennae sensitively captured the richer scents in the wind. The small wings on her back also unfolded, fluttering gently, as if embracing this small realm of freedom.
"Hoo—" She folded her cloak and placed it on a clean stool nearby, letting out a soft breath, trying to relax.
Just then, the broad figure who had been facing away—Master Mao—turned around, still holding a gleaming kitchen knife.
He glanced casually, his gaze sweeping past his daughter, then landing on the unfamiliar girl who now sported a pair of blue antennae and small wings.
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Lovia's body instantly stiffened. Her forcibly relaxed muscles tensed up again, and her hand instinctively reached toward the stool where the cloak lay.
Seeing his gaze and the flashing cold blade of the knife, her mind went blank, leaving only the piercing alarm of "I've been seen, I'm done for."
However, the expected suspicion, questioning, or even expulsion did not occur.
Seeing the nervous little girl who had suddenly appeared, Master Mao merely paused. Then, his experienced eyes lingered on Lovia for two seconds, especially scanning the slightly trembling antennae on her head and the small section of tail peeking out behind her, before a look of realization dawned on his face.
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