Chapter 181: Beachcombing

Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Beachcombing

Hua Buwan led Ling Qianjun, Ling Yunge, Xu Panqing, and Ling Qianfan to the edge of the water to catch fish. This spot was perfect for the fish to hide, and the water wasn’t too deep, making it safe for them to wade in.

Hua Buwan felt incredibly fortunate that Ling Qianjun and his family had chosen this location. There were no houses in front or nearby; the closest one was dozens of meters away. Furthermore, trees flanked their house, shielding the courtyard. Directly behind their courtyard lay a stretch of beach. Naturally, the residents living at the front wouldn’t come all this way to forage, making it perfectly suited for their own private use. It was quiet and highly secluded.

It was as if this place was perfectly tailored for them. Hua Buwan felt that this stretch of beach was the Ling family’s exclusive territory. It was simply too perfect! ℯℯ𝘭.

By now, the people at the front had mostly dispersed. Even if a few remained, they were thoroughly exhausted and didn’t have the energy to look in their direction. They were very safe here right now. Moreover, the sky was rapidly darkening. At this hour, many people had already gone home and wouldn’t be venturing out toward the ocean.

The locals still harbored a sense of reverence for the sea. They tried their best not to go out to sea or walk along the beach at night, fearing that the pitch-black darkness might lead to a fatal accident. After all, if someone encountered danger, it would be difficult to find them; in the blink of an eye, a rolling wave could wash away every trace.

Hua Buwan felt that her long hair was hindering her performance. Every time she lowered her head, her hair would fall over her face, blocking her vision. She patted her clothes, checking if she had brought a hair tie, but she couldn’t find a single one on her. Frustrated, she thought she should have worn a few on her wrist just in case; now that she needed one, she had nothing, which was incredibly annoying.

At this moment, Ling Qianjun noticed Hua Buwan’s unusual expression. He stepped forward to ask and learned the reason. After a moment of thought, he asked Ling Yunge for a wooden hairpin without hesitation. Since she had many hair ribbons, missing one wooden hairpin wouldn’t matter. Hearing that Qianjun was asking for it on behalf of Hua Buwan, Ling Yunge handed it over immediately.

Seeing this, Hua Buwan felt a little embarrassed.

Ling Qianjun gently took the wooden hairpin, his gaze focused and tender. He carefully gathered Hua Buwan’s hair, his movements slow and meticulous, as if he were handling a precious treasure.

Standing together, the rest of the Ling family covered their mouths and giggled secretly.

Hua Buwan stood quietly, feeling Ling Qianjun’s fingertips weaving through her hair. A surge of warmth swelled in her heart, bringing her a sense of peace and happiness. After pinning up her hair, Ling Qianjun gently turned Hua Buwan around to look into her eyes. His gaze was filled with such tenderness that her heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

"Buwan, you’re so beautiful," Ling Qianjun said softly.

A blush crept across Hua Buwan’s face. She lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Thank you, Qianjun," she murmured.

The two smiled at each other. In this moment, they seemed to forget everything around them, immersed solely in each other’s world.

Shortly after, they rolled up their pant legs and waded into the cool water, ready to put their skills to the test.

"Catching fish in the water requires technique," Hua Buwan said softly. "A fish’s line of sight is shifted by the water, so we have to use that to our advantage." She moved her feet cautiously, her eyes locked tightly on the water’s surface.

Ling Qianjun and Ling Qianfan coordinated with unspoken understanding, one on the left and the other on the right, slowly closing in on the fish. Meanwhile, Ling Yunge and Xu Panqing observed from the side, ready to lend a helping hand at a moment’s notice.

Suddenly, Hua Buwan spotted a large fish and swiftly reached out to grab it.