Chapter 262: Empty-Handed

Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Empty-Handed

At this, Hua Buwan couldn’t hide her eagerness. She turned around enthusiastically, her gaze landing on Ling Qianjun, who had been standing silently to the side.

Ling Qianjun gave a slight nod of agreement. "In that case, let’s give it a try," he said softly.

Hearing Qianjun’s words, Ling Yunge and Ling Qianfan chirped with excitement like a pair of happy birds. Unable to contain their joy, they broke into cheers. They excitedly grabbed Xu Panqing’s hands and practically dragged her toward the waiting bamboo rafts.

The three of them quickly boarded one of the rafts. Beaming with excitement, Yunge and Qianfan fixed their eyes on Hua Buwan. They waved frantically and shouted, "Sister Hua, hurry and get on! This raft is super stable!" Their fiery enthusiasm could practically ignite the air around them.

However, to their surprise, Hua Buwan suddenly turned and strode toward a different raft. There stood Ling Qianjun, smiling and waving her over.

It was Qianjun!

Yunge wondered, "When did Qianjun get on that raft? How is he already settled? Why didn’t he board ours? Does he not want to ride with us?"

Qianfan thought, "Wow, Qianjun is so sly! He’s doing this on purpose!"

Xu Panqing mused, "Oh, this son of mine..."

Seeing this, the smiles on Yunge’s and Qianfan’s faces instantly froze. Their frantically waving arms slowly dropped to their sides as if they had been struck by an Immobilization Spell.

Beside them, Xu Panqing quickly grabbed Yunge and Qianfan. Lowering her voice, she urged, "Stop shouting! Just let Qianjun and Buwan share a raft. We three will be fine on this one." She gave them a playful wink.

Although a bit reluctant, Yunge and Qianfan nodded and kept quiet.

Ling Qianjun and Hua Buwan sat on their raft, gently paddling their oars through the water as the vessel glided forward. Excited smiles lit up their faces, their eyes shining with anticipation. Xu Panqing, Qianfan, and Yunge trailed closely behind them on the second raft.

The water sparkled brilliantly under the sun, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing touch of coolness. Surrounded by verdant hills and emerald waters, the breathtaking scenery made them feel as though they had stepped into a fairyland. Captivated by the view, the group couldn’t help but gasp in awe.

"Wow, it’s so beautiful here!" Hua Buwan marveled.

"Yeah, it’s an absolute paradise," Yunge agreed from the other raft.

Ling Qianjun watched them with a warm smile, his heart brimming with joy. As the rafts drifted along, laughter and cheerful chatter echoed across the water. They basked in the rare tranquility and joy, all their earthly worries seemingly washed away.

Ling Qianjun and Hua Buwan continued to glide gently down the river. Suddenly, Hua Buwan let out a delighted gasp. "Look! So many fish!"

Following her pointed finger, Ling Qianjun saw a school of fish darting just beneath their raft. Their movements were graceful, and their scales shimmered with iridescent colors, making them look as if they were dancing in the water.

Excited, Hua Buwan reached out to catch them, only to scoop up a handful of water. Unwilling to concede defeat, she tried a few more times, but came up empty-handed each time.