in2ebook Chapter 196 Quiet Attachment
Chapter 196 Quiet Attachment
As they settled into the valley, the tension of battle gradually faded, and Ye Wan's mood softened. She would often unwittingly notice Xie Linchuan's every move. The sternness of his frown, the composure as he quietly assigned tasks, and the occasional touch of tenderness he displayed in his spare moments all drew her attention like a magnet. Without realizing it, she had already been drawn to his presence, even anticipating the moment she could stand shoulder to shoulder with him every day.
During the day, Ye Wan busied herself with arranging camp affairs, unconsciously keeping an eye out for Xie Linchuan's approach. Sometimes, she'd hurriedly lower her head, pretending to pack her things, as he passed by, her heart racing. Whenever Xie Linchuan turned back to smile or whisper a gentle greeting, she felt a surge of warmth coursing through her heart. This feeling left her bewildered, yet filled with sweetness. She didn't dare to reveal her feelings too much, fearing he'd see through her if she glanced too long. Yet, her gaze was always drawn to him, as if irresistibly drawn.
Xie Linchuan seemed to be aware of her gaze, often observing her from the corner of his eye. Every time he caught her stealing glance, he would smile slightly, his heart filled with warmth. However, in front of Ye Wan, he still maintained his usual calmness, never revealing too much of his true feelings.
One evening, Ye Wan was washing clothes by a stream, the cool water carrying her thoughts far away. She sighed softly, the image of Xie Linchuan emerging in her mind. She didn't know when, but his presence had become a source of comfort and reliance. It was as if, as long as he was by her side, she didn't need to fear any danger.
Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Ye Wan turned around and saw Xie Linchuan walking towards her. His expression was as calm as ever, but with a subtle softness.
"Why are you here alone?" Xie Linchuan stood beside her and asked with a smile.
"Just out for some fresh air," Ye Wan replied softly, her eyes flickering, masking the turmoil in her heart. The two stood quietly by the stream, their figures stretched out in the sunset. Ye Wan unconsciously lowered her head, her heart pounding, wondering if Xie Linchuan would notice her emotions. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her throbbing heart.
"I've been very busy lately, thank you for your hard work." Xie Linchuan suddenly said, his voice gentle and full of concern, "I rarely have the opportunity to thank you in person."
Ye Wan was slightly startled, then looked up at him with a hint of surprise and emotion in her eyes. She shook her head slightly and said with a smile, "Being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, I feel at ease."
Xie Linchuan said nothing more, just looking at her quietly, his eyes filled with tenderness and a subtle pity. Ye Wan felt as if his gaze penetrated her heart, and she couldn't help but turn away, pretending to focus on the clothes in her hands. However, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her inner emotions were constantly surging.
A few days later, Ye Wan and Xie Linchuan happened to be assigned to the same night watch. That night, the stars shone brightly, the breeze gently ruffled their hair, and a tranquil silence enveloped them. Ye Wan sat by the campfire, silently watching the flames burn, her mind racing but unable to find the words to begin. Xie Linchuan sat beside her, staring quietly into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.
Suddenly, Xie Linchuan spoke softly, breaking the tranquility of the night: "Ye Wan, sometimes I feel that a night like this in the valley is more stressful than a battle."
Ye Wan was slightly startled, looked up at him, and asked puzzledly: "Why do you think so?"
Xie Linchuan's gaze continued to wander off into the distance, as if searching for an answer. He sighed softly, his tone a rare softness. "Because only when I calm down do I recall some of the emotions and memories I've deliberately suppressed. Sometimes, I even feel like I don't truly understand myself." He turned to look at Ye Wan, his eyes filled with a tenderness she had never seen before.
Ye Wan felt a surge of warmth well up in her heart. She realized that these words might be the true expression of Xie Linchuan's inner feelings. He had never exposed his vulnerability to others, but with her, he no longer hid it. His trust made Ye Wan's heart tremble slightly, and she gently replied, "Everyone has things they can't express, but sometimes talking can be a kind of liberation. Whatever you have on your mind, I'm willing to listen."
Xie Linchuan stared at her quietly, a look of gratitude in his eyes. He nodded gently and whispered, "Thank you, Ye Wan. When you're by my side, you always make me feel more secure than ever before."
Ye Wan's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes averted. She felt the attachment she felt deep within her heart could no longer be concealed. She even imagined that no matter how many dangers lay ahead, she would be willing to stay by his side, weathering all the storms with him. However, she could only carefully conceal this attachment deep in her heart, not daring to reveal it easily.
The next day, Ye Wan and Xie Linchuan went out together to inspect the surroundings of the valley. She couldn't help but steal a glance at his profile, and seeing his focused expression, she felt a sweet feeling in her heart. Xie Linchuan seemed to notice her gaze and turned around with a smile, "What's wrong? It's so quiet today."
Ye Wan abruptly retracted her gaze and said casually, "I just felt that this patrol was much quieter."
Xie Linchuan smiled and continued walking. Ye Wan, however, couldn't calm down for a long time, her emotions becoming more and more apparent at this moment. She began to look forward to these peaceful moments, longing to be by his side, silently protecting him. Even just quietly watching him made her feel satisfied.
At night, Ye Wan sat alone on a rock by the valley, gazing at the distant starry sky. A surge of attachment and yearning for Xie Linchuan filled her heart. This feeling grew stronger and stronger, and she even began to fear she would lose control of the overflow of emotion. However, she also knew clearly that Xie Linchuan's family responsibilities prevented him from easily falling in love.
While she was lost in thought, Xie Linchuan appeared quietly behind her. He approached gently, sat beside her, and looked up at the starry sky with her.
"The stars are so beautiful," he whispered, his tone gentle and calm.
Ye Wan smiled slightly and glanced at him sideways: "Yes, the starry sky at night always makes people feel peaceful."
The two of them sat quietly together, enjoying the quiet company. Ye Wan wanted to say something, but she didn't know how to start. She had a thousand words in her heart, but in the end, she just sighed softly.
Xie Linchuan noticed her expression and smiled slightly, as if he could see through her thoughts: "Ye Wan, there are some things that don't need to be said out loud, I can understand them."
Ye Wan's heart trembled. She turned to look at him, and found his gaze gentle and firm, as if he had already seen through her emotions. His words were like a warm current, melting away all her concerns. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she felt a sense of happiness at being understood.
"Thank you, Xie Linchuan." She whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "Thank you for always being by my side."
Xie Linchuan nodded gently, his eyes full of tenderness and trust: "No matter what happens in the future, I will always be by your side to protect you."
The two smiled at each other, the silent attachment in their hearts growing deeper and deeper without words. Each other's existence had become the support and protection of their souls.