Chapter 44: Four Child Stars
Chapter 44: The Four Child Stars
Sunlight filtered through the bamboo grove, casting scattered patterns onto the leaf-covered ground. A mountain breeze swept through, causing the bamboo leaves to whisper softly. In that moment, all the heat seemed to dissipate, and a serene calmness enveloped the whole body.
Leading the way, Meng Chao walked ahead, guiding Lin Qin deeper into the bamboo forest toward the villa nestled within.
Lin Qin followed curiously. As they proceeded, the villa, with its traditional Chinese design, gradually emerged, shedding its mysterious veil before Lin Qin’s eyes.
"Wow," Lin Qin murmured in awe. The villa looked just like the retreat of some reclusive master in the mountains. Perched above a stream, the villa straddled the divide between sunlight and shade—one half glinting with the shimmering reflection of rippling water, the other cloaked in shadow, where a few small fish swam leisurely to escape the summer heat.
A waterwheel stood on the stream’s bank, turning steadily as it drew water from the brook.
Lin Qin couldn’t resist going over to it. Water pipes made of bamboo directed the stream’s flow into the villa’s courtyard. Lin Qin reached out to catch some water in his hands, feeling its cool and refreshing touch.
Even in the height of summer, the mountain spring water remained ice-cold.
He turned to glance at Meng Chao, who was walking toward him. "It’s so cold! Is this water drinkable?"
Meng Chao nodded. "It’s safe to drink."