The next morning, Lan Yan went out and saw two horses. She was wondering who it was when she saw Song Cheng and Wuming. She said in surprise, "Why are you two here?"
Song Cheng laughed heartily, "Madam, I've come to see the Director-General." He had been worried about the Director-General's health and, having finally gotten three days off, rushed to see him.
"That's very thoughtful," Lan Yan bowed. Song Cheng was a true friend.
"Song Cheng," Jun Yelan heard the voice and walked out. Seeing Song Cheng about to bow, he waved his hand, "There's no need for these formalities." He had already shed his identity as the Director-General and was now an ordinary villager, no longer bound by such etiquette.
Song Cheng was still a bit unaccustomed and smiled, "Director-General, it's truly wonderful that you are well. Oh, right, I ran into Wuming at the village entrance and since he wasn't coming in, I brought him along."
Wuming, standing nearby, had a cold expression. He was merely passing through on a mission when Song Cheng spotted him. "I only didn't come in because I had something to do; it's not like you said."
He turned to Lan Yan, "Miss Lan, I'm no longer an assassin. I'm with a security escort agency. After hearing your words last time, I thought it through when I returned." So, he had come to thank Lan Yan.
Lan Yan nodded and was about to speak when Jun Yelan put his arm around her shoulder.
Jun Yelan stared at Wuming and said coldly, "Very good. Just next time you have free time, don't come here." He had always felt that this young assassin was different towards Lan Yan.
Upon hearing this, Lan Yan smiled helplessly and gripped Jun Yelan's arm. "Yelan, they've come all this way, let's invite them in for some tea."
Jun Yelan looked into Lan Yan's eyes, embraced her, and walked inside, leaving the two behind.
Song Cheng was suddenly bewildered and scratched the back of his head. "Why is the Director-General so hostile towards me?" he asked, walking into the courtyard gate, perplexed.
Wuming followed behind.
Lan Yan went to the kitchen to fetch tea and snacks and sat down with everyone. "Ever since you two arrived, I've been reminded of the days at the Jun residence. It's a shame Huiniang isn't here, otherwise, it would be even livelier."
As she spoke, she saw a man and woman walking towards the entrance. The woman was Huiniang. "Sister Hui!"
Seeing so many people in the courtyard, Huiniang, carrying preserved sausages, walked in and said with a smile, "It seems I've arrived at the perfect time." After returning to the village, she had been busy with her daughter's wedding and only now had she freed up her time.
"Lan'er, your courtyard is lovely. It's clear this is the work of you and the Director-General. It's truly wonderful that you and the Director-General are living a simple life now." She treated Lan Yan like a sister and a daughter.
Seeing Lan Yan happy, she was naturally delighted.
Lan Yan took Huiniang's hand and said with a smile, "Sister Hui, thank you for your kind words. Please sit down quickly; I'll be making a feast for you all today."
"I'll help you," Huiniang couldn't resist helping Lan Yan with the preparations, also missing the taste of Lan Yan's cooking. Her own skills were no match for Lan Yan's.
Lan Yan nodded, leaving the men in the courtyard while she and Huiniang went to the kitchen, bringing Jun Xiaoyao along. The three busied themselves in the kitchen, making both roasted meat and steamed fish.
Meanwhile, the courtyard was quiet, with no one speaking.
Song Cheng felt awkward all over and called out, "Director-General, you are truly blessed to be able to eat Madam's cooking every day."
"Mmm, the fact that she is my wife is something no one can envy," Jun Yelan nodded, his expression softening slightly.
Song Cheng heard this and felt like he was being shown off to again. He nudged Wuming's arm and said, "Hey, say something."
Wuming moved away from Song Cheng with disdain and replied, "I haven't tasted it, so I wouldn't know."
On the far right, Huiniang's husband raised his hand and said, "I've only heard Huiniang talk about it."
A smile gradually curved Jun Yelan's lips, and a hint of pride flickered in his eyes. He picked up the teacup on the table with delight, his gaze fixed on the kitchen, completely ignoring the three people in front of him.
The three of them had no choice but to sit obediently, their mouths watering at the aroma wafting from the kitchen.
Lan Yan brought out the dishes and saw a peculiar scene in the courtyard. Three big men were staring at the fish in her hands, while Jun Yelan was looking at his own.
She put the dishes down and said, "Dinner is ready."
The courtyard immediately bustled with activity, with people fetching dishes and serving rice. They began to eat heartily.
Lan Yan watched the scene, raised her glass of fruit wine, and said with a smile, "Come, let's toast to our gathering."
Seeing this, the others raised their cups, their faces beaming with smiles.
After sitting down, Lan Yan looked at the de-boned fish in her bowl and smiled at Jun Yelan. "Yelan, let's eat too."
"Mmm," Jun Yelan nodded, his eyes filled with much more mirth.
After dinner, everyone left.
Lan Yan felt a bit too full and sat on the swing in the courtyard, looking at the bright moon in the sky. "Yelan, after such a lively day, it's suddenly so quiet. I'm still not quite used to it."
Jun Yelan stood behind her, grabbed the rope, and said, "Yan'er, if you like liveliness, I'll have them visit again next time." He rather enjoyed his time alone with Lan Yan, but he also liked seeing Lan Yan like she was today.
Lan Yan shook her head and said, "Yelan, look, no matter how the days change, that moon has always been with us. It's the same for me; having you is enough."
She liked liveliness, and she also liked quiet. She patted the seat beside her.
Jun Yelan sat down, letting Lan Yan lean on his shoulder, and said with a smile, "Whether it's the moon or the sun, I only want you." His eyes could only see Lan Yan.
Lan Yan suddenly burst into laughter and clasped Jun Yelan's hand. "They always say you're fortunate to have met me. But meeting you is also my greatest fortune."
"I always smile and hide my thoughts deep within, and you always appear at just the right moment to help me when I'm troubled; to comfort me when I'm sad; to be with me when I'm happy. You understand my joys and sorrows the best."
Jun Yelan put his arm around Lan Yan's waist and listened quietly. "Yan'er, you are the only one who has entered my heart. It's you who has always stayed by my side, accompanying me, treating me differently."
"What I do for you still feels insufficient. In the days to come, I will do even more for you." He always felt it wasn't enough, because Lan Yan was simply too wonderful, already an irreplaceable part of his life.
"Okay," Lan Yan nodded. "I will be like this too." She suddenly realized that having someone reciprocate her efforts was the happiest thing in the world.
She and Jun Yelan were just like that. From the very beginning, Jun Yelan was more than just a mission objective to her; he was a living person, someone she wanted to protect.
The surroundings fell silent. They watched the moon together, the swing beneath them swaying gently.