Chapter Twenty-One: Lost and Found

From a young age, Eden had indulged Ling Feng like the warm and lasting rays of spring sunlight. In return, Ling Feng cared deeply for Eden. His feelings for her were as profound and sincere as a tree’s attachment to the earth.

Ling Feng himself was the type who yielded to softness rather than force. Seeing Eden’s mother, whom he cared about, leave sorrowfully after his refusal, he felt a pang of regret. His heart waged a fierce internal battle, countless thoughts flashing through his mind.

“It’s just changing a form of address—really, it’s no big deal, is it?”
“Eden’s mother only doesn’t want people to think she’s old. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that!”
“Besides, Eden’s mother is only a little over ten years older than me. Strictly speaking, she’s still far from being old enough to be called ‘mother’.”
“So… am I being too harsh and heartless by refusing so bluntly?”

Throughout that day, Ling Feng and Eden passed by each other several times. Each time, Ling Feng felt something choke his throat; he wanted to say something but swallowed the words. Eden, on her part, forced a faint smile, tinged with bitterness, smiled at him, then quietly walked away. Watching her retreating figure, Ling Feng’s guilt grew heavier.

That evening, under the serene glow of the bright moon, the world felt peaceful and still. After much inner contemplation, Ling Feng finally chose to compromise. With a nervous heart, he sought out Eden, who was drinking alone under the moonlight.

On the balcony of the Golden Courtyard, the moonlight danced like an ethereal sprite upon Eden, draping this stunning beauty in a silver veil of dreamlike radiance that only enhanced her graceful charm.

Eden sat quietly in a reclined chair, her gaze slightly unfocused, clearly touched by the warmth of alcohol. Ling Feng approached her side, his heart pierced by the sadness lingering on her face.

At last, in Eden’s hazy, intoxicated eyes, Ling Feng summoned his courage and gently, deliberately called her “Sister Eden.”

That single word, “Sister,” carried the depths of Ling Feng’s apology and tenderness, drifting softly through the night sky…

He still vividly recalled that surreal evening when, as he whispered “Sister Eden” into her dreamy gaze, a jolt of electricity seemed to strike Eden. In an instant, her blurred eyes flared with delight, so brilliant it seemed to light up the somber night.

Perhaps it was overwhelming emotion, or the alcohol loosening her restraint, but Eden, usually known for her elegance and poise, did something Ling Feng never expected.

She reached out her arms and embraced him tightly, her excitement palpable.

Her reaction wasn’t that of someone whose wish had just been fulfilled; it felt more like the joy of recovering a precious treasure lost through her own carelessness.

Ling Feng didn’t understand why such a simple change in address could provoke such ecstatic joy.

But when he lifted his head from Eden’s broad embrace and saw the smile she could no longer hide, he knew he would never forget that moment.

At that time, Eden seemed like the most devout believer, carefully cradling what was to her the most precious treasure in the world.

Her closed eyes shimmered with tears, and the slight curve of her lips overflowed with endless satisfaction and joy.

All of this revealed her deep affection and care for the boy in her arms. In that instant, the surrounding clamor quietly faded away, leaving only Eden, Ling Feng, and the boundless tenderness between them.

From that day on, Ling Feng resolved to always call her “Sister Eden” from then on.

However, just as he hadn’t seen Alicia for a long time, he also hadn’t spoken to Eden by phone for quite a while. So when he suddenly saw her earlier, still with Alicia, he almost instinctively slipped back into the old form of address.

Fortunately, he caught the fleeting change in Eden’s expression and quickly corrected himself.

Sure enough, the moment Ling Feng altered his words, the shadow of sorrow that had just appeared in Eden’s eyes vanished like a gentle spring breeze, replaced by the familiar warmth and concern of old.

“Xiao Feng, how have you been lately? I heard from Xi’er and the others that you’ve been busy testing the virtual game. How’s it going? Is everything going smoothly?” Eden’s soft voice, like a mountain stream gently flowing, carried sincere care that slowly seeped into Ling Feng’s heart.

Looking at Eden and Alicia on the screen, Ling Feng’s heart filled with joy. He quickly replied, “Sister Eden, I’m doing well, and the game testing is going smoothly. How about you? Is the tour going well? No unexpected troubles, I hope?”

He paused slightly, a hint of longing shimmering in his eyes as he softly added, “Actually, I’ve been missing you quite a lot, Sister Eden.”

Eden’s gaze flickered, her eyes growing even gentler and more tender.

Just as she was about to speak, Alicia, feigning grievance, suddenly interrupted, whining, “Hey? Why does Xiao Feng only express longing for Eden? Am I really that much less important to him? Wah wah wah, the pink fairy is so sad she wants to lock herself in a cold little room, wah wah wah~.”

Seeing Alicia’s theatrical antics again, Ling Feng’s face showed helplessness, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

How could he not miss Alicia? It’s just that…

Well, since Alicia was the one showing closeness this time, it was only right for him to respond.

“Of course I miss Sister Ali too. I’ve been thinking that we haven’t reunited for a long time. When you come back, I’ll definitely prepare a lively welcome party just for you.”

Alicia blinked mischievously, grinning brightly, “Xiao Feng, are you serious?”

“Absolutely,” Ling Feng replied without hesitation.

Alicia’s smile blossomed even more brilliantly as she happily said, “That’s wonderful, Xiao Feng. I’ve got a surprise for you. Actually…”