Chapter 2779: Walking in the Long Night

Chapter Five Hundred and Fifty-Two: Walking in the Long Night

The sky was clear, and the wind was gentle.

Chen Ping'an raised his head slightly and looked at the towering stone statue of the Water God on the hill. He paused for a moment, then walked towards the Water Temple.

The gates of the Water Temple were half-open, allowing people to come and go freely.

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to enter the gates, he suddenly stopped.

There was a man standing inside the gates.

It was Ning Yao.

She was wearing a simple blue dress. Her hair was tied back in a casual bun, secured with a wooden hairpin. Her face was calm, her eyes bright.

She was not looking at the entrance, but rather gazing into the distance, at the endless stretch of water.

Chen Ping'an stood there for a moment, then walked slowly towards her.

He stopped a few steps away from her, not saying anything, just watching her back.

Ning Yao turned around.

She looked at him quietly, a faint smile appearing on her lips.

"You're here."

Chen Ping'an smiled back.

"I'm here."

Ning Yao walked towards him, stopping right in front of him.

She reached out her hand and gently smoothed a wrinkle from his collar.

"You look tired."

Chen Ping'an shook his head.

"It's nothing."

Ning Yao's smile deepened.

"It's been a long time."

"Yes, it has."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth.

"Let's go in."

Chen Ping'an nodded.

They walked into the temple together, side by side.

The temple was quiet, filled with the faint scent of incense.

They walked to the main hall, where the statue of the Water God stood tall and majestic.

They stood in front of the statue for a while, then walked out to the courtyard.

There was a small pond in the courtyard, filled with clear water and lotus flowers.

They sat down by the pond, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves.

"What have you been doing?" Ning Yao asked softly.

Chen Ping'an looked at the water.

"Walking."

"Walking where?"

"Everywhere."

Ning Yao smiled again.

"Walking in the long night?"

Chen Ping'an turned his head and looked at her.

"Yes. Walking in the long night."

She reached out her hand and covered his.

Her hand was warm and soft.

"The night will pass," she said gently.

Chen Ping'an held her hand tightly.

"I know."

They sat there for a long time, in the quiet courtyard, under the clear sky.

The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the temple.

Ning Yao stood up.

"Let's go."

Chen Ping'an stood up with her.

They walked out of the temple, into the setting sun.

As they walked, Ning Yao leaned her head against his shoulder.

"It's good that you're here," she whispered.

Chen Ping'an put his arm around her.

"It's good that you're here too."

They walked on, together, in the fading light, towards the long night ahead.