Since then, Dada Zhu's honey flowers have changed a lot.
She remains as lively and cheerful as ever, always eager to explore and play, yet her eyes now carry a quiet calmness. No longer lost in the past, she has learned to savor the present. She enjoys tea and conversation with Qian Lan and Xuan Lin, visits the observatory with Xing Yuanche and Ma Rao to stargaze, and takes Haxiangpi Dog to the Mingxue Lu market for her favorite osmanthus cakes.
Haxiangpi, just like before, silently followed her every step, unwavering in his loyalty. He remembered what she loved to eat, always stepped in front of her the moment danger arose, and quietly waited beside her when she was lost in thought—never disturbing her peace.
One day, Dada Pig and Mei Hua suggested going to Tiger-Taming Dream Mountain to watch the sunrise.
Haxiangpi Dog had no objections, packed his bags in advance, and even brought a thick coat to avoid catching a cold from the strong winds at the summit.
At dawn, they reached the peak of Fuhu Dream Mountain. The sky was still dark, with a faint gray glow on the eastern horizon. In the distance, the sea of clouds churned like a vast white ocean.
Dada Zhu Mi Hua spread her arms wide, facing the mountain breeze, and took a deep breath. The fresh air filled her lungs with the scent of grass and trees, leaving her feeling refreshed and revitalized.
"It's beautiful," she said softly.
"Uh-huh." Haxiang stood beside her, sunlight catching his blue hair and giving it a gentle glow. His elf ears turned slightly red—a nervous habit of his—yet his gaze remained fixed on her face.
The sun slowly rose above the sea of clouds, casting golden light across the land and illuminating both the mountains and rivers, as well as Dada Zhu Mi Hua's profile. A faint smile graced her face, making her appear radiant against the sunlight.
Dada Zhu Mi Hua turned around and met Ha Xiang Pi Dog's gaze. The boy's eyes held undisguised tenderness and admiration, along with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.
"Piggy," she suddenly said, "you've worked so hard all these years."
Haxiangpi Dog paused, then quickly shook his head. "It's no trouble at all."
"You've always followed me, taken care of me, listened to my ramblings, and accompanied me on those unrealistic adventures. You never complained or asked for anything in return." Dada Pig Milua walked up to him and looked at him earnestly.
Ha Xiangpi's cheeks flushed again. He lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes: "Master... I..."
"Look up," said Dada Zhu Mi Hua.
He slowly lifted his head, a hint of apprehension in his eyes.
"Dog, I can't lie to you. In my heart, Yun Qiao still remains. He's the person I've loved for seven hundred years. Those memories, those feelings—they don't just vanish because I want them to. Perhaps I'll never fully forget him."
Haxiangpi's eyes dimmed briefly, then hardened with resolve. He looked at Dada Zhu Mihua and said seriously, "I know. I also know I'm no match for Shishu Yunqiao. He has done so much for you; it's only natural that you love him."
He paused, took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for a great decision: "But I'm okay. I'm willing to wait—for you to let go of the past in your own time, until you're ready to embrace a new life. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait. I won't pressure you into making any choice, and I won't ask you to forget Master Yunqiao. I just want to be here for you, right by your side whenever you need me."
Dada Zhu Mi Hua looked at him, and her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
This silly boy always does this—protecting her with the clumsiest methods, yet offering her his most unwavering loyalty. He has never asked for anything in return; he simply gives silently and waits patiently.
She reached out and gently embraced him. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear, "thank you for always being there."
Haxiangpi Dog froze in place, his body rigid. After a long moment, he cautiously reached out and gently placed his hand on her back, moving with such tenderness that it felt as though he feared shattering something precious.
The sun climbed higher, bathing them in warm golden light. In the distance, mist curled around the mountains like a beautiful painting.
Dada Zhu Mi Hua leaned against Ha Xiang Pi Dog's shoulder, watching the sunrise in the distance with a faint smile on her lips. She knew that past wounds wouldn't vanish overnight, but with this person by her side, she would slowly heal and relearn how to love and be loved.