NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Lanterns, Laughter, and Almost
Chapter 5: Lanterns, Laughter, and Almost
Evening came gently, painting the village rooftops in gold and deep blue. Jingyang Village, usually quiet by sundown, buzzed with rare excitement.
Tonight was the Spring Lantern Festival—a local tradition celebrating the turning of seasons. Colorful paper lanterns hung from every home, swaying gently in the breeze. Children ran barefoot with sparklers, old songs floated in the air, and sweet bean cakes disappeared faster than they could be made.
Yu Zhen stood at the side of the village square, watching the lights flicker in every direction.
"Zhen!" a familiar voice called.
He turned just as Lan Yueran walked toward him. She wore a light robe in shades of peach and ivory, her hair adorned with a single plum blossom.
Yu Zhen blinked once.
She noticed his silence. "What? Do I look strange?"
"No," he said after a pause. "Just... a little brighter than the lanterns."
Her cheeks turned pink.
---
The festival square was already packed. Wooden stalls sold candied fruits, fried dumplings, and hand-painted fans. An old couple sat playing string instruments near the fountain, while younger villagers danced in circles to the music's rhythm.
Yu Zhen and Yueran moved slowly through the crowd, occasionally stopping when children tugged at their sleeves to sell tiny lanterns shaped like rabbits or fish.
"Let's get one," Yueran said, lifting a lotus-shaped lantern.
"For yourself?"
"For the house," she said, smiling. "A home should have light at night, right?"
Yu Zhen nodded. "We'll hang it by the front window."
---
Not far from them, Fang Wuji was already covered in dumpling sauce, waving to them with a stick of grilled chicken in one hand.
"I challenge you both to a food contest!" he shouted.
"Pass," Yu Zhen said flatly.
Mei Lin appeared beside him, elegant as ever, pulling him away by the collar. "Ignore him. He's been eating since sunset."
They all laughed. Laughter seemed easier tonight—natural, like something born from shared warmth instead of forced words.
---
Later, as the festival reached its peak, a large bonfire was lit in the middle of the square. Musicians played faster tunes, and villagers began forming circles for the evening dance—a playful, clumsy tradition where everyone danced regardless of age or grace.
Yu Zhen watched as several pairs entered the circle.
Yueran nudged his side. "You're not going to dance?"
"I don't dance."
"You fought entire kingdoms, but you're scared of a little circle dance?"
Yu Zhen sighed. "Very well. Just… don't laugh."
She held out her hand.
He took it.
---
The dance was simple—step, turn, clap, turn again. Children skipped around them, old men spun their wives like they were young again, and laughter echoed under the stars.
Yu Zhen was awkward at first. His movements stiff, timing off. But Yueran's smile never faded. She moved with ease, guiding him subtly with the pressure of her fingers.
"You're getting it," she whispered as they turned.
"It's because you're leading," he replied.
A pause.
"Maybe I always have," she said softly.
Yu Zhen looked at her, the flickering firelight reflecting in her eyes.
For a moment, the music disappeared.
---
When the dance ended, they stepped away from the circle, breathless and flushed. Yueran laughed, brushing hair from her forehead.
"I can't remember the last time I had this much fun."
Yu Zhen smiled. "Neither can I."
They stood in silence for a few moments, letting the night calm their pulses.
Then Yu Zhen reached into his robe and pulled out something small.
"A gift."
Yueran blinked. "For me?"
He handed her a hairpin carved from wood, painted gently with a lotus motif. Simple, but elegant.
"I saw it earlier. Thought it would suit you."
She stared at it, speechless.
"Thank you," she said finally, voice quiet.
Yu Zhen looked away, pretending to watch the bonfire. "You don't have to wear it. I just thought—"
But she had already tucked it into her hair.
"It fits," she said.
And smiled.
---
They began walking back to the edge of the square, where most families were lighting their final lanterns for the night.
Children whispered wishes into their lanterns before releasing them into the sky.
"Want to light one?" Yu Zhen asked.
Yueran nodded.
They approached an elder selling floating lanterns and bought a plain one with a red string. Yu Zhen struck a match, and Yueran held the flame steady.
"Make a wish," the elder said.
They paused.
Yueran looked at Yu Zhen. "You go first."
He hesitated, then wrote with a brush: May this peace last.
Yueran smiled. Then she wrote: May we always return to each other.
They lit the lantern together. It rose slowly into the sky, joining dozens of others glowing like golden fireflies.
---
As the festival ended, and the music softened into a lullaby, they walked side by side down the quiet village path.
"Do you ever think about… before this life?" Yueran asked suddenly.
Yu Zhen froze for half a breath.
"Like what?"
"Like... who we were, or what we were meant to do before becoming who we are now."
He didn't answer immediately. "Sometimes. But I think... I'd rather focus on now."
"Why?"
"Because 'now' has you in it."
Her heart skipped. She looked down quickly, flustered.
He kept walking, calm as always. But there was a softness in his eyes.
---
At the gate of the Yu family home, Yueran stopped.
"Thank you for tonight."
Yu Zhen gave her a small nod. "Thank you for dancing."
She hesitated for a moment. Then, without warning, leaned in and kissed his cheek—quick, gentle, and warm.
"Goodnight, Yu Zhen."
And before he could speak, she turned and entered the house.
Yu Zhen stood there a while, staring at the closed door.
He touched his cheek, expression unreadable.
And then, just barely—
He smiled.
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