The End Times as a Song

"Girl, this way."

Hua Nian politely bowed to Huan Ruge and led her through a refreshing bamboo forest to a lake of blue and green. A small raft was moored on the lake, and a path made of blue stones of varying sizes led to a small bridge in the center of the lake. There was a small house in the center of the lake, which looked particularly elegant and refreshing.

"Where is this...? Is this the Pavilion of Longing?"

Huan Rugo was captivated by the beautiful scenery before her. She ran to the lakeside, pointed at the view, and turned to ask Huan Nian.

"Shh...! No, this isn't the Pavilion of Longing, this is the Cottage by the Heart Lake...!"

Hua Nian looked at the center of the lake, a worried expression on his face, and advised Huan Ruge not to inquire.

"What kind of place is Xinhu Xiaozhu...?"

Huan Rugo was very curious and continued to ask questions. She turned around and glanced at Lin Yin, trying to get an answer from him.

"This...this...!"

Hua Nian stammered and couldn't quite explain. She seemed terrified of something inside; her expression was somewhat frightened. She glanced at Lin Yin and then stopped talking.

"This is... my husband...!"

Doukou suddenly popped up, wanting to say something, but before she could finish speaking, Hua Nian immediately covered the outspoken Doukou.

"This is where I live...!"

Lin Yin suddenly spoke up.

"Yes, yes, yes...! This is where the master lives...!"

Hua Nian echoed, saying something in agreement.

"...!"

Doukou's mouth was covered by Hua Nian, preventing her from speaking. After hearing Lin Yin finish speaking, she looked at Lin Yin with disbelief.

"Who...? Dares to trespass on Heart Lake Cottage? Don't they have a death wish?"

Suddenly, a boy flew out from behind the bamboo forest in the middle of the lake, stepping on the water, and held a sharp sword to Huan Ruge's slender neck.

"The old drunkard...!"

Lin Yin called out coldly.

"Your Highness Lin Yin...! It's you! You're back? That's wonderful...!"

The drunkard immediately sheathed his sword, knelt down, and bowed to Lin Yin.

"Old man drunkard, what are you doing here...? Aren't you...?"

Hua Nian let go of Dou Kou and turned her attention to Zui Weng.

"Why can't I be here...? It's none of your business...."

The drunkard retorted to Hua Nian. Hua Nian wanted to say something, but Lin Yin interrupted their conversation.

"The old drunkard...!"

Lin Yin called out again.

"Your Highness, I...! My wife said she was going out for a walk to clear her head and told me to stay here and look around...!"

The old drunkard suddenly knelt down and said to Lin Yin.

"Your Highness, who is this person...?"

The drunkard glanced at Huan Rugo, who took a few steps back in fright.

"Me, me?"

Huan Ruge pointed to herself and asked the Drunken Old Man.

"If it wasn't you, then who could it be...? You're the only unfamiliar face here...?"

The drunkard suddenly stood up and approached Huan Rugo. Huan Rugo took several steps back.

"Old man, don't be rude! This is the woman the master brought back!"

Hua Nian loudly rebuked the drunkard.

"The master hasn't even spoken, Huanian, what are you interrupting for...?"

The drunkard, hands on his hips, angrily confronted Hua Nian.

"Old drunkard, are you still drunk? Do you think you can be so insolent with your master here?"

Hua Nian retorted with a sarcastic remark, "The old drunkard."

"So what if I'm like this? His Highness is here, and you're still acting disrespectfully...?"

The old drunkard raised an eyebrow and retorted to Hua Nian.

"you……!"

Hua Nian was clearly at a disadvantage and couldn't win an argument against the eloquent but foolish old man.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

The old drunkard looked smug and smiled broadly.