On the day following Gu Ling's return home, Su Liang woke up the latest.
When she opened her eyes and lifted the curtain of her bed, she saw the warm sunlight streaming through the window, casting splendid patches of light on the floor.
The room was quiet. Gu Ling was not there, and Gu Xiaonuan's little bed was empty too.
It had been a long time since Su Liang had slept so soundly and peacefully. A feeling of relaxation from deep within made her feel comfortable in body and mind.
She lazily got out of the bed and dressed more slowly than usual. After tidying up, she went to the window, opened it, and saw the winter scenery by the lake. It had once seemed desolate and bleak, but now she found it simple and elegant, like an ink painting.
Gu Ling and the children were the most lively elements within the painting.