Chapter 312
Nathan and Zinnia got off the plane at noon. When they stepped onto the familiar, slightly uneven cobblestone path, a small smile touched Zinnia’s lips.
They were now in the small town. In contrast to the modern, industrialized city buildings, the small town exuded a quaint charm with its predominantly wooden and stone structures.
Wooden bridges arched over murmuring streams, weaving past gardens nestled among verdant trees and an emerald lake.
Surrounded by lush green mountains and forests, vast fields of colorful blossoms stretched into the distance, a peaceful sanctuary far from the city’s bustle.
But as their gaze returned to the small town, an air of antiquity lingered. Whitewashed walls, bright roofs, and blue-gray cobblestone paths—it was like stepping into an oil painting.
“Nathan, there’s nothing quite like our small town.” Zinnia linked arms with Nathan. As they returned after six months apart, an indescribable sense of homecoming washed over them.
Nathan’s lips curved into a faint smile as he once again slipped his mask back on, covering the upper half of his face and leaving only his pale lips visible.
The small town enjoyed a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Zinnia had already shed her down jacket and was now in a simple pale pink dress with a light knit cardigan draped over her shoulders. She looked soft and radiant.
“Beep, beep, beep—” Suddenly, a horn blared from up ahead. Zinnia and Nathan turned to look. Chandler rode up on his vehicle.
A straw hat shaded his forehead. His face, sun-weathered and honest, radiated simple sincerity.
“Hi, Chandler.” Upon seeing Chandler, a bit more joy sparkled in Zinnia’s eyes.
Chandler called out warmly, “Nathan, Zinnia, you’re back.” Once he confirmed it was really them, Chandler quickly pulled his vehicle to a stop right in front of them and yanked the brake.
“Ah, you two are finally back. Have you eaten yet? Come eat at my place. My wife cooked a lot of delicious food today. Come on, hop in the cart,” said Chandler.
Beaming with joy, Chandler kept talking as he pulled aside the curtain covering the back seat with one hand, revealing the seating area behind.
Zinnia and Nathan climbed into the back of Chandler’s vehicle. With a casual wave over her shoulder, Zinnia signaled to their discreet followers in the distance that they needn’t tag along any further.
“Zinnia, why didn’t you call me before coming back? If I hadn’t happened to be in town today, you and Nathan would’ve had a tough time hailing a cab here.
“You know, it would’ve taken you ages to get home.” Chandler fussed over them as he spoke.
Nathan said gently, “Chandler, we suddenly decided to come back and didn’t get a chance to let you know.”
The town wasn’t large, with mostly old-fashioned buildings. Locals mainly got around on pickup trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
They generally avoided cars, considering them unfriendly to the environment and out of place in their small town.
“I’m so happy to have you both back, really. You’ve been gone for half a year. Nathan, we hadn’t heard from you in ages, and Zinnia, you didn’t come home.
“We were all so worried. But now that you’re back, that’s all that matters,” Chandler said.
With the two of them safely settled in, Chandler started up the vehicle again. The vehicle lurched forward with a familiar mechanical hum and rhythmic clatter.
“Zinnia, I just bought some fried potatoes; they’re hanging on that hook. Grab them and share with Nathan.” Up front, Chandler kept his eyes on the road. Suddenly, he remembered something and called out.
Zinnia, who often rode in Chandler’s cart, looked at the familiar hook inside. Sure enough, a bag hung there, holding a steaming, grease-stained paper package—just as she remembered.
‘Chandler must have bought it only moments ago,’ she thought. “Thanks, Chandler,” Zinnia laughed happily.
“Zinnia, just enjoy it. You’ve only been away six months, and you’re already acting like a stranger. Did something bad happen out there?
“If you’ve had a tough time, just come home. We may not have much, but you and Nathan will never go hungry here,” Up ahead, Chandler called out over the wind.
Zinnia’s nose suddenly stung with emotion, and she quickly lowered her head to hide it. Zinnia and Nathan had come to Cloudie Town when they were just kids.
Still just a boy himself, Nathan arrived in town cradling a baby in his arms. The townsfolk took pity on them and helped raise them from childhood, treating both as their children.
“Don’t cry,” Nathan said softly. He gently brushed the corner of her eye with his fingertip. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and when he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.
Zinnia sniffled and murmured, “I’m not going to cry.”
“There, there, let’s not cry.” Nathan soothed her, reaching up to take the fried potatoes hanging on the hook. “Have a bite. You haven’t really eaten much lately.”
Nathan peeled open the bag, releasing a wave of fragrant, freshly fried aroma that wafted up to his nose.
Generously coated with homemade chili flakes and diced carrots, the potatoes’ skin was perfectly crispy and golden brown, with just a hint of char, making them look absolutely irresistible.
Nathan speared a piece of fried potato with the skewer and offered it to her.
Zinnia glanced at the piece of fried potato Nathan was offering her. Reaching out her hand, she said, “I can feed myself.”
Nathan gently avoided her hand, a helpless smile on his face. “Hey, I’m not that weak yet. No need to worry about me so much,” he said.
Zinnia looked at his pale face. Without a word, she lowered her head and took a bite.
Zinnia hadn’t eaten much these past few days, and now, back in familiar surroundings, she finally felt a faint appetite stirring.
She picked up another skewer and offered it to him. “You should have some too,” she said gently.
Zinnia had lost her appetite and could barely eat anything these days, which troubled Nathan deeply. He hadn’t been eating properly either.
Already slender, his lack of meals made him look even more drawn and gaunt. Nathan didn’t refuse. He simply lowered his head and took a bite.
“Sweetheart, make some extra dishes for lunch today. Zinnia and Nathan are back. And don’t forget to prepare some cupcakes; you know how much Zinnia loves those.” From up ahead, Chandler could still be heard talking on the phone.
He was excitedly telling his wife the good news that Zinnia and Nathan were back.
“Got it. I’m bringing Zinnia and Nathan home now. You start cooking, and have the others tidy up their courtyard, so they can settle right in after they eat.” Chandler kept fussing over every detail, chattering away with concern.
Sitting in the back, Zinnia and Nathan couldn’t help but smile as they listened to Chandler’s words, a gentle warmth spreading across their faces.
Truly, the close bonds of a small town were something one rarely found in the city. Growing up, Zinnia and Nathan leaned on each other, and it was the townsfolk who helped them the most.
Back then, Nathan was just a child, having endured such a devastating ordeal. Trying to raise a newborn who was barely clinging to life would have been nearly impossible on his own.
It was only because everyone pitched in, lending a hand and offering support, that the two of them managed to grow up.
The two of them had long been nurtured by the kindness of the villagers.
As adults, Nathan and Zinnia did their best to give back to the small town that had raised them.
Back in familiar surroundings, Zinnia felt a faint stir of appetite, though just a flicker. Her mind was too weighed down with worries to entertain the thought of eating.
“I’m done,” Zinnia murmured, pushing the bag away after eating just five or six pieces. She simply couldn’t bring herself to eat anymore.
Nathan knew he couldn’t rush her—her being willing to eat, even just a little, was already a big step forward. He gently put the food away, lowered his gaze, and asked softly, “Do you want to rest for a while?”
They’d been on a four-hour flight, and Zinnia hadn’t gotten any proper rest during it. They still had another half hour to go before reaching the small town.
Zinnia let out a yawn. “I’m getting a bit sleepy,” she murmured.
She hadn’t slept well these past few days. Now that she was back in familiar surroundings, her wound-up nerves finally began to relax, and she could barely keep her eyes open.
“Lean on me and get some rest,” Nathan said softly.