Chapter 663

"This boat..."

"Let me get familiar with it first."

Alexander Hamilton recalled his sailing lessons, leaning forward with taut arms as he dipped the wooden paddle into the water again.

The boat finally stopped spinning in circles—only to lurch straight toward the shore. Had it not been for the stone steps blocking its path, it would have run aground.

Lily Waters stifled a giggle. "Take your time, brother."

Villagers gathering lotus seeds in the distance called out advice:

"The pond water's still—not like the river."

"Use finesse, not brute force."

"Gentler strokes, or you'll tire too soon..."

Their simple words carried generations of wisdom.

Alexander remained unruffled. "Thank you for the guidance."

He lightened his touch, and the boat finally moved straight—until it veered off course again after just a few meters.

Evelyn Carter sat at the bow, her lips curving. "Should I take over? Maybe someone who's never sailed will have better luck."

The rare brightness in her smile warmed his chest. "No need. I'm getting the hang of it." He pointed ahead. "Let's head there. The lotuses have mostly faded—perfect for picking seed pods."

The wooden boat gradually turned under his control.

Seeing them improve, the villagers dispersed to their tasks.

They drifted into dense clusters of lotus plants.

Evelyn sat among emerald leaves, fingertips skimming the water. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting golden flecks in her hair.

By the time Alexander found a suitable pod, her hands were already caked with pond mud.

"Let me steady you." He reached out.

She shook her head, bracing against the boat's edge to stand. "Only pick the ripe ones. We can't waste the villagers' hard work."

Their careful selection soon left them both streaked with mud.

Evelyn cradled an armful of pods, absently tucking back a strand of hair. Alexander hesitated, then pointed to his own cheek.

Her reflection in the water revealed muddy streaks crisscrossing her face.

Flustered, she scrubbed at them, her ears turning pink.

The villagers tactfully changed the subject:

"Dr. Carter picked so many!"

"Mr. Hamilton's rowing has really improved."

"Look at that pod—the biggest this year!"

Evelyn glanced down at the plumpest one in her arms, its fresh fragrance enveloping her.

On the return trip, Alexander rowed steadily. "Nothing compares to lotus pods this fresh."

Lily waited on the shore with a clay jar. "They'll last much longer arranged like this." She'd added a few lotus blossoms, creating a striking display.

After dinner, Lily's parents left as usual to tend the fish ponds.

The siblings, flashlights in hand, led them to a small hut with practiced ease.

The creaking wooden door revealed peeling walls under dim light. Faded newspaper patches curled at the edges, the window frame gaped with cracks, and wild grasses sprouted from the mortar.

Just as Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, Alexander turned. "I'll fetch something."

Lily briskly prepared bedding, but Alexander returned with Lotus Waters, carrying a tent. "We're sleeping in this tonight."

Evelyn blinked, swallowing her words.