The sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves, casting a warm glow on the village path as Alice walked briskly back, her bamboo basket filled with herbs.
After days of careful tending to Leon, his injuries had greatly improved, which lifted Alice's spirits immensely.
Just as she was nearing her doorstep, a figure emerged from a nearby house, wearing a smile as warm as the sun. "Hi, Alice! Did you go to the forest again?"
Alice looked up to see Oliver.
He wore a simple linen shirt paired with brown trousers, and his neatly cropped hair shimmered with golden highlights in the sunlight. His eyes were like clear blue lakes, bright and inviting.
Alice smiled in response. "Yes, I went to gather some herbs."
Oliver stepped closer, his gaze falling on her bamboo basket. "What are these herbs for?" he asked curiously.
Alice patiently explained the uses of each herb, from treating colds to healing wounds. Oliver listened intently, occasionally gasping in surprise at the various remedies.
From that day on, Oliver always found ways to engage with Alice.
One morning, while Alice was drying herbs in the yard, Oliver appeared at the gate holding a bouquet of wildflowers. A bit shyly, he said, "I saw these flowers blooming beautifully by the roadside and thought you might like them."
Alice's eyes lit up as she accepted the flowers; their fragrance enveloped them both. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "Thank you, Oliver. They’re truly beautiful."
On another occasion, the village held a small Harvest Festival.
Oliver arrived early at Alice's house to invite her to join him.
After a bit of preparation, Alice walked alongside Oliver down the bustling street. The sides of the street were lined with various local delicacies and handmade crafts, and the air was filled with laughter and joy.
Oliver brought Alice to a candy stall and bought her a brightly colored piece of candy.
Alice took the candy, popped it into her mouth, and the sweet flavor instantly burst on her tongue. Seeing her satisfied expression made Oliver's lips curve into an involuntary smile.
In the celebration square, people formed a circle and began to dance the traditional dance.
Noticing the longing in Alice's eyes, Oliver mustered his courage to invite her to dance with him.
Alice hesitated for a moment, but under Oliver's hopeful gaze, she nodded in agreement.
Gently taking her hand, Oliver led her into the dance circle.
At first, Alice felt a bit awkward, her steps slightly frantic, but Oliver guided her softly, whispering, "Don't be nervous; just follow my rhythm."
Under Oliver's lead, Alice gradually found her footing, and they twirled gracefully in the dance floor like a perfect pair.
The villagers around them cast envious glances, and a radiant smile lit up Alice's face.
As time passed, the bond between Oliver and Alice grew ever closer.
In their leisure time, they would sit by the village stream together, sharing stories with one another.
Oliver recounted amusing tales from the village, those ancient legends and stories passed down through generations, captivating Alice completely.
Alice would also share with Oliver the wonders of modern society, from convenient transportation to a vibrant array of entertainment activities. Oliver always listened with wide-eyed amazement, his eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown world.
One evening, the setting sun bathed the entire village in a warm orange glow.
Oliver and Alice sat on a hillside, gazing at the beautiful scenery before them.
Oliver turned to Alice, his gaze filled with tenderness and deep affection. He softly said, “Alice, ever since you came here, my life has changed. You are like a beam of light that brightens my world.”
Alice's heart raced as she lowered her head, her cheeks flushed.
In that moment, she felt Oliver's sincere feelings for her, and waves of emotion stirred within her heart.
In this unfamiliar nineteenth-century world, Oliver's presence was like a warm spring breeze that swept into Alice's heart.
Their feelings gradually deepened through their daily interactions, and with Oliver by her side, Alice felt a long-lost warmth and happiness.
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