The bustling street was filled with noise, as vendors and shopkeepers shouted to attract customers. A shoe stepped on the ground, and a figure dressed in light-colored Hanfu with long hair cascading down her shoulders walked through the bustling street, her eyes scanning each stall.
"Miss! Miss, come and see our finest silks!" "Dumplings, hot, savory, and affordable dumplings, Miss!" "Miss, we also have exquisite jewelry made with the rarest gemstones you can imagine."
As she passed the stalls, the vendors called out to her, but she only glanced at them and continued walking.
However, when she heard her own name, she stopped. "Mu Ying! Mu Ying!" a female voice called out. Mu Ying turned around and saw a young woman running towards her.
Her dark clothes were disheveled by the wind as she ran, her hair was tightly coiled behind her head, and she was panting heavily, her hands on her knees.
"Ai Han"
"Young lady"
"Aya, I told you not to call me that when we are outside."
"How could I not, young… I mean, Mu Ying. The moment I looked away, you disappeared. By the time I saw you again, you were already too far away and too fast for me to catch up with. I had no choice but to call out to you."
"That's because you haven't gotten out of those walls in a long while, so come on."
"When it comes to your escapades, my thoughts are different from yours, Mu Ying."
"Ah, Ai Han. You say it like I have caused trouble, but I only mean well and rarely mess things up." Mu Ying looked surprised, trying to cover up her mistake, while Ai Han had an "Oh, really?" expression, clearly not fooled by her clumsy acting.
Then, a trace of sadness appeared on Ai Han's face, as if she had remembered something.
"When are you leaving?" Ai Han asked, noticing the low tone in Mu Ying's voice. Mu Ying straightened up.
"Probably after the night market at the end of this month, or maybe later," Mu Ying said, thinking to herself.
"And when are you coming back?" Ai Han asked.
"I don't know what's going on over there, but I'll come back once everything is safe and sound," Mu Ying said.
Hearing this, Ai Han's face darkened even more. "I'll come back sooner, so you won't have time to think about me," Mu Ying said, trying to cheer her up.
"Hmph, who would miss you?" she said indignantly, angrily leaving Mu Ying behind and running away quickly on her little feet.
Seeing Ai Han throwing a childish tantrum, Mu Ying couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Ai Han!" she called out happily, hurrying to meet her.
On the way, she passed a tall figure dressed in light-colored clothes, walking with a steady gait. He was holding an umbrella, which obscured most of his face. The two brushed past each other, their shoulders lightly touching, their fragrances wafting over each other, and a thought involuntarily welled up in her mind.
'A pleasant fragrance'
Neither of them looked back, and they continued walking towards their destination.
Mu Ying caught up with Ai Han, whose face was gloomy, and took her arm. "Ai Han, don't be angry, cheer up. I heard that they're going to add another floor to the pavilion, let's go take a look. I still want to see those legendary beauties and their dance moves." As she spoke, a glint of joy flashed in her eyes.
"Ha, you've been corrupted by those people. What are they saying in front of Miss?" Ai Han feigned disgust as she spoke, trying to pull her hand away from Mu Ying's, while still being shocked at how vulgar her miss had become.
"I suspect they don't know anything about this," Mu Ying grinned cheekily, refusing to let go of Ai Han's hand. "Come, let's go check out that stall," she said, pulling Ai Han forward
"Why did you join in the first place?" Ai Han asked in a low voice. This was a question that should have been answered by someone else, but Mu Ying didn't hear it at all. Her cheerful voice echoed through the bustling street.
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•Xiu Mansion•
Mo Lin, dressed in light and breathable Hanfu, arrived at the door. His hair was half-up, half-down, with a few strands falling loosely behind his neck, giving him a relaxed and carefree air, yet his steps remained steady.
A satchel slung over his shoulder, held firmly. He held an umbrella to shield himself from the sun, his gaze fixed on the large plaque engraved with the mansion's name. Joy welled up in his heart; he was home.
He climbed the steps to the front door. He lowered the umbrella, tucked it away, and then gently knocked on the hard wooden door with his free hand.
After knocking twice more, someone finally answered.
"Who's there?" a deep voice asked, the footsteps growing closer. The door opened slightly, and a servant poked his head out, offering a polite smile.
"Young master?" the servant asked, unable to believe his eyes.
"Uncle... how have you been lately?" Mo Lin asked.
"Young Master!!" The servant, who looked much older than Mo Lin, smiled brightly when he heard the only voice that addressed him that way. He opened the door so that he could have a good look at the young boy he hadn't seen in a long time, who had now grown into a young man.
"You've grown into a handsome young man," the old servant exclaimed. "Come in, it's too impolite to leave you standing outside. Let me help you." As he spoke, he gestured for him to come in then to Mo Lin's side, intending to help him with his luggage.
"Uncle, don't worry… I can take it." Mo Lin tried to persuade the older servant, but he was stubborn.
"Don't mention it, let me help you. You've just come back from a long journey, you must be tired and in pain." The old servant said, taking the luggage from Mo Lin's hands and carrying it inside before Mo Lin could refuse. Mo Lin sighed helplessly and went inside.
They strolled and chatted along the stone path beside the garden, Mo Lin reminiscing about his school days.
A flurry of footsteps echoed on the wooden walkway as they ran.
Just as Mo Lin and the old servant were ascending the steps towards the inner courtyard corridor, a soft voice rang out, almost a shout.
They turned to see a young woman in vibrant Hanfu, a radiant smile on her face, running towards them.