Behind him came deliberately softened footsteps and the sound of stepping on dry branches. Jiang Xingye sensed something and slightly turned his head to glance back. Seeing who it was, he curled his lips into a sneer and pushed open his own courtyard door.
Qing Xiao had already heard the commotion and came over to Jiang Xingye's side, wagging its tail happily like a dog. Jiang Xingye patted its head, "Go on!"
Weak firelight in the stove and the dim yellow glow of the kerosene lamp cast together on Xu Qinghuan's face, her skin delicate and porcelain-like, with a flickering flame red on her cheeks, adding a touch of allure.
Xu Qinghuan had already fallen asleep against the wall. Jiang Xingye gently lifted her; she seemed uneasy but heard familiar voices calling "Huanhuan" in her ear, and smelled a familiar pine scent. Xu Qinghuan's hand rested on his shoulder, then she fell back asleep the next moment.
