The couple exchanged a few idle words. The clansmen from both families had finished paying their respects, and they all started walking back together.
This time, however, there was no chance for a private conversation. Everyone was gathered together, chattering excitedly about releasing river lanterns that evening.
When they reached the fork in the road, the two families parted ways.
As Chen Wanqing walked back with Zhao Jing, she scanned the members of the Chen family, looking specifically for Li'an.
He was actually easy to find. The youth with his head perpetually bowed, so thin he seemed to be nothing but a bag of bones—that was Li'an.
He had not even reached the age of twenty, yet there were already strands of silver in his hair. The discovery made Chen Wanqing's heart lurch.
De'an noticed Chen Wanqing's gaze and followed it to Li'an's hair. He, too, was taken aback by what he saw.
