Shi Buyu immediately followed along without saying a word, hopping quickly. Suddenly she thought of something, looked back, and saw Yan Shian obediently following. This made her feel a bit strange inside.

Her trust in her older brothers had been built up over many years. Around them, she didn’t have to think too much. But today was the first time Yan Shian had met Fifth Brother. Given his nature—someone who rarely trusted others so easily—him obediently following like this could only mean one thing: he trusted her.

“What’s wrong?” Yan Shian quickened his pace and caught up to walk beside her.

Shi Buyu shook her head, then shook it again.

That kind of behavior meant something was going on.

Yan Shian glanced around. Fifth Brother was walking quickly, about ten steps ahead, while Auntie was trailing not too far behind. He lowered his voice: “I asked Grandma, she said that fish in winter are leaner, and making fish slices doesn’t taste as good as in summer or autumn. The fish balls here are good; I’ll have someone learn how to make them.”

Talking about food instantly perked up Shi Buyu’s spirit. She nodded repeatedly and also whispered, “We should buy some ready-made ones to take back.”

Yan Shian agreed, “Later I’ll have Yan Ze ask whether these fish balls are made from fish found only in Fengxian River.”

“If it’s only available there, we’ll catch some and raise them in my lotus pond.”

“…”

“…”

Kuang Jing looked back at the two, heads close together, whispering, and his mind turned over a thousand thoughts.

Xiao Qi’s letters came often—one every few days. At first, the entire pages were all about Xiao Shi’er; later, Yan Shian was mentioned more. What he did, how he behaved, what changes he underwent, and how he treated Xiao Shi’er—all these were clear as if Kuang Jing saw them himself.

This matter was initially just an excuse to meet Xiao Shi’er, but after hearing more from Xiao Qi, Kuang Jing wanted to see for himself the person these two were gambling everything for.

He never doubted the teacher’s decisions, but he wanted to see in person what kind of appearance and demeanor that person had, what it was like standing beside Xiao Shi’er, and whether he truly cared for her as Xiao Qi claimed.

The future was too far away and hearts easily changed; he couldn’t help but worry.

“Oh, Fifth Brother, you bumped into me!” Shi Buyu was pulled by Yan Shian, yet as it was clearly her fault for not watching, she still blamed Fifth Brother once she spoke.

Kuang Jing’s tone was a bit cold: “Even the fortune-teller under the bridge has better eyesight than you.”

“They’re mostly blind with their eyes open…” Shi Buyu realized and widened her eyes. “Brother, you’re scolding me!”

“You actually heard it.” Kuang Jing looked at her with a half-smile, then his gaze swept over Yan Shian: “Watch your steps.”

After speaking, he didn’t pay any more attention to the two and strode forward.

Shi Buyu stomped her foot, but by the time she did, Fifth Brother had almost turned the corner and disappeared. She hurriedly pulled Yan Shian to catch up.

Yan Shian was still thinking about the meaning behind Kuang Jing’s look—it seemed like… a warning.

What was the warning about? It was easy to guess.

Looking down at the hand gripping his wrist, then up to the owner, he knew not everyone in the world was as slow or obtuse as Miss Shi.

He spoke well and thought clearly. Given Miss Shi’s nature, it wasn’t suitable to drag her into a life that was destined to be less than good. He also didn’t want to clip her wings and trap her in a small world. But in actions, he didn’t hide much.

He treated Miss Shi kindly according to his feelings, putting in front of her whatever he thought was good, giving her all the convenience he could, and giving her the trust she wanted.

Except for not putting his feelings into words, he did everything else.

Everyone around Miss Shi was clever and perceptive; how could they not understand? Yet neither Cheng Junyu, nor the eldest brother in the capital who was known only by reputation, ever stopped him. Even Auntie, who was always close to Miss Shi, did not change her attitude upon sensing his feelings.

And now, Fifth Brother was only warning them with his eyes. This made Yan Shian’s mind stir.

Were they not planning to stop this? Or perhaps they actually agreed?

Thinking of this possibility made Yan Shian feel like he was soaking in hot water on a freezing day, slightly dizzy. He wanted to believe it, but also thought he might be overthinking. Given how much they valued Miss Shi, not driving him away and even changing the family plaque from Yan to Shi was due to their reasonableness.

The carriage shook and swayed. Yan Shian felt his heart swinging with it—left was good, right was bad—tossing him back and forth silently, making Shi Buyu glance at him several times.

The carriage stopped. Yan Shian decided to put his heart on the left side, and immediately his mood brightened like a warm winter sun.

Since they were unfamiliar with this place, Shi Buyu didn’t bother to look where they arrived, just followed Fifth Brother closely. As they walked, she leaned close to Yan Shian and said, “What are you spacing out thinking about?”

Yan Shian looked at her: “Good things. But I can’t tell you.”

Shi Buyu’s eyes lit up then dimmed; she ignored him and ran over to Fifth Brother’s side.

“Brother, what are we doing here?” Shi Buyu looked at the houses on both sides, which seemed a bit old. Her Fifth Brother came from a wealthy family and shouldn’t have property here.

Kuang Jing gestured for silence and climbed the steps to knock on the door.

Someone quickly came to answer, leading them inside.

After the door closed again, the burly man bowed: “Sir.”

“How are they?”

“They haven’t gone out today.”

Kuang Jing nodded and motioned for him to lead the way.

Shi Buyu had a faint guess and felt a bit pleased, quickly following. She looked back and saw Yan Shian was a bit slower, even tugging him once.

Yan Shian decided from now on to always be one step behind her.

The man led them to the backyard wall. Two others stood guard there and bowed upon seeing Kuang Jing.

Kuang Jing signaled the two to come closer and looked out through a hole in the wall.

From this vantage point, Shi Buyu realized the advantage of this house. The land here was a gentle slope, the highest terrain around. When it was built, the builder must not have wanted to be conspicuous, so the ground was dug down a bit. From outside, it didn’t look higher than surrounding houses, but standing here told a different story.

The house across the wall looked a bit dilapidated, much less well maintained than this one. No one was outside, but under the eaves was a low table, and the door was half-open—someone lived there.

Yan Shian saw this too through the hole and formed a guess.

Back inside, Shi Buyu whispered, “Brother, did you track them down?”

Kuang Jing wasn’t surprised by the question and nodded: “He really has run out of luck. Dayou is so large, yet at such a time his people had to come to my land in Western Liang to arrest someone—in Qingping County, no less. I was on high alert. As soon as I heard, I ordered the city gates closed and had them locked inside. Where else could they run on my turf? Even the place they’re hiding was arranged by me. They still think money can make the impossible happen.”