Before sunset, cooking smoke gradually rose.
Xie Qiao stood at the end of Chunliu Lane, beside the hundred-year-old pomegranate tree.
There were still withered leaves clinging to the tree, now weighed down by snow.
He had stayed in Chunliu Lane for two months, yet this was the first time he truly observed the alley closely.
Compared to the broad roads of Jingdu, this lane was somewhat narrow; larger carriage could not pass through.
If not by chance, he would never have come here in his lifetime, nor would he have lingered for so long.
And certainly, he would not have developed any superfluous feelings for this place.
Now he stood at the end of the lane, watching the young girl approaching from afar.
This girl had grown up in this alley.
From babbling infancy to toddling steps, she gradually grew into the slender, graceful, jade-like figure she was today.
Her presence lingered in every corner of this lane.
The warm sunset suddenly softened a corner of Xie Qiao’s heart.
His lips involuntarily curved upward, and his usually cold eyes overflowed with tenderness.
His heart felt light and joyful.
He could no longer recall when he last experienced such emotions.
… If he hadn’t seen the man following behind, this feeling would likely have lasted much longer.
Xie Qiao’s gaze shifted from the girl to the man behind her.
That man followed Song Jin, maintaining a half-step distance, speaking gently to her about something unknown.
Song Jin responded politely, her head tilted so she couldn’t see the man’s eyes.
But Xie Qiao saw clearly.
The affection and desire to possess in that man’s eyes were somewhat excessive.
Xie Qiao coldly curled his lips, focusing on that man’s perfectly measured smile.
The sunset stretched the two figures long.
Even occasionally overlapping them.
It was truly glaring.
Song Jin’s stall was not far from Chunliu Lane; it wouldn’t take long to walk there. She led the way ahead, wondering whether she should politely invite him inside to sit.
But her husband was home, and he seemed to dislike outsiders—would he be displeased?
However, he never left the house; perhaps he wouldn’t mind?
As she pondered, Lu Chen, who had been following Song Jin, suddenly said, “A Jin, how have you been these days while I was away handling matters? Besides wrecking your stall, did Master Fan do anything else outrageous?”
He also wanted to ask where her husband was now, and why, when Song Jin’s stall was damaged, her husband still hadn’t appeared?
“I’ve been fine. Master Fan only returned two days ago; he hasn’t had time to trouble me.”
Turning a corner, Song Jin led Lu Chen into Chunliu Lane.
“That’s good.”
Lu Chen knew Master Fan had returned just two days ago; his concern was whether anyone else had bullied her.
Lu Chen thought for a moment: “About the proposal I mentioned before—coming to my restaurant to make pastries—please consider it again. Winter has arrived; setting up a stall outside will surely be cold. If you come to my place, the monthly pay I offer will definitely be higher than your stall earnings.”
This suggestion had been made months ago, but Song Jin had refused.
After this incident, Lu Chen wondered if Song Jin might agree this time.
Walking ahead, Song Jin replied predictably and straightforwardly: “No need! I still have to care for my husband; running a stall is more flexible! If Shopkeeper Lu worries I’m not earning enough, just order more pastries. I’ll develop more new varieties for Shopkeeper Lu!”
Lu Chen did not insist: “Alright.”
The short Chunliu Lane had already been traversed more than halfway.
Song Jin also decided to invite Shopkeeper Lu inside for a seat.
Today, Shopkeeper Lu had helped her a great deal, so she ought to bring out the tea she had hidden away in the kitchen for a long time to serve her guest.
That would be the polite thing to do.
Having made up her mind, Song Jin looked up and said to Lu Chen, "Shopkeeper Lu, my home is just up ahead. Once we get there…"
As she spoke, her gaze followed her words forward.
Then she abruptly froze.
Her words and her gaze halted together.
She even blinked hard in disbelief.
Who was that person standing at her doorway, looking down the alley?!
He looked so familiar.
Could it be her husband?!
The moment the young woman looked up, Xie Qiao withdrew his gaze and turned it toward Song Jin.
Their eyes met.
He could clearly see the dimples that appeared on the young woman’s cheeks.
They hadn’t been there just moments before.
Xie Qiao observed the surprise and joy in the young woman’s eyes the instant she saw him. It was clear she hadn’t expected him to be at the door.
And she certainly didn’t know he had been waiting for her.
Lu Chen naturally saw Xie Qiao as well.
The moment he caught sight of Xie Qiao’s face, he froze, and his gentle expression immediately darkened.
He hadn’t expected the man Song Jin had married to be like this.
Lu Chen was a bit older, twenty this year, just the right age for marriage, and the young woman he favored was Song Jin.
He had originally planned to propose after meeting Song Jin’s brother, but in just one night, Song Jin had already gotten married!
During this time, Song Jin’s husband had kept to himself, and no one had ever seen his face—Lu Chen was no exception.
Lu Chen had thought that Xie Qiao was merely a scholar from Jingdu. But with just one glance, Lu Chen knew that the man before him was no ordinary commoner.
What kind of marriage arrangement had the Song family in Jingdu made for Song Jin?
With just a sidelong glance, Xie Qiao noticed the slight change in the man’s expression.
His expression remained indifferent: nothing more than this.
Song Jin was completely unaware of the silent confrontation between Xie Qiao and Lu Chen.
She was simply surprised: Why had her husband come out?
No, no, no—could it be that he was waiting for her?
At this thought, the dimples at the corners of Song Jin’s mouth deepened, and her steps unconsciously quickened.
The remaining half of the distance was quickly covered.
She stood before Xie Qiao, tilting her head slightly upward. "Husband, why did you come out?"
Her voice was light and cheerful, clearly in high spirits.
Xie Qiao didn’t answer Song Jin’s question. Instead, his gaze shifted slightly. "And who is this?"
Song Jin explained cheerfully, "This is Shopkeeper Lu Chen. He’s helped me a lot over the years."
"I see." Xie Qiao nodded toward Lu Chen. "Thank you."
Lu Chen’s expression had already returned to normal. He raised his hand slightly. "It was nothing."
Song Jin continued to Xie Qiao, "I need to go inside to fetch something for Shopkeeper Lu, so…"
Only now did Song Jin feel a bit awkward.
She had originally assumed Xie Qiao would stay inside and not come out, but today, not only was he not inside, he was standing right at the door.
If she invited Lu Chen in, would Xie Qiao be unhappy?
Song Jin stole a glance at Lu Chen.
Lu Chen was dressed in a sapphire-blue brocade robe, the fabric and tailoring both of excellent quality—clearly expensive.
In contrast, Xie Qiao wore only that well-fitted old cotton jacket.
Yet even so, her husband showed not the slightest hint of unease. He remained calm, and his presence even seemed to overshadow Lu Chen by a degree.
…Her husband would look absolutely stunning in a brocade robe!
Song Jin clenched her fist, determined to buy Xie Qiao a fine set of clothes.
She had to buy it!
Even if it emptied her purse, she had to buy it!
"Since that's the case, please come inside and wait for a moment, Shopkeeper Lu," Xie Qiao said, stepping aside to let Lu Chen through the doorway. "The room is humble, I hope you won't mind."
Lu Chen, however, declined. "I'll wait here for A'Jin."
A'Jin?
Xie Qiao's brow furrowed slightly.
"Alright then, I'll be quick! Please wait just a moment, Shopkeeper Lu!" Song Jin said, then lifted her skirt and hurried into the house, returning shortly with a money pouch.
She had rushed, and was slightly out of breath.
Holding the pouch in her hands, she expressed her gratitude sincerely to Lu Chen. "Thank you so much for your help today, Shopkeeper Lu. This is the payment for today's repairs and materials. Please accept it!"
"A'Jin, you…" Lu Chen hadn't expected Song Jin to return just to give him money. Had he known, he would rather not have come back with her.
But even if he hadn't returned with her, she would surely have found another way to give him the money.
Lu Chen felt helpless and hesitated to reach out and take it.
Xie Qiao stood to the side, observing their standoff.
His expression grew serious—
Lu Chen was truly too presumptuous.
Suddenly, a slender, well-defined hand appeared between the two.
Xie Qiao took the money pouch and handed it over on Song Jin's behalf.
His attitude left no room for refusal.
Lu Chen's gentle demeanor stiffened on his face.
The person before him always made him feel uneasy.
Having been in business for so many years, he had met many people, but he had never encountered anyone quite like Xie Qiao.
"Thank you," Lu Chen said, meeting Xie Qiao's gaze as he accepted the pouch.
He tried to maintain his gentle tone as he looked at Song Jin. "A'Jin, I'll take my leave now."
Seeing Lu Chen take the pouch, Song Jin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She had thought there would be more back-and-forth today.
Her smile brightened. "Yes, yes! I won't keep you any longer, Shopkeeper Lu. I'll take care of the rest myself!"
Lu Chen nodded and turned to leave in silence.
Song Jin and Xie Qiao stood together, watching Lu Chen's retreating figure. Suddenly, Xie Qiao asked, "Are you going out again later?"
"Yes!" Song Jin replied, then added, "Husband, you're not in good health. Don't stand in the doorway catching the wind. Go back inside."
Only after seeing Xie Qiao nod did Song Jin feel reassured enough to head out.
Yet Xie Qiao remained standing at the doorway, watching the young woman's retreating figure, unable to bring himself to go back inside.
First Master Fan yesterday, and now Lu Chen today.
He suddenly recalled how some noble families in the capital kept their daughters secluded within their mansions.
Now it seemed that perhaps it wasn't due to old-fashioned thinking, but rather because there were simply too many people with designs on them.
Song Jin worked efficiently. There were many miscellaneous items at the stall, and to ensure it could open tomorrow, she tidied up until late.
Walking alone through Chunliu Lane, she looked expectantly toward the doorway.
This time, Xie Qiao wasn't waiting for her at the door, but a soft candlelight glowed from inside the room.
Pushing the door open, Song Jin felt a warmth in her heart as she saw the candlelight shining through the window.
Her husband not only came out to meet her but also left a light for her.
Oh, she felt so blessed.
After eating something in the kitchen and washing up, Song Jin changed into her nightclothes and pushed open the bedroom door.
She had expected her husband to be at the square table, but instead, he was wearing his inner garments, holding a book, and sitting leisurely by the bed.
Hearing the door open, Xie Qiao looked up.
The young woman at the doorway had a nose slightly reddened from the cold. She wore pinkish-white nightclothes, draped over with the padded jacket she had worn that day.
She stood at the doorway, blinking her eyes.
"You're back? Have you finished tidying the stall?" Xie Qiao asked calmly.
The moment she stepped through the door, Song Jin was momentarily stunned!
After all, seeing a handsome man waiting for her by the bedside was quite an impactful sight.
She had only ever dared to imagine such a scene in her dreams.
Never did she expect it to become reality!
Joy!
She felt incredibly fortunate today. Before she could even report to the authorities, the Fan family had already fallen.
And upon returning home, she found her husband waiting by the bedside, with a lamp left lit for her!
Song Jin secretly clenched her fist to restrain herself.
Don’t be too forward!
Can’t act too obviously—her husband is a proper man. What if she scared him off? That wouldn’t do!
To keep herself in check, Song Jin didn’t rush straight to the bed but instead sat demurely on a chair.
Yet her delight was still noticed by Xie Qiao.
Xie Qiao set down his book: “You seem quite happy today?”
Song Jin’s voice was soft but cheerful: “Mm-hmm.”
Xie Qiao’s expression remained unchanged, as usual, but upon closer inspection, one could notice a slight shift in his gaze.
His tone also cooled slightly: “Is it because of Lu Chen?”
Even though the room was already warm from the lit stove, Song Jin faintly sensed a chill in the air.
“Huh?” Song Jin was a bit confused. How did this involve Shopkeeper Lu?
She obediently explained: “It’s not because of Shopkeeper Lu. It’s because a wicked family got their comeuppance today, so I’m happy.”
“Mm. If you’re not busy tomorrow, come with me to the market.” Xie Qiao’s expression returned to normal as he leisurely turned a page of his book and casually remarked: “Winter is approaching. Getting some things in order now will save a lot of trouble later.”