Mingdu was still brilliantly lit beneath the night sky, only without the clamor of the celebrations and with a little more tranquility.
The cool evening breeze dispersed the lingering scent of fireworks from their bodies.
As they passed a relatively quiet street, Lu Jun's attention was drawn to a brightly lit little shop still open at the corner. Its sign was particularly conspicuous in the darkness.
"Wait for me."
Lu Jun stopped and spoke to Snow Empress and Ice Empress.
"I'm going in to buy something. I'll be right out."
With that, he turned and entered the little shop.
The shop was brightly lit. Through the glass display window, they could vaguely see shelves filled with an array of goods. It appeared to be a store specializing in various snacks and drinks.
Snow Empress and Ice Empress waited outside as he had asked.
Ice Empress curiously pressed herself against the window to peer inside, while Snow Empress stood quietly beneath the streetlamp. The night wind stirred her silver hair, and her expression remained calm, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward that familiar figure in the shop.
Before long, Lu Jun came back out with a medium-sized paper bag in hand and a relaxed smile on his face.
"Done?" Ice Empress hurried over to take a look. "What tasty things did you buy?"
But Lu Jun hid the paper bag behind his back and smiled mysteriously.
"Secret. Come on, let's go home."
Snow Empress's gaze rested on the paper bag for a moment. A vague premonition arose in her heart, though she did not dare be certain. She merely followed in silence.
The three continued onward and soon returned to the villa on the outskirts of the city.
In the night, the villa stood quietly, warm light spilling from its windows