Fang Yuan locked the little courtyard gate, holding gentle and graceful Liu Wanwan's hand in one hand and Little Bean Sprout's in the other, the little girl's excited face flushed red.
Little Purple Sable burrowed into his arms, only her pair of glossy black eyes peeking out curiously.
They had barely taken a few steps when the neighboring courtyard gate creaked open. An auntie carrying a wooden basin spotted them.
She immediately raised her voice, her face breaking into a warm smile. "Oh! The Fang Family's young master is back! Did everything go smoothly on this trip?"
"Young Master Fang is back!"
"Brother Fang, come sit at our place when you have time!"
As they walked along, this alley, usually fairly quiet, seemed to have grown livelier because of Fang Yuan's return.
Quite a few neighbors poked their heads out from their doorways or paused their work in their courtyards to greet him warmly.
A young martial artist had emerged from this alley—one who could gain a firm foothold in the Martial Arts School and even make the nearby gang members rein themselves in somewhat.
Even the gang loafers who usually loitered around here had become much more restrained.
Fang Yuan wore a faint smile as he nodded back to them one by one.
He understood that the world had not suddenly become a better place. Rather, once you displayed enough strength, the world around you naturally showed you its kinder face.
Whether constables or neighbors, it all rested on strength.
Taking advantage of a lull, he tightened his hold on Liu Wanwan's hand slightly and asked in a low voice, "Wanwan, while I was gone these past few days... no one came looking for trouble at home, right?"
Liu Wanwan gently shook her head, her voice soft. "No. Everything