Chen Zhengyang's declaration abruptly eased the taut atmosphere outside the Martial Arts School.
The string in Fang Yuan's heart, stretched to its limit, finally slackened slightly. He drew a deep breath and suppressed all the surging emotions within him.
Then he turned toward Liu Wanwan, who had been forcing herself to remain calm.
He reached out—not to pull her along, but to gently lay his hand over the one clutching the bundle. His warmth passed into her palm.
"Wanwan." His voice softened as his gaze swept over his wife and Little Bean Sprout, whom she shielded at her side. The little girl stared with big, glossy eyes, her unease plain to see. "It's all right. We'll stay at the Martial Arts School for the next few days. It's safe here."
Liu Wanwan looked up and met Fang Yuan's deep, calm eyes.
There was no panic in them, no regret—only a strength that set her heart at ease.
The heart she had kept suspended finally settled slowly back into place. Her tense shoulders relaxed, and she nodded hard.
A faint, relieved smile appeared on her gentle and graceful face. "Mm. Little Bean Sprout and I will listen to Husband."
She trusted his judgment, no matter what lay ahead.
Little Bean Sprout seemed to sense the change in the air. She tugged lightly on Fang Yuan's clothes and called out in a soft, childish voice, "Brother..."
Fang Yuan bent down and gently rubbed Little Bean Sprout's head. His gaze softened for a moment. "Be good, Little Bean Sprout. Stay with your sister-in-law. Brother will be back later."
Little Purple Sable, which had been quietly curled on Little Bean Sprout's shoulder, suddenly darted onto Fang Yuan's shoulder with a whoosh.
It gently rubbed its tiny nose against his neck and let out a