At the entrance of the magnificent villa, Qin Muqing took a key from her pocket while carrying a basket of vegetables.
"Click."
The heavy iron gate opened. Qin Muqing pushed it open, and as soon as she returned home, she heard a chorus of chirping birds coming from nearby.
Several birds hopped about on the branches. When they saw Qin Muqing return, they immediately cried out happily.
"Here."
Qin Muqing came to the lawn and called out to the birds on the branches. Then she reached into the basket, grabbed a handful of rice, and scattered it on the ground.
The birds perched on the branches flapped their wings and flew down, landing in front of Qin Muqing. They chirped cheerfully while pecking at the rice on the ground.
"I'll be leaving Dongwu City in a while, so you won't get to eat rice very often anymore."
"Chirp, chirp..." The birds pecking at the rice raised their heads and looked at Qin Muqing. After calling out a few times, they lowered their heads and continued ravenously enjoying the delicious food.
"Lin Li has been gone for several days now. I wonder when he'll be back." Qin Muqing gazed at the birds before her and muttered to herself.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Knocking came from the entrance. Qin Muqing came back to her senses when she heard it. She set the basket in her hand on the ground, then hurried toward the gate.
"Who is it?"
"Miss Qin, it's me."
"Oh, it's Sister Zhang!" Hearing the familiar voice from outside, Qin Muqing quickly opened the door.
Sister Zhang, who sold boxed meals, stood at the entrance with a broad smile. She was carrying a bag of bright green vegetables that had clearly been picked not long ago and were exceptionally fresh.
"Miss