By now, daylight had fully broken. Winter sunlight pierced the thin clouds and spilled across the sea.
Chen Yuan rowed a small sampan, carrying the still-sleeping Little Mermaid, and quickly returned to Iron Clothes Village.
When the small sampan finally reached the secluded little wharf behind Iron Clothes Village, the village was still steeped in the lazy atmosphere of the New Year festivities.
Chen Yuan carefully lifted Little Mermaid and wrapped her tightly in an old coat, making sure not a single unusual feature was exposed. Only then did he move like lightning, silently darting toward his own courtyard.
He intended to find his parents at once and come up with an excuse for having to return to the martial arts school immediately.
As for Little Mermaid's existence, he decided to keep it hidden from his family for the time being. It was not that he distrusted them, but the matter involved far too much, and the fewer people who knew, the safer it would be.
He had just reached the courtyard gate when waves of laughter drifted out from within. Among them were the hearty laughs of Lin Sanniang and Chen Yuan's second aunt, as well as a shy female voice. It sounded like Zhou Yu.
Chen Yuan adjusted his breathing, carrying the tightly wrapped Little Mermaid, and pushed open the door.
In the courtyard, Lin Sanniang and his second aunt sat on little stools, peeling dried fruit. Zhou Yu stood to one side with a flushed face, holding a broom and refusing the pieces of fruit Lin Sanniang offered her.
Xiao Li wore a cloak and flitted between them like a happy little butterfly.
Seeing Chen Yuan return from outside so early, carrying something wrapped in clothing so thoroughly that its appearance could not be made out, the