The next morning.
As usual, Lu Feng and Jiang Ruoyun each carried out their morning cultivation—one practiced whip techniques, while the other trained in movement techniques and formations.
Xiao Rou had also risen early today to prepare breakfast.
"Eh? Why did you make so many delicious things today?" After returning from her training, Jiang Ruoyun discovered that Xiao Rou had prepared a whole table of breakfast dishes, each one looking especially appetizing.
Xiao Rou seemed somewhat flustered as she explained, "Today is the day Young Miss goes to Prison Manor for the birthday banquet. You should eat more so you'll look spirited."
After washing up, Lu Feng walked over. The sight of the table full of food stirred his appetite as well, and he reached for an exquisite snack.
"No, this one is for Young Miss. It's her favorite Purple Sweet Potato Dumpling," Xiao Rou said nervously, stopping Lu Feng.
"It's fine. If Lu Feng likes it, let him eat it," Jiang Ruoyun said with a smile.
"No, I made this especially for Young Miss." Xiao Rou's attitude was unusually firm. Her gaze flickered, faintly revealing a trace of fear.
By then, Lu Feng was already eating other snacks. Seeing Xiao Rou like this, he assumed it was simply the fruit of her painstaking efforts and gave it no further thought. With half a pastry in his mouth, he mumbled, "It's fine. I can eat anything."
Only when Jiang Ruoyun finally picked up the dumpling and began eating it did Xiao Rou visibly relax, her tension turning into worry.
Just before they left, Xiao Rou tugged on Lu Feng's sleeve and softly reminded him, "Protect Young Miss."
At last, as she watched Lu Feng and Jiang Ruoyun's figures recede into the distance, Xiao Rou's eyes brimmed with tears, which fell