The Storm Was Brewing

The bustle of the East Market was still before their eyes when the liveliness of the West Market came rushing toward them.

The little girl clutched Chen Ling'er's hand tightly, hopping along behind her master, Wang Xian.

This time, she bought all the treasures she had once gazed at longingly while shopping with her older sister, but Chen Xiaoyu had refused to buy for her.

From lifelike dolls to little drums that rang with joy, and then all kinds of dazzling trinkets, she couldn't bear to part with a single one.

As for snacks, she had filled an entire bag.

Chen Ling'er had thoughtfully bought her clothes all the way up to the size for a ten-year-old, as if she meant to stock up on new outfits for the next few years.

The little girl's eyes narrowed into crescents as she smiled. "From now on, Xiang'er won't have to beg Sister anymore!"

Clutching a huge candied hawthorn skewer, she grew tired from shopping and climbed onto Chen Ling'er's back. The group made their way to the teahouse Wang Xian had visited the day before.

Chen Ling'er said with a hint of reproach, "Xiang'er, you spent so, so many Spirit Stones of Wang Xian's today."

The little girl blinked her bright eyes and grinned slyly. "Don't worry. Master's loaded!"

Chen Ling'er couldn't help laughing at that, but there was a hint of stiffness in her smile that she couldn't quite conceal.

She watched Wang Xian order tea and pastries from the waiter, and sighed inwardly.

She knew the fellow might quietly leave Giant Dragon City tomorrow. Who knew how many years would pass before they met again?

Wang Xian had told her that he was returning to the Small World.

Though Chen Ling'er had never been to the Lower Realm, she