"Uncle!" Xiao Yuan ran up to Xu Huo with great enthusiasm and reported on her studies over the past few days, then told him about Tan Qi's as well.
Tan Qi was still as quiet as he'd been when he first arrived, but his expression was no longer so grim. Unlike Xiao Yuan and Mr. Dong, he didn't come up to Xu Huo, instead staying by the entrance.
The painted woman was not so particular. In keeping with the requirement to "imitate a normal person," she hurried out of the Ancient Castle with tiny steps. Like a devoted wife, she proactively "took" Xu Huo's coat from Mr. Dong, then gazed at him with a shy yet resolute expression. She mouthed, "You're home."
Xu Huo was used to it. When he noticed Dr. Deng wasn't in the Ancient Castle, he asked casually.
"Dr. Deng went out," Mr. Dong replied.
Now that he felt safe, Dr. Deng no longer stayed in the Ancient Castle all day. Instead, he went about the city in various disguises. Mr. Dong had no authority to interfere with his actions, but he had still kept an eye on his movements.
"Dr. Deng bought quite a few potion ingredients."
"Has he been up to the Third Floor?" Xu Huo asked.
"No," Mr. Dong said. "He hasn't tried to go up there either."
That sounded honest enough.
"Would you like me to contact him and ask him to come back?" Mr. Dong offered.
"No need. I'll be leaving soon." Xu Huo had made this trip specifically for the painted woman. He patted Xiao Yuan on the head and smiled. "Sorry for the trouble, but could you prepare lunch for me?"
Mr. Dong gave a slight nod and turned toward the kitchen.
Both children were very sensible and didn't show