Just then.
A clatter of hoofbeats suddenly came from the distant street.
The sound drew closer and closer.
A moment later, accompanied by a long "Whoa," the carriage came to a stop.
Liu Erlong, who had been absentmindedly sprinkling water into the air, suddenly froze. She swiftly turned her head, rose onto her toes, and craned her neck toward the iron gate.
In the dim light, she vaguely made out an arched canopy—the carriage compartment.
The carriage had stopped right outside her front gate.
Could it be... Xiao Feng had returned?
Liu Erlong's heart trembled slightly, and joy welled up within her. She hurriedly set down the watering can, ran over in quick steps, and flung open the iron gate with a swish.
Sure enough, she saw the figure she had been worried about.
It was her younger brother, Ye Qifeng, dressed in fitted black clothes, tall and upright, handsome and refined, with a gentle, peaceful air about him.
"Xiao Feng, you're back."
Liu Erlong beamed and called out sweetly.
The instant she saw Ye Qifeng, all the worries in her heart vanished. Her slightly stifled thoughts suddenly cleared, and her mood became even more joyful.
The change had come so suddenly that even Liu Erlong herself found it somewhat unbelievable.
Yet the feeling this change brought was exceptionally pleasant.
In any case, she was simply happy.
Outside the gate.
Ye Qifeng carried Rui Wen and lightly jumped down from the carriage, then paid the driver.
Soon, with a short shout of "Hyah," the driver skillfully guided the carriage away amid the clatter of hooves.
At that moment, a sweet voice suddenly called out beside him. Ye Qifeng turned his head slightly and saw Sister Er Long running out through the gate.
Liu Erlong was not wearing her usual black