"Who are you..."
Ruan Jing had been arguing with Fifth Master when he suddenly heard someone call his name. He immediately turned around.
The moment he recognized Chen Zhuo, his whole body shuddered three times, and he staggered backward several steps.
"You're... Chen Zhuo! Y-you..."
Ruan Jing stared fixedly at Chen Zhuo, his lips trembling so badly that he could barely get the words out.
His earlier arrogance had vanished without a trace.
Chen Zhuo noticed that he was wearing the short jacket Yamen Runners usually wore. His gaze flickered, but he said nothing.
He ignored the onlookers gathered at the gate, turned around, and unloaded the Dog Demon from the carriage. With a single heave, he slung it over his shoulder and carried it into the Yamen.
As he passed Ruan Jing, the chain securing the Dog Demon slipped off. Chen Zhuo had meant to reach down and tuck it back in.
But Ruan Jing seemed to think he was about to strike. Like a startled rabbit, he sprang three zhang away in an instant.
Chen Zhuo paused, glanced back at Ruan Jing, then waved to Fifth Master. "I'll head back first. If you need anything, come find me in the courtyard beside the kitchen."
He had just taken a step when he added, "Well... anything at all."
At that, Fifth Master beamed. He clasped his hands toward Chen Zhuo's retreating back and said:
"Thank you, Master Chen."
Fifth Master watched Chen Zhuo disappear through the Yamen gate, then went to the carriage, took up the reins, and slowly led it away.
Ruan Jing watched Chen Zhuo leave, too.
"He's finally gone..."
Ruan Jing let out a long breath, and his pounding heart gradually settled.
His injuries had fully healed the night before, but he'd spent the entire night