Morning sunlight streamed through the wooden window on the second floor.
Su Li opened his eyes and let out an immensely satisfied yawn.
Both sides of the bed were already empty. There was a shallow hollow in the pillow on the left, while the blanket on the right was a tangled mess, and a pleasant fragrance still lingered in the air.
Su Li stretched, his bones crackling crisply a few times. That bath last night had been a steal.
He rolled out of bed and pulled on his clothes. Today was a good day. He had made a smooth 150 gold coins at the black market yesterday; no matter what, they had to eat something nice.
He walked down the wooden stairs. Crisp chopping sounds came from the kitchen, where Saina, wearing that familiar blue cloth apron, was busy at the stove.
In the courtyard, Elena sat beside the stone table.
Today, she wore an exceptionally daring black velvet dress, its neckline plunging low and its slit running all the way to the top of her thigh.
With one leg crossed over the other, a large expanse of dazzling snow-white skin lay brazenly exposed to the air.
She held a rough earthenware cup in her hand and was staring at the gray cat Silver on the steps with utter disdain.
Su Li walked over to the stone table and sat directly across from Elena. Then, casually, he gave that snow-white long leg a smack. The feel was excellent.
"Wearing something so skimpy this early in the morning—aren't you afraid of freezing?" Su Li casually teased.
Elena swatted his hand away irritably, then straightened her back in one fluid motion. That stunning curve swayed right before Su Li's eyes twice.
"I wear what I want. With a second-tier knight's physique, I