In the western district of Heaven Dou City, on a bustling street.
It was midafternoon, and the sunlight slanted down, baking the pavement until it shimmered with heat.
Shops lined both sides of the street. Vendors' cries, haggling voices, and children's laughter intertwined, filling the air with the clamor of everyday life.
Two figures strolled unhurriedly through the crowd.
Zhao Linchuan wore a black robe and looked relaxed, his easygoing pace setting him apart from the bustle around him.
Young Master of Fate walked beside him in a pale purple dress, its hem fluttering gently in the breeze.
A thin white veil covered her face, revealing only her large, clear eyes.
Now, those eyes were curiously taking in everything around her.
The bright red hawthorn berries on the candied-fruit stall, the lifelike little animals in the old dough figurine maker's hands, the colorful pinwheels hanging outside the general store... every sight made her want to look a little longer.
Zhao Linchuan glanced at her sparkling eyes and asked gently, "What would you like to eat?"
Young Master of Fate turned her gaze back to him and blinked, but said nothing.
Zhao Linchuan chuckled and shook his head. "Right, I forgot. There's no point asking."
He took her hand and led her to a candied-fruit stall by the roadside.
The stall was covered with bright red candied hawthorn skewers, their glossy coating gleaming like amber in the sunlight. The berries were plump and round, wrapped in a clear, crystalline shell of sugar.
"Two skewers, please."
Zhao Linchuan pulled out a few Copper Soul Coins and handed them to the vendor.
The vendor promptly picked out two of the largest skewers and passed them over.
Zhao Linchuan took them and held one out to Young Master of Fate.
She raised a hand