They Came Knocking

"Why aren't you following him? You can take the night off." After dinner, Huo Hai returned to his courtyard. Ji Mu muttered to Fang Biya. Though she looked a little displeased, she still got up and left.

Fang Biya froze at her words, then flushed bright red. In a voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, she murmured, "Thank you, Sister. I... won't be keeping you company tonight." Then she hurried after Huo Hai as though fleeing.

Huo Hai had planned to spend the night cultivating. Before he could close the gate to his courtyard, however, he saw someone rushing toward him. There could hardly be any danger here, so he turned around slowly. Fang Biya's face, red almost to the point of purple, came into view. Before he could speak, she turned and shut the door.

"Um, why did you come over? Aren't you staying with Ji Mu tonight?" Huo Hai knew Ji Mu was still furious about what had happened last time. She had been getting back at him this way, so what had changed tonight?

Fang Biya shot Huo Hai a look and muttered, "Hmph. Sister Mu wants to sleep alone tonight, and I have nowhere to go." With that, she lowered her head so far it nearly sank into her chest.

Huo Hai's eyes lit up. Nowhere to go? Who was she kidding? The place he rented had plenty of little courtyards, some of them still unoccupied. He understood at once, and a different sort of smile spread across his face. "I see. Then let's not disturb her tonight. Come on, it's late. Let's get some rest."

With that, Huo Hai swept Fang Biya into his arms and ran laughing into his room.

In Fang Biya's courtyard, Bi'er paced back and forth, her face tight with