It Was All About Romance

It seemed he could not reach a conclusion just yet.

Xie Jin stayed at the teahouse a while longer. Once he was sure those people were not coming back downstairs, he got up and left.

"Leaving, sir? That'll be twenty coins."

Xie Jin had ordered only two pots of tea and a pastry. He had no idea whether that was expensive or cheap. After paying, he headed toward the Zhao Residence.

It was already late, and many pedestrians were hurrying home. The county town between Zhaojing and Tongxiang was neither large nor populous. Even the calls of street vendors were few, giving it a peaceful, easygoing air.

Suddenly, Xie Jin stopped.

Beside him was a stall displaying all sorts of hair ornaments. Seeing him pause, the vendor hurried to call out, "Buying a gift for your wife, sir? You two must be very devoted. She'll be delighted!"

Madam Zhao had kindly taken them in, but Shen Lantang was not one to take advantage. These days, she wore only a silver hairpin. She did not even use face powder, applying a little lip color only when she went out. Her appearance was understated, though to Xie Jin, she was beautiful even like that.

Xie Jin looked over the stall and picked up a Buyao Hairpin.

"Excellent eye, sir! That one has a lovely design. It'll look wonderful on your wife!"

"How much?"

"Thirty-five coins."

Xie Jin's hand stalled as he reached for his money. Shen Lantang had given him fifty coins, and he had spent twenty at the teahouse. He had only thirty left. After a lifetime without money troubles, he now found himself five measly coins short.

Mixed feelings welled up in him. He took out his purse, tipped every coin into his palm, and pondered for a long while