In fact, he had only finished carving the Jade Plaque that afternoon. It had not been a spur-of-the-moment idea; he had planned it long ago. The last time Song Xinxue brought over fruit, he had noticed that she had nothing on her to protect her.
A young woman trying to make her way alone in an unfamiliar city needed some protection. Later, when the Ying Family sent him Imperial Green Jadeite, he had saved the offcuts and carved several protective charms to give to the people around him.
The incident with those two soul entities that day had confirmed his judgment. Someone was targeting her, and their methods were dirty.
An Array was carved into this Jade Plaque. It could ward off evil, avert calamity, and turn any spell cast with ill intent toward its wearer back on the caster. Whatever method the other party used, it would rebound on them.
"Keep this Jade Plaque on. Don't take it off," he instructed.
Song Xinxue nodded, hung the Jade Plaque around her neck, and tucked it against her skin. It felt warm against her chest, like a warm hand gently resting there.
Chen Siyao came out of the kitchen with the freshly cooked fish ball soup and called everyone over to eat. The fish balls were white and tender, the broth clear and topped with chopped scallions. Its aroma filled the air.
"Delicious!" Chen Siyao took a bite, her eyes narrowing in delight. "It tastes just like the ones Grandma made when I was little!"
Yang Wanqing tried one too and nodded repeatedly. "So fresh! These are so much better than the ones you buy outside!"
Watching them enjoy the food warmed Song Xinxue's heart. This was probably why she liked coming to this home.
It was not because of him,