The next day, Mo Yun opened his eyes out of habit before dawn.
After a quick wash, he went out into the courtyard and began practicing his boxing in the first rays of morning light.
After practicing for nearly two hours, Mo Yun lowered his fists and stood still, letting out a long breath of stale air.
The clatter of pots and bowls came from the main room. Mo Yiyi was already up.
Almost another hour passed before Mo Yiyi poked her head out of the kitchen and beckoned with a beaming smile. "Come have breakfast, little brother!"
Mo Yun entered the main room, where a steaming breakfast was already laid out on the table.
The millet porridge had been cooked until thick and golden, with a few red dates and goji berries scattered over it.
Several small dishes looked crisp and appetizing: pickled radish, dressed cucumber, and soy-braised dried tofu.
There was also a steamer of freshly cooked meat buns, their thin skins packed with filling and giving off an enticing aroma.
Mo Yiyi pressed a pair of chopsticks into Mo Yun's hand and served him a brimming bowl of porridge before sitting down across from him.
She wore a pale blue-green skirt and blouse today, her long hair pinned up with a silver hairpin. Though a trace of just-woken languor lingered on her face, her eyes were already bright with life.
"Little brother, it's market day today. We haven't gone to the market together in ages. Will you come along with me?"
Mo Yiyi propped her chin in her hands and looked at Mo Yun expectantly.
"Sure." Mo Yun nodded, picked up a bun, and stuffed it into his mouth.
"Wonderful!" A brilliant smile immediately bloomed across Mo Yiyi's face. She hurried to put more food in his