Hu Xiaotian said, "He's rather proud and aloof, so he may not be willing to accept your help. I was hoping you could give instructions to look after him discreetly, so no one bullies him."
Wang Wenyou nodded. "Very well."
Hu Xiaotian then described where Yang Lingqi could be found, and Wang Wenyou committed the details firmly to memory.
After speaking with Wang Wenyou, Hu Xiaotian decided to visit Guanlan Street. The snow had stopped completely, but a thick layer still covered the ground. Since Guanlan Street was not far from the Post Station, he decided to walk. With the Lantern Festival over, the shops along the streets had begun opening one after another. Skywave City was the largest city north of the Kang Capital, and its streets were bustling and lively. Hu Xiaotian had barely taken a few steps when he noticed Zhan Peng following him. He stopped and turned to look. Zhan Peng gave him a knowing smile, then ducked into the crowd in an attempt to conceal what was already obvious. Wen Boyuan had ordered him to follow Hu Xiaotian and watch his every move, conveniently giving him a perfectly respectable excuse to protect him.
Hu Xiaotian smiled and continued on. When he reached Yang Lingqi's painting stall, he saw that Yang Lingqi had already set up early. Business was just as slow as it had been the night before. He stood alone in the cold wind, looking destitute and forlorn, his somewhat numb gaze fixed on the passing crowd. There was no telling what he was thinking.
Hu Xiaotian quietly observed Yang Lingqi from nearby and discovered that stubbornness and defiance still lurked deep in his eyes. Although they had had little contact, he sensed that this was not a man fate could easily crush. A