Liu Niang's fingertips gently stroked Su Wanwan's hair and back.
No one knew a child better than her "mother." Su Wanwan had grown up clinging to Liu Fuqu's skirts, and even after years apart, their unspoken understanding remained.
At first glance, she had seen that Su Wanwan's words did not match her feelings when she faced Ye Tianchen.
With Ye Tianchen and his companions present, there were too many eyes and ears for Liu Niang to ask further. She could only keep holding her, quietly concealing the worry in her eyes.
Fortunately, a clear male voice, warm with laughter, came from nearby.
"Liu Niang, do you have guests?"
Liu Niang abruptly raised her head, pulled out of her memories.
Yun Qing stood outside the Wonton Stall.
His black robes were simple and neat, his figure tall and straight. A little black snake coiled in his hand, and a faint smile lingered on his lips.
Liu Niang's smile immediately grew much more genuine, and she hurried to greet him.
"Shopkeeper Yun, here for wontons?"
"I'm terribly sorry. My younger sister came home today, so I won't be opening the stall."
"A reunion between sisters is a rare happy occasion." Yun Qing's smile was gentle. "Don't mind me, Liu Niang."
As he spoke, his gaze fell on the jade bottles on the table.
"Are you feeling unwell, Liu Niang?"
Su Wanwan looked up from Liu Niang's embrace. One glance at him made her chest inexplicably tighten.
Danger.
It felt as though he had seen straight through her.
Yet before she could grow wary, the man before her spoke casually, as though merely exchanging greetings with a neighbor:
"If it isn't urgent, why not come sit in my shop later?"
"Though I run a general store, I know a little medicine as well.