In the original timeline, Ye Tianchen had "avenged" Liu Niang after her death, earning Pei Junyao's gratitude and even striking up a fairly good friendship with him.
Now, though, they would probably become rivals in love.
Yun Qing looked down at his palm. Ye Hui's purple snake eyes were fixed on Ye Tianchen in a ferocious glare.
Yun Qing raised his other hand and covered the little snake's eyes.
Ye Hui: "Hiss, hiss??"
He writhed in protest, nearly tying himself into a bow again.
The next moment, they suddenly heard Shopkeeper Yun ask with a smile, "Are you all heading to the Purple Dusk Empire?"
They all turned to look at him.
"What a coincidence. I've had ample funds lately, and I was just planning to expand my business into Purple Dusk and open another branch to make a living."
"Hiss?!" In his palm, the little snake, who was tugging his tail free of the bow, instantly froze.
Ye Tianchen was slightly taken aback as well. "You're going to open a shop in Purple Dusk, Shopkeeper Yun?"
"Indeed."
Yun Qing sighed and continued spinning his nonsense.
"But I'm merely a frail, ordinary merchant, without even the strength to truss a chicken. It's a long journey, and bandits run rampant in the mountains and forests. The thought of traveling alone fills me with dread."
As he spoke, he looked at Ye Tianchen, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze brushing the face.
"Herding one sheep or tending two amounts to much the same thing. Might you kindhearted souls take me along to Purple Dusk, since you're heading that way?"
As soon as he finished, Pei Junyao, who had been chatting and laughing at ease, went rigid.
Without even the strength to truss a chicken? A frail, ordinary merchant?
Those words