Fang Ruyu also rose. "Squad Leader Chen, please forgive the intrusion. I came uninvited."
Chen Shi'an set down the bags in his hands, first giving Qin E'na an irritated look before turning to Fang Ruyu. "Miss Fang, what brings you here at this hour?"
Fang Ruyu seemed not to notice the distance in his words. She smiled. "Naturally, I have something important to discuss, coming here so presumptuously.
"Could I have a private word with you, Squad Leader Chen? Let's talk outside."
"Qin E'na, help me put these things away. I'll be right back," Chen Shi'an said quietly.
Qin E'na gave a soft huff, twisted her slender waist, and turned away, leaving Chen Shi'an looking at the back of her head.
Chen Shi'an smiled awkwardly and gestured for Fang Ruyu to go ahead.
"Please don't misunderstand what happened yesterday. There's nothing between Song Yuming and me."
After they left the courtyard and walked halfway down a lane, Fang Ruyu spoke softly.
Chen Shi'an smiled faintly. "You don't need to explain anything to me. Our engagement ended long ago."
Fang Ruyu shook her head. "I can hear the anger in your voice."
Rather speechless at Fang Ruyu's excessive confidence, Chen Shi'an was about to respond.
Fang Ruyu continued, "The reason I went shopping with Song Yuming yesterday was that he agreed to sell me a Marrow-Washing Pill for just a hundred taels of silver."
A hundred taels for a Marrow-Washing Pill?
Chen Shi'an could scarcely believe his ears. He asked gravely, "Has he given you the pill?"
Fang Ruyu shook her head. "Not yet. He said he'd definitely give it to me before he leaves Windrise Stronghold next time, and told me to get the silver ready first."
Chen Shi'an lifted his eyelids slightly. "Miss Fang, you're a student at