As the sun sank behind the western hills, the aroma of dinner gradually filled Twin Osmanthus Alley.
In the dimly lit alley, Ye Jingtang strolled leisurely, looking at the familiar lane, his mind filled with every little moment he had shared here with Ning'er last year.
Luo Ning walked ahead, her hand held in his. Having been kissed several times along the way, she put on a displeased look and walked without a word, though the memories in her heart were no different from Ye Jingtang's.
When they reached the courtyard entrance, Luo Ning, afraid her husband in name would notice, pulled her hand from her lover's, straightened her clothes a little, and resumed her proper, composed appearance.
Ye Jingtang was long accustomed to this, his eyes and brows full of smiles. Only after Ning'er entered the courtyard did he follow. Looking up, he spotted the maid Ping'er busy in the kitchen. At the sight of him, she hurriedly greeted him:
"Young Master Ye~"
"You've prepared so many dishes?"
"Hehe, we're entertaining you, Young Master Ye. Of course it has to be a feast..."
As Ye Jingtang spoke, he glanced toward the Main House and happened to catch Ice Lump looking at him. She immediately closed her eyes again, assuming the posture of someone resuming meditation.
Ye Jingtang shook his head with a silent chuckle. Rather than going straight inside, he first went to the kitchen and deftly helped cook dinner.
After entering the Main House, Luo Ning hesitated briefly, then closed the door first. She sat down before Baijin, her expression complicated, wanting to speak but holding back.
Seeing this, Xue Baijin opened her eyes and asked:
"What did Yunli say?"
The mention of this irritated Luo Ning a little. Leaning close to her ear, she recounted how Ye