School was out.
Liumu settled Muhan astride his neck, letting her grab his hair.
Beside him, Han wore a faint smile.
Walking at Liumu's side, she reached out and linked her arm through his.
"Is this really all right?"
Han asked softly from beside him.
"What?"
Liumu looked a little puzzled.
Then, suddenly understanding, he smiled. "Muhan is my daughter. What's wrong with taking my daughter home?"
After saying that, Liumu even told Muhan to hold on tighter.
In the clans of old,
men held tremendous authority.
Especially for the head of a household, saving face mattered more than anything.
Liumu had nothing but disdain for that.
Besides, what did he need to save face for when he was with his own family?
"Let's buy some vegetables. I'll cook tonight."
Since joining the ANBU, Liumu had not cooked personally in a long time.
Usually, he was either staying up all night in the ANBU or rushing around outside the village.
Even when he occasionally came home, he was often catching up on sleep.
He simply had no energy.
Today was just right.
With nothing else to do, he could treat Han and his daughter.
"Little Muhan, what would you like to eat? Tell Daddy, and I'll make it for you when we get home."
"I like anything Daddy makes."
Muhan's sweet response made Liumu and Han exchange a smile.
Changing course, they headed straight for the market.
"Lord Liumu."
"Lord Liumu!"
Along the way, passing pedestrians and shopkeepers all greeted Liumu.
Their words were respectful, and they kept smiling as they looked at Muhan on his shoulders.
"Muhan, come down."
"No need!" Liumu hurriedly said. "Let them talk. It won't take a chunk out of me."
Liumu casually pinched Muhan's round little cheek and arrived at the vegetable stalls,