Of course Bai Qingqian did not want to leave yet. She liked this place very much and had not had her fill of fun.
The two turned a blind eye to the slight abnormalities in Year-End City and continued their leisurely wandering: flowers, food, culture. Sometimes they ventured deep into the alleys to see how the people at the very bottom lived, or visited tiny, shabby hole-in-the-wall eateries and the countless Flower Shops, large and small.
They heard that it was not yet time for the flowers to be delivered. When that time truly came, all of Year-End would be packed with flower merchants from everywhere.
They delighted in it.
They toured one town after another. On their tenth day in Year-End, Bai Qingqian finally became certain of something.
"If we're talking about which of the Nine Towns of Sui Mo has the most Strange Stone Orchids, Horseshoe Town seems to stand alone, doesn't it? Not only are there more, but the Strange Stone Orchids here also grow especially strong. I find it very strange. They say each place's soil and water nourish its own flowers, but these towns are right beside each other, so why is Horseshoe Town so different? Is there something special about its soil and water?
"My dear Hou, aren't water and earth your strongest of the Five Elements? What do you think?"
Hou Niao rubbed his nose. "I've been completely relaxed these past few days, so I haven't deliberately used my Five Elements perception. If you've settled on this place, let's stay a little while. You can admire the flowers, and I'll study its soil and water."
They agreed without any objections. They were strangers here, so they could only choose a temporary residence by feel. Since they were taking Strange Stone Orchids as their