In the morning light.
Two people.
Looking at the figure seated on the balcony with his back to her, Yan Lingyun crept over, like a thief, and only when she had drawn close did she give a playful cry. "Watch out for my fists and palms!"
Though she did not practice martial arts, constant exposure, coupled with her medical expertise, had taught Yan Lingyun a few moves.
Yet strangely, she threw more than a dozen punches in succession, and every one missed. She failed to touch even the hem of the man before her.
Without so much as looking behind him, Lian Youming swayed left and right on his cushion, rocking forward and leaning back.
Yan Lingyun widened her eyes and ground her little canine teeth, growing even more enthusiastic. With a cry of "Aah!" she pounced, arms flailing.
That all-out pounce finally knocked him over.
Before she could celebrate, she heard, "Don't hurt yourself!"
Yan Lingyun immediately grew docile. She nestled closer to Lian Youming, resting against his chin with her eyes lowered, then asked softly and pointedly, "Has something happened on Master's end?"
Lian Youming hid nothing. He murmured an assent, hesitated for several seconds, then gave her a rough account of recent events and what might soon happen. Yan Lingyun remained nestled against him, only speaking after a long while. "Classmate Lian..."
Lian Youming smiled. "What is it?"
Yan Lingyun raised her head, her face a little pale and all ten fingers clenched tight. "I'm a little scared!"
Lian Youming gently stroked her back, remaining silent for a long time, his expression complicated.
There was nothing wrong with being afraid.
When he had first heard that Junk King had gone far away alone, hadn't he felt afraid too?
Besides, people were born with a concern for gain