As they walked closer, Liu Mei seemed restless, shifting on her feet and hesitating as if wanting to say something. Every so often, she glanced up at Ace before looking away just as quickly.
Shan Yifeng noticed. So did Ace.
Ace chuckled. "Go ahead."
That was all it took.
Liu Mei took off running, tears already spilling down her cheeks as she sprinted toward the village.
Shan Yifeng watched her go and let out a sigh.
"Uh… Master…" He hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words.
Ace smirked. "Why don't you go ahead too?"
Shan Yifeng shook his head. "It's okay, Master. I'll walk with you."
"Haha, fine, fine. Let's go then."
Ace patted his shoulder, and the two continued forward at a steady pace, following the echoes of Liu Mei's joyful cries.
As Ace and Shan Yifeng walked through the village, the atmosphere felt warm and familiar. The sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clatter of pots echoed from nearby homes.
