As Gu Fei walked, she scattered a ring of Iron Thorns along the courtyard wall. She would have to collect them first thing in the morning; it wouldn't do for a customer to get injured.
Gu Fei had no other choice.
Er Laizi's existence was like a sharp blade hanging over her head, and she had no idea when it might fall.
Gu Fei and Sanlang then went to the backyard, where a doghouse had been built. It housed a Chinese Rural Dog—a local mongrel.
They kept the dog in the hope that it would bark if anyone broke in.
After scattering Iron Thorns along the base of the backyard wall as well, Gu Fei finally went to bed.
Er Lang and Sanlang slept in rooms in the back courtyard, one to the left and one to the right. Gu Fei slept in a central room downstairs; her window opened out to the back courtyard wall.
With all the preparations in place, Gu Fei finally went to bed with Lian'er.
Closing her eyes, Gu Fei let her consciousness sink into the space.
