WebNovels

Chapter 33 - Chapter 33

Before she could slip away, a shrill voice pierced the air.

"Ai-ya! Hua Lian!"

Her stomach sank. Only one person in this quarter had the gall to shout her name so publicly.

Old Madam Wu—known to most as Auntie Wu the Nose, for her uncanny ability to sniff out gossip faster than dogs sniff bones. She bustled toward Hua Lian, dragging along her grandson, a mischievous boy with sticky fingers and a grin that could melt—or swindle—any heart.

"There you are!" Auntie Wu grabbed Hua Lian's sleeve (the very arm hiding her wound), making her wince. "I told everyone you'd come by today. Hah! I was right! You owe me three copper coins."

"Auntie Wu," Hua Lian said with strained patience, "since when did I owe you money?"

"Since you bet me you wouldn't come to the market this week!" Auntie Wu declared. "And I said you would. And look, here! A debt is a debt."

The cabbage woman hooted with laughter. "Auntie Wu, you'd even collect debts from animals!"

"Of course," Auntie Wu sniffed proudly.

"Animals gossip the most."

Meanwhile, the mischievous grandson tugged at Hua Lian's straw hat. "Jiejie, why do you wear your hat so low? Is it to hide your pretty face? Or are you so ugly?"

The boy giggled and ran before she could answer.

Hua Lian sighed, muttering under her breath: "If only I could vanish like Hei Lang in moments like this…"

The market's laughter, the petty quarrels, the aroma of roasted chestnuts—all of it blurred for Hua Lian as she caught the sound of boots again. The guards were closing in.

And then—worse.

A tall man in plain traveler's robes appeared at the far end of the street. Unlike the guards, he didn't ask questions loudly. Instead, he strolled with quiet confidence, his gaze sweeping over faces, stalls, movements. Searching.

When his eyes briefly flicked toward her, Hua Lian felt it in her bones. Cold, deliberate, and piercing—as if he already suspected her.

She turned swiftly to Auntie Wu. "Auntie, would you like three coins or five?"

"Five, of course," Auntie Wu said greedily.

"Then I'll get them," Hua Lian replied—and without waiting, she melted into the crowd.

Her heart pounded. The cut on her arm throbbed as though mocking her: You can outrun gossip, but not suspicion.

As Hua Lian slipped into a narrow alley, the noise of the market fading behind her, she allowed herself one breath of relief.

Then a shadow fell across her path.

The tall traveler stood at the other end of the alley, arms folded, blocking her way. His lips curved in a faint smile that never reached his eyes.

"Funny," he said softly. "The rumors spoke of Yue Ying. Yet here I find only a quiet maid with sharp eyes and quicker steps. Tell me, girl—" His smile sharpened. "—who are you? Have you seen him? Yue Ying?"

Hua Lian's hand twitched toward the hidden dagger at her waist.

The market's laughter felt a thousand li away.

But just by the side, she spotted Li Renshu. Luckily, he called out to her. Her best friend.

" Hey, please let her go. We have to discuss something" he dragged her by the arm and left.The officers bowed to him because he was royalty.

" Hua lian, I've been searching for you. I really need to see Yue Ying in person. If only I can get his autograph. Or just see him face to face. I hope those silly guards Don't apprehend him" said Renshu in his normal jovial nature.

He kept on talking non stop about Yue Ying to the extent Hua lian's ear hurt. It was obvious that he was a die hard fan. All his brothers except Li Yuyan were obsessed with Yue Ying. Wenjin loved him for his poetry. Mingzhao saw him as a great tool in his goals. Fenglin admired his strength and good deeds. Well, she was happy he just created an opportunity for her to escape. She just had to endure his tales.

Unfortunately, Renshu didn't know he was with Yue Ying at the moment

" If I can get a handshake or an autograph. I'll paste it everywhere in my apartment"

Hua lian's expression was impassive at first but she chuckled lightly.

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