Chapter 76: An Invitation From the Unknown
As the last rays of sun dipped behind Qinghe Town's rooftops, the market finally quieted. Merchants packed their stalls, and the scent of roasted chestnuts lingered in the evening air.
Su Yanyue wiped her brow, exhausted but satisfied. The triplets lay sprawled on a blanket near the stall, sticky cheeks pink with excitement, snoring softly.
Yu Shiming finished counting the day's earnings. "You sold everything," he said, low voice warm with pride. "You're a natural, Yanyue."
She smiled, chest swelling with hard-won triumph. "I never thought it would go this well."
Just as she was folding the empty baskets, a man dressed in dark green robes stepped from the shadows. His eyes glinted sharply under his hat, and his bearing was polished—far above a common townsman.
"You are the owner of Phoenix Fragrance?" he asked in a smooth tone, gaze fixed on Yanyue.
She hesitated. "Yes. May I help you?"
He produced a card embossed with golden characters. "My master has heard of your unique teas. He would like to invite you to his residence tomorrow morning to discuss… business opportunities."
Yanyue took the card carefully. The name inscribed in bold strokes made her heart skip: Marquis Xu Residence.
Yu Shiming stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Why does a marquis take interest in tea sold at a market stall?"
The man's polite smile never faltered. "My master appreciates excellence wherever it blooms."
With a bow, he slipped away as silently as he had arrived, vanishing into the darkening streets.
For a moment, only the distant chirping of night insects filled the silence.
Yanyue read the card again, nerves bubbling beneath her skin. "What should I do? A marquis… that's someone far above us."
Yu Shiming studied her, face unreadable. "You've worked hard to make something people can't ignore. This is proof of your success."
"But what if it's dangerous?"
"Then I'll be by your side."
Their eyes locked, and heat rose in her chest. She could see it then—the unwavering determination in his dark gaze, the silent promise that he would face anything with her.
She exhaled shakily. "I have to go."
A soft snort broke the moment.
"Mama, we'll protect you!" Su Lin declared, apparently half-awake as he rolled off the blanket.
"Yeah!" Su Rui added, rubbing his eyes. "We'll throw our toys at them if they're mean!"
Su Zhi sat up blearily. "Mama can do anything. We'll just look cute."
Yanyue couldn't help laughing, gathering them into her arms. "You three are the best support I could ask for."
Yu Shiming's hand brushed against hers as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Her breath caught.
The night air grew cooler, a soft breeze rustling the banner overhead. Around them, Qinghe Town fell quiet, lantern lights dotting the streets like fallen stars.
Tomorrow would bring a new challenge, one far beyond anything Yanyue had faced so far. But standing there with her boys and the silent, watchful man at her side, she felt something she hadn't in a long time—hope.
The Phoenix was ready to spread her wings once more.