Later that night, once the camp had fully settled, the head guard and his men began handing out the dry buns for dinner. The routine was familiar by now. One by one, people stood up, collected their share, and returned to their places.
This time, Grandma Fu, Uncle Fu, and Aunt Fu all made sure to stand up themselves. No one sent Bai Ming forward. They lined up properly, took the buns from the guards, and returned to sit together in silence.
They gathered close, the firelight flickering across their faces.
Uncle Fu glanced at Fu Fong and quickly noticed his sour expression. He hadn't said a word since earlier, and his grip on the bun was tight, as if he had no appetite at all. Uncle Fu leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.
"Don't take what happened earlier to heart," he said. "Fu Sheng has always been like that. Cold and stubborn. Besides, you'll have plenty of chances with Su Long later. There's no need to rush."
Fu Fong scoffed quietly but didn't respond.
