Nangong Mian didn’t confirm or deny, saying, “I’m not late.”
“You’re not late, but you always cut it close,” Ming Zhao sighed. “I’ve heard about the Qin family’s situation. Your sister’s transformation may seem sudden, but in my opinion, it’s a good thing. You can use this opportunity to gradually let go and allow her to grow independently. After all, you can’t protect her for the rest of her life.”
“Why can’t I?” Nangong Mian furrowed his brow. “I promised my big brother and second brother that I would protect Quan Quan, and as long as she needs it, I can do it for a lifetime.”
“Ah.” Ming Zhao didn’t want to talk to this sister-con any longer. “It’s time to go; let’s depart.”
“Alright.” As Nangong Mian climbed onto the spirit beast’s back, he suddenly turned to look at Ming Zhao. “Are you sure you talked to the academy head to keep an eye on Quan Quan for me?”
“I’ve talked to him,” Ming Zhao said, feeling exhausted. “You can rest assured that your sister will be watched over, and the Qin family won’t be able to take her.”
“That’s good.” Nangong Mian was completely reassured. “Teacher, thank you.”
“Do you finally acknowledge me as your teacher now?” Ming Zhao laughed and said, “Get on already.”
“Yes.”
*
“It’s time,” Huang Quan turned back and looked at Ye Qin. “Big brother and the others have already left, so we should go as well.”
Ye Qin glanced outside the courtyard wall and said, “Someone is watching you.”
“I’ve noticed,” Huang Quan replied. “They’re from the academy. It’s okay.”
“Let’s go,” Ye Qin stood up.
Huang Quan led the way outside the academy. When they reached the academy’s entrance, the person who had been following in the shadows appeared in front of Huang Quan and said, “Miss Nangong, for your safety, we hope you won’t leave the academy.”
Huang Quan turned her head to look at Ye Qin. After she glanced at him, Ye Qin said, “Tell the dean that she’s with me, he won’t blame you then”
The person looked at Huang Quan and then at Ye Qin, hesitated for a moment, and then walked away.
After that person left, Ye Qin looked at Huang Quan and said, “It’s resolved. Let’s go.”
Huang Quan nodded with a smile and said, “Alright.”
The two of them exited the academy and headed for Phoenix Street, the most bustling and lively street in the capital. After walking for a short distance, Huang Quan felt that someone was still following them.
“Ugh,” Huang Quan sighed. “They’re still following us.”
“I don’t want to kill anyone. Why do they have to push me?”
Seeing her helpless look, Ye Qin smiled and said, “If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can let me handle it.”
“I’ll handle it myself,” Huang Quan said with a smile. “After all, it’s my business, and…” She looked at his hands.
Ye Qin noticed her gaze and couldn’t help but feel somewhat wry.
His hands had long been stained with blood.
“Let’s go to the herbal medicine shop first,” Huang Quan said. “I need to buy some herbs.”
“Alright.”
The two of them went to the largest herbal medicine shop on Phoenix Street. As they entered the shop, the people who had been haggling over prices fell silent and stared at Huang Quan and Ye Qin with undivided attention.
It’s no wonder that everyone stopped to look at the two of them. After all, their appearances were simply too eye-catching, and standing together, they formed a beautiful sight that was hard to ignore.
“Shopkeeper, I’d like to see the best herbs you have here,” Huang Quan walked up to a stunned shopkeeper, raised her hand, and waved it in front of his eyes. “Are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine,” the shopkeeper snapped out of it, looking embarrassed. “Customer, the finest herbs are on the second floor. If you’d like to take a look, please follow me upstairs.”
