After breakfast, Liu Duo and the gang prepared to leave.

"Ran Er, there are snacks in this cloth bag. Eat them whenever you want, or even when you have a craving," Liu Duo said as she held the bag full of snacks.

Liu Ran carried a school bag on his person, and his back straightened as he nodded. "Yes, I know."

When the men were ready, Liu Duo and Liu Ran joined them in their bullock cart for a short distance.

When they parted, Liu Duo and Liu Ran headed towards the school, while the three men took the other road to the neighboring village.

When they reached the schoolhouse, many students were already there, happily talking among themselves.

"Ran Er, I'm not going in. You have to take care of yourself, eat well, and mingle with your friends..."

Liu Duo nagged a lot, but Liu Ran wasn't annoyed as he made promises to her.

"Ran Er, go in then. Remember what I told you. You must wait for me to get you, got it?" Liu Duo gave a last reminder.

She didn't want the unfortunate to happen a second time!

Liu Ran nodded. "Yes, I know."

He wouldn't want to do anything to make them worry.

Liu Duo made sure he entered the school grounds and met up with his classmates before she set off on her return journey.

There wasn't any sun today, but it was hot and stuffy. It looked like it would rain soon.

As she walked, she thought about drawing several illustrations when she got home. Ye Liu and the men could take those to Qin Fang some other day.

Right then, Liu Duo heard the sound of wheels rolling from behind.

She quickly moved to the side to make way for the vehicle. Despite it not being in her way she preferred to be safe rather than sorry.

As the horse carriage approached her, the familiar coachman called out to her, "Madam Ye, we were just heading to your house. What a coincidence to find you here!"

He had just been looking around out of habit, and happened to see a familiar-looking pedestrian.

With that, the carriage came to a halt.

Liu Duo looked up at the coachman, and realized he was one of Dongfang Ming's staff. She also noticed the curtained carriage and wondered, why is Dongfang Ming here again?

But she smiled anyway. "It is indeed a coincidence."

It was then that Dongfang Ming unveiled the curtain to show himself. "Madam Ye, since we've met, why don't you get on? We'll get you home."

That's where they were going anyway.

"No need, it's not far now. I'd like to walk."

She'd been sitting too much lately, working on the accounts. She barely had time for yoga. She didn't want to end up with a big buttocks!

When he heard that, Dongfang Ming didn't repeat his offer. Instead, he exited his carriage. Standing there, on a step taller than her, he smiled obligingly.

"If that's the case, then allow me to take the walk with you, Madam Ye. I could take the chance to admire the scenery the countryside has to offer."

With that he hopped down from the step and landed safely on the ground, surprising Liu Duo.

The last time he did that she wasn't paying attention. Did she see it this time?

Not a single speck of dust was kicked up by his landing. Was this the kind of martial arts they often showcased on television?

This was what they called 'lightness,' wasn't it? His landing was light and smooth.

Liu Duo was practically idolizing him already, but she didn't show it, and kept it well-hidden.

"Whatever," she said. He could walk if he so pleased. That was his freedom.

And thus the two of them walked all the way towards her house, the coachman leading the carriage slowly.