Qing Long was puzzled, “Young Master, what’s wrong with Chu Xia? Did you see her glare at you? It’s like she’s looking at an enemy.” The young master squinted at the continuous spring rain outside but said nothing. “Ha, I know. You must have found her chatter annoying last night and sealed her mute point with wax!” Qing Long, quick to catch on, was delighted, “Next time she argues with me, I’ll do the same.” The young master finally glanced at him, his phoenix eyes cold. Qing Long’s heart skipped a beat, lowering his voice, “Young Master, I was just joking. Chu Xia is so obedient; I wouldn’t bully her…” The young master placed his tea cup on the table, only saying faintly, “Aren’t you going to follow her?” “I’m on my way,” the young man laughed, and before his words had even settled, he was gone.
Da Liuzhuang lies to the east of the divine capital Luoyang, where a branch of the Luo River flows through, creating a misty, picturesque scene reminiscent of the south. Chu Xia asked for directions on the street and found the nearest cloth shop. Sure enough, turning the corner, there it was. She deliberately waited at the corner, and after a moment, Qing Long arrived, awkwardly smiling, “Why aren’t you moving?” The young man in his dark green robe, without a hat, looked like a tall bamboo, somewhat awkward with the rain. Chu Xia smirked, “I was waiting to see how long you could stand in the rain.” Qing Long scratched his head, “Let’s go in and out quickly.” The cloth shop was small, and upon entering, Qing Long scanned the area. A simple front hall with a small room to the side and a door at the back leading to the courtyard. Chu Xia carefully selected some threads, and the shopkeeper laughed, “Miss, your clothes look quite old. Would you like to pick out some new ones? We have many new garments, just sewn yesterday.” Chu Xia looked in the direction the shopkeeper pointed; indeed, there were many new clothes, soft and comfortable, though not the latest fashion, suitable for travel. She glanced at Qing Long, whispering, “Qing Long, can I try on some clothes?” Qing Long nodded, checked the small room first, found nothing unusual, then said, “Go ahead.”
