1.16

Wushuang had just said goodbye to Wang Zefeng and was about to leave when the shopkeeper brought out the prepared vegetarian meat in a food box.

Wang Zefeng threw down a silver ingot, picked up the food box, and said to Wushuang, "Let's go."

Wushuang inexplicably left the restaurant with Wang Zefeng.

As Wushuang and Wang Zefeng strolled down the street, the market's bustling activity gradually quieted. The food box in Wang Zefeng's hand was a small yet significant gesture, marking his appreciation for Wushuang's help earlier that day.

Wushuang glanced sideways at Wang Zefeng, who walked beside her with an air of calm authority. The setting sun cast a warm glow on his face, making him look less stern and more approachable. "Sir, are you heading back to the government office?"

Wang Zefeng looked down at her with a soft smile. "No, I'll take you home."

Wushuang's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, no, that's not necessary. It's still light out. I can manage on my own. You must have important matters to attend to."

Wang Zefeng simply nodded, not saying a word but continuing to walk alongside her. Wushuang felt a mix of awkwardness and gratitude. She hadn't expected such a gesture and wasn't sure how to handle it.

I suppose being accompanied by someone as influential as Wang Zefeng does have its perks, she thought, her mind racing.

But I didn't expect him to be so insistent. Maybe I should just accept his kindness and not make a fuss.

The street grew quieter as they walked further from the market, and the crisp evening air made the atmosphere feel more intimate. Wushuang tried to make small talk to ease the awkwardness. "Do you often have to walk around the town like this, Sir?"

Wang Zefeng shook his head slightly, his gaze still fixed ahead. "Not usually. I have my duties at the office, but occasionally, I like to see how things are outside the government walls."

Wushuang nodded thoughtfully. "It's good to stay connected with the people. It must give you a different perspective."

Wang Zefeng glanced at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And what perspective do you think it gives me?"

Wushuang thought for a moment. "Perhaps it helps you understand the struggles and joys of everyday life. It's one thing to read reports and another to experience it firsthand."

Wang Zefeng's expression grew thoughtful. "You're quite insightful."

The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but Wushuang felt a growing awareness of the tension. She couldn't help but notice the slight blush on Wang Zefeng's cheeks from the cold. It made him appear less aloof, more human.

Why does he have to be so perfect? Even his blush is charming.

Wushuang thought, feeling a bit flustered herself.

Get a grip, Wushuang. He's just a county magistrate, and you're just a commoner .

Behind them, Liu Laoyi was hiding in the shadows of a narrow alley. His heart pounded as he watched Wushuang and Wang Zefeng walk by, nearly stumbling out into the open. The sight of Wushuang with such a distinguished young man made him regretful and frustrated.

Why did I have to be so stubborn?

Liu Laoyi thought bitterly.

If only I had been more accommodating. This young man could have been an ally.

He watched them with a mixture of envy and regret until they were out of sight, then turned back towards his own troubles.

As Wushuang and Wang Zefeng reached a glutinous rice ball stall, Wushuang felt a pang of nostalgia. She hadn't eaten glutinous rice balls in ages. The sweet aroma of the treats was almost too tempting.

"I've always loved these," she said, smiling as she watched the vendor pack the bowl. "They're a special treat for me."

Wang Zefeng observed her with interest. "Do you like sweet things?"

Wushuang shrugged. "Not everyone does. But for people like us—people who don't have much—it's a little pleasure in life. Sweetness is a luxury that we can't always afford. For the poor, it's like a tiny slice of happiness."

Wang Zefeng frowned slightly. "But why is sweetness so important to you?"

Wushuang tilted her head thoughtfully. "Because sweetness makes us feel good, even if just for a moment. Sugar is expensive, so when we get the chance to have something sweet, it feels like a small victory. People who have plenty don't need it as much. They might prefer something less sugary."

Wang Zefeng listened, his expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "I suppose I've never thought about it that way. I can see how something simple like this could be so significant."

Wushuang smiled warmly. "It's all about perspective. For some, a sweet treat is just a snack. For others, it's a rare indulgence."

As they walked further, Wang Zefeng fell silent, clearly deep in thought. Wushuang stole a glance at him, wondering what was going through his mind. The mood felt lighter now, the awkwardness dissolving into a comfortable silence.

When they finally arrived at Wushuang's home, she turned to Wang Zefeng with a grateful smile. "Thank you for walking me home, Sir. I really appreciate it."

Wang Zefeng handed her the food box. "Take this vegetarian meat back and enjoy it. Consider it a reward for your help."

Wushuang hesitated, looking at the luxurious food box. "Sir, this is too much. It's worth five taels of silver. You should keep it."

Wang Zefeng's eyes softened as he looked at her. "It's a small price to pay for your help. I value your assistance and your insight. Please, take it."

Wushuang's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't deny her curiosity about the vegetarian meat.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to accept it just this once.

She took the food box with a shy smile. "Thank you, Sir. I'll make sure to enjoy it."

Wang Zefeng nodded, then turned to leave. "You're welcome. Have a good evening."

As Wushuang watched him walk away, she felt a mix of emotions—gratitude, admiration, and a hint of regret that their conversation had to end. She carried the food box inside and was greeted by Mrs. Bai, who was anxiously waiting for her.

"Wushuang, where have you been?" Mrs. Bai exclaimed, pulling her into the house. "I've been worried sick!"

Wushuang smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Mother. I was with Wang Zefeng, and we had to make a detour. He walked me home."

Mrs. Bai's eyes widened in surprise. "The county magistrate? That's quite a big deal! Did something happen?"

Wushuang shook her head, laughing softly. "No, it's nothing like that. He was just being kind. And look—he gave us this." She held up the food box with a grin.

Mrs. Bai's eyes lit up. "Is that the vegetarian meat from Miaoshanlou? My, that's quite a treat! Let's enjoy it together."

As they sat down to enjoy the vegetarian meat, Wushuang reflected on the day's events.

From a tense encounter with a potential kidnapper to a surprisingly pleasant evening with Wang Zefeng, today had been full of unexpected turns.

The sweet glutinous rice balls and the luxurious vegetarian meat were not just indulgences but symbols of the day's small victories.

Maybe being poor isn't so bad when you have moments like this to look forward to.

Wushuang thought, savoring each bite of the meal, grateful for the kindness and the sweet treats that made life a little brighter.