Chapter 13: A Journey to the Market

The soft rustling of leaves outside the window filled Yin Zian's room with a calming ambiance as he sat by the window, gazing at the garden below. Yet, his thoughts were far from serene. He was thinking of Hua An, his absent friend. *Hua An, I never thought I'd have so many friends. When you return, I'll introduce you to them.* A faint smile appeared on his face, only to vanish as raised voices interrupted his thoughts.

Curiosity piqued, Zian leaned closer to the window. It was the master and his son, Jiang Yu, engaged in what sounded like yet another argument.

"Father, please take me with you this time! I promise I won't cause any trouble," Jiang Yu pleaded, his tone filled with determination.

The master's voice, stern as always, replied, "Yu, you said the same thing last time, and the moment we arrived, you caused chaos. I won't make the mistake of taking you along again."

Zian, intrigued by their conversation, decided to step out and see for himself. As he approached, he saw Jiang Yu kneeling on the ground, clutching his father's leg like a child begging for candy. His eyes were wide and imploring, giving him the look of a mischievous puppy trying to appear innocent.

"Father, I swear this time will be different! I'll behave!" Jiang Yu insisted, his voice now bordering on desperation.

Just then, Jiang Yu's eyes caught sight of Zian standing a short distance away. His face lit up instantly. "Beauty! Come here!"

Zian froze, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face at the nickname. Slowly, he walked closer, while the master shot Jiang Yu a disapproving look.

Unfazed, Jiang Yu turned back to his father with a sly grin. "Father, ever since Beauty—oops, I mean Zian—came here, he hasn't seen our market. Don't you think it's our duty to show him around?"

Zian blinked, surprised by the sudden turn of conversation. Jiang Yu turned to him expectantly. "Beauty, why aren't you saying anything?"

Zian hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Master, may I go see the market?"

The master looked at him thoughtfully before nodding. "Alright, Zian. You may come with me to the market."

Jiang Yu's face lit up with joy. "Yes! Let's go—"

But his father cut him off. "Who said you're coming with us?"

Jiang Yu's excitement vanished instantly, replaced by a dramatic pout. "Father! I want to go too. If Zian's going, I should be allowed to go as well!"

The master turned to Zian, his expression calm. "Zian, do you want Yu to come along?"

Zian glanced at Jiang Yu, who was staring at him with wide, hopeful eyes. Sighing inwardly, he nodded. "Yes, Master."

The master raised an eyebrow but finally relented. "Fine, you can come too, Yu. But remember—no mischief this time."

Outside, Jiang Yu pumped his fist in triumph. "Yes, Master!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

Zian watched him quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips. Yet, his thoughts drifted back to Hua An. Would this outing to the market bring clarity or joy to his restless heart? He wasn't sure, but he was ready to find out.

As they set off, Jiang Yu walked beside Zian, chattering enthusiastically about the market and all the sights they'd see. Zian listened in silence, his usual calm demeanor in place, but the faint smile on his face betrayed his growing anticipation.