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Tao'er pushed open the window; it was already bright outside.

Xiao Yi's deep, instructive voice came from the courtyard, occasionally punctuated by A Yan's childish and slightly awkward responses.

She stretched, feeling a bit sleepy from sleeping late last night.

Just as she finished dressing, Dongkui pushed open the door with a bowl of hot water, smiling broadly, and said, "Little Tao'er, get up! Everyone's waiting for you to have breakfast!"

Tao'er blushed slightly and said somewhat shyly, "I slept too late last night and woke up late this morning."

Dongkui shook her head and handed over her face cloth: "It's not too late, it's not too late. You can sleep as late as you want from now on."

"I'll take care of all the chores!"

Tao'er took the handkerchief, feeling warm inside, and couldn't help but smile, "Sister Dongkui, I'm so happy to have you here!"

Dongkui blushed at the compliment and waved her hand, saying, "I'll go call everyone for dinner."

With that, he lifted the curtain and went out.

Because there were so many people, we simply set out breakfast on the stone table in the courtyard.

The morning air was fresh with dew, and the courtyard, though small, was bright and spacious.

Xiao Yi stopped his stance, and A Yan ran over, covered in sweat. Seeing Tao'er, he grinned, "Sister Tao'er, you're up!"

Tao'er patted his head, but her eyes involuntarily glanced at Xiao Yi.

He was drawing water from the well to wash his face, his broad back standing out prominently in the morning light.

Tao'er felt her face flush as she recalled what he had said while drunk last night.

Looking at his model-like physique, an image of a handsome man involuntarily comes to mind.

"Dinner's ready!" Xiao Yi wiped the water droplets from his face, walked over, and sat down.

He appeared perfectly normal, with clear eyes, showing no sign of being drunk.

Tao'er sat down opposite him, thinking to herself: It seems he doesn't remember what he said last night.

It's better if I don't remember, so it won't be awkward when we meet again.

Dongkui served breakfast: a thick, sticky white rice porridge and a boiled egg for each person, as Tao'er had instructed beforehand.

I eat an egg every morning.

A plate of pickled cucumber strips, a plate of dried radish, and a dish of peanuts, with a large bowl of steaming white steamed buns in the middle.

Qingfeng, Achen, and Ayan all sat down together, truly embodying the saying that there is no distinction between superiors and inferiors, and they seemed like a real family.

Tao'er munched on her steamed bun, her eyes fixed on A-Chen.

His face was still a little pale, and the gauze on his head had been removed, but the wound on his chest had not yet healed. However, he looked much better than before.

Remembering her business, she said, "Qingfeng, come with me to the pharmacy later. We need to get medicine for Young Master Chen."

Qingfeng was about to respond when Xiao Yi interrupted him: "Tao'er, let me go with you."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable certainty.

Tao'er was taken aback and before she could speak, Qingfeng quickly said, "Miss Tao'er, let my master accompany you!"

I'm chopping wood at home.

Since his master had spoken, how could he dare to join in the fun?

Tao'er turned to Shi Qi, "Brother Shi Qi, you don't need to go. Qingfeng should go with me."

I needed to buy some things, and he happened to help me carry them.

Spend more time with Ayan at home.

As she spoke, she caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi out of the corner of her eye. His brow twitched slightly, but he didn't say anything more.

Xiao Yi nodded: "Alright then, Qingfeng, you go with Tao'er."

Remember to protect her safety.

"Yes, Master, please rest assured." Qingfeng patted his chest and assured him, "Even if something happens to me, I will never let anything happen to Miss Tao'er."

Dongkui became anxious: "Brother Qingfeng, you'd better not go. I'll go with Sister Tao'er!"

I'm strong, so I can carry whatever she buys.

"It's easier for me since I'm a woman."

As she spoke, her eyes kept glancing at Tao'er, her meaning all too clear: Qingfeng was, after all, an outsider, and it was inappropriate for him to go out with Tao'er.

Tao'er found it amusing; this girl was certainly protective of her.

She waved her hand and said with a smile, "Dongkui, sweep the leaves from the trees in the yard and prepare lunch."

And... your amateurish skills are nowhere near as good as Qingfeng's.

Let's not let anything happen and both of us get caught up in it.

Upon hearing this, Dongkui immediately deflated, pouted, and remained silent.

But she secretly vowed in her heart: she must practice her kung fu well so that she could protect her sister Tao'er and the young master.

Ah Chen remained silent, simply watching Tao'er quietly.

He lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath his eyelids.

He knew he couldn't do anything right now; he didn't even have the strength to protect Ah Tao.

He's the most useless person in the yard right now.

However, he was genuinely happy that Tao'er cared so much about his injury.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth subtly widened again.

After the meal, everyone went about their own business.

Tao'er led Qingfeng out the door.

The streets gradually filled with pedestrians: peddlers carrying loads, farmers going to the market, and women with baskets, creating a lively scene.

Tao'er walked in front, while Qingfeng followed behind carrying an empty cloth bag, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

Halfway there, Tao'er suddenly slowed down and turned around: "Qingfeng, tell me the truth, is that Qilin key very important to Xiao Yi?"

Qingfeng paused, a hint of panic flashing across his face.

He opened his mouth, then closed it again, hesitated for a long time, and then whispered, "To be honest, Miss Tao'er, that Qilin key is indeed very, very important to him."

How could it not be important?

That was the master's last trump card.

"Miss Peach, that's all I can say. I can't say anything more."

Please don't take offense, Miss Tao'er.

Tao'er looked at him quietly, her gaze peaceful, yet it made Qingfeng feel inexplicably guilty.

She shook her head: "Brother Qingfeng, I won't blame you."

You can't say it's because it's important.

She then changed the subject, "But why did Xiao Yi do this?"

He gave me such an important thing to a little girl who tends the fire?

Does that mean he won't live much longer?

I have a feeling that what he said in his drunken stupor yesterday sounded like he was giving his last words.

"Are you and Xiao Yi hiding something from me?"

Qingfeng's pupils suddenly contracted, and he seemed to freeze in place.

He looked at Tao'er in disbelief, his lips trembling slightly.

How could she have guessed it?

There was a fleeting look of panic in his eyes, which he quickly suppressed, but Tao'er had already seen it clearly.

Her heart sank suddenly, as if it had been gripped tightly by something.

"Qingfeng, tell me the truth!"

Don't try to fool me with lies.

I'm not like Sister Winter Sunflower, who believes everything you say.

Her voice was very soft, as soft as a leaf falling on the water, but it was actually as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Qingfeng avoided her gaze, looking left and right.

"Miss Peach," his voice was hoarse, as if he had swallowed sand, "I...I can't say."

The master forbade me to say it…

Tao'er looked at him with clear and firm eyes, remaining silent for a long time.