Chapter 3: The Return (2)

Ji Tianxin glanced back at the carriage opposite, then withdrew her gaze indifferently, raising her hand ever so slightly.

Su Qing immediately backed away respectfully, her demeanor now so obedient that it was hard to believe she was the same headstrong girl from moments before.

Ji Tianxin hadn’t stepped out of her carriage to start a fight—she was simply hungry.

Inside the carriage across from her, the young man’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Lin Si, go buy two sticks of candied hawthorn.”

Though puzzled, Lin Si quickly complied. When he returned, he stood respectfully by the carriage, holding the treats. “Master.”

“Take them to that young lady,” the man said, his tone carrying a faint smile. “Say they’re my apology.”

Lin Si could hardly fathom his master’s intentions, but he turned and walked toward Ji Tianxin.

“Young lady, my master asks you to accept this as a token of his apology for any offense just now.”

The onlookers all understood at once—this was a peace offering for a child. Laughter rippled among the crowd.

Ji Tianxin finally looked up, allowing everyone to see her face for the first time. At that moment, all were stunned.

Was this a little celestial child?

How could such a beautiful child exist? Her delicate features looked as if they’d been carefully sculpted, more lively than any doll. Her skin was whiter than jade, soft as spun sugar, as if the slightest touch would leave a mark. Her eyes were obsidian set in porcelain—dark and bright, shining with intelligence.

Anyone who saw her could not help but be envious. What family, they wondered, could be so blessed to have such a lovely daughter?

The only flaw, if any, was that her little face was too cold and expressionless, like a porcelain doll—aloof, making others hesitant to approach.

Lin Si stood transfixed.

In the moment he hesitated, Ji Tianxin had already accepted the candied hawthorn. Her eyes, however, turned toward the opposite carriage. She parted her lips and curved them slightly, as if about to offer thanks.

“Roast chicken as well,” she said.

The crowd: “…”

The young man in the carriage replied, “Go buy it.”

Lin Si: “Yes, sir.”

The crowd: “…”

What was with this indulgent atmosphere?

Su Qing scratched her head. Oh no, the master’s gluttonous habits were acting up again…

Only after she received the roast chicken did Ji Tianxin’s lips curve in a smile. Looking at the carriage, she spoke three words: “You’re forgiven.”

Inside, the young man laughed, clearly delighted. Even the curve of his lips was visible through the fluttering curtain.

“Well then, thank you, little sister.”

“Lin Si, make way,” he ordered, his tone shifting.

The other carriage yielded, and Ji Tianxin returned to her own. Su Qing shot Lin Si a cold snort before flicking the reins and driving away.

As the two carriages passed each other, Ji Tianxin, holding her candied hawthorn, happened to glance sidelong through her window.

Just then, both carriage curtains fluttered in the breeze.

From Ji Tianxin’s carriage, only half the young man’s face was visible. Yet, even with just that, she knew—he was looking at her, too.

“Master, that person just now is quite skilled,” Su Qing’s voice sounded in her mind. “When he was about to make a move, I could feel it.”

“I know,” Ji Tianxin replied, her lips unmoving, but her voice reaching Su Qing’s ears. “Unimportant people don’t warrant our attention.”

“Understood, Master.”

Meanwhile, in the other carriage:

“Lin Si, are you aware you just brushed past the gates of Hell?” The youth’s voice was cold and indifferent, eyes fixed on a book.

“Master means that maidservant?” Lin Si asked, confused.

“Not her.” The youth closed his book, his handsome features tinged with a chill. “The true expert was the child. If that maidservant is at the peak of marrow cleansing, then that child is likely already at the return-to-essence stage.”

“What?!” Lin Si was so startled he nearly lost his grip on the reins.