Feng Jiu had been resting at the inn until late afternoon when she finally emerged. Though dusk had not yet fully fallen, night stalls had already been set up along the main street. As it was not yet the peak hour of the night market, the street was not particularly crowded.
As she strolled along, she spotted Huangfu Xiao—the man she'd encountered at that dilapidated temple days ago—hurrying toward her. She continued walking at a leisurely pace without stopping, yet he bowed his hands in greeting before he even drew near.
"Miss, I never imagined we'd meet again here."
Feng Jiu halted and looked at him, asking, "Is there something you need?"
"Ever since we parted that day, I've wondered when I might see you again. Today, one of my household guards went out on an errand and saw you enter the inn. He returned specifically to report it to me. Upon hearing the news, I hurried here to pay my respects and invite you to my residence for a chat."
