The old man lowered his head and continued fiddling with the bamboo strips, but it was clear he wasn't as focused as before. Even his movements had slowed considerably.
Yu Zhi was just about to ask another question when her fingers were gently pinched by the person beside her, forcing her to swallow her words back.
She tilted her head up to look at Shi Wei, moving her lips to form a silent word.
Shi Wei chuckled soundlessly and turned to the old man, saying, "Apologies for bothering you."
Without waiting for the old man's reaction, Shi Wei led the bewildered young woman out of the small courtyard.
"What are you doing?" Yu Zhi lowered her voice to ask him. Although she didn't understand why he acted this way, she chose to trust him anyway.
Shi Wei didn't respond, wearing an enigmatic expression instead.
Just as she was about to press him further, the old man's voice came from behind.
