Gucheng had no choice but to put one in his mouth.
It was incredibly sweet and sticky.
Xiachu came back with a large handful of candied yams, Jiang Ning took one and handed one to Gucheng.
Gucheng felt a bit embarrassed: âWhat kind of grown man eats these?â
âYouâre just a little brat, acting like an adult.â
In Jiang Ningâs eyes, Gucheng was just an inexperienced child. He was raised by Jiang Mubai since he was young, and probably didnât have any other forms of entertainment apart from martial arts training.
Jiang Mubai, the martial artist, was gentle to his family, like an old orangutan, but extremely cold and strict towards others and his subordinates.
He raised so many orphans to become assassins for his own use.
In his eyes, these young boys and girls were most likely tools, not real humans.
Jiang Ning couldnât change Guchengâs nature for the moment, but her care warmed the cold numb heart of the young man little by little.
On the way back to the palace, Jiang Ning and Gucheng finished an entire bag of chestnuts, several strings of candied yams, and a bag of sugar cakes.
Xiachuâs teeth were not good, so she didnât dare to eat too many sweets, and could only watch enviously.
As they reached Rongfu Street, Xiachu spotted a jewelry store and hesitantly said to Jiang Ning, âMaster, Iâd like to go in and have a look.â
âXiachu wants to buy some jewelry?â
âItâs the New Year, and itâs also my motherâs birthday. I want to buy a bracelet for her and send it back home, so she can be happy.â
âYour motherâs birthday is well-timed,â Jiang Ning laughed and took out a silver note. âIn that case, pick a nice one. Iâll sponsor you.â
Xiachuâs eyes filled with tears: âThank you, Master.â
âHurry up, Iâm full and tired. Iâll go rest in the carriage for a while.â
âYes, Iâll be quick!â Xiachu didnât forget to remind Gucheng, âDonât go wandering off. Stay with the Master and donât leave her side.â
Gucheng ignored her.
He wasnât a little girl who would get distracted by play.
Ridiculous.
Even if the sky fell and the earth cracked, he would not leave Seventh Missâs side, not even half a step.
Xiachu happily ran into the jewelry store, while Jiang Ning went into the carriage to warm up.
Eating too much and having sweets, she felt drowsy. When she woke up from a short nap, she quickly lifted the curtain and saw Gucheng standing straight like a lance, feeling guilty.
âHas Xiachu returned?â Jiang Ning asked.
âNo,â Gucheng replied, trying to sound a bit happier, âMiss Xiachu has been gone for half an hour. Would Seventh Miss like to go in and check?â
âSheâs been gone that long? You go check.â
âI cannot,â Gucheng remained motionless.
âThen Iâll go.â
Jiang Ning jumped off the carriage, stretched her stiff body, and walked into the jewelry store.
The jewelry store wasnât very large, and she could see everything at a glance.
Inside, aside from a mature and charming shopkeeper, there were three or five young women selecting and tidying up the jewelry.
Xiachu was nowhere to be found.
Jiang Ning frowned.
The shopkeeper saw her dressed lavishly and immediately greeted her with a smile: âMiss, what would you like to buy? We have everything hereâ¦â
âWhere is Xiachu?â
Jiang Ning asked directly.
âWhat?â The shopkeeper looked confused.
âMy maidservant, dressed in green, with double buns and a mole at the corner of her eye.â Jiang Ning pointed to her own eye corner.
âOh, you mean that girl? She left a while ago.â
âShe left earlier?â Jiang Ningâs eyes turned cold, âIâll give you one chance to tell the truth. Otherwise, Iâll tear down your store!â
Gucheng casually picked up a teacup from the table and gently squeezed it.
The teacup turned into powder in his hand.