Deng Yuanhang saw the couple return laden with bags of all sizes. He glanced over curiously a few times but didn’t ask, simply greeting them before returning to his cheerful conversation with Zhou Ping.

After such a long and arduous journey, everyone had grown weary of roughing it on the road. The city they were resting in was fairly large, so the caravan had booked two entire inns nearby, giving everyone a much-needed respite.

"What are you two chatting about?" Ancient Wen Heng asked, walking over with Jin Qianqian to greet them after dropping their things off in their room.

Deng Yuanhang said with a laugh, "I was just telling Junior Brother Zhou about an amusing incident I witnessed. You two were out for quite a while. Looks like you came back with quite the haul."

Ancient Wen Heng gestured to the new outfit he was wearing. "We’ve worn out so many clothes on this journey. We stopped by the tailor shop up the street and ended up staying a little longer than planned. After all, picking out clothes always takes time."

Mrs. Zhou Liu watched Jin Qianqian with unconcealed envy. ’Another trip out, another brand-new outfit. Scholar Gu treats his wife so well.’

She glanced down at her own slightly worn dress, which suddenly seemed dull and uninspired.

Zhou Ping didn’t notice the subtle change in his wife’s expression. Instead, he was busy praising Ancient Wen Heng. "Wenheng, in that outfit, you truly look like a dashing young gentleman. People would believe you if you said you were the heir of some great family."

Though they were both sons of farmers, Zhou Ping always felt there was an indescribable quality to Ancient Wen Heng—a natural air of nobility that seemed paradoxical in someone of common birth.

Deng Yuanhang nodded in agreement. "It’s a good thing Ancient Wen Heng already has a lovely wife. Otherwise, who knows how many female admirers he’d attract."

Ancient Wen Heng said, "They say clothes make the man. Senior Brothers, would you two like to try as well? There’s a tailor shop right on the street corner up ahead. They have even brighter colors. I guarantee the moment you put one on, you’ll be the most handsome one there."

"It still wouldn’t measure up to that face of yours," Deng Yuanhang said jealously. ’We eat the exact same food, so why do I have seven or eight pimples on my face while he only has one by the corner of his mouth?’

Ancient Wen Heng hid a smile with his hand. "Senior Brother, have a little more confidence. Among the three of us, you’re the only one who isn’t married. If we all stand together, you’ll still be the most sought-after one."

"Jealous?"

"No, no," Ancient Wen Heng quickly recovered, turning with an eager-to-please smile. "I’ve already taken the first great step in life. I just want Senior Brother Deng to get married soon, too. That way he can stop mooching meals off us every day."

Zhou Ping: "..." ’So this is the real you, Wenheng.’

Mrs. Zhou Liu: "..."

Deng Yuanhang: "..." ’I thought we were brothers, and you’re selling me out over a few meals? Was that really necessary?’

Mr. Wang finally came down to the main hall with his wife and child around dinnertime. Seeing that the younger men had already gathered at a table, he simply took a seat at the one next to them.

When they saw him, they all rose to their feet and bowed. "Sir!"

"Are you all well-rested?" Wang Biyi asked, looking at the vibrant young men with a hint of envy. "Ah, it’s good to be young. These old bones of mine needed quite a while to recover.

By the way, once we arrive in Sea City, you boys could rent a house together. That way, you can look after one another."

It had been decided long ago that they would stay in Sea City for a while and not return immediately with the escort agency’s caravan.

They planned to spend the New Year there and head north in the spring.

Seeing how well they got along, the suggestion had come to Wang Biyi on a whim. Since they came from different family backgrounds, living together would allow them to support one another and learn from each other’s experiences.

Deng Yuanhang hesitated. His family’s escort agency had a branch here, and they always kept a private courtyard for the family’s use. It was a difficult choice to make.

Wang Biyi only made the suggestion and quickly washed his hands of the matter, calling over the waiter to order some rice porridge.

He had gone straight to his room to rest after they arrived, and now he was feeling quite hungry.

Since their teacher was about to dine, Ancient Wen Heng and the others couldn’t very well just stand by. They returned to their respective seats and ordered some of the local specialties.

Back in their room, Jin Qianqian bolted the door before asking, "What was Sir getting at? Didn’t he say you all would be studying at the Southern Academy for a time? Why is he suddenly talking about renting a house?"

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "It’s hard to say for now, but we should find out in a couple of days.

Actually, living on our own would be nice, too. That way, we can at least look out for each other.

Otherwise, I’d be truly worried about leaving you alone in an unfamiliar place."

"You could stay with Mrs. Wang and the others, but we’re all still just barely-familiar strangers. There’s bound to be some friction when people live together."

Jin Qianqian said, "Were we being a little too flashy just now?"

Ancient Wen Heng raised an eyebrow at her.

Qianqian continued, "I noticed Sister-in-law Zhou glancing at me several times. Her expression was... complicated."

Qianqian couldn’t quite put her finger on it. It seemed to be a mix of scrutiny, a hint of resentment, and a touch of jealousy.

"I feel like we’ve been a bit too conspicuous on this trip. The things we eat, the things we use... even Mrs. Wang has asked me a few curious questions from time to time."

Ancient Wen Heng said, "I’ve noticed. But this is our life to live. We aren’t stealing or robbing anyone. All that matters is that we’re comfortable."

Jin Qianqian shot him a look. "Of course I know that. I’m just worried that they’ll ostracize you later on."

Ancient Wen Heng chuckled, amused. "My dear wife, always thinking of her husband. You deserve a hug for that."

Jin Qianqian dodged to the side. "Looks like I was being silly and worrying for nothing."

Ancient Wen Heng took her hand and sat down at the table. With a gentle pull, he drew her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her.

"Have you forgotten our school days? No matter how well we got along or how close our relationships were, we still had to go our separate ways when the time came.

It’s different from family. As time passes, feelings and memories fade. These people are just passersby in our lives. Caring too much about what they think doesn’t do any good."

Jin Qianqian pinched his cheeks. "Have you never heard of lifelong friends? 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

I’ve noticed you’re starting to sound like a little old man. You can have your own social circle, you know. You don’t always have to revolve around me."

This was something Jin Qianqian had noticed for a while, and she wanted to take this opportunity to get it out in the open.

She rested her head on his shoulder. "I know you do it for my own good, because you want to protect me. But I’m not as fragile as you think. The world out there is so vast, and it’s completely new, a world we’ve barely touched. You should go out there and build your own legacy."

Ancient Wen Heng raised a hand to stroke her cheek. "My girl is being sentimental today. But even if I build a legacy, it will belong to both of us.

I know my girl isn’t fragile. We’ll work hard to build a life for ourselves here, an even better one."