The ancient town was already chilly in the winter. Vera Ford threw on a coat and hurried downstairs, the wooden stairs of the inn creaking under her steps.

The town wasn’t big; on both sides of the river, the alleys intertwined, leading to different scenic spots, be it famous historical homes or cultural landmarks.

Vera felt like a child left behind by her parents. She anxiously rushed out of the inn, looked around—the alleys stretched into mysterious depths, and there wasn’t a pedestrian in sight.

So where did they go?

Trusting her instincts, she went right and began to run through the alley. On her left were high stone walls, weathered by time, covered in moss.

On her right, distinctive Riverside Inns lined up one after another. Exiting this row of inns, she took the first fork and continued to search for Ian Shelby and Jocelyn Morgan.

As to why she was looking for them, Vera herself didn’t know, being driven into an anxious frenzy by a love unreciprocated.

She struggled to control her actions.

In another alley, Ian Shelby and Jocelyn Morgan were looking at bracelets in front of an ancient cinnabar shop, each one beautiful under the bright lights, captivating the attention of young girls.

"I really have no resistance to these little trinkets," Jocelyn said joyfully, like a child.

Ian accompanied her, slowly selecting.

The store manager was a young, pretty woman in traditional attire, with a sweet voice, "Miss, this suits you better. The smaller beaded one is chic and complements your complexion, while the lotus design might seem a bit outdated."

Actually, Jocelyn preferred the lotus design. She tried on both, comparing them.

"Dr. Shelby, which do you think looks best?" she turned her gaze, seeking his opinion.

"Why not buy both?" Ian suggested, as men often do, especially those who can afford it.

But Jocelyn shook her head, her eyes returning to the bracelets, saying seriously, "No, I just want to choose one of the two." As soon as she finished speaking, she made up her mind, "I’ll take this one, then?"

Thus, she looked up at the manager and said, "I’ll take the lotus design. Could you please wrap it for me? Thank you!"

"Of course." The young manager smiled as she took the bracelet, glancing at the gentleman beside Jocelyn, "Sir, would you like to pick one too? We also have couple designs available."

She was good at business, watching them with a smile, "You two are such a perfect match, so talented and beautiful together."

Ian shook his head, "No, thank you, I don’t need one."

Jocelyn smiled and explained, "Just wrap this one for me. He’s a doctor; he needs to go into the operating room every day, and it’s not suitable for him to wear these."

The store assistant nodded understandingly when she learned he was a doctor, stealing a few more glances at him, "Alright, I’ll wrap it up for you, just a moment."

Perhaps everyone has a certain admiration for doctors, after all, they have the power to save lives.

Jocelyn placed the beaded bracelet back on the display tray.

Ian gently brushed the three beads that were set aside, remarking somewhat thoughtfully, "In a choice between two, the one left behind is actually the luckiest."

This statement held a certain philosophical depth.

"Isn’t it?" Jocelyn said as she took the bag handed to her by the manager, and Ian scanned to pay.

"Take care, you two; may you have a wonderful journey together!"

Ian offered her a gentle, courteous smile, wrapping an arm around Jocelyn’s shoulder as they continued to wander down the row of shops.

Jocelyn said, "You were right just now—when it comes to a choice between two, the one left behind is the luckiest."

"Wow! This beaded bracelet with a handwoven cord is so beautiful! Boss, how much for one? I’ll take it!"

Ian and Jocelyn slowed their pace, turning to glance back at the cinnabar shop they had just left. They saw a young lady in a hanfu slip on the bracelet, happily pay, and leave.