无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

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: “What kind of grown man eats these?”

“You’re just a little brat, acting like an adult.”

In Jiang Ning’s eyes, Gucheng was just an inexperienced child. He was raised by Jiang Mubai since he was young, and probably didn’t 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 couldn’t change Gucheng’s 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.

Xiachu’s teeth were not good, so she didn’t 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, “Master, I’d like to go in and have a look.”

“Xiachu wants to buy some jewelry?”

“It’s the New Year, and it’s also my mother’s birthday. I want to buy a bracelet for her and send it back home, so she can be happy.”

“Your mother’s birthday is well-timed,” Jiang Ning laughed and took out a silver note. “In that case, pick a nice one. I’ll sponsor you.”

Xiachu’s eyes filled with tears: “Thank you, Master.”

“Hurry up, I’m full and tired. I’ll go rest in the carriage for a while.”

“Yes, I’ll be quick!” Xiachu didn’t forget to remind Gucheng, “Don’t go wandering off. Stay with the Master and don’t leave her side.”

Gucheng ignored her.

He wasn’t a little girl who would get distracted by play.

Ridiculous.

Even if the sky fell and the earth cracked, he would not leave Seventh Miss’s 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.

“Has Xiachu returned?” Jiang Ning asked.

“No,” Gucheng replied, trying to sound a bit happier, “Miss Xiachu has been gone for half an hour. Would Seventh Miss like to go in and check?”

“She’s been gone that long? You go check.”

“I cannot,” Gucheng remained motionless.

“Then I’ll go.”

Jiang Ning jumped off the carriage, stretched her stiff body, and walked into the jewelry store.

The jewelry store wasn’t 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: “Miss, what would you like to buy? We have everything here…”

“Where is Xiachu?”

Jiang Ning asked directly.

“What?” The shopkeeper looked confused.

“My maidservant, dressed in green, with double buns and a mole at the corner of her eye.” Jiang Ning pointed to her own eye corner.

“Oh, you mean that girl? She left a while ago.”

“She left earlier?” Jiang Ning’s eyes turned cold, “I’ll give you one chance to tell the truth. Otherwise, I’ll tear down your store!”

Gucheng casually picked up a teacup from the table and gently squeezed it.

The teacup turned into powder in his hand.