Chapter 562

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Yan Shuang'er smiled and said, "Then you two drink slowly first; I'll go change my clothes and be right back." Qianqian and Qi Xi nodded obediently and replied, "Alright, San Jie (Sister-in-law), go change quickly."

Yan Shuang'er turned and walked into the inner room, opened the wardrobe, and carefully selected a set of clothes. She chose a thick cotton-padded jacket, wrapping herself tightly, revealing only a delicate little face. After tidying up, she looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction, then walked out of the inner room.

Qianqian and Qi Xi saw Yan Shuang'er come out, put down their teacups, and rose to greet her. The three smiled at each other, then boarded the carriage together, slowly heading toward the busiest street.

The carriage moved slowly, and before long they reached the intersection. However, it was packed tight there, and the carriage could not move forward at all.

With the New Year approaching, pedestrians on the road came and went without end, everyone busy buying New Year goods. Although wealthy families usually sent servants to buy things, many still liked to go out themselves, choosing pretty clothes, jewelry, or small snacks they liked to eat.

Plus, with the New Year approaching, the Shangshu Fu had already given holidays, so there were still many adults bringing children out to shop on the street. The children ran about excitedly, holding various little trinkets, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

Yan Shuang'er, Qianqian, and Qi Xi watched the scene before them helplessly, knowing the carriage could not go forward anymore.

So they decided to get off and walk. Anyway, they had come out to shop, so getting off early or late made no difference.

On a cold winter day, the three rode in a carriage slowly toward the intersection. The coachman steadily stopped the carriage by the roadside, then sat quietly on the carriage shaft waiting.

The three held hands, chatting and laughing as they got off the carriage and walked into the bustling street market. Their steps were light and cheerful, as if completely unaffected by the cold weather.

Following behind them were Xiao Jin and a guard, whose task was to help carry things. Qianqian and Qi Xi usually did not bring servants when going out, but Yan Shuang'er was more thorough and specially brought two people along.

The three strolled along the street, full of curiosity about every shop they passed. Whether selling clothes, ornaments, or snacks, as long as something caught their interest, they would go in without hesitation to browse.

Once they found something they liked, the three would buy it without hesitation.

After all, none of them was short of money. While shopping, they chose goods and chatted happily, completely forgetting the passage of time.

As they walked, Qianqian was suddenly drawn by the aroma wafting from a roadside stall.

She looked closely and saw it was roasted sweet potatoes! The tempting smell made her unable to stop, and she immediately bought three.

Qianqian happily shared the roasted sweet potatoes with Qi Xi and Yan Shuang'er, then took a bite herself without waiting. The sweet taste spread in her mouth, and she narrowed her eyes in satisfaction.

Yan Shuang'er watched Qianqian eat so deliciously; she had originally wanted to remind her that eating in the cold wind would give her a stomachache, but seeing Qianqian's happy look, she swallowed the words back. So she also joined in happily gnawing on the sweet potatoes.

Passersby saw these three well-dressed women actually gnawing on roasted sweet potatoes by the street, and couldn't help but look curiously a few more times.

And the old man selling sweet potatoes, because of Qianqian and the others' patronage, suddenly had booming business, attracting many other customers to buy.

The old man busily roasted sweet potatoes, his face beaming with a satisfied smile. However, Qianqian and the others did not notice these things; they were immersed in their own world, continuing to enjoy this little winter happiness.

The three continued to stroll leisurely down the street, enjoying the pleasure of shopping.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye; the guard's hands were already piled with various items, and Xiao Jin held three newly bought clothes in his arms, these three clothes belonging respectively to the three of them.

At the same time, Qianqian held various delicious snacks in her hand, while Yan Shuang'er and Qi Xi held some exquisite jewelry.

Just as everyone felt they could hardly carry more things, Yan Shuang'er proposed, "How about we stop here?" She looked at the heavy items in her hand and said with a smile. The others all agreed, after all shopping needed moderation.

However, Qianqian felt a strange atmosphere. She always felt there was a faint gaze silently watching her, making her somewhat uncomfortable.

So while buying snacks, she specially paid attention to the surroundings, but found no suspicious people. Nevertheless, the feeling of being watched still lingered in her heart, making her doubtful.

Qianqian did not voice this feeling; she worried she might be overthinking, or it was just an illusion.

Moreover, she did not want her doubts to worry the other two. So when Yan Shuang'er suggested heading back, Qianqian raised no objection, and the three turned together, walking back the way they came.

Just as the three turned around, Qianqian suddenly felt that mysterious gaze seemed to land on her back, as if a pair of eyes was staring closely at her.

This feeling was unusually clear, but she did not feel any discomfort.

So she wanted to look back, but after thinking, since she hadn't noticed it before, she probably wouldn't easily notice it now, so she did not turn to look back; however, this did arouse her curiosity to find out who that person was. Qianqian pondered the matter thoughtfully while walking lightly toward the gate.

Not long after, the silhouette of a carriage came into her view. The three first placed their items properly, then boarded the carriage one by one.

After sitting down, Qianqian secretly thought to herself: if this person was really targeting her, then presumably when she was alone, he would surely act without hesitation.

Thinking of this, Qianqian suddenly had an idea and said, "Oh, San Jie, Xi Xi, I suddenly remembered that Mother told me to buy a small schoolbag for Xiao Jing'er, but I forgot! How about this, the weather is terribly cold, you two go back first; I'll go by myself, and after buying it I'll go straight home."

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er showed a worried expression and hurriedly said, "How about we go with you anyway? There's nothing important today." Xi Xi beside her echoed, nodding to show agreement with Yan Shuang'er's proposal.

However, Qianqian smiled and shook her head, declining: "No need, I have lightness skill, coming and going will be very fast, so don't worry! Besides, the direction we're going isn't on the way; I'll just go home from there later."