Chapter 039 – The Black Market
Three days later, snowflakes fluttered down, clinging lightly to the ground, the rocks, the rooftops, and the soil. The gentle hush of falling snow brought a sense of calm, yet the hurried footsteps outside the little shack disrupted that peace, reminding Li Yuan he was in a brand-new, unfamiliar place.
Under the eaves by the doorway, Yan Yu stood on tiptoe, fastening the ties of her husband’s newly bought cloak. Then she wrapped her arms around his waist, rested her cheek against his chest, and said worriedly, “It’s your first day going to the black market...”
Li Yuan smiled. “And there will be many more days like this to come.”
Still concerned, Yan Yu asked, “There must be a lot of dangerous characters there. Will you—”
“I’ll be careful,” Li Yuan reassured her.
She nodded, then handed him an oil-paper umbrella and a lunchbox. He took both, opened the umbrella, and stepped into the snowfall.
Next door, the wooden door was already open. A charcoal stove puffed out plumes of steam, and the large kettle on top had just boiled, sending billows of white vapor into the late-winter air, a cozy, homey scene.
A slightly plump middle-aged woman stood behind the stove, her face kind and welcoming. Hearing movement, she lifted her head and saw the young man walking through the snow, then smiled and called out, “Master!”
Behind her, a young boy and girl peered shyly around her shoulders and echoed in unison, “Master!”
These three were Auntie Wang and her two children, formerly neighbors of the Li family. They had followed Yan Yu to Silver Creek, feeling immensely grateful. Auntie Wang was quick to adapt to new circumstances. no longer calling Li Yuan by his name or addressing Yan Yu in her old way, she now formally used master and madam.
Li Yuan stopped at the doorway. “Auntie Wang, treat this place like your own. If you need anything, just let Yan Yu know. No need to stand on ceremony.”
Auntie Wang bobbed her head. “Understood, Master. Take care.”