After Yuan Yu disappeared into the darkness, Han Liang remained standing at the door for a while. The sound of his steps faded slowly into the distance, leaving the street unusually quiet.
He stayed there a moment longer than necessary, then turned back.
The shop was nearly finished. Most of the repairs had already been completed, and only small tasks remained. The workers were no longer needed.
After paying them, Han Liang and the Second Commander locked the shop and began walking toward the inn. Along the way, they spoke quietly about what still needed to be done—what to bring, what to prepare, what the house still lacked.
The night air was cool.
At the inn, Han Liang changed his clothes and opened the window. A soft breeze entered the room, carrying the scent of summer.
He lay down for a while, his thoughts moving without direction.
Fragments of the day returned to him—the garden, the drifting petals, the quiet conversation. He could still recall the way Yuan Yu had stood beneath the trees, half-hidden behind the veil.
For a moment, he simply watched those memories pass through his mind.
Then, slowly, he closed his eyes. Morning light filled the room.
During breakfast, Han Liang and the Second Commander continued their discussion, making plans for the house and listing what they still needed to buy.
Not long after, the house owner arrived at the inn.
He looked more hurried than before.
"My daughter has already sent her carriage ahead," the old man explained. "I must leave earlier than planned."
Han Liang nodded and invited him to sit. They shared a simple meal before walking together to the house.
At the entrance, a cart stood with a few essential belongings. Most of the house had already been emptied, though several useful items had been left behind.
Han Liang observed everything carefully, noting what would be needed.
The old man gathered his last belongings, then paused.
He stood at the doorway for a long time.
His gaze moved slowly across the house—as if trying to hold onto something.
When he finally stepped back, his eyes were slightly red.
Han Liang and the Second Commander stood quietly beside him.
The old man gave a small nod.
"Take good care of it," he said.
"We will," Han Liang replied.
They exchanged a final farewell. The old man turned and walked away, not looking back again.
Han Liang watched him until he disappeared from sight.
With the house now fully empty, they began the final preparations.
The remaining repairs were quickly completed. The women and their daughters cleaned every room again, wiping away the last traces of dust. The air gradually changed, carrying the scent of soap and fresh wood.
Han Liang moved from room to room, arranging things as he had imagined.
"A long table here," he said, placing his hand against the wall.
"Storage chests along that side… and proper shelves for supplies."
He paused in the doorway, thinking.
"The kitchen needs iron pots and enough utensils. Nothing fragile."
He spoke simply, focusing on what was practical.
Throughout the day, he and the Second Commander went back and forth to the market. They bought bedding, blankets, wooden chests, cooking tools, and everything else required for daily life.
Han Liang handled the bargaining, while the Second Commander carried the heavier loads.
By evening, the house was ready.
Not perfect—but enough.
Their belongings were finally brought inside.
For the first time, the space felt inhabited.
Han Liang stepped into the room and sat briefly at the edge of the bed. He looked around without speaking.
After a moment, he stood again.
"We'll finish the rest tomorrow," he said.
He glanced toward the doorway.
"Tonight, we return to the inn. Tomorrow, we move in."
The Second Commander nodded. They locked the house and began walking back. The streets were quieter now.
Their steps echoed lightly against the stone. There was no need to speak. Things were moving forward—slowly, but clearly.