The logic we used in these trading ports was simple. If someone was stronger than the boss, don't mess with them. If they looked curious, similar to a kitten going out for the first time, they were perfect prey. What if there was a lion walking around with the kitten? We waited for the lion—in this case, the martial artist—to leave.

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Hui Fan had slipped into an alleyway, leaving Shen and Rowan alone. And Rowan, being the curious young man he is, waddled off.

Rowan gave off the air of an inexperienced young master. It was definitely his eyes and facial expressions when looking at practically everything. He examined every product with innocent curiosity, from mundane items like pickled vegetables to exotic wares like Frost Drake pelts and Shadow Wolf fangs.

"He's alone now." And at that moment, someone tried to pickpocket the unsuspecting Rowan. But there was something crucial they had missed— "AAGH!"

At the same moment the pickpocket’s hands touched Rowan's coin bag, he leaped back and fell on the floor, writhing. Something sharp in Rowan's coin bag pricked him. That sharp object was none other than a needle laced with poison that inflicts immediate pain and dizziness— nothing fatal, but enough to make a bear stop in its tracks and keel over. So, obviously a grown man would do the same. This started to draw the attention of some passersby.

"Must've stubbed his toe." Rowan shrugged. He was about to continue his window shopping as if nothing happened, but the pickpocket's partner in crime stepped up.

"That man just attacked my brother for no reason!" He fell to the ground next to his brother, still writhing, his screams growing louder. "He poisoned him! That man is a murderer!"

Rowan blinked. This was a first. "I'm sorry, but how exactly did I poison your brother when he's the one who tried to grab my coin purse?" He asked, genuinely puzzled.

The crowd started murmuring, some taking sides, others just enjoying the free entertainment. Just as the situation was about to escalate, a familiar voice cut through the chaos.

"What's all the fuss about? These guys are clearly professional pickpockets." He hoisted them up by the ankles and shook them like a condiment, and out rained various purses and coin bags. Some folks in the crowd shouted— "that's my bag!"

"Thanks," Rowan said, watching as the crowd descended upon their recovered belongings.

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“Where’s Liu—nevermind.” Hui Fan sighed. “Follow me.”

Rowan looked away and followed Hui Fan in silence.

They entered a shop lined with thick furs and heavy cloaks. Rowan’s eyes lit up. “Ah. Cold resistance!” His voice echoed around the small shop.

Hui Fan brought his index finger up to Rowan's lips and nodded slightly. Rowan quickly turned his head away and looked around. He reached for a deep blue cloak. Hui Fan grabbed his hand before he could touch it and gestured for him to sit down on a stool and wait.

Rowan watched him zip around the store and come back with a whole stack of clothing: a thick, ivory cloak, thermal underwear, gloves, boots, and a fluffy scarf. The pieces complemented each other well, as if designed as a set. Hui Fan set the stack down and lifted the coat.

"Try this," he whispers, holding it out.

Before Hui Fan could properly help him into it, Rowan eagerly stuck his arms through the sleeves while Hui Fan was still holding the coat. Rowan’s back pressed against his chest causing Hui Fan’s ears to redden ever so slightly at the tips. He took a quick step back, clearing his throat.

Rowan sat back down and got distracted by the fluffy scarf next, inspecting the pelt and admiring its softness. Meanwhile, Hui Fan knelt down and began taking off Rowan’s shoes. Rowan glanced down, suddenly very aware of Hui Fan's calloused fingers brushing against his ankles.

"I can tie my own shoes," Rowan mumbled. Heat crawled up his neck.

Hui Fan's fingers never pause— Loop, pull, cross, making a perfect bow.

"Try walking in them," Hui Fan said, standing up.

Rowan took a few steps, surprised by the comfortable fit. "How did you know my size?"

“I just eyeballed them.”

Hui Fan examined Rowan’s fit from head to toe once more. He reached towards Rowan’s neck to take off the cloak. Rowan held perfectly still as Hui Fan's fingers worked at the clasp near his throat, still holding onto the scarf. A shadow passed across the shop window, too quick to catch. Hui Fan's hands froze for a fraction of a second—so brief Rowan almost missed it.

"Wait here," Hui Fan murmured, moving to ring up the bill.

Hui Fan came back with a bag full of new clothes. Their eyes met briefly before both looked away. "We should head to the inn.”

“What about Liu Shen?” Rowan hadn’t seen him for a hot minute.

“He’ll be there." Hui Fan said, already moving toward the door.

They walked out together and the bustling streets from earlier were now quiet. The sky above turned the color of old bruises, and somewhere in the distance, a gong sounded. The sound rippled through the empty streets.