The newcomer was none other than Ye Chutang, who had been away for days.

Ye Jingyan had just taken a step when something rushed past him like a gust of wind.

That chubby Little Milk Group shot out, throwing herself right into Ye Chutang’s arms.

’Sis!’

Ye Chutang looked at the Little Milk Group, whose little face was still wet with un-wiped droplets, and she chuckled. "I’m back now, aren’t I? What’s the rush?"

Xiao Wu paid that no mind. Her little arms wrapped tightly around Ye Chutang as she buried her face in the crook of her sister’s neck, nuzzling against her with affection and longing.

Ye Chutang’s heart softened. She supported the little girl’s bottom and lifted her into her arms.

Xiao Wu had rarely been separated from her, even as a baby. But whenever Chutang had to leave on business, Xiao Wu was always well-behaved and never cried or threw a tantrum.

It was only after her return that Xiao Wu would become extra clingy. All her pent-up longing and reluctance to be apart would pour out then.

Ye Jingyan walked up and gave Ye Chutang a thorough look-over. Seeing that she was apparently uninjured and, despite being travel-worn, was as spirited as ever, he finally relaxed.

Swallowing the worried words that rose in his throat, a smile spread across his handsome face. "Sis, you must be tired from the journey."

’Sis is back a little earlier than I expected. It seems this trip went smoothly.’

Holding Xiao Wu, Ye Chutang looked around. "A Feng isn’t here?"

Ye Jingyan paused for a moment before nodding. "He went out just now."

Ye Chutang glanced up at the sky. ’It’s still so early, but that kid is already out?’

"What’s he doing out?"

Ye Jingyan’s lips parted, but before he could speak, another sound came from beyond the courtyard wall.

Ye Chutang looked in the direction of the sound, raising an eyebrow.

In the pre-dawn light, she could vaguely make out the figure of a young man nimbly vaulting over the courtyard wall. He landed almost silently, his form flashing as he was about to disappear into the shadows of the walkway.

’So smooth and practiced. This is clearly not his first time.’

’He complains about his studies giving him a headache every day, yet he’s learned all this other nonsense perfectly.’

Ye Chutang called out, "And where might you be going?"

Ye Yunfeng, who had been about to sneak back to his room to catch up on sleep: "..."

He froze, then, realizing something, whipped his head around.

"Sis!?"

’Wait, how did I get caught—’

’No, no! The important thing is that Sis is back!’

Ye Yunfeng closed the distance in a few quick strides. "Sis!"

The joy on his face was unconcealed. "When did you get back?"

Ye Chutang said, "Oh, just when you weren’t home."

Ye Yunfeng: "..."

Knowing he was in the wrong, he cleared his throat forcefully. "Uh, I... I was just out for a walk..."

’When Sis left, she specifically told them to be cautious and discreet while she was away.’

’Running out before dawn certainly didn’t look like he was up to any good.’

Ye Chutang’s gaze rested for a moment on the hem of his clothes, damp with morning dew, and her mind was already turning.

"Let’s go inside first."

...

Ye Chutang quickly washed up and changed her clothes. When she came out, Ye Jingyan had already poured a cup of hot tea. Ye Yunfeng was somewhat distracted, lost in his own thoughts.

"Was everything at home all right while I was gone?"

As soon as Ye Chutang sat down, Ye Yunfeng snapped back to his senses and eagerly offered her the tea.

"Sis, you must be exhausted from traveling through the night. Quick, have some tea to soothe your throat!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Ye Chutang took the cup, skimmed the tea leaves with the lid, and took a delicate sip before looking up at the two brothers again.

Ye Jingyan nodded. "Don’t worry, Sis. Everything was normal."

"Oh?"

Ye Chutang raised an eyebrow.

"Then what was A Feng doing out so early?"