"Brother Yuan, you're back."
Xiao Qiaoniang watched Bai Yuan climb over the wall, already long used to it.
Bai Yuan often went out at night. To keep his movements secret, Xiao Qiaoniang always helped cover for him. Everyone at the Huwei Arts Hall thought Bai Yuan was still there.
"Sister Qiao, did anyone come by?"
"Senior Brother Ma came by once. I told him you were taking a medicinal bath, and he left."
The eastern room was brightly lit. Through the window, the silhouette of a man could be seen soaking in a large wooden tub, which was why Ma Dingjun had no suspicions.
This was all Xiao Qiaoniang's idea; the male figure was actually just a paper-mâché dummy.
Sister Qiao had once seen Old Song, the paperman from Baisha Town, make them. She had a good memory and deft hands, so she made one modeled after Bai Yuan's figure.
Bai Yuan smiled faintly.
"Sister Qiao, with you here at home, I can rest easy."
A smug smile touched the corners of Xiao Qiaoniang's lips.
