As they continued walking, Zhang Nu and the others began discussing money-making ideas, but Ling Xi quickly grew annoyed.
“Can you guys not talk about that right now?” she frowned. “We’re clearly out shopping. Can’t we leave this until tomorrow, or at least when we’re resting? We finally get to enjoy a night out, and here you are, spoiling the mood.”
Hearing her say that, Zhang Nu immediately smiled indulgently. He had expected Ling Xi to dislike these kinds of topics. Since that was the case, there was no need to continue the conversation. They could figure out the money situation tomorrow. For tonight, they should simply enjoy themselves and buy what they like.
He’d noticed earlier that there were people by the river releasing lanterns for blessings—why not do the same to cap off the evening?
“I saw a lot of people setting off lanterns by the river just now. Why don’t we each buy one and send them off together?”
“Once we’ve done that, let’s go back and rest.”
Everyone nodded eagerly—they’d assumed their shopping was already over, but it seemed Zhang Nu was giving them a little more time.
The five of them soon found themselves in front of a lantern stall, browsing the different styles. The selection was wide and colorful.
Liu Hai picked out a lantern shaped like a lion—it suited him perfectly.
Zhao Yang chose one shaped like a sun, matching the meaning of his name.
Lin Xiao’s gaze lingered on Ling Xi for a long moment, then he quietly picked a rabbit-shaped lantern—one that resembled her.
Ling Xi immediately burst out laughing when she saw it. “Lin Xiao, I didn’t expect you to be into this kind of thing. Never judge a book by its cover, huh?”
Her comment drew chuckles from Zhao Yang and Liu Hai too, who glanced at the lantern and joined in teasing him.
Zhang Nu nearly burst out laughing himself, but noticing Lin Xiao’s expression darken, he quickly intervened.
“Alright, alright, pick your own and stop bothering Lin Xiao.”
“Better choose quickly—once we’re done with the lanterns, we’re heading back to rest.”
To his surprise, everyone turned to stare at him.
It turned out he was the only one who hadn’t picked a lantern yet—everyone else was just waiting on him.
Realizing this, Zhang Nu gave an awkward chuckle. “Fine, I won’t hold everyone up.”
He casually picked up a bird-shaped lantern, symbolizing freedom—fitting for someone like him who longed for independence and disliked being restrained.
The group made their way to the riverside, each holding their lanterns. The river was dotted with glowing lights, floating gently in the current. The atmosphere felt serene and hopeful, like some kind of blessing ritual, though none of them quite knew what exactly to wish for.
Still, all five of them closed their eyes symbolically and made a wish before releasing their lanterns.
Zhang Nu, ever curious, asked after a moment, “So, what did you all wish for? Mind sharing?”
To his amusement, everyone immediately shook their heads like they were guarding secrets.
“If you say it out loud, it won’t come true,” Ling Xi said seriously. “Don’t you know that, Zhang Nu? What, are you trying to sabotage our wishes just because yours won’t come true?”
Her words, spoken in such a cute tone, made Zhang Nu laugh. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. To him, Ling Xi was like a younger sister, so he didn’t think much of the gesture.
But the next moment, he felt a chill—like the cold blade of a knife sweeping over him. Zhang Nu reflexively withdrew his hand and looked over, only to see Lin Xiao’s icy stare fixed on him.
Honestly, this was getting out of hand. Still, Zhang Nu found it amusing. The fact that Lin Xiao could even act like this... meant something good.
“Well, since everyone’s sent off their lanterns, let’s head back and rest,” Zhang Nu said, brushing it off.
“We haven’t had a proper rest in ages—tonight’s our chance to really relax.”
Everyone agreed happily. After so long without rest, this brief moment of calm was something to savor.
When they returned to the inn, the group quickly drifted off into peaceful sleep.