After their meal, Hua Manman paid the bill and left with Prince Zhao.
The noodle shop was in a rather secluded location, and since it was getting late, the streets were nearly empty when they left.
The carriage was parked on Changle Street, so they had to walk a short distance back to it.
Along the way, Hua Manman saw a woman holding a child and hurrying toward them.
The alley was quite narrow, only wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
Hua Manman intended to step aside to let the woman with the child pass first.
Instead, the woman stopped first, still holding her child.
She seemed very nervous, as if she wanted to continue forward but was wary of something. She stood rooted to the spot, hesitant to move.
Finding this odd, Hua Manman couldn't help but give the woman a second glance.
The moon was bright tonight. By its silvery light, Hua Manman could vaguely make out the woman's features.
