By the time they left the crowd behind, the noise had already faded into the distance.
The road ahead returned to its usual rhythm, filled with movement and scattered voices, but the atmosphere around the three of them had changed.
No one spoke at first.
Their steps were steady, but slower than before.
Bai Ming walked slightly behind, her gaze lowered, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Fu Li noticed it.
She exchanged a quick glance with Fu Fei, then lightly nudged her with her elbow.
Fu Fei understood immediately.
"…Bai Ming," Fu Li called, her tone deliberately light, "do not keep that kind of expression on your face."
Bai Ming did not respond.
She continued walking, her silence heavier than before.
Fu Li let out a small breath, then suddenly laughed.
"You are thinking too much," she said. "If you ask me, the heavens simply punished them."
Bai Ming's steps slowed slightly.
Fu Li continued,
