<aside> 🔑 Key: 🦌: Lu Chen/Alkaid 🖌️: MC 🌷: Auntie Chun

</aside>

Once we entered the courtyard,I realised the house wasn’t as elegant as I thought.

I didn’t know whether it was because I knew it had once been a pigeon coop, but I kept thinking I could smell the scent of feathers. Many facilities were somewhat old-fashioned and disheveled, needing some good repairs

??: Ah, why is the door open? Has Master Ge returned?

As the day gradually turned to night, the mountain air remained cool. A clear woman’s voice echoed through the open door of the courtyard.

A middle aged woman wearing a cyan jacket walked towards me and Alkaid.

??: Little Alkaid? Is that you? Ah, you've grown so tall, quick! Let Auntie Chun take a look at you.

🦌: Long time no see.

Alkaid set the garden shears in his hand down , inviting Auntie Chun into the courtyard.

🌷: Master Ge can relax now that you are here. He went out a while ago still muttering to himself… Ah, who's the pretty girl here?

Auntie Chun’s gaze went back and forth between me and Alkaid a few times as she giggled.

🦌: What was Uncle Ge muttering about?

🌷: He said that in this day and age, only Little Alkaid has the patience needed to manage a courtyard. In addition, I heard you even found a beautiful girlfriend...

I was surprised that Yuyan's neighbours were so familiar with me. While wondering if I should say a few modest words, I saw Alkaid expressed a warm and confident smile.

🦌: Mn, he has good taste.

Alkaid pinched my finger lightly, smiling while introducing me. 🦌: My mother stayed in Yuyan when she was younger, so, she has many neighbourhood friends here. 🦌: Back then, I was studying at Yue Cheng. I would come here on the weekends and accidentally be brought inside by Uncle Ge—

🖌️: And then?

While following his words, I couldn't help becoming nervous. 🦌: And then he taught me basic gardening skills. Alkaid couldn’t restrain his smile. 🦌: …. Or I would also be dragged by Auntie Chun to eat at her place.