There was a line in front of Yan ZIfu's restaurant. Looking at the way they dressed, Mingyue could guess that some of them were not from Da Cheng. Because of Mingyue's relations.h.i.+p with Yan Zifu, she did not have to queue like everyone else. A waiter spotted them and ushered them in.

Xiao Mi watched Yang Yun with hostility as they both stepped into Yan Zifu's restaurant.

Although Mingyue always talked with the black cat, and that animal seemed to understand her words, for years, Yang Yun has always been skeptical that the two was able to understand each other. Perhaps because of that, Xiao Mi seemed not to like him.

Seeing the way Xiao Mi was looking at him, Yang Yun raised a brow. His lips curved into a mocking smile now that Xiao Mi will have to stay outside while the two would have their dinner.

Xiao Mi bared his fangs and hissed.

"Xiao Mi, you will be alright staying outside, right?" Mingyue said when she noticed the displeased look on the black cat's expression. "I promise that I'll bring delicious food for you after this, alright?"

Xiao Mi blinked lazily at Yang Yun and turned to Mingyue. He let out a low purr and lay obediently on the ground while licking his black fur.

Mingyue glanced around the restaurant as the waiter led them towards a private room with the best place to view the bustling street. Once they placed their order, Yan Zifu stopped by their room with a pot of tea.

"Are you sure it's alright for you to come over and pour tea for us?" Mingyue asked. "It seemed that your place is quite busy these days."

"I only stop by to greet you." Yan Zifu said. She poured tea for Mingyue and Yang Yun and smiled. "The Princess' spring banquet is months away, but some foreigners come earlier and hope to book a place to stay at a cheaper rate. In a few months, the room rate will be increasing."

Mingyue watched the street from the second floor. It seemed that the road has gotten livelier.

"Once the princes came, this city will be busier. Merchants from all over the place are taking their chance to sell their commodity. This is good for Da Cheng's economy." Yan Zifu commented casually.

"You're just happy that people will be lining up to your restaurant," Mingyue pointed out.

"Of course." Yan Zifu laughed. "But don't worry. I will always keep a room for you." She stood up and bowed. "Please wait a moment. I will tell the kitchen to hurry with your dishes."

Yang Yun and Mingyue had their dinner while discussing the upcoming spring banquet. Once they finished with their meal, Yang Yun escorted Mingyue back to the Jiang's house. Yang Yun watched as Mingyue walked through the door.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, Xiao Mi rubbed his body on Yang Yun's leg.

"What's wrong?" Yang Yun frowned at the black cat.

Xiao Mi looked at the dark alley before he turned back to Yang Yun. His eyes were looking at Yang Yun sharply. Xiao Mi meowed once, blinked and headed inside the house.

Yang Yun chuckled at the black cat's strange behavior. He decided that the cat was acting crazy before he walked to the dark alley and headed back to the camp.

Just as he had arrived at a corner, Yang Yun stopped when he sensed that something was amiss. He took out a small dagger from his waist and was ready to pounce on his attacker when he felt a sharp pain on his neck. Then, everything around him turned dark.