Ye Ling liked it when Liu Duo got into mischief such as this. He found her antics interesting.

Duo Er, you can sit down. You dont have to stand so tall, Ye Ling said, still blushing.

Liu Duo was not as tall as he was, but standing on the bed certainly helped a lot. How was he going to dress her now?

Oh. Liu Duo enjoyed seeing him blush. I can sit down, but how will I put on my underwear like that? I think Ill stick to standing. What do you think, Ling?

She got down from the bed and, like a soldier waiting to be inspected, she stepped into her shoes and stood up straight in front of him.

Er

Ye Ling cleared his throat, not knowing what to say. He kept blushing as he helped her put on her undergarments and underwear.

Liu Duo kept her eyes on him, smiling all the while. It was a loving picture of unlimited bliss.

Duo Er, wash up and have your breakfast before it gets cold. Ye Ling helped her fit into her dress and did her hair, then passed her a willow branch for brushing her teeth.

Liu Duo looked at her reflection in the mirror and was very impressed by the hair Ye Ling had styled for her. Ling, youre getting quite good at tying my hair. It looks really nice.

Youre pretty, Duo Er, thats why it looks nice on you. Ye Ling gave a serious answer.

He had tied her hair in a common and simple knot. Every woman in the village knew how to do that. Yet, for him, only his wife could carry that style to perfection!

Pffft

Liu Duo chuckled at his praise. She disregarded humility and agreed with him. Indeed, thats true!

She took the branch and went through her washing quickly.

After that, she picked up her bowl and started eating as the two of them slowly walked down the stairs.

Dongfang Ming heard footsteps coming from the stairway and looked over there.

Little Duo, Ling, your portraits have been framed. I came to deliver them. Smiling, Dongfang Ming spoke to them.

The two looked over at him too when they heard him speak.

Master Dongfang, thank you for taking the trouble to bring them all the way here, Liu Duo grinned. The two of them walked towards him.

No trouble at all. Its my pleasure, Dongfang Ming replied. Im here to say my farewells too. Ill be returning to the capital. You havent eaten, Little Duo?

He spotted the bowl Liu Duo was currently holding. He was surprised that she was still having her breakfast at this hour.

Little Duo, havent you taken your breakfast?

Liu Duo caught on to the news that he was going back. Astonished, she asked, Oh, when are you leaving? Please, stay for lunch at our house. Think of it as our way of seeing you off.

If Ye Mo were here and got wind of the news, he would be overjoyed!

Ye Ling spoke next. Yes, Duo Ers right. Brother Ming, you should stay for lunch today.

Then dont mind if I do, Dongfang Ming nodded. He intended to stay a little longer as well. He would be leaving in the afternoon anyway.

Hei Xiaomeng crouched by Liu Duos side and nudged her with its nose, like a kid begging for food and attention, which was absolutely adorable.

Liu Duo gave him some food from her bowl. Xiaomeng, you cant be too greedy, got it? Its not a good habit.

Thats a very impressive Mastiff you have there. Youve raised it well, Dongfang Ming said as he observed the dog. He thought of something else, and went on to add, Little Duo, do you have plans to visit the capital?