Fifteen minutes later, at the famous Temple Street in A City—
Ye Ning, pushed along in her wheelchair, brightened up at the sight of the bustling street crowded with people, the multitude of fresh flowers, and the New Year’s goods lined up for sale on both sides of the street, "Sister Wang, can we buy some to take home today?"
Sister Wang had already prepared her wallet, filled with a substantial sum given by the young master. Hearing Ye Ning’s query, she patted her bulging wallet, "Of course, we can buy whatever the young mistress desires. What would you like?"
Ye Ning hadn’t decided yet, but seeing all those items kindled a fondness in her eyes. She was like a child, feeling a sense of wonder and joy at everything she saw.
Noticing this, Sister Wang explained each item they passed to Ye Ning—what it was and what it was used for during the New Year, including its significance.
In A City, hosting a flower market was an age-old tradition for the Lunar New Year. From the 20th of the last lunar month until Minor New Year’s Eve, the flower market would be in full swing, featuring New Year’s flowers, paintings, and a variety of festive goods.
During this period, not only high-ranking officials but also the common folk would come here to shop, seeking a symbol of good fortune for the coming year.
So, Sister Wang was especially diligent in explaining things to the new ma’am, hoping to add some cheer to their little family, praying for their wellbeing and Ye Ning’s swift recovery in the coming year.
Fortunately, Ye Ning was very receptive to her advice. As they passed by stalls and Sister Wang commended items, Ye Ning promptly purchased them—one after another, and soon enough, the porters Sister Wang had hired were laden with various purchases.
After about an hour, Ye Ning began to tire. Sister Wang, thinking they had enough, prepared to head back.
However, it was precisely at this moment that she spotted a few familiar figures across Chiz Street, selecting New Year’s flowers. Seeing her and Ye Ning, they started heading directly toward them.
"Oh, Sister Wang, you’re also here buying flowers."
The one who approached Sister Wang first was a young woman in her twenties, tall and slender, her makeup delicate, and her attire branded from head to toe—her presence was particularly striking among the crowd.
Sister Wang’s face changed instantly upon recognition, "Ah yes, Miss Bai, you’re here as well?"
"Of course, I have to come. The Bai Family isn’t one of those grand aristocratic households. I have to handle these things by myself," the young woman said with a strange tone, particularly when she spotted Ye Ning in the wheelchair, her gaze turned even more conspicuous.
Sensing the atmosphere turning awkward, Sister Wang swiftly sought an excuse to leave.
But at this moment, the young woman suddenly reached out and took the most beautiful lily, the one with the most blossoms, from the bunch that Ye Ning was holding and crudely pulled it out.
"Isn’t that right, Third Aunt?"
Ye Ning’s eyes narrowed as she watched her favorite lily being taken by the girl, only to be snapped into pieces and thrown onto the ground.
"Sister Wang, who is she? Why did she take my flower?"
Sister Wang’s complexion shifted visibly!
She was about to explain, but the young woman standing in front of Ye Ning, the one who had taken her flowers, beat her to it and said, "Oh, so the rumors are true, huh? Third Aunt really doesn’t remember anything at all."