I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 33

As Yun Duan exited the teahouse, her eyes immediately fell upon Shang Can, who was crouched in the middle of a group of children.

It was a lively scene. At the center, two children appeared to be engaged in a dramatic "battle," with one of the girls wielding a fake Wuyou sword—one that Shang Can had only just recently purchased from a nearby weapon stall. Shang Can herself was squatting behind a child wearing a paper mask, crouched low and setting off tiny fireworks.

Yun Duan stood at the teahouse entrance, watching for a while. Seeing that both Shang Can and the children were still thoroughly engrossed, she silently walked over and softly asked, "What are you doing?"

"Ah, you're out!" Shang Can looked up, her eyes bright as if they were reflecting sunlight, her smile radiating cheerfulness. "We're playing a game where we pretend to be cultivators."

Yun Duan, infected by her enthusiasm, found herself smiling. Her voice softened. "And who are you pretending to be?"

"Can Zhe's subordinate."

Yun Duan's gaze momentarily faltered in surprise, while Shang Can grinned mischievously and stood up. She spread her palm open before Yun Duan, revealing a small firework that blossomed in her hand.

"Look, it's the critical moment in the battle between Can Zhe and Yun Zhongjun. I'm part of Can Zhe's special effects team. What do you think? Does it look good?"

"......"

Shang Can made the fireworks in her palm shift colors and patterns. Yun Duan watched quietly for a long moment before softly replying, "It looks beautiful."

"But... I don't want to fight you."

Seeing Yun Duan's cool and calm expression soften slightly, Shang Can's heart unexpectedly melted. She replied gently, "We won't fight. I can't beat Yun Zhong—"

"It's Yun Zhongjun!!"

Before Shang Can could finish, a crisp child's voice interrupted, filled with both surprise and excitement. Shang Can couldn't help but laugh.

Of course, she'd been so focused on Yun Duan that she'd forgotten all about the little Yun Zhongjun and little Can Zhe who were still locked in their "battle." Still smiling, Shang Can turned her head and acted startled. "Oh my, Yun Zhongjun has suddenly appeared!"

"Ah Can, you're too loud!" The little girl anxiously tugged at Shang Can's sleeve, trying to pull her back, and earnestly whispered, "I heard Yun Zhongjun doesn't like noise. Don't scare her away!"

It sounded as if they were trying to catch a rare creature.

Shang Can inwardly chuckled, thinking that Yun Duan did indeed give off an air of rarity. Outwardly, though, she nodded seriously, playing along. "You're right. I won't disturb Yun Zhongjun."

She turned to Yun Duan, her expression sincerely apologetic. "I didn't scare you, did I?"

"......" Yun Duan, unexpectedly drawn into the game, glanced at Shang Can and, playing along, responded, "No, you didn't."

While Yun Zhongjun wasn't startled, the little girl finally seemed to grasp the situation. Shy now, she hid behind Shang Can, clutching her sleeve tightly. She peeked out at Yun Duan, but quickly shrank back when Yun Duan's gaze fell on her.

"...Ah Can, Ah Can."

The girl seemed nervous in Yun Duan's presence and tugged on Shang Can's sleeve, leaning in to whisper.

"Yun Zhongjun is so beautiful! You were just talking to her—do you know Yun Zhongjun? What's your relationship with her?"

"...Hmm... She is indeed very beautiful..."