---
The ger bowed his head quickly, voice trembling.
"Th-thank you, sir. I didn't mean to cause trouble. It's just… she's all we have for eggs now. My little one's been sick, and I can't afford to lose her."
Han Yan's expression softened.
"Then take her home. Keep the fence mended."
The ger hesitated, still clutching the hen.
"S-sir… may I know your name?"
"Han Yan," he replied simply.
The ger nodded, a small, nervous smile forming.
"Han Yan… thank you. I'm Liu De."
Before Han Yan could respond, hurried footsteps came from behind.
"De'er!"
A tall man appeared at the edge of the road, his breathing uneven from running. He wore a plain hunting coat patched at the sleeves, a knife sheathed at his belt. His hair was tied loosely, and though his face was sun-darkened, his eyes held a quiet kindness beneath the worry.
"I went home and you weren't there with Wei Fan," he said quietly, voice edged with concern. "I thought something had happened."
