The morning sun had only just begun to spread across the courtyard when the Fu family slowly gathered outside as they usually did before breakfast.
Grandfather Fu and grandma Fu sat in the courtyard table chatting and laughing.
Not far away, Han Fuji and Fu Fong were seated together talking casually.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Inside the kitchen, the women were busy preparing breakfast. The sound of chopping vegetables and boiling porridge drifted through the open windows, creating the familiar warmth of an ordinary family morning.
At least, it had been ordinary until Fu Teng appeared.
He stepped out of the house while adjusting the sleeves of his robe.
His expression was calm as usual.
"I'll be leaving now," he said casually.
"I'll eat breakfast at the pavilion."
Nobody thought much about it.
After all, Fu Teng had been working at An Yu's pavilion for quite some time already.
Grandfather Fu merely nodded.
"Don't overwork yourself."
Fu Teng gave a small nod.
