On the other side, at Jinlin Garden.
Yang Rui and Ye Wanhua were tending to the courtyard, one loosening the soil while the other watered the plants.
The work wasn't much, merely to pass the time.
"Madam, your husband, he..."
"He didn't say where he was going. Don't worry about it."
Yang Rui gripped the spade tightly, paused, and seemed to hold back his words.
Being on the ground floor, the elderly neighbor saw them busy and, thinking they hadn't eaten, kindly offered a bowl of freshly picked cucumbers.
As a reciprocal gift, Ye Wanhua gave some okra.
The exchange opened the floodgates to the older lady's chatter.
"My dear, stay for a longer visit this time. Don't rush back. I tell you, Jinyuan Mountain is at its most beautiful this season, and the air is great. You should go for a walk."
Ye Wanhua nodded and answered, "Alright."
