A massive fire, with thick smoke billowing into the sky, drew the people of Luo City to the Peony Bridge.
The common folk abandoned their work, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Even the street vendors hurried over, carrying their wares on shoulder poles.
Chen Ji walked silently toward Anxi Street, against the flow of the crowd.
His thin figure stood out as he moved against the tide.
He was eager to return to the clinic, as he had many questions to ask.
When he arrived at the entrance of the Taiping Clinic, the aroma of plain porridge and fried oil wafted out.
He could even hear the bickering voices of Liu Quxing and She Dengke in the backyard.
Chen Ji stood outside the door for a long time, taking a deep breath before stepping over the threshold.
As he did, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, but it felt as though a weight had been lifted from his heart.
He exhaled deeply, letting go of all the frustrations outside.
"I'm back!"
Old Yao stood alone behind the counter, fiddling with an abacus while muttering, "You're back? No need to shout!"
Wu Yun, curled up beside the abacus, opened his eyes when Chen Ji entered.