When Liang Zhiguan opened his eyes, he found himself face-to-face with Xue Xinyu's peaceful, sleeping form. Heat surged to his cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze. Careful not to wake Xue Xinyu, he slid out of bed and padded across the room, resolving to fetch something to eat and drink for when Xue Xinyu woke.

Wrapping a cloth around his face to maintain his disguise as a girl, Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but grumble inwardly. Why hadn't he booked two rooms? Or at least one with separate beds? He shook his head. Perhaps their budget was stretched too thin.

Steeling himself, he descended the creaking stairs to the inn's common area, where a sharp-eyed woman in work attire immediately spotted him.

"Ah, Miss, you're with the handsome young man upstairs, aren't you?" she called, hurrying over with a broad smile.

Liang Zhiguan stiffened. "I—uh—yes," he stammered, caught off guard.

The woman leaned closer, her grin turning sly. "Well then, is he... available?" she asked, fluttering her lashes with theatrical flair.

A flicker of something Liang couldn't quite name stirred in his chest—jealousy, irritation, perhaps both. "He's not," he said, more sharply than intended.

"Ohhh," the woman said knowingly, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "I see. Say no more, dear." Her expression softened into one of faux sympathy, the kind that screamed, I get it—you're his girlfriend.

Absolutely not! Liang Zhiguan's mind screamed, but before he could correct her, she clapped her hands together. "So, what can I get for you?"

"Just some food and drinks," Liang replied quickly, eager to change the subject.

"Right away! I'll have them sent up," the woman said with a wink, leaving him to retreat upstairs.

Back in the room, Liang Zhiguan perched on the edge of the bed, a safe distance from Xue Xinyu's still-slumbering form. A stack of books sat on the nearby table, their leather bindings worn from countless readers. Grateful for the distraction, he picked one up and buried himself in its pages, hoping to silence the flurry of thoughts swirling in his mind.

A knock at the door pulled Liang Zhiguan from his thoughts. He opened it cautiously, allowing the innkeeper's assistant to enter. She balanced a tray laden with food and drinks and placed it carefully on the small table near the bed.

Her eyes drifted to Xue Xinyu, still sprawled across the bed in a state of blissful unconsciousness. "You must be thrilled to share a room with such a handsome young man," she remarked, her tone teasing. Before Liang could respond, she continued, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "Such a pity, though. Those looks wasted in poverty. Imagine what he could achieve with a bit of wealth and refinement!"

Liang Zhiguan clenched his jaw as the woman launched into an unsolicited tirade, her words a mix of admiration and condescension. Her chatter grated on him, every sentence poking at his nerves, especially when she veered into criticizing Xue Xinyu's circumstances. If only she knew the truth of Xue Xinyu's identity—his stature, his capabilities—but Liang had to bite his tongue. Revealing too much was out of the question.

At last, the woman left, her chatter trailing off as she closed the door behind her. Liang let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and slouched onto the edge of the bed, book in hand. Yet, despite his best efforts to read, the words blurred together, his mind tangled in irritation and stray thoughts.

The room, though part of a modest inn, held a surprising charm. Its spacious layout and understated elegance stood in contrast to the inn's exterior. The walls were painted in muted pastels, with soft pinks lending a cozy warmth to the space. A sturdy wooden table sat beneath a row of bookshelves opposite the bed, the shelves lined with well-worn tomes. It was a room designed for travelers who sought a fleeting moment of comfort amidst their journeys.

Liang's gaze wandered to Xue Xinyu just as the latter groaned, stirring from his rest. With an air of reluctance, Xue Xinyu pushed himself upright, rubbing his eyes and muttering under his breath. "If only I could sleep for a few hundred years," he said, his voice gravelly with lingering fatigue. He sighed dramatically. "But I suppose this will have to do."

Liang chuckled softly and handed him a cup of tea, removing the cloth that concealed his face. "It's afternoon," he said, watching as Xue Xinyu accepted the tea with a groggy nod.

Xue Xinyu took a slow sip, the warmth of the tea coaxing him fully into wakefulness. Setting the cup down, he glanced at Liang, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I guess you've been busy while I was dead to the world."

Liang merely hummed in response, hiding his earlier irritation as he turned his attention back to the book.

They wouldn't remain at the inn for long; after all, they were 'traveling merchants.' Their first priority was securing the necessary equipment to match their cover. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the city, its warmth mingling with the lively hum of activity. Yet, for Xue Xinyu, the time of day posed no concern—the city truly came alive at night.

Rising from his chair, Xue Xinyu smoothed his travel-worn clothes. He hadn't bothered changing into pajamas the previous night, so he was ready to leave immediately. After finishing his tea, he set the cup down with a soft clink. "Shall we head out?" he asked, his voice calm yet purposeful.

Liang Zhiguan nodded silently, trailing behind Xue Xinyu as they stepped into the bustling streets.

The city was alive with activity, its streets packed with merchants peddling their wares. Stalls brimmed with colorful goods—shimmering fabrics, fragrant spices, and glittering trinkets. The cacophony of haggling voices and clinking coins filled the air, but the pair's focus lay elsewhere. Their task required more substantial purchases: horses, a sturdy carriage, and ample storage for their supposed wares.

As they wove through the crowd, Liang Zhiguan noticed the attention Xue Xinyu attracted. His striking features and composed demeanor turned heads—especially those of young women, who stole furtive glances before hastily averting their eyes when they noticed Liang following close behind.

After some wandering, they spotted a large wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze: Travel Shop was painted in bold, elegant lettering.

"Here," Xue Xinyu said, taking Liang Zhiguan's wrist and guiding him inside.

The shop was a sharp contrast to the chaotic streets outside. Its interior was cool and well-organized, with polished wood floors that gleamed in the sunlight streaming through wide windows. Shelves lined the walls, displaying an array of travel essentials—lanterns, durable clothing, and meticulously crafted tools. The scent of leather and fresh hay lingered in the air, hinting at the shop's specialty.

Liang Zhiguan's gaze swept over the room as Xue Xinyu strode confidently toward the counter, ready to begin their next step.