Xiao'er and Shangguan Xuanyi stepped into this farmhouse that was as ordinary as it could be.
The three of them surveyed the room, and seeing nothing unusual, they each set off in different directions.
Xiao'er and Shangguan Xuanyi headed to the kitchen, while Zhao Yong went to inspect the backyard.
The small courtyard was full of evidence of everyday life. There were fresh cucumbers and other vegetables in the kitchen, a full water tank which looked like it has just been filled that morning, and notwithstanding the absence of people, these objects silently spoke to the fact that the homeowner had only left temporarily and would be back soon.
The stove housed some charred firewood, and when Xiao'er lifted the pot lid, she found some steamed buns that were still lukewarm. The heat had dissipated, leaving only droplets of water clinging to the pot edge and the lid.
