Chapter 2585: Night Walk in Wind and Snow

Chapter Eighteen: Night Walk in Wind and Snow

Early the next morning, it was already the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month. The wind and snow outside were thick.

He Qing had long prepared two cotton cloaks. When the old madame got up, she saw the cloaks placed on the chairs, one for her and one for He Qing. They were made of thick cotton, simple and clean.

"He Qing, are you going to buy some New Year's goods today?" the old madame asked.

He Qing replied, "Yes, I'm planning to. There are still a few things missing at home."

The old madame smiled, "Alright, you should go then. Be careful on the road, the wind and snow are heavy today."

He Qing nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

She put on the cotton cloak and went out. The wind and snow were indeed heavy. The snow had piled up quite high.

He Qing walked through the streets, her head lowered against the wind. The shops along the way were mostly closed, but a few were still open, bustling with people buying New Year's goods.

She bought some preserved meat, dried seafood, dried mushrooms, and other things. She also bought some red paper and couplets, and two small lanterns.

When she finished buying everything, the sun was already setting. He Qing carried the heavy bags and started walking home.

The wind and snow seemed to have gotten heavier. He Qing wrapped her cloak tightly around her.

As she walked, she heard a familiar voice call her name.

"He Qing!"

He Qing stopped and looked up. It was Xiao Yu, standing by the side of the road, looking at her with concern.

"Xiao Yu, why are you here?" He Qing asked, surprised.

Xiao Yu walked over to her, "I saw you from afar and thought it was you. It's so late, and you're still out."

He Qing smiled, "I went to buy some things for the New Year. Just finished."

Xiao Yu looked at the bags in her hands, "Let me help you carry them."

He Qing shook her head, "No need, it's not that heavy."

Xiao Yu didn't listen and took the bags from her.

"Let's go, I'll walk you back." Xiao Yu said.

He Qing felt a warmth in her heart. In this cold weather, being able to meet someone who cared was truly comforting.

They walked together in the wind and snow. The path was slippery, and Xiao Yu carefully supported He Qing.

"Thank you, Xiao Yu," He Qing said softly.

Xiao Yu smiled, "You're welcome. Be careful, don't slip."

They finally reached He Qing's home. Xiao Yu put the bags down at the doorstep.

"Thank you for walking me back," He Qing said.

"It's nothing," Xiao Yu replied. "Go in quickly, it's cold outside."

He Qing nodded and opened the door.

"Xiao Yu, are you going back now?" He Qing asked.

"Yes," Xiao Yu said.

"Then... be careful on the road," He Qing said.

"I will," Xiao Yu said. He paused for a moment, then added, "He Qing, I'll come to see you on New Year's Day."

He Qing was slightly surprised, then smiled, "Alright, I'll be waiting."

Xiao Yu smiled back, "Then I'll go now."

He Qing watched him leave, his figure gradually disappearing into the wind and snow.

She closed the door and leaned against it, a warm feeling spreading through her heart.

That night, the wind and snow howled outside, but He Qing felt a sense of peace and warmth inside her heart.