The waiter lit some incense and held it near Yun Li’s nose, fearful that she might regain consciousness halfway through. Once he was certain, he extinguished the incense, tossed it aside, and hoisted Yun Li onto his shoulders, heading out with the innkeeper. The innkeeper cracked the door open to peek outside, and seeing no one, led the waiter out through the back exit of the tavern.
Yun Li quietly opened her eyes while draped across the waiter's back. She had refrained from resisting and allowed the pair to carry her to Hongyan Pavilion because she had overheard their conversation. She had heard them mention a girl who had been sold there just yesterday—a girl who was beautiful, strong, and an orphan. She wanted to see this girl for herself; if she could help her, perhaps it would forge a good connection.
The innkeeper and the waiter took a side path, winding through several alleys until they reached a back door. The innkeeper knocked, and a guard opened it. Seeing the waiter carrying a body, the guard eyed the two of them and asked in an unfriendly tone, "What are you two doing here?"
Chapter 163