Second update, requesting pink tickets.

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Lian Huahua called out twice again outside the vegetable garden but refused to walk any further. From the courtyard of Lian Manman’s family to this vegetable garden, there was a stretch of road paved with bluestone. However, outside the vegetable garden, although there were also some bluestones, they were unevenly placed, narrower, and resembled a rural dirt path, with wild plants like sunflower seeds, hemp fruits, vines, weeds, and wildflowers growing on both sides.

Lian Manman liked such paths, thinking they felt more natural and intimate, whereas Lian Huahua was worried about dirtying her shoes and skirt, so she refused to come closer. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Zhang Caiyun instructed Lian Manman not to bother with Lian Huahua, and Lian Manman shared the same thought. However, after picking the vegetables, she still followed Zhang Caiyun out of the garden and walked toward Lian Huahua.

Since marrying, Lian Huahua had only returned to Thirty Mile Camp a handful of times, always accompanied by attendants. Now that she managed to come alone, it was obvious she had put in quite the effort.

There had to be something important she wanted to discuss privately.

Someone like Lian Huahua—if she considered it urgent—it was undoubtedly something in her own interests.

Seeing Lian Manman and Zhang Caiyun approaching, Lian Huahua immediately smiled and moved forward as if to greet them.

Da Pang and Second Fatty suddenly darted forward from behind Lian Manman, barking loudly at Lian Huahua.

Don’t be fooled by the two little puppies; their barking was quite vigorous and intimidating.

Lian Huahua instinctively stepped back two paces, her face showing a startled expression.

Watching Lian Huahua react like this, Zhang Caiyun became even more disdainful of her.

"Two little puppies frightened her like that. If they were big dogs, wouldn’t she die of fright?" Zhang Caiyun muttered into Lian Manman’s ear, her voice just high enough for Lian Huahua to hear.

Lian Huahua took a deep breath, slightly curling her lips but said nothing. To her, Zhang Caiyun was just a village girl, and stooping to her level would lower her own status. Of course, there was one thing she wouldn’t admit—she chose not to clash with Zhang Caiyun because she understood that Zhang Caiyun was just as feisty as Lady Zhang Wang.

"Manman, done picking vegetables? This garden is tended so well—it’s much larger than the backyard vegetable garden used to be, and the vegetables are much fresher," Lian Huahua said casually to Lian Manman, seeing Zhang Caiyun and the puppies signaling no imminent threat.

"Sister Huahua, what brings you out? Where are your attendants? Out here is quite different from inside the courtyard—you’d better head back," Lian Manman replied.

"It’s rare for me to come back—I wanted to take a look around," Lian Huahua said, glancing at Zhang Caiyun, before turning to Lian Manman. "Manman, I have something to say to you."

Zhang Caiyun and Lian Manman exchanged a glance, both understanding Lian Huahua wanted Zhang Caiyun to leave so she could talk to Lian Manman alone.

They acted as though they didn’t understand what Lian Huahua meant.

"Sister Huahua, whatever you have to say, just say it," Lian Manman said, carrying her basket and walking past Lian Huahua with Zhang Caiyun toward the house.

Lian Huahua hurried to follow, but because the two little puppies were circling at Lian Manman’s heels, she didn’t dare come too close.

"Manman," Lian Huahua called out somewhat urgently. She had gone through great lengths to convince Lian Lanlan to help her, shaking off Aunt Sun and Xiao Hong—just so she could talk to Lian Manman alone. If Lian Manman went back now, all her effort would be wasted. "We sisters haven’t had a good talk in ages. Manman, you..."

"Sister Huahua, why so rushed? Let’s go inside where we can talk slowly," Lian Manman said, turning her head slightly and speaking coolly.

"Manman, it’s something important—something not quite convenient to discuss... Manman..." Lian Huahua pleaded.

Lian Manman paused her steps briefly, changing her previous thought. Listening to whatever Lian Huahua had to say could at least offer insight into her intentions—what she wanted and how she thought.

Knowing oneself and one’s opponent is critical.

With this in mind, Lian Manman handed her vegetable basket to Zhang Caiyun.

Zhang Caiyun took the basket, using her eyes to inquire whether Lian Manman needed her to stay. She worried that leaving Lian Manman alone might lead her to being taken advantage of by Lian Huahua.

Lian Manman blinked reassuringly at Zhang Caiyun—after all, when she visited the Song Family of the County City before, she hadn’t feared Lian Huahua. Now they were on her own turf; was there any reason to worry about whatever tricks Lian Huahua might play? If Lian Huahua wanted to stir up trouble, it certainly wouldn’t be Lian Manman who suffered or lost face—it would undoubtedly be Lian Huahua herself.

She signaled Zhang Caiyun to take the vegetables back first, also asking her to escort the two puppies away.