Daqin: The beginning of the collapse of the sky, sweeping across the Western Regions

The shopkeeper smiled and said to Yan Lingji: "Miss, I see that you are tired from traveling all the way, so I specially prepared some hot meals for you. I hope it can help you relieve some of your fatigue."

Yan Lingji took the tray gratefully and said with a smile: "Thank you for your concern, shopkeeper. You are so polite."

The shopkeeper smiled and nodded, then turned and left.

Yan Lingji closed the door and put the tray on the table.

She looked at the food on the plate and felt a warm feeling in her heart.

These seemingly ordinary foods contain the shopkeeper's thoughtfulness.

She picked up the chopsticks and slowly savored every bite of the food, feeling the deliciousness and warmth.

After dinner, Yan Lingji leaned against the window, quietly looking at the starry sky outside.

The stars are twinkling in the night sky, like sparkling gems inlaid in the black sky.

She counted the stars silently, and her heart gradually calmed down.

In the simple room of the shop, Yan Lingji sat quietly at the table, her eyes fixed on the bustling street outside the window.

The dinner she had just finished was prepared for her personally by the innkeeper, which made her feel a moment of warmth and satisfaction.

However, this tranquility did not last long. Just as she was about to stand up and take a short rest, a sudden knock on the door broke the silence of the room.

Yan Lingji's heart skipped a beat, and her expression instantly became serious.

In this strange city, she couldn't predict the identity of the person knocking on the door and had to be cautious.

She tiptoed towards the door, taking every step carefully, afraid to make any noise.

Instead of asking directly who it was, she chose to peek outside through the crack in the door first.

The corridor outside the door was empty, but the knock on the door sounded again, which made Yan Lingji even more nervous.

Yan Lingji couldn't help but wonder, who was knocking on her door?

Did someone discover my whereabouts? Or was there something else going on?

Her heart was filled with anxiety and doubt, and she decided to handle it carefully.

She tiptoed to the door and looked out cautiously through the crack, but didn't see anyone.

The knock on the door sounded again, this time the sound was clearer, crisper and louder, as if urgently urging Yan Lingji to open the door.

Yan Lingji couldn't help but frown, wondering whether she should respond to the knock on the door.

After all, being in this strange environment, she couldn't be sure whether the person outside the door was a friend or an enemy.

Just then, she finally made up her mind and slowly opened the door.

When Yan Lingji carefully pushed open the door, her eyes immediately met the innkeeper's wife standing outside the door.

The proprietress had a friendly smile on her face, and she seemed completely unaware of Yan Lingji's inner nervousness and vigilance.

She said gently, "Miss, have you finished your lunch? I can come in and clean up the dishes."

The proprietress' voice is soft and caring, which makes people feel warm.

Yan Lingji immediately understood that the knock on the door was made by the landlady.

She couldn't help feeling embarrassed and a blush appeared on her face.

She quickly stepped back, opened the door, and signaled the landlady that she could enter the room.

"I'm sorry, I…I thought it was someone else."

Yan Lingji explained somewhat embarrassedly, secretly blaming herself for being too alert.

The proprietress walked into the room with a smile, holding a tray with clean dishes and a teapot on it.

She placed the tray on the table and began to clear the dishes.

Yan Lingji quietly watched the busy figure of the proprietress and gradually relaxed.

She realized that she might have been too defensive around strangers, and that maybe not everyone had bad intentions.

While cleaning up, the proprietress chatted with Yan Lingji.

She asked Yan Lingji how she felt about her stay here and whether there was anything that needed improvement.

Yan Lingji felt the enthusiasm and sincerity of the proprietress, and gradually let down her guard, chatting with her more and more speculatively.

She found that although the proprietress was ordinary, she was kind-hearted and helpful.

This kind of sincere communication made Yan Lingji feel extremely happy, and she began to re-examine her attitude towards others.

Perhaps, there are still many people in this world who are worthy of trust.

The proprietress waved her hand gently to indicate that she didn't mind, then walked lightly into the room.

Her eyes fell on the empty plates on the table, a gratified smile appeared on the corners of her mouth, and she asked softly: "It seems that you are very satisfied with our food! I wonder if these meals are to your taste?"

Yan Lingji nodded sincerely and said gratefully, "It's delicious. Thank you for the hospitality, Madam Boss."

Her tone was full of sincerity, and the conversation with the proprietress made her feel gradually relaxed.

The proprietress cleared the dishes from the table swiftly, her movements skillful and elegant.

While she was busy, she said gently: "If you have any other needs, please feel free to let me know."

After saying that, she smiled slightly, turned around and left the room.

The proprietress had just walked to the door and was about to do something else when she suddenly heard a gentle voice behind her: "Please wait a moment."

Although the sound was not loud, the proprietress still caught it keenly.

She turned around curiously and found Yan Lingji standing quietly at the door, with a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

The proprietress raised her eyebrows and looked at Yan Lingji with an inquiring look, waiting for her to continue speaking.

Encouraged by the proprietress's warm gaze, Yan Lingji walked gently back to the room, holding her purse tightly in her hand.

For the first time in this strange city, she felt a little at ease.

She opened her purse and took out some coins.

She selected the coins carefully, wanting to come up with enough to buy a few local costumes while leaving some for emergencies.

Yan Lingji knew that she needed to integrate into this new environment and did not want to attract unnecessary attention because of her outfit, especially the attention of Bai Yifei's group.

Yan Lingji handed the money in her hand to the proprietress and whispered, "Excuse me, I would like to ask you to buy me some local clothes. They should be elegant and not too gorgeous. I... I don't want to attract attention."

The proprietress nodded knowingly and took the money. She knew Yan Lingji's concerns and said, "I understand. Don't worry. Although Longdu is prosperous, there are always some low-key good things."

"I know a few old friends who make clothes. They have good skills and the clothes they make are suitable and not conspicuous."

Hearing the lady boss say this, Yan Lingji felt relieved. She bowed deeply and said, "Thank you very much, really."

The proprietress smiled and waved her hands. "What's the big deal? We're all out here, so it's only natural for us to help each other. Please wait here for a moment. I'll be back soon."

Yan Lingji stood at the door, looking at the proprietress's receding back, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.