"Celery, eight yuan per kilogram."

A burly man tied a few stalks of messy celery with a delicate white rope and handed them to Merka, who was carrying a brownish-gray cloth bag.

Merka shook his head, hesitating to take them.

"Isn't this a bit too expensive..."

The big man crossed his arms and patiently explained to Merka.

"These are all vegetables from the south, transported day and night by magicians."

"If you find it expensive, take a look at tomatoes, cucumbers, they are cheaper."

Merka glanced at the colorful vegetables and fruits and sighed, but still accepted the celery.

He wanted to show off his cooking skills to Turing and needed celery for a signature dish.

Although he had some money now, poverty had left an indelible mark on Merka's soul, leaving behind a lasting habit of frugality.

"So... Turing?"

"Turing?"

Merka turned around and found that Turing, who had been following behind him, was gone, surrounded by people picking goods.

"You mean the little sister who was following you just now."

The burly man crossed his arms and chatted with Merka with great interest.

"Um, sorry, she's not my sister, she's..."

Merka wanted to say she was his girlfriend, but he felt that his relationship with Turing was not as simple as that. But at the same time, he didn't think it was appropriate to say Turing was his fiancée.

"Isn't she your sister?"

Seeing Merka's hesitation, the stall owner frowned, and his expression visibly turned unfriendly.

Merka understood immediately and realized that he couldn't casually reveal his relationship with Turing.

"Young man, you shouldn't have any improper intentions towards such a young girl..."

The stall owner's eyes suddenly became guarded, and his muscles tensed, as if he was ready to call the police and apprehend Merka.

Seeing this, Merka shook his head helplessly and tried to give another explanation.

"Sorry, she really is my sister."

"Did you see where she went just now?"

I'm not a pedophile, she just happens to be younger than me.

Merka forced a wry smile and thought to himself.

Although the stall owner still had a look of doubt in his eyes, he didn't seem as dangerous as before.

"She walked towards the jewelry store behind you just now."

"If she's your sister, make sure you keep an eye on her so she doesn't get lost in the crowd."

She won't get lost...

Merka found the stall owner's words amusing, but in a moment, a sense of loneliness and desolation overwhelmed him.

For the people of Acadia, this thirteen or fourteen-year-old age was just an immature and inarticulate stage.

But Turing's resilient and mature personality, far beyond her age, had always made Merka overlook this fact.

She was so strong, so strong that it was impossible to associate her with a child. Everyone had to subconsciously treat her as an adult. Turing, who had experienced countless trials and tribulations, was like a formidable iron beast with a blade-like body and sword-like bones. Indomitable and invincible, she could withstand any test and remain unscathed. But she was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Unconsciously, Merka made the same mistake. Despite being the young lady of the Altria family, the most beautiful Smoke Fairy at the Smoke Fairy Festival, and the perfect smoke cigar, she was first and foremost just a little girl. "Please don't worry... " "I won't let her get lost." "Never." Merka's firm and resolute words stunned the vendor in front of her, but he quickly responded with his loud voice and patted her shoulder. "Oh, this is more like it!" Merka nodded and bid farewell to the vendor. Holding a cloth bag, she strode towards the jewelry store.

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"Oh no, I don't have a single penny on me right now." "Usually, I wouldn't dare leave without carrying a seven-figure fortune in gold coins." Turing was attracted into the jewelry store on the roadside by the shining golden light. But just as she delightedly selected the dazzling jewelry displayed on the counter, she suddenly remembered that she didn't have a penny on her. "My ring was crushed on the day I watched the meteor shower, which means that the token of our love between Merka and me is gone." "I'm really mad." "Although I want to buy a pair of rings to match Merka's, since I have no money..." "I can only say it next time." Slightly lifting her head, Turing saw the salesperson behind the counter wearing gold and silver jewelry, patiently explaining the value of the jewelry here and their competitiveness compared to other jewelry stores. Turing suddenly came up with an idea. "Why not use my face?" "If I remove the backdrop now, there should be no one here who doesn't recognize me." "Hello, I would like to redeem my ring." A kind and elderly voice came from beside Turing. The old and tender voice was like the black charcoal burning in a fireplace, passionate and ancient.