Gu Qinghan quickly composed himself.

Let other young couples enjoy their romance—it was none of his business.

After all, he and Liana weren’t in that kind of relationship.

So there was only one thing left for him to do:

Head home ASAP.

Half an hour later.

Having located the market, Gu Qinghan dove into shopping with the eager thrill of an adventurer unlocking a treasure chest.

Meanwhile, Liana let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She’d worried he might lead her somewhere strange… and do something shameful.

Turns out, she’d overthought it.

Time flew.

By the time they finished, noon was near.

Gu Qinghan smiled contentedly at his bulging bags—just looking at the food made his mouth water.

First came long-term staples.

To minimize unnecessary outings and avoid triggering unwanted events, he needed to stay home.

Cured meats, sausages, pickled cucumbers, honey—essential.

A full ten pounds, enough to last weeks.

Honey, if pure, never spoiled. Spread on bread or stirred into warm milk—it was delicious.

Thanks to sterilization and this world’s unique roasting methods, the preserved goods burst with flavor.

Dried cheese, goat’s milk, white bread, butter, fresh fruits…

He also grabbed short-term perishables.

No wonder—yesterday’s black bread had been utterly unpalatable.

Total cost: five silver coins.

A bit steep, but worth every coin.

Gu Qinghan grinned at his haul.

Liana, however, froze.

She stared from his overflowing bags to her own scrawny one, cheeks flushing slightly.

No comparison, no hurt.

Her purchases? A few slices of black bread, three eggs, a sliver of beef, some green peppers.

She’d meant to celebrate Richard’s new job…

Why did it look so pitiful?

“What’s wrong?”

Gu Qinghan noticed her burning gaze and frowned.

“…”

Liana bit her lip lightly and shook her head.

“Let’s go.”

Flustered, she turned to leave.

Gu Qinghan watched her retreating figure, puzzled, and followed.

Vendors called out along the bustling street; savory scents drifted from food stalls.

Liana clenched her teeth, quickening her pace.

A strange warmth tingled her cheeks.

The City of Devoted Love wasn’t wealthy, but far better than her village.

She’d never seen whole roasted livestock on ordinary tables.

Never seen anyone buy groceries like Gu Qinghan—like a raid.

*How does he have so much money? He’s never even worked.*

*If only Richard were this well-off…*

*No. How dare I compare them? Richard’s my fiancé—he’s far superior to Mr. Hohenheim.*

She shook her head firmly.

Just then, a vendor’s cry cut through her thoughts:

“Pigeon soup! Fresh pigeon soup! Stew one for your tired loved one!”

Rich aroma, tender meat, warm tone…

Liana stopped, staring blankly at the steaming bowl.

“Want some?” Gu Qinghan asked casually.

“N-no, it’s fine,” she bit out, turning away.

Gu Qinghan watched her go, then smirked.

*Tsundere thoughts really are written all over her face.*

…

The main route was crowded, so Gu Qinghan took a quieter path.

Guided by game memories, he found it:

a dim, narrow alley.

Desolate. Rarely used. A chill clung to the entrance.

Today’s spending needed offsetting—he’d sell spare potions at the alley’s shop.

Liana, unaware, paled slightly.

“Where are we going?” she asked, voice timid, cheeks faintly pink.

“To earn some coin. I’ll sell potions at the general store down the alley.”

He took a few steps, then turned back.

Three meters away, Liana stood frozen.

Her frame trembled; fear flickered in her eyes.

“Aren’t we heading straight home?” she whispered, lips pressed tight.

Gu Qinghan shook his head. “No.”

“A… store… here?”

“At the alley’s end.”

“In that pitch-black spot?”

“Yes.”

“A place where no one would see if someone… harmed me?”

Gu Qinghan: ?

He finally saw the terror on her face.

“You’re quite experienced at this, Mr. Hohenheim,” Liana said slowly, voice trembling, eyes glistening, lips quivering.

“In a deserted alley… even if you brought people to do *that* to me… no one would notice, right?”

“Couldn’t you wait until home to… do those shameless things?”

Gu Qinghan: ?

“Or… are you selling my body? Hosting some orgy?”

Gu Qinghan: ???

He burst out: “What the hell is in your head, you idiot?!”

He huffed, cutting off her spiral.

“Eh?” Liana blinked, bewildered.

“Isn’t it…?”

“Of course not! What twisted logic jumps to *that*?!” Gu Qinghan facepalmed.

“I’m selling potions alone. You wait right here. Don’t move.”

He turned and strode off without looking back.

Liana stood frozen, wind tousling her hair.

Long moments passed.

He was really gone.

“Eh?”

Still dazed, she wondered: *Was it all just a misunderstanding?*

…

Half an hour later.

Gu Qinghan stepped out of the shop refreshed, jingling a plump coin purse with a smug grin.

Liana’s face burned; she stayed silent.

She’d misunderstood him again.

Why did she keep doing this?

Yet Mr. Hohenheim didn’t seem upset.

“Guess how much I earned?” he asked, playful.

Liana shook her head slowly.

“Three gold, four silver.” He held up three fingers, smiling calmly.

Liana froze.

Her entire shopping cost five copper coins.

Three gold could feed a family for half a year.

This…

A flicker of longing stirred.

For the first time, Gu Qinghan seemed shrouded in mystery.

“Oh—here.” He tossed her a small bundle.

“Mmph!” She caught it hastily, clutching it tight.

“What is it?”

Warmth seeped into her palms.

Gu Qinghan’s smile turned knowing.

“A reward for your trouble. Two roasted pigeons. The shop had them. Make it for Richard—he worked hard last night. He deserves nourishment.”

Tears pricked Liana’s eyes.

*A general store… selling pigeons?*

*Only one vendor sold them—the one we passed.*

Softly, lips parting, face crimson, she whispered:

“Liar.”

Then she quickened her steps, catching up to Gu Qinghan.