A cup of antidote was consumed, and whether it was truly effective or merely a psychological effect, the person felt that the abdominal pain had eased significantly. After lying on the ground for a while, he slowly stood up, supporting himself with the furniture.
Xing Ruyi glanced at his complexion and realized that he was no longer in serious danger. She held Yin Yuan and intended to leave. Unexpectedly, the man stumbled over, disregarding his disheveled appearance, and clasped his hands in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, miss, for saving my life."
"You're too kind; it was not me who saved you, but my child," Xing Ruyi replied, playfully teasing Yin Yuan. Unfortunately, Yin Yuan appeared somewhat displeased and wore a cold expression. Finding it uninteresting, Xing Ruyi decided to focus and advised the man, "Next time remember, when consuming snails, do not eat fava beans."
The man smiled wryly and shook his head. "After this incident, I wouldn't dare indulge again."
"That's very good!" Xing Ruyi said with a slight smile. "If you have any more at home, feel free to send some to my rouge shop. I have a fox at home that loves them dearly."
"Sure! Since Ruyi likes them, I will instruct my wife to send all the snails from our household to you. By the way, my surname is Zhang; the silk shop on the west side of the city is run by me. If you wish to tailor clothes, feel free to choose any fabric; consider it a gift from me to you, no charge at all."
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Zhang." Xing Ruyi nodded in response. Turning around, she saw Chang Tai and suddenly remembered the portrait in the yard officer's hand. She couldn't help but ask a few more questions: "Brother Chang, are you looking for someone? That portrait looks somewhat familiar."
"Really familiar?" Chang Tai's expression turned serious, and there was a hint of tension in his eyes. Seeing that Xing Ruyi's gaze remained fixed on the portrait, he instructed the yard officer to unfold it and lay it flat on the table.
It depicted a man around thirty years old; his features were quite ordinary except for his distinctive eyes, commonly referred to as 'Three White Eyes' in folklore. According to physiognomy texts, individuals with such eyes have complex personalities—often cold and indifferent with deep thoughts; they tend to act based on personal preferences and have a different sense of right and wrong compared to common people. Consequently, their actions can be controversial.
Xing Ruyi examined it closely and replied, "It does look somewhat familiar, but I can't quite recall where I've seen him." Her gaze fell on the accompanying text that read "Wanted," and her brows furrowed slightly as she looked up at Chang Tai.
"Recently, there have been many cases of missing children in the city. The authorities ordered me to patrol with my men after someone reported seeing this individual multiple times in the areas where incidents occurred. Unfortunately, despite searching for many days, we have yet to find him. Hearing that he seemed familiar to you made me somewhat anxious. This person is dangerous, especially since you are with a child; if you encounter him, please be extra cautious."
"I understand!" Xing Ruyi replied and glanced at the portrait again as a vague image surfaced in her mind. "Brother Chang has official duties; please take care as well. Criminals can act out of desperation."
Chang Tai responded and noticed that the Poisoned Person's complexion was gradually returning to normal. There was nothing else to handle in the teahouse, and since Young Master Yin was not accompanying Xing Ruyi today, and she was holding a child in her arms, he pondered for a moment before hesitantly speaking up, "Since we need to go to the street where the Rouge shop is to post a notice, why don't we go together, Fox Demon?"
"That sounds good. It's exhausting to carry this little one by myself. If Brother Chang accompanies me, it would be a great help," Xing Ruyi said, placing the drowsy Yin Yuan into Chang Tai's arms. The soft and cuddly child made Chang Tai feel as if he had been struck mute; even his movements became stiff. Seeing this, Xing Ruyi couldn't help but laugh.
"If Brother Chang gets married in the future, you will surely make a wonderful father."
"Is that so?" Chang Tai looked at Xing Ruyi, feeling a surge of warmth in his eyes as he tightened his grip on Yin Yuan.
Xing Ruyi avoided that intense gaze and shifted the topic to Yan Niang: "Yan Niang wouldn't want Brother Chang to remain single either. If you meet someone you like, you should seize the opportunity. As for the Fox Demon, she will always see you as an older brother, and I hope you can find a Sister-in-law soon to live a happy life together."
You should understand my feelings.
Chang Tai sighed inwardly; these words were stuck in his throat and he couldn't bring himself to say them.
As they stepped outside, they saw Azure Feather. Their eyes met, and Xing Ruyi smiled sweetly while Azure Feather deliberately looked away.
"Miss Azure Feather, are you here to join the excitement?"
"Ruyi." Azure Feather had no choice but to respond when she couldn't avoid her. "I came out to shop and heard that someone was poisoned in this teahouse. Out of curiosity, I came to take a look. I didn't expect to run into you, and that this Poisoned Person was saved by you."
"It was just a coincidence," Xing Ruyi replied, her gaze falling on the sorrowful mark on Azure Feather's neck. "How is the Rouge you bought that day? Is it still working well?"
"It's very effective," Azure Feather said, lowering her head slightly. "I just heard you mention time and how everything interacts with each other; it seems both fascinating and terrifying. I wonder if there are any other taboos regarding food besides not eating Snails and Fava Beans together?"
"There are indeed some! For example, the carp we often eat should not be consumed with licorice; chicken cannot be eaten with Chrysanthemum; winter bamboo shoots should not be paired with turtle meat; and beef should not be accompanied by Cyperus Rotundus. There are many similar combinations. If Miss Azure Feather is interested, she may visit the Rouge shop one day and let the Fox Demon explain it to you slowly."
"In that case, I must trouble you, Miss," Azure Feather said with a slight bow. "There is one more thing I would like to ask. If one accidentally consumes these incompatible foods, can they be resolved?"
"Not necessarily! Food poisoning, while not as deadly as a drop of Cinnabar, can still have varying consequences depending on the duration and quantity consumed. For example, eating pork and Water Chestnut together can cause abdominal pain but will not be fatal. In contrast, consuming snake meat with radish can lead to much more serious outcomes. However, there is no need to be overly cautious; consuming small amounts of incompatible foods will at most result in some abdominal pain or diarrhea."
"What if one consumes them for an extended period?"
"If the poison enters the organs, even if it is controllable, it cannot be reversed." Xing Ruyi emphasized this point deliberately. Unfortunately, Azure Feather did not seem to pay attention.
Upon returning to the Rouge shop, it was already late afternoon, and the fox had not yet returned. However, Madam Liu was anxiously pacing outside the hall. After asking the doorman, she learned that Madam Liu had arrived at the Rouge shop earlier and had been waiting for nearly three hours.
Hearing footsteps, Madam Liu looked up and saw that it was Xing Ruyi entering. Without regard for etiquette or appearance, she hurried over.
"Fox Demon, you have returned!"
"Seeing your expression, Madam, it seems you have urgent matters to discuss with the Fox Demon?"
"Hurry! Come back to my residence with me!" Madam Liu said without answering and pulled Xing Ruyi towards the exit.
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