Stage 69: General Store

As they strolled down the bustling street, Lixin couldn't help but detect a lingering worry etched across Zeyu's face. Though he was no longer making exaggerated pleas to his mother, the furrowed brow and the occasional sidelong glances in Lixin's direction revealed his ongoing concern.

Lixin couldn't help but wonder why Zeyu was so concerned about his parents finding out. At 19, he was technically an adult, even if only by a year. It puzzled Lixin why a simple, albeit slightly risqué, joke was causing his cousin such distress.

While thinking about it, Lixin realized that it wasn't just the joke itself but also Zeyu's parents' conservative values that were at play. From their earlier conversations, he remembered that Zeyu's family held traditional beliefs and had more reserved attitudes.