Just as everyone thought the fire would burn everything to the ground before it finally died out, the sky suddenly filled with roiling black clouds, and the first torrential downpour in four months began to fall.
The rain extinguished the rampant flames, washing away the sin and sorrow. From the ruins of broken walls, streams of black, sooty water flowed endlessly. Faint moans could occasionally be heard, but they were drowned out by the drumming of the heavy rain. Even if someone did hear, they pretended not to—after burning for so long, anyone rescued would be beyond saving. It was a mercy just to let them die.
After daybreak, Laixi stood in the crowd, his heart trembling as he gazed at the blackened ruins. He was secretly relieved that his family's poverty had spared them. Because they lacked silver, their shop was located at the far end of the street. His aunt's shop was on New Street, so neither had been affected.
