The stairs leading toward the shrine were far narrower than they had appeared from below.
Barely three people could walk side by side, and with the festival crowd steadily pushing upward to receive blessings, even that small amount of space was quickly disappearing.
Lanterns hung along the railings, swaying whenever someone brushed past them. The warm lights illuminated the stone steps, while the sounds of conversation, laughter, and distant temple bells blended into the night.
Xu Jin and Chen were climbing side by side. Yun Hu was comfortably nestled in Chen's arms, apparently unconcerned about the chaos around him.
Xu Jin, on the other hand, was trying his best not to lose sight of Chen.
Then someone behind them suddenly rushed forward.
"Excuse me!"
The person accidentally bumped hard into Xu Jin's shoulder. Xu Jin lost his balance.
His foot slipped dangerously close to the edge of the step.
"Xu Jin!"
