That evening, Qinghe found Yan on the clinic roof, watching the lanterns along the orchard path. The yard was quiet except for the shift change inside. A runner crossed below with the updated route map tucked under one arm.
She climbed the ladder and joined him by the low wall. “Ning said you spent the afternoon carrying crates.”
“Bai said I should choose a job that didn’t require me to stand guard on every road.”
“He was right.”
Yan looked at her. “You don’t even have to pretend to take my side?”
“I can take your side and say you were trying to be everywhere.” She sat on the wall, leaving space between them. “The supply plan is better now. The mill has a schedule, and the clinic has a route lead.”
“I like knowing that people can act while I’m away.”
“You looked relieved when the alternate took over during the drill.”
