Although Ruan Xingzhuo didn’t say anything, Chen Yu understood everything.
What he meant was obvious — it’s dangerous precisely because you’ll be following her everywhere.
Ruan Xingyao couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at Ruan Xingzhuo.
This kid truly cared about his sister.
She said, “Alright, don’t worry so much about me. Focus on your classes at school, I’ll try to come back as soon as I can.”
Ruan Xingzhuo didn’t say anything more after that.
Since it was still early, Ruan Xingyao suggested going to the mall.
Since she was about to go on a business trip, she might as well stock up on things that would help her be self-sufficient.
The four of them swept through the nearest mall, buying piles of food and supplies.
After checking out, Ruan Xingyao turned to Chen Yu and said, “Assistant Chen, all these are for work, right? The boss should reimburse me, shouldn’t he?”
Chen Yu replied, “I’ll file for reimbursement.”
Even if the boss didn’t approve it, he would cover it himself.
Ruan Xingyao could read Chen Yu’s thoughts at a glance.
With a satisfied smile, she said, “Good. As long as I’m not the one paying and working at the same time, everything’s fine.”
Otherwise, she really would have been unhappy.
Chen Yu was long familiar with her money-minded nature and didn’t find it strange at all.
He said, “Of course.”
After that, the four of them returned home.
Chen Yu had just parked the car when he saw two figures walking out of the building — Xie Lin and Yi Wenxue.
The moment Ruan Xingyao saw Yi Wenxue, her eyes lit up with joy.
She ran over and threw herself into his arms. “Seventeenth Senior Brother!”
Yi Wenxue opened his arms and caught her, smiling. “So excited, huh?”
Ruan Xingyao said, “Seventeenth Senior Brother, do you have any idea how much I missed you?”
Yi Wenxue gently tapped her forehead. “Did you miss me, or did you miss having me around to help you?”
Ruan Xingyao grumbled, “You don’t have to say it out loud. You’re still my favorite senior brother!”
She really had been so busy lately — she truly needed Yi Wenxue’s help.
People are like that: when there’s no one to rely on, you can carry everything on your own shoulders.
But once someone you can lean on appears, your entire mindset changes.
Yi Wenxue couldn’t help laughing at her clingy behavior. “Master really ought to see what you’re like now.”
Ruan Xingyao shook her head and said, “If only Master could come too — that would be perfect.”
She was still looking forward to it with hope in her eyes.
Yi Wenxue saw that mix of expectation and disappointment in her gaze.
He wanted to comfort her, but in the end, he said nothing.
He decided not to tell Ruan Xingyao—for now—the real reason it had taken him so long to come to Ning City.
The truth was, he’d been trying to find a way to reestablish contact with their Master and the others.
Since he had somehow crossed into this world and become the ancestor of the Yi family, there had to be something hidden within the Yi family estate that caused this phenomenon.
If he could find that clue, then perhaps it would be possible to reconnect with the Beast Taming Sect.
Maybe—just maybe—it could even allow them to travel freely between worlds.
But of course, that was a beautiful dream.
Reality, as it turned out, was far more unforgiving.
It had made it painfully clear to him that such a thing wouldn’t be easy.
Yi Wenxue didn’t want to disappoint Ruan Xingyao, so he chose not to tell her any of this.
Ruan Xingyao didn’t pry either.
She simply assumed he had been busy handling matters related to the Yi family these past few months.
After all, the huge case she had stirred up within the Yi family had already turned their world upside down.
There was a closeness between Ruan Xingyao and Yi Wenxue that no one else could fit into—it was as if there was an invisible barrier surrounding them, completely shutting everyone else out.
Xie Lin cleared his throat softly, drawing Ruan Xingyao’s attention.
He said, “Yaoyao, this business trip might be dangerous. I’ve applied to accompany you.”
Ruan Xingyao looked at him in surprise for a few seconds before responding with a casual “Oh.”
She said, “Then I’ll be in your care, Captain Xie.”
If he wanted to come along, she didn’t mind.
It didn’t make much difference to her.
Then Ruan Xingyao turned back to Yi Wenxue and asked, “Seventeenth Senior Brother, will you be coming with me too?”
Yi Wenxue replied, “That depends on whether your superior approves.”
He truly was worried about her—so when he found out she would be traveling, he rushed here immediately.
And he had already made up his mind: even if her boss didn’t approve, he would follow her quietly.
He wasn’t about to let Ruan Xingyao face danger alone.
Yi Wenxue looked to Chen Yu and asked, “Mr. Chen, may I join the mission?”
Chen Yu replied, “I’ll put in the request.”
Although he wasn’t entirely happy about it, he had to admit that Yi Wenxue’s presence would be a great help to Ruan Xingyao.
And since it was something beneficial for her, Chen Yu would make sure it happened—no matter what.
“Alright, let’s go upstairs first,” Ruan Xingyao said.
They still had a full day to prepare—no need to rush.
The group headed upstairs together.
As soon as the door opened, Baiyi came bounding toward Ruan Xingyao, barking nonstop.
“Werwerwerwer! Werwerwerwer!”
【Xingxing! You’re finally back!】
It had been so bored at home!
If it weren’t afraid of being scolded by Xingxing for wrecking the place, it probably would’ve chewed a table leg just to pass the time.
Ruan Xingyao bent down to pick up Baiyi, flicked its little head, and said,
“You little rascal, what kind of trouble were you planning to get into at home?”
Baiyi immediately barked in protest.
“Wer wer wer wer! Wer wer wer wer!”
【Stinky Xingxing, how could you accuse me of that? I’m such a good dog!】
Ruan Xingyao couldn’t help but laugh. She pinched Baiyi’s ear and said,
“Alright, alright. Since our Baiyi baby is such a good boy, you deserve a reward. Come on, we brought you something delicious — go eat it.”
It was some boiled meat they’d brought back from the hot pot restaurant.
That restaurant hadn’t exaggerated — their ingredients were really top-notch.
So before they left, Ruan Xingyao had asked the waiter to boil some vegetables and meat for Baiyi.
Two big packed meal boxes, filled to the brim — a clear sign of how much Ruan Xingyao doted on Baiyi.
Baiyi had already smelled the hot pot scent on them the moment they came home.
Hearing that Ruan Xingyao had brought food for him, he immediately wriggled to jump out of her arms, unable to control his drooling.
“Wer wer wer wer! Wer wer wer wer!”
【Xingxing! You’re too good to dog! I’ll be your dog for life! I’ll love you forever!】
Ruan Xingyao clicked her tongue.
This little rascal — only now does he promise to stay with me forever.
Before this, he was always thinking about his mom.
Still, she wasn’t jealous — instead, she felt a warm, gentle happiness.
A dog’s love really is the purest kind.
Baiyi was already buried in his food, eating with gusto.
Ruan Xingyao watched him tenderly.
After thinking for a moment, she turned to Chen Yu and asked,
“Chen Yu, can I bring Baiyi along on the business trip?”
— The end of the Chapter–
TL note : Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 50 chapters of the release :
https://www.patreon.com/DeCakraWnloverz
