Chapter 73 - Recurring Incidents

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Song Yi, who had once lost hope in life, felt the spark rekindle even though there could be people lurking in the shadows, waiting to harm him.

Ding Yao had wanted to wait and see, but she did not expect her uncle, Lin Hu, to make another move so soon. Two of General Long’s subordinates rushed over from the capital that night. They had come under the orders of General Long to protect Ding Yao because they discovered one of Lin Hu’s bodyguards in Spirit Creek Town’s vicinity.

General Long’s subordinates had been keeping tabs on Lin Hu’s bodyguard and learned he had gone to Yaohe Village, just a stone’s throw away from Spirit Stone Village.

General Long had ten personal guards bearing his surname as a title. The two who had arrived were Long Liu and Long San, ranked sixth and third, respectively. Song Xiuyan arranged for them to stay in the guest room.

The next morning, Wen Jiang, her mother’s cousin, his wife, Xu Zhizhi, and a strange man knocked on Song Xiuyan’s door. Wen Jiang was about thirty years old and had an honest look. Ding Yao remembered as much sifting through the memories of her current body.

Wen Jiang and his wife would visit Spirit Stone Village bearing gifts even after the passing of her current body’s mother. The couple treated her current identity with sincerity and kindness, addressing them affectionately as uncle and aunt. Ding Yao adapted her mannerisms according to those she remembered.

When Wen Jiang and Xu Zhizhi saw Ding Yao, they inquired about her current situation and were surprised to hear her speak again. The couple were truly happy for Ding Yao and explained the purpose of their visit.

Ding Yao’s maternal grandmother in the capital, Wen Huiying, who was also Lin Hu and Lin Nanzhi’s mother and Wen Jiang’s aunt, was now seriously ill and did not have much time left.

She wanted to meet the rest of her family before she passed, expressing her deep concern for her granddaughter, Ding Yao. Being the filial son, Lin Hu quickly sent someone to the countryside to bring her and the rest of the family to the capital. Wen Jiang’s parents were too old and could not undergo the long journey to the capital, so they would remain with the children while he and his wife represented the younger generation.

“I’ve heard from your uncle that you aren’t willing to go to the capital. Don’t worry. I’ll bring you back as soon as we see your grandmother,” Wen Jiang said.

Her aunt, Xu Zhizhi, clasped Ding Yao’s hands, gently persuading her, “Ding Yao, you’re a good, sensible girl. We’ll come back together, I promise. Let’s go and see your grandmother, okay?”

“You haven’t seen your grandma in a long while. She doesn’t have much time left. You don’t want her to pass on with regrets, do you?”

The man following the couple hurriedly interjected, “Miss Ding Yao, my name is Lin Qiang. Boss Hu is afraid you’ll misunderstand, so he asked me to tell you that it’s your choice whether you would like to stay in the capital or not.”

Ling Qiang’s words and Wen Jiang’s promise made it difficult for Ding Yao to refuse. She turned to Song Xiuyan somewhat hesitantly and said, “I’ll… make a trip there.”

Song Xiuyan nodded with mixed feelings. “If you want to go, then go.”

It was a topic they had discussed previously. They would not cower in fear even if Lin Hu decided to pull more tricks.

Seeing Song Xiuyan’s worry, Ding Yao whispered mischievously in his ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.” It was just a trip to the capital; there should not be anything for her to worry about. Not only was she trained in self-defence, but she was also a capable medical practitioner; she would not die so easily.

Moreover, Long Liu and Long San would protect her from the shadows. Ding Yao wanted to know what Lin Hu was scheming, or rather, what his next move would be.

Hearing Ding Yao’s words, Lin Qiang’s face lit up joyfully. “There’s no time like the present! We’ll set off for the capital immediately.”

What was the rush? Well, it did not matter. Song Xiuyan had already reminded Ding Yao several times to be careful. She could probably rehearse his whole speech backwards if prompted.

Ding Yao did not have much to bring with her. She packed two sets of clothes to change, and that was it.

Song Xue’s eyes were red as she tugged at Ding Yao’s luggage worriedly, “Sister Ding Yao. You’ll come back, won’t you?”

Ding Yao nodded. “I’ll… come back.”

Song Xue was still worried, her small fingers hooking onto Ding Yao’s clothes. It was only after a while that she reluctantly let go.

Song Yu also did not want Ding Yao to leave. What if sister Ding Yao did not return?

He had just settled on a goal in life – to study medicine. If Ding Yao did not come back and he could not study under her, he would be devastated. Though he was as worried as his sister for Ding Yao’s safety, he could not allow himself to cry. He would be strong and follow his big brother’s example.