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Frowning, she called out softly, “Lil Lin, Lil Tian, Lil Mu, where are you?”

The words had barely left her mouth when the curtain was suddenly lifted by someone outside.

The person’s back was facing the light, making it difficult for her to recognize who it was right away. Judging from their figure, however, it did not seem to be the coachman. Narrowing her eyes, she demanded warily, “Who are you?”

At that moment, she finally realized something was wrong.

The three boys were gone, and the coachman was nowhere to be seen either.

Could they have been killed by robbers while she was asleep?

She had not sensed the slightest commotion, though—how deeply had she been sleeping?

The thought made her heart sink, and she reached for the dagger in her sleeve.

Just then, the person squeezed themself into the carriage.

Ji’er’s gaze turned sharp as she thrust her dagger forward.

To her surprise, the intruder made no move to dodge.

The dagger in her hand plunged straight into their arm.

The smell of blood instantly permeated the carriage.

She could hear the sound of the sharp blade piercing flesh, but the person remained silent as if they were not capable of feeling pain.

While she was still frozen in bewilderment, the person abruptly reached out and pulled her into their arms.

Snapping out of her daze, Ji’er grimaced and wrenched her dagger out for another stab, but went rigid when she smelled the man’s familiar scent.

Clunk!

The dagger fell from her grasp with a dull thud.

“Ji’er…” The man’s voice was hoarse—as if he had not spoken for a long time—but there was a great sense of relief in it.

Goosebumps immediately formed all over her arms.

She had adjusted her vision to the dark, and with the help of the dim light shining in from outside, she finally had a clear view of the man’s face.

“Lil Qi…” At the sight of the man’s weathered and haggard complexion, Ji’er could not help herself from crying out softly.

Chu Qi did not speak; he merely tightened his arms around her.

Guilt welled up in Ji’er. Remembering that she had just stabbed him, she caught hold of his arm to examine it. “I’m sorry, Lil Qi. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t know it was you…”

Chu Qi continued to embrace her without a word.

Just when Ji’er was wondering if he was about to hold her until the end of time, he raised his head and murmured wearily, “Physical pain is nothing. Ji’er, this is where it really hurts.” In a flash, he grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart.

Ji’er’s fingers trembled, and she felt even more remorseful.

Apparently, she had hurt him by leaving without saying goodbye.

It made her feel horrible. After a long time, she sighed and asked quietly, “Lil Qi, do you hate me?”

When she was still at the West Water Frontier, she did expect that he would be sad for some time after her departure. However, now that she was seeing him again, she realized it was hardly as simple as she had imagined.

She thought he would be fine without her, just like those years he had been away.

He had left for a good many years just to avoid her, so she assumed it would not take long for him to get used to her absence.

However, the truth turned out to be contrary to her assumptions.

“Ji’er, promise me you’ll never leave us again.” Chu Qi’s voice was soft—as if he was afraid of startling her.

Ji’er did not answer him directly. “I heard that Mother’s ill. I’m worried about her.”

Chu Qi could sense her evasion, and pain flashed through his eyes.

He was quiet for a while. In the end, he did not press her for an immediate promise.

He was already thankful enough that he could find her.

“Let’s go back and see her together.”

Ji’er hesitated.

She was not sure what to do after returning home. Would she be able to face her father calmly? Or… would she leave once again?