Chapter Twenty-Five: Startled and Frightened

Songli shook his head, not making a fuss at all.

Xin Gan remembered his background and felt a surge of sympathy.

After she woke up, there was a taste in her mouth—quite strong—which made her reluctant to speak. It lingered until they reached the next small town, where Cheng Jiu found a place for them to stay. Once the check-in was completed, she went straight to her room and brushed her teeth.

Only after brushing did she feel much better; the taste was nearly gone.

Songli stayed in a room with Cheng Jiu and the others, while she had her own, since Songli was, after all, a boy.

It was almost ten o'clock when they finally sat down for dinner. Cheng Jiu was absent; Xiao Shi brought Songli along to knock on Xin Gan’s door and invite her downstairs to find something to eat.

With Cheng Jiu away, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Xin Gan and Xiao Shi could chat a little, and Xiao Shi quickly befriended Songli, joking with him until Songli actually smiled.

Just as things were getting lively, Cheng Jiu came downstairs. At his appearance, Xiao Shi immediately called out, “Brother Nine, come eat!”

Cheng Jiu sat directly across from Xin Gan, facing her head-on. She felt awkward, shifted her body, avoided his gaze, and hurried to finish her meal.

Cheng Jiu wasn’t picky; most of the dishes were ordered by Xiao Shi, who knew his preferences well enough to choose almost everything Cheng Jiu liked.

“Brother Nine, are you tired? If you want, I can drive tomorrow,” Xiao Shi offered.

Cheng Jiu began eating, moving quickly—a habit cultivated over many years, always valuing efficiency. Without looking up, he replied to Xiao Shi’s question, “Then you can drive.”

Xiao Shi cheered, “Alright, Brother Nine!”

Xin Gan ate in silence. Her phone buzzed; it was a message from Shen Ruxin, still asking when she would return.

Ever since Shen Ruxin heard about her plans, she had been urging her to come back to Yong City, afraid that something might happen to her in the North Isles.

The North Isles had been turbulent lately, not very safe.

Xin Gan replied: Once I’ve sorted out the child’s matter, I’ll come back. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. Cousin, please take care of your health.

Suddenly, Xiao Shi asked, “Miss Xin, how are you feeling now? Are you alright?”

He was referring to her motion sickness.

Xin Gan answered, “I’m fine, much better now.”

“That’s good. You really scared me, even Brother Nine was startled.”

Xin Gan paused.

…

The small inn was run by locals, with few out-of-town guests. It was the off-season, so it was very quiet—thankfully not crowded, convenient to get around, and prices weren’t too steep.

Songli could bathe himself. Xin Gan handed him his clothes and let him wash in the bathroom alone.

Outside, the sound of knocking came. Xin Gan opened the door to see Xiao Shi standing there, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. “Miss Xin, is Songli ready?”

“Almost,” she replied.

Tomorrow they'd be on the road again, so they needed an early night. They finished dinner near ten-thirty. The inn operated around the clock; the night-shift front desk clerk had changed to a local young man with an even heavier accent.

Cheng Jiu was leaning against the corridor wall, smoking. When Xin Gan opened her door, she caught a whiff of smoke. She glanced at him by chance, but didn’t linger for more than a second before looking away.

Songli finished his bath and was promptly taken by Xiao Shi to their room to get ready for bed.

After a day in the car, everyone was exhausted.

The bed was somewhat hard, the blanket had a smell, there was no air-conditioning, and the environment was far from ideal, but she had no choice but to stay.

Wrapped tightly in the covers, she finally lay down to rest. Until midnight, when she was awakened by commotion outside. Someone seemed to be shouting for help. She didn’t dare open the door to see what was happening. Just as she considered contacting Xiao Shi and the others, her door was knocked on again—this time by Xiao Shi.

“Miss Xin, wake up, hurry! It’s Xiao Shi, come out quickly!”