Chapter Fourteen: A Request

Zhao Yuan let out a cold laugh without replying. He had never truly intended to leave—he knew that woman would try to stop him, so he had staged this scene on purpose.

Behind him came the teasing voice of the woman, making Zhao Yuan frown in distaste. This woman… she was far too frivolous.

“Zhao Yuan, they’re just rough folk. If they said anything offensive, please don’t take it to heart,” she said, coming to stand before him. She placed one hand on his shoulder and covered her mouth with the other as she laughed, her laughter so lively that Zhao Yuan could feel her body trembling.

This time, he didn’t push her hand away as directly as before. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the nearby door, silent, though his rigid demeanor softened considerably.

“They’re only worried about bad people sneaking in. There’s no malice in it,” she continued.

Zhao Yuan scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain, “I don’t know if any villains have gotten in, but I do know that not everyone here is a good person.”

The sarcasm in his words was plain for all to hear. Su Lie wasn’t a fool; he knew Zhao Yuan meant this place. His previously relaxed fists clenched again, his glare sharp as he glared at Zhao Yuan, itching to teach him a lesson.

Sensing Su Lie’s agitation, the woman gently raised her arm to signal him to hold back. Though furious, Su Lie understood and stepped back, remaining silent.

“Zhao Yuan, whatever the case, this is the territory of Demonic Scourge. If you want to stay, you must follow their arrangements,” the woman said earnestly, her eyes watching Zhao Yuan closely for any sign of change.

Seeing his face remain impassive, she frowned. She had met countless people, but she couldn’t quite read Zhao Yuan’s thoughts; she suddenly realized she couldn’t tell whether he was pleased or angry.

From her earlier observations, she knew he would always retort if displeased, so since he didn’t disagree now, he must have accepted her words.

“In any case, you’ll be staying with Demonic Scourge for a few days and will get to know the place. Then you can decide whether to leave the girl behind. Besides, is it really convenient for you to have her with you everywhere?”

Zhao Yuan’s gaze darkened. He didn’t mind Zhao Ling’er following him, but he feared someone would harm her, especially when he couldn’t always protect her. If things were as the woman said—if he learned more about this place and it truly was safe—then leaving Zhao Ling’er here wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

“All right, I’ll think about it,” he said.

Hearing him, Zhao Ling’er was stunned. She glared at him angrily, feeling indignant. She never expected him to so easily cast her aside, nor that the woman would openly imply she was a burden.

Fuming, Zhao Ling’er stomped her foot but said nothing. She simply stared, eyes wide with fury, at the smiling woman before her.

Zhao Yuan’s concession eased everyone’s tension except Zhao Ling’er’s. The woman’s face brightened with satisfaction as she beamed at him.

“Very well, I’ll arrange your accommodation right away,” she said, turning to leave. But she paused, hearing Zhao Ling’er mutter softly behind her.

“I’m not going,” Zhao Ling’er had only meant to grumble inwardly, but the words slipped out audibly, unnoticed by her until others heard.

Zhao Yuan understood she didn’t want to be separated from him, but it was dangerous for her to follow him everywhere. If this place was truly safe, he would feel at ease leaving her here; if not, no one would stop him from taking her away.

He reached out, gently stroking Zhao Ling’er’s hair, his face full of affection as he comforted her, “Don’t worry. If you don’t like it here, I can take you away anytime. No one can stop us.”

Though she knew he was only trying to reassure her, Zhao Ling’er felt a warmth spread through her heart. Her resistance softened, though she was still a bit angry, especially when she looked at the woman.

“All right, I’ll trust you this time,” she said, pouting, reluctant but less opposed than before.

The woman breathed a sigh of relief at Zhao Ling’er’s compromise and quickly led them into Demonic Scourge’s territory, arranging a place for them to sleep.

That night, Zhao Yuan lay on his mat with eyes closed, resting. Suddenly, he heard a noise from the roof. He had chosen a room next to Zhao Ling’er’s to protect her.

He heard the sound of tiles being lifted, but made no movement; his eyes remained closed and his face betrayed no emotion as he listened for footsteps.

Then someone jumped down at the doorway—the one who had been on the roof. The footsteps stopped outside Zhao Yuan’s door; he knew the intruder’s target wasn’t Zhao Ling’er, but himself.

Not knowing if the visitor was friend or foe, Zhao Yuan stayed motionless, listening intently. If the intruder moved toward Zhao Ling’er’s room, he would leap up and show him what surprise really meant.

“Zhao Yuan, stop pretending to sleep. I know you’re awake,” came a familiar voice. He couldn’t place it until a strong fragrance wafted in, and then he knew who it was.

A smile tugged at his lips as he opened his eyes, springing upright from the bed. He saw the woman in night attire sitting on a stool in his room. Despite the dark clothing, her alluring figure was still apparent.

“My father is in the forbidden area of Demonic Scourge,” she said.

Her words left Zhao Yuan bewildered. He hadn’t said anything, yet she blurted this out so abruptly—he had no idea where the forbidden area was, nor who her father was.

“I beg you, please help me,” the woman suddenly knelt before him, her eyes filled with pleading tears.

Seeing her kneel, tears welling up in her eyes, Zhao Yuan grew flustered; he dreaded nothing more than a woman crying, and he had no idea how to comfort her.

“Get up, just tell me what’s going on—no need for tears,” he almost shouted. Zhao Yuan never coddled women, simply because he didn’t know how.

Holding back her tears, the woman slowly stood. Looking at Zhao Yuan, she said, “My father is imprisoned in the forbidden area of Demonic Scourge. I want to leave, but…”

“I thought they listened to you here? What, are you trapped as well?”