Chapter 394: Finally Back in the City
As expected, the travel permits for mother and daughter arrived smoothly the next day.
Holding the document, Yu Luo frowned in confusion and looked toward Chi Jinchen.
“Why didn’t we use this last time? That way, we wouldn’t have had to go through the cave.”
The thought of everything that had happened in that cave made her shudder slightly.
Chi Jinchen lowered his gaze, a flicker of mischief flashing across his eyes. But when he looked back up, his expression was as gentle as ever, his voice warm and smooth.
“Last time, it was too rushed. There wasn’t enough time to prepare. This time, I had my subordinates take care of it in advance.”
Yu Luo believed him.
The journey back went surprisingly smoothly. It seemed like the number of bandits in the Jiuzhong Mountain had significantly decreased compared to the last time they passed through.
Perhaps it was because Chi Jinchen’s guards were highly skilled, but they didn’t encounter a single bandit—only several government patrols moving through the mountain.
Yu Luo suspected it had something to do with the gold mine that had been discovered by the court. The sudden increase in soldiers could be a direct result of the crackdown.
After descending the mountain, as Chi Jinchen had arranged, a carriage was already waiting for them.
Some of the subordinates standing by were familiar faces—Yu Luo had seen them back in Luo City.
The moment Chi Jinchen stepped onto the ground, the men immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
It was in that moment that Yu Luo and Ye Jiamei truly felt a strong sense of belonging again.
“Strange, isn’t it?” Ye Jiamei murmured as they sat in the carriage. “Even though the capital is luxurious and grand, I only feel truly at ease when I’m back here. But the wilderness is already much colder than Jiuzhong Mountain… I bet the first snowfall isn’t far off.”
Though it was just the two of them in the carriage, Chi Jinchen rode separately in another. Still, they kept their voices low as they spoke.
“The capital is bustling, but it’s full of deception and scheming. This wilderness may be harsh, but at least it’s free. It hasn’t started snowing yet, but in about ten days, we should be back in Luo City.”
That longing for home wasn’t just in Ye Jiamei’s heart—it was in Yu Luo’s as well. Perhaps it was because her father was there waiting.
As they passed the stone houses, Ye Jiamei couldn’t help but lift the carriage curtain and glance outside. It felt as if everything that had happened there was just yesterday.
The women they had saved from the bandits had chosen to stay behind. Ye Jiamei wondered how they were doing now.
“Mother, they chose to stay. And besides, we already saved them once—that was enough. If we interfered too much, we might end up doing more harm than good.”
Yu Luo knew her mother’s heart all too well.
Being a doctor, Ye Jiamei was naturally compassionate. Yu Luo had no choice but to gently remind her.
“You’re right, Xiao Luo. Some places just aren’t meant for kindness, and here, being too soft-hearted could get you killed. After what happened with Yu Qiuyun, I understand that now. You don’t have to worry—I won’t go looking for trouble anymore. As long as we can live well, that’s all that matters.”
“It’s good that you think that way,” Yu Luo said with relief. “We’ve been on this carriage for so long—are you feeling alright? If it’s too much, we can use lightness technique to travel faster. This ride is still a bit bumpy.”
“I’m fine,” Ye Jiamei reassured her. “Chi Jinchen was thoughtful enough to prepare soft cushions. Even the walls of the carriage are padded, so I can even lie down comfortably. But now that we’re alone… I have to ask—Xiao Luo, do you like Chi Jinchen?”
Yu Luo: !!!
“What?! Where did that come from?!”
Yu Luo was caught completely off guard. She had not expected her mother to be this direct.
“Why are you getting so flustered?” Ye Jiamei grinned knowingly. “Ohhh, I see. So it’s not you who likes him—it’s him who likes you!”
She playfully patted Yu Luo’s hand, the teasing look in her eyes undeniable.
Yu Luo felt like screaming.
She just knew her mother’s imagination was going to run wild!
“Mother! You’re overthinking it!”
“Am I?” Ye Jiamei leaned closer, raising an eyebrow. “Look, Chi Jinchen is a young master of mystery, handsome and well-connected. You really think he’s lacking women? And yet, he’s spent so much effort on you.”
“He just wants to win my favor so he can station his private army in Luo City!” Yu Luo argued, exasperated. “Mother, don’t make things up!”
“Who cares?” Ye Jiamei smirked. “My daughter is stunning, and let’s be honest—you’re even prettier in this life than in the last one. Chi Jinchen may have seen many beauties, but you, Xiao Luo, are special. Have some confidence!”
Confidence?!
Yu Luo buried her face in her hands.
She wasn’t even interested in Chi Jinchen—why would she need confidence?!
“Enough, Mother! I’m going to sleep.”
Knowing her mother’s ability to talk endlessly, Yu Luo decided to end the conversation before things got worse.
She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.
Ye Jiamei sighed dramatically, shaking her head at her “dense” daughter.
Still, she wasn’t worried. Chi Jinchen was staying in Luo City long-term. As long as he was persistent, and with a little help from her, something was bound to happen.
Ye Jiamei smiled secretly to herself.
*
The journey continued, and although they encountered wild beasts a few times, Chi Jinchen’s guards handled them effortlessly.
Finally, ten days later, the walls of Luo City came into view.
“We’re finally back,” Ye Jiamei sighed in relief. “I wonder how your father has been managing alone all this time.”
“Chi Jinchen’s men already reported back to him,” Yu Luo replied. “I’m sure he’s been at ease knowing we’re safe.”
Sure enough, as soon as their carriage reached the city gates, the guards rushed off to inform Yu Haojie.
By the time they arrived at Chi Jinchen’s courtyard, Yu Haojie was already there, waiting anxiously.
Seeing his wife and daughter safe, he looked them over carefully. Once he confirmed they were unharmed, his eyes reddened slightly.
“As long as you’re both safe, that’s all that matters…”
Then he turned to Chi Jinchen, bowing slightly.
“We owe you greatly, Young Master Chi. If not for you, I doubt my wife and daughter could have made it back safely.”
Chi Jinchen smiled modestly.
“No need for such gratitude. It was a small matter.”
“Dear, we must hold a banquet to properly thank Young Master Chi!” Ye Jiamei declared.
“Yes,” Yu Haojie agreed. “Tonight, we celebrate!”
Chi Jinchen nodded, his expression unreadable.
And with that, the family of three returned to Luo City, which, though not as lively as during the tournament, was now bustling with newfound prosperity.
