“It’s about time to end your long life, isn’t it? The poisons you brewed have harmed so many people—wouldn’t it be fitting for you to die by the very poisons you created?”
Yun Shang crouched down and forcefully shoved the poisonous pill into the old man’s mouth. He struggled, clawing at his lips, trying to spit it out, but it was no use. Once ingested, the poison took effect immediately, blood gushing from his orifices, and he died in agonizing pain.
Ah Du stood silently to the side. Whatever his sister did was right, and he would obey without question.
In truth, he had long felt that the old man’s presence had disrupted the quiet and peaceful life he shared with Yun Shang. Now that the old man was gone, it truly felt like a relief.
“Ah Du, do you want to go down the mountain and see the outside world? What is it really like? Do you want to stay with me here in the mountains forever? Wouldn’t that be too lonely?”
Yun Shang’s face was gentle. Ah Du had grown much since those earlier years, but the matters in his heart weren’t so easily resolved.
With the old man dealt with, the world’s story had to continue. Ah Du probably wanted to know how his biological father was doing now.
“Do you remember how you ended up in this situation back then?”
“I would naturally be willing to stay with you forever. I don’t care about people outside. As long as I have you, sister, that’s enough.”
Ah Du shook his head decisively. In his early years, he had remembered his biological father, remembered the ugly faces of those around him, and sworn that once he grew up and gained strength, he would take revenge.
But now… it seemed pointless. He just wanted to live happily with Yun Shang. Her kindness had already healed all his hatred.
“Ah Du, some things, if you don’t pursue them, will only benefit those people. I know you’re not really from this village, and these people have never treated you well. Do you remember how you came here? Don’t you want to find your true family?”
Yun Shang held Ah Du’s hand, her face full of concern. She wasn’t ignorant of the original world’s story—knowing it all so clearly made her feel deep compassion for him.
She glanced at the old man’s corpse on the ground. He had been cruel and scheming. Without her, he might have tortured Ah Du to the brink of death.
Now, though, Ah Du had learned the old man’s lifetime of skills—and the threat was gone. It was a perfect resolution.
At the mention of a real family, Ah Du furrowed his brow. He had none left. After his mother’s death, his life had seemed plunged into darkness. Luckily, meeting Yun Shang had brought light back into his life.
Yun Shang helped Ah Du gather their things, and they left the small wooden house. She looked back once. After years spent living there, leaving it felt unfamiliar, almost disorienting.
From beginning to end, Ah Du followed Yun Shang. Wherever she went, whatever she did, he would follow. It had become a habit over the years, one he could no longer break.
The capital city.
The streets were crowded, but all eyes turned instinctively to the girl and boy. Their appearances were too striking. The girl was lively and adorable; the boy silent but steadfastly following her. The sight was pleasing to watch.
Yun Shang looked left and right. After living in the mountains for so long, she now understood what it meant to feel the energy of people—there was a certain liveliness in being among crowds.
Ah Du remained quiet, but stayed close behind her, protecting her, ensuring she wouldn’t be jostled.
Whether in the secluded mountains or bustling capital, it didn’t matter to him. Being by Yun Shang’s side was all that mattered. Without her, no place felt right; everything felt empty.
“This capital is the seat of the emperor. Perhaps we’ll meet a noble of some kind here,” Yun Shang said, holding a candied hawthorn in one hand and a sugar figurine in the other, her words layered with meaning.
“Host, you speak so openly! Aren’t you afraid the male lead will be unhappy?” the system teased, mischievous as ever.
“You’ve been by my side so long, you’re no child anymore. Now that we’re here, we must face what comes,” Yun Shang said firmly.
Ah Du only pursed his lips and lowered his gaze slightly. The events of the past had not been forgotten. How could they be? He had not forgotten how his mother had died, nor how he had fallen into despair. Without Yun Shang, would he have perished from abuse?
And the hatred in his heart—what did it matter? To these high-ranking nobles, were they anything more than ants? Not even worth mentioning.
Yun Shang’s eyes caught a group of people ahead, clustered around a middle-aged man. Though modestly dressed, his posture and entourage clearly marked him as wealthy or noble.
“Ah Du, do you see him? From the way he carries himself, he must be a noble. Should we go greet him?”
Yun Shang bit into her candied hawthorn, thinking of how to approach him. Nobles existed in layers, like a pyramid—higher ranks above higher ranks.
“Sister, we shouldn’t take the risk. What does he have to do with us?”
Ah Du tugged at her arm, shaking his head in disapproval. He didn’t know who this man was or his status. In this place, it was better not to stir trouble. Most of all, he worried about Yun Shang.
They were no longer in the deserted mountains—they were in the capital. If something happened, he would protect her.
“Ah Du, after all this time, don’t you trust me? Have I ever been wrong? I assure you, this person will be of great use to us!”
Yun Shang was determined. This was a prime opportunity. According to the system’s story, their meeting here was fate.
Otherwise, how would they confront Ah Du’s biological father? How could they seek revenge without finding someone even more powerful?
Ah Du said nothing, quietly following Yun Shang. Whatever she decided, he would follow—without hesitation.