Su River Dock.
Sure enough, Xiao Yunrong found Ye Yunshen standing there. The river breeze was strong, blowing his clothes and making them flap loudly, but his thin and lonely figure only seemed more fragile.
“Brother Yunshen.” Xiao Yunrong softly called out as she approached, standing beside him, quietly gazing out over the river.
Ye Yunshen looked surprised. “Miss Xiao, how did you find this place?”
Xiao Yunrong gave a light laugh and elegantly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “If I sincerely want to find you, I will. I just have that kind of magic.”
In truth, she had secretly investigated Ye Yunshen’s background and knew this Su River Dock was the place where he was rescued by Shen Qingqiu and the other two three years ago. That gave this place a special meaning for him. Whenever he felt lost or uncertain about the future, Ye Yunshen would come here.
This was the first time someone had found him here, and it stirred something unfamiliar in his heart.
“It’s not a big deal,” Xiao Yunrong suddenly said.
“What?” Ye Yunshen was stunned.
“Compared to death, nothing else is that important.” Xiao Yunrong continued, “In life, you meet many people. Can you guarantee every person you meet is the right one?”
“What’s more tragic than meeting the wrong person is never meeting anyone again—lying every day on a cold bed, watching the pages on the calendar get torn down one by one, counting down to death.”
“That’s the kind of life I’ve lived.”
She spoke sincerely, “My illness was only made known to a few people. Everyone envies my glamorous appearance and powerful family background, but they don’t know I’m just someone waiting to die.”
“I struggled. I fought. I didn’t want to die! But none of it worked… until I met you, Brother Yunshen.”
Xiao Yunrong looked at him, her eyes brightening. “Only then did I see hope in living. Do you understand that feeling? Like seeing light in a pitch-black world… just as I was about to fall off a cliff, someone reached out and grabbed me. So even without that prophecy, I wouldn’t mind marrying you.”
Hearing her bold confession, Ye Yunshen didn’t quite know where to look. It was impossible not to feel something.
But still, he rejected her, “I’m sorry… In my current state, I’m really not ready to open my heart to someone again…”
“I see…” Xiao Yunrong’s expression dimmed instantly.
“But once my life is more stable, and I can slowly begin accepting people and things…” Before her disappointment could fully take hold, Ye Yunshen’s voice continued.
Her eyes widened again, sparkling. “I’m willing to wait!”
She blurted out, “Brother Yunshen, you’re a good man. Those three women will regret it—definitely!”
Ye Yunshen gave a bitter smile. “Whether they regret it or not doesn’t matter anymore… it’s all in the past.”
“Then, what do you plan to do next?” Xiao Yunrong asked.
Ye Yunshen shook his head. “I don’t know… I guess I need to find a place to stay first. But I’m not sure where to go…”
Right now, Ye Yunshen didn’t have a single yuan to his name. He had created immense wealth for the Shen, Lin, and Xia families, but he hadn’t taken a single coin for himself—everything had been donated into their family funds.
In his words, being saved by them was already a great kindness. They even gave him a platform to showcase his talents—he could never ask for more.
He had never thought of leaving the Shen family.
It was Shen Qingqiu who had forced him out.
Xiao Yunrong’s eyes rolled slightly. She clapped her hands. “If it’s a house, I can help you find one.” The source of this chapter is g.com.
“Really? Thank you so much!” Ye Yunshen didn’t think too much about it.
Soon after, he got into Xiao Yunrong’s car and was taken to a prime location.
In front of them stood uniquely designed luxury villas. Ye Yunshen was stunned.
“Jiu Jiantang Villas?” He couldn’t believe it. Xiao Yunrong had brought him here?
This was the most luxurious villa complex in Sucheng! Famous for having only nine standalone villas, it boasted an unbeatable location. Rumor had it that a dragon vein ran beneath the land—making it an ideal place for cultivation, exactly what Ye Yunshen needed most right now.
But the price was insane. It was said that purchasing one required background checks and asset verification.
Only a few people could afford to live here.
Shen Qingqiu had once inquired about the price and had been immediately discouraged.
“Jiu Jiantang it is, then!” Ye Yunshen gritted his teeth.
As long as he could cultivate, expensive rent didn’t matter… He just didn’t know who the landlord was…
“What are you standing there for? Go in!” As Ye Yunshen stood in doubt, Xiao Yunrong casually walked in and opened the door to Villa No. 1—the most luxurious one.
Ye Yunshen looked at her, startled. “You…”
Xiao Yunrong turned and smiled, “Oh right, I forgot to mention—this is my house.”
“…”
Seeing her already changed into fluffy pajamas, Ye Yunshen had no words.
This really was her house.
“Didn’t you say you were helping me find a house? Why’d you bring me to yours?”
“You’re going to be my personal doctor. What’s wrong with staying at my place?” Xiao Yunrong blinked her pretty eyes and grinned playfully.
Ye Yunshen finally realized he’d been tricked. He shook his head. “That won’t do. A man and a woman alone…”
He turned to leave, but Xiao Yunrong grabbed his arm.
“You’re not going anywhere!”
She puffed her cheeks in frustration. “I don’t mind—what are you worried about? Besides, my illness isn’t fully cured. If something happens, you’ll be here to treat me!”
“And… and…” Xiao Yunrong’s face turned red.
“And what?” Ye Yunshen asked.
“And I can’t cook, can’t do laundry… Grandpa is seriously ill… I can’t live on my own…” Her head dropped in embarrassment, her face completely flushed.
“You don’t believe me? I’ll show you…”
Then Ye Yunshen witnessed what it meant to be utterly helpless at life—
“Careful!”
Clatter!
Crack!
“……”
…
Not only could Xiao Yunrong not cook or do laundry, she even managed to break a plate just by carrying it.
Ye Yunshen held his forehead. “She’s a real rich young lady, huh? Can’t do anything…”
“I’ll do it then!” Ye Yunshen sighed and prepared dinner for her.
Just some simple home-style dishes, yet Xiao Yunrong ate with delight.
“Mmm! Delicious!” she praised. “Way better than those royal chefs at my house!”
Watching her eat so happily, Ye Yunshen felt a strange emotion rise in his chest—a faint sense of déjà vu and satisfaction.
Once, he had also cooked for the three heiresses.
Back then, they too had smiled like this.
“What’s wrong? Brother Yunshen, aren’t you going to eat?” Xiao Yunrong urged him when he didn’t pick up his chopsticks.
“Oh, right!” Ye Yunshen began to eat.
A thought rose in his heart: maybe… I should just stay here?
Xiao Yunrong did need care, and this place was perfect for cultivation…
This day had been unusually long for Ye Yunshen. He had gone through so much.
But he slept better than he had in a long time.
In the past, because of Shen Qingqiu, Lin Ruoxi, Xia Anran, and Cheng Zewen, he often had nightmares.
He dreamed of Shen Qingqiu’s cold, hateful face, of those cruel words, of Cheng Zewen’s sinister, murderous smirk.
Depression. Pain. Suffocation. Endless torment.
But now, he slept peacefully and soundly.
When he woke the next day, it was already afternoon.
Xiao Yunrong had gone to visit her grandfather.
Just as Ye Yunshen was sighing that a new chapter of his life was beginning, he suddenly heard a familiar voice nearby.
“Ahwen, we rented this villa for you together. The scenery here is lovely, and it’s quiet—perfect for recovery!”
It was Shen Qingqiu!