Chapter 152: Everyone Took Their Own Paths
From that night on, Yun Zhonghe started dodging Tao Jiu’er.
Every time he got caught by her, he would be teased with the phrase “Young Master looks very cute today,” which made him want to lose his memory right there and then. He wished that none of this fiasco had ever happened.
Feeling like Tao Jiu’er was pulling his proverbial trigger non-stop, even after he pleaded for mercy, she would still continue until she exhausted herself.
That’s just her personality.
If he didn’t avoid her, the shame he felt would literally sh**t out like a fountain.
Pretty scary stuff.
However, surprisingly, Yun Zhonghe felt safe inside.
Because of Tao Jiu’er, these playful moments carried on, and these days wouldn’t end.
Yun Zhonghe was genuinely glad Tao Jiu’er was also going to the Xuantian Sect.
But still, he specifically found his mother to question why she hadn’t told him about including Tao Jiu’er in the sect beforehand, making him look like an idiot.
After pondering, his mother stuck a finger to her cheek, giggled, and said, “I forgot! Eh-heh!”
“What the heck, ‘Eh-heh’?”
Oh my gosh, I seriously doubt you’re in cahoots with Tao Jiu’er!
Who’s the real mother here?
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t speak.
Sometimes, Yun Zhonghe truly felt like his family’s entertainment puppet just for a good laugh at his expense.
What a weirdo family unit.
But also a pretty blessed one.
His parents gave him a lavish life, despite minimal companionship. Though he had Tao Jiu’er as a big sister to take care of him – he couldn’t help but be grateful.
Now leaving home, Yun Zhonghe felt a myriad of emotions and finally bid farewell to his mother respectfully.
As for his father, Yun Zhongtian, he left long ago to handle various affairs as head of the family, especially since his son was thriving. He wanted to pave the way for Yun Zhonghe.
In time, this household would belong to Yun Zhonghe. The more effort he put in now, the easier it would be for him later.
With such supportive parents, what did Yun Zhonghe really have to complain about?
“Dad, Mom, I promise to repay you both!”
After leaving his mother’s chambers, Yun Zhonghe resolved that in his heart.
Just as he turned around, he spotted a white figure flit past, prompting a question mark to hover above his head.
Could it be Huang Aotian?
Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen her much lately.
When they met at home, she’d instantly hide as if avoiding him, just as he steered clear of Tao Jiu’er.
He didn’t think he did anything to offend her, exactly.
Even now, Yun Zhonghe didn’t understand why Mu Jixue went bonkers biting him that day — though he really hoped she would honestly point out any issues rather than beating around the bush.
He’d prefer a straight-to-the-point approach for a true buddy bond.
Intending to grab hold of the blonde girl’s ponytail for clarity, suddenly a porcelain-like hand landed on his shoulder.
Yun Zhonghe reflexively looked back only to lock eyes with a pair of pink, flirtatious eyes.
“Jiu’er sister?!”
He let out a shocked cry, causing Tao Jiu’er to roll her eyes.
“Why act so spooked? I just played around a bit; is it really that big a deal?”
It wasn’t *just* a bit, it almost made him faint, seriously.
But looking at her, Tao Jiu’er appeared done playing for now. Yun Zhonghe regaining his composure:
“Jiu’er sister, something up?”
“There’s a guest waiting outside for you.”
“A guest?”
Shaking his head, Yun Zhonghe was unsure of who would visit him.
Under Tao Jiu’er’s lead, he stepped into the main hall to receive the visitor.
It was the Xiao brothers, Xiao Yang and Xiao Yue, whom he hadn’t seen in ages.
They’d all been teammates through the Qingzhu Town incident, and their relationship improved significantly.
“Brother Yun, it feels like ages since we last parted ways. With your upcoming departure to the Xuantian Sect, we’re quite sad, thus visiting you specifically.”
“We’ve both received our share of rewards from the Qingzhu Town mission thanks to Brother Yun and those lovely girls. We didn’t contribute much but still benefited greatly; we feel a bit guilty about it.”
“Please accept this as a token of our appreciation. In fact, we plan to leave Cangzhou City to venture out and gain experience—otherwise, we won’t be able to keep up with you.”
Xiao Yang was earnest and sincere, his words genuine.
He presented Brother Yun with premium liquor from the Xiao family’s finest batch.
The Xiao family’s wine was most famous in Cangzhou City, with Xiao Yang’s father managing its distribution. Thus, Xiao Yang picked out the finest white urn for Brother Yun meticulously.
Knowing Brother Yun’s wealth and status, he chose something valuable yet rare instead of costly items. While not highly valued, it held sentimental value and expressed their feelings.
Yun Zhonghe was moved and accepted the gift, chatting extensively with the Xiao siblings before they departed.
“Brother Yun, next time we meet, I’ll catch up, and we can fight side by side again!”
“Big brother Cloud, see you later; if you need anything, use the sound transmission jade pendant to stay in touch. Contact often!”
Watching them go, Yun Zhonghe smiled.
Rarely did he have friends or comrades, growing up.
Unbeknownst to him, he developed reliable companions in this colorful group, feeling incredibly fulfilled.
Shortly after the Xiao siblings left, another visitor arrived.
It was Luo Qing, set to depart from Cangzhou City with a significant sum. She wanted to train in a sect.
Coincidentally, there were enrollment events in other places too, and she planned to give it a shot.
Before leaving, she also offered a modest gift, thoughtful yet inexpensive.
Happily receiving her offering, Yun Zhonghe sensed a hint of hesitation in her final glance and sigh, abandoning her thoughts.
Probably for the best, she thought, since he stood out and already had many great girls circling him. Her unremarkable presence wouldn’t fit.
She resigned with her brightest smile and departed down her path.
They were destined to travel different roads.
