Chapter 11: Passing Each Other by

A thousand miles away, on a high road filled with swirling yellow sand, a fragrant carriage was slowly approaching.

"Hm?" A soft, surprised murmur drifted from behind the fluttering golden curtains. Yun Xu, riding on a Ferghana horse, immediately pulled on the reins and turned his head to check on the movement inside the carriage.

"Young Master, do you have any instructions?"

"No, it must be a beauty thinking of me. Continue on; we must reach Sunset City before dark." The husky voice, laced with a hint of sexiness, drifted out slowly. Ignoring the sudden chill that crept up his spine, Yun Jingchen leaned back against the soft pillow, his posture leisurely and relaxed.

A beauty?

Yun Xu couldn't help but knit his brows. Spring had already passed; was the Young Master’s rut still continuing?

...

On the third day, Zhu Yi finally waited for the mother and son who had ransacked every large and small shop in the city. Ling Xiaobai walked out of the room, stumbling under the weight of a massive blue bundle strapped to his back.

"Miss, can we set off now?" Zhu Yi asked, frowning. If they delayed any longer, they would likely miss the Old Madam’s birthday celebration upon returning to the Imperial City.

"Depart." Ling Ruoxi didn't even glance at her son, who was clutching the bundle containing all their worldly possessions like a mother hen protecting her chick. She sat elegantly on the soft couch, smoothed the comfortable brocade beneath her, and gave the order.

The luxurious carriage moved slowly along the bluestone road. As it entered the market, Ling Xiaobai suddenly let go of his bundle and pressed himself against the window, gazing at the familiar street scenes.

Many neighbors who had learned of their departure today walked out onto the street to see them off. Even the antique shop owner, who was always bickering with Ling Xiaobai, stood outside his shop clutching his signature broadsword.

"Take care on the road, little milk bun."

"Remember to come back and visit us."

"Little Tyrant, Miss Ling, safe travels."

...

Voices rose one after another along the street. Over the past six years, this mother and son had left behind too many profound memories in Sunset City; unknowingly, they had already become an indispensable part of the town.

Ling Xiaobai sniffled, his eyes turning red. He leaned almost entirely out of the carriage window, waving vigorously at the crowd and shouting, "Goodbye everyone! I’ll miss you all!"

The carriage gradually moved further away, exiting the city gates. Ling Xiaobai, his eyes red from crying, collapsed into Ling Ruoxi’s arms.

Ling Ruoxi lowered her gaze, looking at the treasure in her arms who had cried himself to sleep, and sighed helplessly in her heart.

Just as she wanted to shift her position to make her son more comfortable, Ling Xiaobai’s little legs suddenly flopped onto her lap. He wrapped his arms around her neck, snuggling into her embrace like a kitten, unconsciously murmuring, "Mother... Mother..."

A gentle breeze stirred the carriage curtains. Suddenly, an extremely luxurious carriage sped toward them from the front. The sound of rolling wheels reached Ling Ruoxi’s ears. She caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye, but only managed to see the shadow of the carriage passing by the window. In an instant, she cast the matter to the back of her mind.

"Hm?" Inside the departing carriage, the man in red lazily opened his eyes. "Stop the carriage."

"Whoa!" Yun Xu hurriedly pulled the reins, lifted the curtain, and asked with a hint of confusion, "Young Master, what are your instructions?"

Was it an illusion?

Yun Jingchen’s shimmering, rippling eyes lowered, his fingers gently brushing against his chest. Just a moment ago, there had been a strange, fleeting palpitation here. His wicked eyes looked toward the rear, but apart from the wide, quiet high road beneath them, there was nothing but the sky full of sand and dust.

"Continue on," Yun Jingchen ordered again, suppressing the doubt in his heart.

Yun Xu’s mouth twitched. When all was said and done, why on earth did the Young Master suddenly make him stop?

Could it be to admire this scenery that had no beauty to speak of? Nonsense!