Chapter 417: It Is My Blessing to Share Your Worries

One month later.

"Senior Sister Su, I haven't even finished the two orders you assigned to me yesterday. Is it really okay to take on new business already?"

In the courtyard, Zhou Li took the slip of paper handed to him by Su Yan; even without looking, he knew exactly what was written on it.

Over the past month, aside from a one-week break for the New Year, he had spent almost all his time helping Su Yan with her work.

If it were just exorcisms, it would have been one thing, but Su Yan took on almost every trivial, mundane task imaginable, to the point where Zhou Li's name was becoming well-known throughout this small county.

Far from being indifferent, Su Yan actually took the initiative to comfort him.

"This task is very simple; it won't take much of your time."

Zhou Li felt utterly helpless. To think that he, the esteemed young master of the Zhou family, had fallen to such a state.

However, the only silver lining was that after more than a month of recuperation, his body had fully recovered. Furthermore, due to the frequent missions, he had gained a significant amount of experience in capturing evil spirits.

"Yanyan, is Little Zhou heading out again?"

Su Jianguo came out just in time to see Zhou Li's departing figure, and he was clearly accustomed to this situation.

"Mm," Su Yan responded.

"What on earth is Little Zhou so busy with every single day?" Su Jianguo wondered.

That boy came from the capital; what business could possibly keep him constantly on the move in a small county like theirs?

"I'm not quite sure myself. Let him be." Su Yan, of course, would not tell Su Jianguo that he was busy helping her make money.

The sunlight was pleasant, carrying a hint of warmth.

Su Jianguo brought over two small stools and motioned for Su Yan to sit down.

"Yanyan, Dad has something to tell you."

"Go ahead."

"You see, Dad's health has fully recovered, and staying home every day is quite boring. I happened to run into your Uncle Wu yesterday. The factory is busy right now, so Dad was thinking that if you agree, I'll return to work at the factory as soon as possible."

As Su Jianguo spoke, he kept a close eye on Su Yan's reaction.

Having his daughter by his side this past month had made even his daily life feel like it had something to look forward to.

He knew the family wasn't short on money now, but he didn't want to enter retirement so early.

However, if his daughter didn't allow it, he wouldn't insist.

"If you want to go, then go. But please, whatever you do, don't overwork yourself."

Su Yan agreed without any hesitation.

Su Jianguo was overjoyed. "Is that really okay?"

Seeing his cautious manner, Su Yan couldn't help but laugh. "It's not like I'm tying your hands and feet."

The weight in Su Jianguo's heart finally lifted. "Alright then, I'll go tell your Uncle Wu tonight and head back to the factory tomorrow."

Seeing his eagerness, Su Yan realized that keeping the old man at home all these days had truly driven him stir-crazy.

"Yanyan, school is starting again soon. Do you want to go back to your studies?"

Su Jianguo shifted the topic to her.

In truth, he was worried that she would get bored staying home all by herself.

Su Yan's eyes flickered slightly. "Dad, I also have something I want to tell you."

She had already planned this; she would take this opportunity to speak up.

Su Jianguo waited patiently for her to continue.

"I need to go out of town for a few days." Su Yan tried her best to make her expression look casual.

The smile on Su Jianguo's face froze instantly. "Going out again? Where to?"

They had only just begun enjoying a month of stable, peaceful life together; he truly felt uneasy and reluctant to let her leave.

"This time is a trip to the south to handle some matters."

"What kind of matters?" Su Jianguo knew his daughter had secrets, but he would truly worry if he didn't ask clearly.

"It's nothing major, really. I just want to go out and see the world. You remember the Ma siblings, right? Their family is also down there. We got in touch a few days ago, and they've invited me to visit."

Su Yan's expression was incredibly relaxed.

Su Jianguo stared at her for a few seconds. "Then how long will you be gone this time?"

"At most a month, or perhaps two. But don't worry, I'll call you frequently." As she spoke, Su Yan took his arm, acting coquettishly—a rare sight.

Though Su Jianguo was reluctant, he knew he couldn't stop her once she had made up her mind.

"Alright. But going to such a far place all by yourself... Dad just can't help but worry."

Beneath her lowered eyelashes, a flash of sorrow passed through Su Yan's eyes.

"Dad, after I come back this time, I will never leave your side again."

Once she had avenged her parents, she would be able to live peacefully by her father's side.

Su Jianguo gripped her hand tightly. "Alright."

Three days later.

Su Jianguo personally saw Su Yan and Zhou Li off at the railway station.

Not only did Su Jianguo come, but Su Yao accompanied him as well.

Su Yan bid a lingering farewell to Su Jianguo.

Zhou Li also took his leave of Su Yao.

Having lived at the Su house for so long, they had developed a harmonious relationship. Although he and Su Yao weren't exactly close friends, it was worth Su Yao coming to see them off.

"Dad, I left something in the drawer of my dressing table in my room. Please take it out when you get back."

As Su Yan prepared to board the train, she gave Su Jianguo one last instruction.

"What is it?" Su Jianguo was somewhat puzzled. Why hadn't she given it to him directly before?

"You'll know once you get back and see it. While I'm away, you must take good care of yourself."

After saying this, Su Yan suppressed the bitterness in her heart and picked up her suitcase.

Zhou Li also bid farewell to Su Yao. "Brother Su, I hope we have the chance to meet again in the future."

Su Yao nodded. "Safe travels. Take good care of my sister."

Under the watchful eyes of Su Jianguo and Su Yao, Su Yan and Zhou Li walked into the carriage.

The moment the train started moving, Su Yan sat by the window and watched Su Jianguo, whose eyes were red, waving his hands incessantly.

Her own heart felt equally heavy and stifled.

Only when their figures had completely disappeared did Su Yan withdraw her gaze.

"Senior Sister Su, don't be sad. It's not like you're never coming back."

Zhou Li offered comfort, though his eyes betrayed an irrepressible excitement.

He had finally made it through; he would never have to be free labor again.

At this very moment, he truly felt as if even the air itself was filled with freedom.

Su Yan, of course, saw through his excitement. "Young Master Zhou, is it fun being by my side?"

This was the first time in over a month that she had called him "Young Master Zhou."

The expression on Zhou Li's face froze, and after a few seconds, he gave an awkward smile.

"Senior Sister Su, why are you calling me Young Master Zhou again?"

However, he could detect a hint of teasing in the title.

"It's nothing. I just wanted to remind myself that I have indeed been a bit too demanding of you lately." Su Yan spoke with a half-smile, her words carrying a double meaning.

*So you do know you've been demanding?*

Zhou Li couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

But he didn't dare say such things aloud.

"It was all of my own free will. Being able to share your burdens, Senior Sister Su, is my good fortune."

After more than a month of being together, his relationship with Su Yan had indeed become much closer.

After all, where else could Su Yan find a laborer like him—someone who was both capable and free of charge?

(End of Chapter)