The journey back was not boring. Xiao Wangye, in order to appease Ye Qingcheng, would ask her opinion every time they reached a county town, inquiring if she wanted to dismount and explore. Just like now.
"Qingcheng, the county town I told you about yesterday is just ahead. It's famous for its flower cultivation. Shall we rest there tonight and depart tomorrow noon?" His cautious demeanor would have shocked anyone who saw Xiao Wangye's expression, more so than seeing the sun rise from the west.
"Ding, San San advises you to agree to his suggestion."
Ye Qingcheng, who was about to refuse, agreed upon hearing this: "Mm, alright." Her response was devoid of emotion.
After so many days, she finally deigned to speak to him, even if it was just three words. Xiao Wangye rarely showed a smile. He pulled back the curtains and instructed Lin Xiao.
"Lin Xiao, you go to the town first and arrange all the necessary matters." Lin Xiao, riding at the front of the procession, galloped ahead.
"Host, the male lead's flattery towards you these past few days has truly astounded those around," San San remarked with a teasing tone.
"It's not that I don't want to engage with him. It's just that I haven't found a good enough reason to convince myself of what Xiao Wangye truly represents to me," she replied with a hint of helplessness.
Hearing this, San San knew that no matter from which angle they began, these two could never be separated. Repeating the cycle would only deepen their bond.
"He can be the core of your mission completion, the first person you met in this world, your comrade. Or he could be your husband." And also your lover. The last part remained unsaid.
Ye Qingcheng's heart was a tangled mess, unable to find a beginning or an end. She could return to her original world, but that world was filled with slaughter. While this current world involved palace and household intrigues, at least her personal safety could be somewhat guaranteed.
Moreover, this world had Xiao Wangye, who resembled her first love.
"Returning to my original world doesn't seem all that great." Ye Qingcheng inadvertently voiced her thoughts.
"Are you talking to me?" Xiao Wangye, having heard her speak but not clearly understanding the content, thought Ye Qingcheng was finally willing to talk to him. His voice unconsciously raised slightly.
"No, no, you misheard." The triple negation shattered the small elation within Xiao Wangye's heart, wounding his fragile feelings.
"Oh, is that so?" He turned his back, unwilling to face this reality, his posture appearing so desolate.
"Look at him, such a proud scion of heaven, and you've made him look like this after bullying him these past few days. I feel heartbroken just watching," the ever-instigating San San chimed in.
Undeniably, Xiao Wangye's appearance perfectly matched Ye Qingcheng's aesthetic. His momentary frown and dejected expression struck a chord in her heart, making her question, for a fleeting moment, if she had gone too far.
No, how could she let her morals be swayed by his looks? "My anger stems solely from him not valuing his own life, thinking he can defy heaven and do anything."
"But you haven't expressed this thought to him."
"I haven't because I... " Because I will eventually leave, and changing too much wouldn't be good for Xiao Wangye. San San would know this last sentence even if it wasn't spoken.
About half an hour later, the convoy arrived at the legendary "Hometown of Flowers" – Peony City.
As a county town whose industry was flower cultivation, the roads were lined with various kinds of flowers. Even the local snacks were made from fresh blooms. Upon entering, one could smell the floral fragrance, both refreshing and rich, drawing Ye Qingcheng's nose along the scent.
During the apocalypse, the air was filled with the stench of decaying corpses or garbage. Breathing fresh air was even more difficult than obtaining supplies.
Ye Qingcheng was very satisfied with this place, her face beaming with contentment. She leaned against the carriage window, gazing at the beautiful flowers lining the street. The street vendors, seeing such a handsome young man, called out to Ye Qingcheng: "Young sir, the flowers today are especially beautiful. They're perfect for buying as a gift for your beloved girl." Perhaps due to years of farming outdoors, the locals were generally tanned, appearing remarkably healthy. Their smiles were as warm as the sun.
"Hahaha, I don't have a beloved girl, but I can buy them for myself." Facing such kind people, she felt completely softened.
"Don't stick your head out, it's dangerous." Xiao Wangye, with a hint of jealousy, pulled Ye Qingcheng back. A girl, that would never happen in this lifetime.
Ye Qingcheng, in a good mood, didn't resist the gesture much. She complied with Xiao Wangye's movement and sat properly, still wearing an excited smile.
Upon reaching the inn, its name was "Soil."
"Perhaps we should change to another one?" Lin Xiao suggested. The name was indeed difficult to compliment.
"No need, this name is quite good. It is the soil, and I am the flower. It's clear the owner is a very thoughtful businessman." With Ye Qingcheng saying so, Xiao Wangye wouldn't voice any further reservations.
With some time still before sunset, Ye Qingcheng greeted Xiao Wangye and went out to stroll on her own.
To behold a hundred flowers at once was a great fortune in this world.
A stall owner, seeing Ye Qingcheng browsing alone, seized the opportunity to sell: "Young sir, would you like to buy a floral crown? Here, giving a flower crown to someone is a way to express affection."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wangye's face flashed in her mind.
Strange, why would I think of him? She shook her head, trying to dispel the image.
"No, I don't have anyone I like yet."
A nearby elderly woman heard this and immediately perked up. "Young man, are you from out of town? Haven't you married yet? Perfect! Our local girls are all very vivacious. Auntie can introduce you to a few." Matchmaking, it seemed, was a pastime that started with grandmothers even in ancient times.
Ye Qingcheng: ...
The people around chimed in: "Yes, yes, young sir, you've grown into the kind of appearance our local girls like. Money Auntie only introduces good girls, you can rest assured." One after another, they were determined to make Ye Qingcheng stay for a matchmaking session.
To resolve the trouble in one go, Ye Qingcheng hardened her heart and declared: "I don't like women. My beloved is a man. I've liked him for a long time, but he's never known." The boisterous voices were stunned into silence by this statement.
But soon, everyone snapped out of their shock. "That's not a problem. We have plenty of young men in our town. Auntie can introduce some to you." In fact, their voices grew even more excited upon learning this fact.
"Uncles and aunties, please let me go. I'm just passing through and will be staying for one night. I'll be leaving tomorrow." The elders' fighting spirit was too strong, and she had no choice but to surrender.