In the manor's backyard.
Jin Ye's injuries had healed considerably, but they remained oblivious to the various external information.
Su Ding had approached the steward numerous times, wanting to inquire when her grandfather would see them.
However, there had been no response.
"Jin Ye, has Grandpa sent any news?"
Jin Ye nodded, "I informed him of the location of Lijing Island, and he dispatched people. They are currently en route and will meet up with us upon arrival."
"That's good then."
Su Ding appeared worried. Even the sight of the colorful flowers before her didn't stir any desire to appreciate them.
Just then, the sound of a speeding car echoed from beyond the manor's walls. Immediately after, a panicked maid ran from the front yard, saying, "Young Master, Young Lady, please follow me."
"What's happening?" Su Ding's expression shifted slightly as she inquired.
"Someone has found this place. The steward told us to leave quickly." The maid, looking flustered, pointed to a back gate in the rear garden. "Let's go."
Before she could finish speaking, sounds of panicked escape and continuous gunshots erupted from the front yard.
Bang!
Bang bang!
The attackers were aggressive and appeared very suddenly, catching both Jin Ye and Su Ding off guard.
"Let's go!"
The maid was on the verge of tears. She grabbed Su Ding and urged her to move.
Seeing this, Su Ding had no choice but to follow Jin Ye and the maid. "What about the steward?"
"The steward... the steward is already dead." As the maid walked, tears streamed down her face, but she dared not cry out loud.
"What!"
Su Ding and Jin Ye were both shocked. They hurried after the maid and slipped through a secret door.
The moment they emerged from the secret door, a group of men in black aggressively entered the backyard, searching for them.
Emerging from the secret door, they found themselves at the back of the manor, bordering the mountain – a place filled with weeds and a slope.
"Quick, run up."
The maid, out of breath, pointed to the hillside ahead. "The steward has already contacted the Fortress Master. You should evade in this direction. Only approach them if you see the Fortress Master's people and recognize them..."
"What about you?" Su Ding asked, frowning.
"I cannot escort you further. I have to go back... My family is all in the manor. I want to die with them."
The maid's face was covered in sweat, her expression resolute.
With that, she pushed Jin Ye and Su Ding away and re-entered the secret door without any hesitation.
Su Ding's eyes narrowed, a hint of reluctance in her heart.
"Let's go."
She gritted her teeth, knowing the situation was extremely critical and they couldn't linger.
Jin Ye pulled her and they quickly ran up the slope. After about half an hour of running, they hid inside a pile of firewood at a farmhouse.
Only after the pursuing men in black had left.
"Who are you?"
The owner of the woodpile came out from the main courtyard. Seeing the disheveled man and woman, she asked curiously.
Su Ding, supported by Jin Ye as she stood up, had a sudden inspiration. "Auntie, just now some thugs were following me, and I happened to meet this gentleman. He brought me here to hide in the woodpile, and we escaped."
"Oh, is that so? This young man is kind. Is the young lady alright? Please come in for some tea."
The auntie was indeed warm-hearted. Hearing that they had encountered some bad people, she immediately invited them into her home.
Entering the slightly simple country house, they found it meticulously clean.
An old man was sitting inside, weaving a bamboo basket. Seeing them, he put down his work. "What's going on?"
"Just now, the young lady was being followed by bad people, and this young man saved her."
The auntie, smiling, poured two cups of tea and offered them. "Young lady, where are you headed?"
Su Ding's thoughts raced. "I live near Yinshan. I came into the city this time to discuss some matters with the Fortress Master, but I'm alone and got a bit lost..."
Jin Ye looked at her with a half-smile – she was quite good at making things up.
Su Ding raised her eyebrows – naturally.
The auntie thought for a moment and then smiled, shaking her head. "You took a wrong turn. How did you end up here on your way from Yinshan to the city?"
"Then Auntie, how can I get into the city and meet the Fortress Master?"
Su Ding feigned anxiety and pressed, "I, I have urgent matters to see him..."
The auntie, upon hearing this, offered enthusiastically, "Take this main road from my doorstep straight ahead. When you reach an intersection, turn left. Turn left three times, and you'll be in the city. My old man is heading into the city later; perhaps he can give you a ride?"
"And the young man?" the auntie then asked Jin Ye.
"As she's a young lady going to the city alone, I, I'll escort her. I also have matters to attend to at my father-in-law's house; he also lives in the city," Jin Ye said.
Hearing the words "father-in-law," the auntie looked Jin Ye over again. "Young man, are you married? What a shame..."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards Su Ding.
It was clear she meant that this beautiful young lady had no chance.
Su Ding chuckled. "Thank you, Auntie. Sir, would it be convenient for you to give us a ride?"
"It's convenient. I have an electric tricycle at home, perfect for taking you both," the auntie said with a smile.
The uncle nodded as well.
Su Ding finally felt relieved. This way, she wouldn't have to search for directions aimlessly.
The auntie continued to eye Su Ding. "Young lady, do you have a boyfriend?"