“You kidnapped me?” Xue Xingyue looked at Yu Xiaoyu.
In Yu Xiaoyu's imagination, the little one should have been fearful, terrified, and even more so, had been screaming loudly upon knowing she was kidnapped, as that was what was expected of someone her age.
“Aren’t you afraid?” Yu Xiaoyu asked.
Xue Xingyue shifted slightly and said, “Can you untie these ropes? They’re too tight and uncomfortable…”
Seeing Yu Xiaoyu hesitate, she continued, “How can you be afraid of such a small child like me? You’re an adult.”
Yu Xiaoyu smiled, “You don’t need to use provocation; it’s useless on me. I’m just responsible for taking you there.”
“Take me where?” Xue Xingyue detected something unusual.
Yu Xiaoyu changed the subject and reached out to touch her cheek, saying, “You really aren’t afraid. Do you think Young Master Yan will come to save you?”
“Won’t he?” Xue Xingyue asked.
Yu Xiaoyu finally laughed heartily, “No, he can’t afford to offend officials in the capital.”
Officials in the capital? Xue Xingyue frowned and said nothing.
It wouldn’t be impossible for her to escape when they went to the capital.
However, it seemed the capital wasn’t peaceful either. Who exactly was it?
Yu Xiaoyu thought the little one was scared and said triumphantly, “If you’re obedient, I might tell them to sell you to a good family. Otherwise…”
A hint of coldness appeared on her beautiful face.
“Sister Yu, I’ll be good and listen to you.” Xue Xingyue conceded.
Knowing the vast disparity in power, her mother had told her to yield when necessary and seize the opportunity to escape.
Yu Xiaoyu was very pleased. “You little thing are quite sharp. Actually, I like you too. Look how delicate and exquisite you are.”
“Sister Yu, if you liked me, you wouldn’t have kidnapped me. Do you not like me then…”
Yu Xiaoyu said, “You’re not my child, why should I like you so much? I promise I’ll sell you to a good family.”
“Sister Yu, does that family have no children?” Xue Xingyue asked.
Yu Xiaoyu looked at her and said, “Yes, they’ve been married for a year without children, and the madam is very anxious.”
“Then if I go there, a child this old, won’t they suspect something?” Xue Xingyue continued to ask.
Yu Xiaoyu glanced at her, “She hasn’t gone out for a long time.”
“That’s truly pitiful and regrettable.”
Xue Xingyue lowered her eyes, “Does every family need to have children?”
Yu Xiaoyu said, “Yes, a family is incomplete without children.”
“Incorrect. Mother said that children are not a necessity, nor are they the item that protects a family from falling apart. Children are born because she loves him and is willing to have them as a continuation of their bloodline.”
Yu Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow slightly, “Your statement is quite novel, but where in this world are there so many people who can be with the one they love?”
“Even if there aren’t, you shouldn’t settle.”
Yu Xiaoyu turned her head, a hint of sadness in her smile, “Who wouldn’t want to find a like-minded, perfect husband? But the one you like doesn’t like you.”
“Then find someone who likes you. You won’t feel too tired in the future, always chasing after someone’s footsteps is exhausting.”
“You little thing, you know quite a lot, but it’s too late. There’s no going back.”
Xue Xingyue blinked her eyes and said, “It’s not too late. I feel Uncle Xue Feng likes you, Sister Yu. Why don’t you consider him? Why are you fixated on my father?”
“People are stubborn, stubbornly believing that the one they chase will one day stop to wait for them to catch up.”
“The person you chase is always ahead. Even if they stop, it might not be for you…”
Yu Xiaoyu shivered, some annoyance creeping in, “Then I’ll kill everyone he’s waiting for.”
Xue Xingyue pouted. It would be good if her mother didn't kill you. I wonder if Father will be anxious when he knows she's missing?
Yan Jin Chao exuded an aura of extreme coldness, and Xue Song dared not speak, looking at Xue Feng kneeling on the ground, unsure how to proceed.
Xue Feng said remorsefully, “It is all my subordinate’s fault. I beg for your punishment, my lord.”
“Xue Feng, I never imagined it would be you who betrayed me.”
Xue Feng lowered his head very low and closed his eyes, “I beg for your punishment.”
“You should know, once disloyal, never to be trusted. You… leave!” Yan Jin Chao waved his hand.
Xue Feng’s body trembled. Beside him, Xue Song fell to his knees with a thud, “My lord, Xue Feng would absolutely not do it intentionally. Punish him however you wish, he will not complain. Please do not chase him away…”
Although he had lost his memory, Xue Song felt that he and Xue Feng must have grown up together.
To him, Xue Feng was like a brother, an elder brother, and family.
“My lord, hit me, scold me, but please do not send me away…” Without the company of his lord, he had nowhere to go.
“My lord…” Xue Song looked at Yan Jin Chao with a face full of anticipation.
Yan Jin Chao stood up and walked towards the outside…
“My lord…” Xue Song called out from behind.
“Xue Feng, the young master will not forgive me…” Xue Feng lowered his eyes. This time, he had indeed committed a grave offense against his lord.
“Xue Feng, I’ll go beg the young master. I won’t let you leave.” Xue Song got up and was about to chase after him.
Xue Feng grabbed him and shook his head, “Don’t go. My lord is more heartbroken than anyone.”
“Xue Feng…”
“Xue Song, from today onwards, you will take good care of my lord.”
Xue Song was startled, “Xue Feng, you… you’re leaving?”
Xue Feng gave a bitter smile, “I’m leaving, but it doesn’t mean I’m giving up. I have never chosen to give up. I’m going to find the little one.”
“Xue Feng, you were just tricked by Yu Xiaoyu…”
“I lost my heart. Xue Song, I am truly not suited to stay by my lord’s side, because Yu Xiaoyu’s intentions towards my lord are impure. I would harm my lord, as this is an example. Once I have handled everything, I will personally beg for forgiveness with a rod on my back.”
Xue Song knew that Xue Feng’s actions now were correct. “Xue Feng, take care of yourself!”
“I will. Take good care of my lord…” Xue Feng said, then walked towards the outside. He stopped at the doorway, “Tell my lord, Xue Feng will return.”
With that, he left without looking back.
Xue Song gazed at Xue Feng’s retreating figure, unable to recover for a long time. Turning back, he saw his lord behind him and was slightly stunned.
“My… my lord…”
“He left?”
Xue Song nodded, “But Xue Feng said he will return…”
“Good…”
Xue Song was taken aback, “My lord, you… you don’t really want to drive Xue Feng away?”
“Xue Song, come with me to see someone.” Yan Jin Chao said.
Xue Song nodded, “Yes, my lord.”
“Where is this…” Xue Song was stunned looking at the inn.
The waiter hurried over, “Is my lord here to stay?”
“Looking for someone,” Yan Jin Chao said faintly.
The waiter was startled, “May I ask who my lord is looking for?”
“Looking for mine,” a voice called out.
Xue Song’s heart skipped a beat. He looked up, and a face he had seen in his dreams appeared before him.