“That’s fine,” Xiao Churan smiled faintly and said, “I’ll go back on my own. It’s only two hours anyway. Once I’m there, I can take a taxi or have Dad pick me up. You go and handle your business; don’t worry about me.”
This was precisely Ye Chen’s plan all along, and seeing Xiao Churan bring it up herself naturally eased his mind. He said, “Alright then, darling. I’ll see you onto the flight in a bit, but I won’t board myself. Have Dad pick you up.”
“Sure.” Xiao Churan nodded, a sudden pang of sorrow in her heart.
Originally, Tang Sihai’s plan had been for her to depart from Yanjing while her parents set off from Jinling, but he had not accounted for Ye Chen insisting on seeing her onto the plane. It seemed she would have to return to Jinling first.
But no matter what, once she boarded the flight, it would mark her farewell to Ye Chen.
A marriage between them, and it would come to an end right here.
Her heart overflowed with reluctance, yet for Ye Chen’s sake, she felt no regret whatsoever.
She knew that staying behind would not only fail to help him but would also tie his hands.
In daily life, whenever Ye Chen needed to go out, he had to weave a web of well-intentioned lies. And because he worried about her, he never stayed away too long. Many tasks that could have been settled in one go might drag on for multiple trips, taking far longer to resolve due to his attachment to her.
Once she left, he would be unburdened, free to focus all his energy on his affairs, strengthening himself, and slaying his enemies to avenge his parents.
So, no matter what, she could not hold him back any longer.
As Xiao Churan’s heart ached unbearably, Ye Chen failed to notice the subtle shift in his wife’s demeanour. He quickly messaged Chen Zekai and Hong Wu on WeChat to inform them that he had made all the arrangements and would meet them both at the airport that afternoon.
Shortly after, a lounge attendant approached and said to the couple, “Mr Ye, Ms Xiao, boarding has begun for your flight. The gate is at 63; it’s about a five-minute walk. Please make your way there in good time.”
Ye Chen nodded and thanked her, then turned to Xiao Churan, “Darling, let me walk you to the gate first.”
Xiao Churan’s heart was breaking, yet she could only pretend all was well as she stood up, holding back tears and saying to him, “Dear, when you’re away, be sure to stay safe.”
Ye Chen smiled, “Don’t worry; I’ll be back soon.”
With red eyes, Xiao Churan asked, “You can take good care of yourself, right?”
“Of course,” Ye Chen said with a laugh, “Your husband has a bit of skill up his sleeve. Rest easy.”
Xiao Churan asked again, “And when you’re not busy, will you miss me?”
“Of course I will.”
Xiao Churan said solemnly, “You said it yourself; you have to mean it.”
For Xiao Churan, she could leave Ye Chen, but she did not want him to forget her.
Ye Chen had never seen Xiao Churan so sentimental before, and for a fleeting moment, he found it odd. But on reflection, since they had only just consummated their marriage, and she had given him her most precious gift, it seemed natural for her to be a bit emotional.
Thus, he gently embraced Xiao Churan and promised, “Darling, rest assured, busy or not, I’ll miss you. Wait for me obediently, and if you miss me, just send me a WeChat message or a video call.”
Tears welled up uncontrollably in Xiao Churan’s eyes, streaming down in an instant.
But to avoid arousing Ye Chen’s suspicion, she could only laugh through her sobs and whisper, “You only just had your way with me yesterday, and now you’re off today. I can’t help but feel reluctant.”
Ye Chen teasingly asked, “Just reluctant in your heart?”
Xiao Churan paused, then realised his implication. Blushing with a mix of shyness and embarrassment, she said, “You… how did you turn naughty all of a sudden!”
Ye Chen feigned innocence, “What? I did not say anything…”
“You say that as if it’s nothing,” Xiao Churan muttered, “I may not have much experience, but I’m no fool.”
Seeing that he had been found out, Ye Chen did not argue and simply chuckled.
Xiao Churan was not truly upset, so upon his tacit admission, she let it drop. Instead, she hugged him tightly and said reluctantly, “In any case, take good care of yourself out there. At all times, health and safety come first, alright?”
“Alright,” Ye Chen agreed readily. Feeling moved by her reluctance, he added, “Once I sort things out, I’ll rush back right away!”
