After deciding to set off for Australia, Ye Chen began pondering how to fabricate a lie for Xiao Churan.
The moment this issue crossed his mind, he instinctively thought of the excuse about inspecting feng shui.
After all, he had used this trick for so long that not only had he gained experience, but he had also become adept at it.
Thus, he specifically instructed Hong Wu to call him in a little while, but the call should come only after he had first booked the flight back to Jinling with Xiao Churan. This way, he could temporarily change his itinerary, but he could still see Xiao Churan off at the airport first, putting his mind at ease.
Then, he casually exited WeChat, opened the ticketing app, and asked Xiao Churan, “Darling, when do you want to head back to Jinling? Let me check the flights.”
Xiao Churan was somewhat surprised. She had assumed that upon learning of Tang Sihai’s mishap, Ye Chen would immediately tell her he had business to attend to and would be away for a while.
Yet, unexpectedly, Ye Chen was suggesting they book tickets back to Jinling.
She wanted to ask if it was just her returning alone or both of them together, but on second thought, she realised she could not say that, as it would give the game away.
So, she casually replied, “I’m fine with whenever. You wanted to go back today, right? We can check out at noon and head to the airport. Book whatever flight you like; there’s plenty of time anyway.”
Ye Chen scrolled through the flight information and said nonchalantly, “Darling, how about the three o’clock one?”
The flight to Melbourne did not depart until half past five in the afternoon, so Ye Chen could first drop his wife off at the airport. Once he confirmed she had boarded the flight back to Jinling, he could then go through security, clear customs, and board his own flight to Melbourne.
Xiao Churan had no idea what scheme Ye Chen was hatching, but she knew his character well. With Tang Sihai in trouble, Ye Chen could not possibly stand idly by, so he must be seeking an opportunity, the right opportunity, to head to Melbourne.
Thus, she told Ye Chen, “Three o’clock is fine. We’ll get home without missing dinner. Book that flight, dear.”
“Alright!” Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief and booked the tickets first.
At noon, the couple had lunch early at the hotel and then took a taxi to the airport.
They printed their boarding passes, cleared security, and arrived at the airline’s VIP lounge to wait for boarding.
It was at this moment that Hong Wu fulfilled his role.
He called Ye Chen and, upon connecting, eagerly asked, “Master Ye, where are you right now?”
Ye Chen replied offhandedly, “I’m here in Yanjing with my wife for a concert, and we’re about to board the flight back. What’s up?”
Hong Wu quickly said, “Master Ye, a friend of mine has an issue with his house in the southwest. His family has not had smooth sailing over the New Year, and he wants a master to come and check the feng shui. Would you do him the honour of taking a look?”
Ye Chen pretended to hesitate, “Ah, to be honest, my schedule is quite full lately, and I have no plans to travel for feng shui consultations at the moment.”
Hong Wu pleaded, “Master Ye, this is a close brother of mine from years back; our bond is truly strong. Please help him out…”
Xiao Churan was right there beside him, and seeing Ye Chen still putting on this act at such a time, she felt no anger in her heart, only a touch of heartache for him.
She could imagine how tiring it must be for Ye Chen, having to keep so many things from her all these years, always minding her feelings and ensuring she harboured no suspicions.
Thus, she spoke softly, “Dear, is that Mr Hong asking for your help?”
Ye Chen nodded. He had the speaker on loud enough for Xiao Churan to hear clearly.
Xiao Churan then chimed in persuasively, “Just agree to Mr Hong’s request. He’s always been good to our family and shows you great respect. It’s just a small matter; no need to turn him down and lose face.”
Ye Chen had not expected Xiao Churan to be so understanding, so he feigned reluctance and said, “Hong Wu’s matter is urgent; I’d have to leave today. If I agree, I won’t be able to go back to Jinling with you.”
