Ever since Xiao Churan left, Ye Chen’s sense of belonging to Jinling had faded considerably.
It was not that he had lost his feelings for the city, but rather that the city no longer had that invisible rope tying him down, making him reluctant to leave.
Now, he was like a single man with freedom over his time and finances. Once he decided on a destination, he could set off immediately. In Jinling, he truly had no ties.
His friends in Jinling were all doing very well these days. In this city, they might have once been business rivals, but because he had spent the past few years mediating among them, they had long since become good friends. In life, they looked after each other, and in business, they supported one another.
It was amusing that when everyone used to compete fiercely, they earned less than they did now with mutual yielding.
Although each of them was an elite in the business world, their vision was often constrained by territorial instincts, viewing anyone outside their circle as an opponent. This led to serious internal friction among them. Once that friction was eliminated through cooperation, the situation naturally improved greatly.
This was somewhat similar to the European Union. Without the EU, Europe had been reduced to ruins twice in world wars. Germany and France, that pair of historical enemies, had been at each other’s throats since the 17th century, right up to the end of World War II, and neither had become a global superpower. Later, when they saw the light, abandoned old grudges, and banded together for warmth, the outlook suddenly brightened.
Besides his friends, Ye Chen’s maternal grandparents’ family no longer needed much of his concern. After all, his grandfather’s family were now major businessmen returning from overseas to build the motherland. China placed great importance on them, and as long as Wu Feiyan was not tired of living and intent on mutual destruction, she would absolutely not dare to act against them again.
Moreover, he had the Champs-Elysees Hot Springs and a large reserve of martial arts talents. These people in Jinling could also ensure the safety of his relatives and friends.
This was one of the multiple reasons Ye Chen could leave with peace of mind.
Returning to Champs-Elysees, he did not immediately go to his hillside villa. Instead, he visited the villa where Yun Rugge and Song Ruyu were in seclusion.
This pair of unfortunate sisters had become inseparable good friends after spending time together. Seeing Ye Chen’s sudden visit, both were overjoyed and warmly invited him into the living room.
After sitting down in the living room, Ye Chen asked the two: “Miss Yun, Miss Song, how have you both been lately?”
Yun Rugge smiled and said: “Thanks to Mr Ye’s concern, these days Ruyu and I have been getting along very pleasantly.”
Song Ruyu had lost her former coldness and arrogance. Smiling, she said: “Sister Yun has been especially good to me, like a real elder sister. We have even discussed it. If we are lucky enough to survive, we will live and cultivate together. If we cannot make it, we ask Mr Ye to choose a scenic spot in Jinling and bury us side by side.”
Ye Chen was slightly surprised but smiled and said: “It is still too early to talk about death now.”
Yun Rugge smiled easily and said: “Mr Ye, time flies like a white steed across a crack. One year will pass quickly.”
Ye Chen nodded and said to the two: “Ladies, I came today to discuss something with you both.”
Yun Rugge immediately said seriously: “Please go ahead, Mr Ye.”
Song Ruyu beside her also straightened her posture, eyes fixed on Ye Chen without blinking, waiting for what he would say next.
Ye Chen said earnestly: “These days, I have deeply felt the frustration of my cultivation being stuck and not advancing. So, I plan to go into seclusion in Northern Europe for a while, to see if I can find an opportunity to open the Mudra Palace and also to look for a way to detoxify you both. I hope you two can come with me.”
The young Song Ruyu exclaimed excitedly without any hesitation: “Thank you, Mr Ye, for the guidance. Ruyu is willing to go with you!”
A flicker of worry and disappointment crossed Yun Rugge’s brows, but she quickly adjusted her mindset and smiled: “Rugge is also willing to go.”
Ye Chen nodded with relief and said: “In that case, please prepare yourselves. We will set off tomorrow.”
The two agreed immediately. Seeing that it was getting late, Ye Chen did not want to impose further, so he stood up to take his leave.
Song Ruyu and Yun Rugge saw Ye Chen to the door together. After watching him leave, Song Ruyu said softly to Yun Rugge: “Sister Yun, why is Mr Ye suddenly going to Northern Europe for seclusion? Is not his wife in Jinling?”
“This…” Yun Rugge shook her head and murmured: “I am not very clear either.”
Song Ruyu smiled and said: “Mr Ye is going into seclusion yet still thinks to take us along. It seems he truly trusts us both.”
Yun Rugge sighed lightly and said softly: “Mr Ye is probably also afraid that we might have second thoughts…”
