“Perhaps.” Yun Rugge said: “If he really plans a long seclusion, he must be concerned that, with no way out, we might return to the Po Qing Society.”
Song Ruyu said firmly: “Even if I die, I will not go back.”
After saying that, she muttered somewhat sulkily: “It seems Mr Ye still does not fully trust us.”
Yun Rugge smiled and said: “Like you, I would rather die than go back. But Mr Ye’s worry is reasonable. Human desire for survival is directly proportional to the crisis. The more dangerous the situation, the stronger the desire to live.”
Song Ruyu shook her head and said seriously: “Survival depends on what kind of life one seeks. If it is the same as before, living under the Po Qing Society’s control and committing evil acts to exchange for an antidote, then I would rather die. As the saying goes, without freedom, better to die.”
Yun Rugge patted her shoulder and smiled: “You and I are both determined to break free from the Po Qing Society. It is just that neither of us has the power to control our fate, so we must follow Mr Ye’s arrangements.”
Song Ruyu felt a pang of heartache and gently hugged Yun Rugge, murmuring: “Sister Yun, do you think we can get over this hurdle?”
Yun Rugge smiled and said: “Whether we can depends on our fate. Wu Feiyan’s poison is not something we can resolve. Everything still relies on Mr Ye.”
Song Ruyu nodded slightly, and the feeling of shared misfortune as fellow exiles grew even stronger in her heart toward Yun Rugge.
…
Far away in Northern Europe, Helena had just finished state visits to several friendly countries. She took a plane back to Northern Europe and returned to the palace.
Although the royal family in these constitutional monarchies was essentially a mascot, she had gained many supporters in her country and worldwide through her personal charm and influence.
This made her more than just a simple national mascot. Many matters that the prime minister could not negotiate, she could handle successfully, especially in attracting foreign investment to Northern Europe. Helena always managed to make those top international companies willingly invest in the Northern European market.
Moreover, Helena had been tirelessly working for Northern Europe, rarely resting. She was even more dedicated than the prime minister. Her efforts and charm were seen by the entire Northern European people, and their support for her reached an unprecedented height. The royal family’s presence also kept hitting new highs.
Helena did not truly love being queen or the work it entailed. The royal family life was dull and lonely, so she did not want to leave herself idle.
Filling life with work did reduce the sense of loneliness considerably, but her longing for Ye Chen had long taken root deeply and was hard to alleviate.
Seeing Helena return looking utterly drained, the old queen felt heartbroken and could not help asking: “Helena, have you considered taking a break lately? Do not keep rushing around like this.”
Helena smiled and said: “A holiday feels boring too. Going on vacation is inconvenient, and staying in the palace all day is cold and empty. It is better to be out there busy with work.”
The old queen said helplessly: “You, it is still the same as before. You need some fulfilment in family life. Otherwise, this palace will always feel cold and empty to you. I am still alive now, but if I die, will it not be even more desolate here?”
Helena smiled bitterly: “Grandma, have not we discussed these things? I have the life I want. I do not want to settle.”
The old queen sighed: “If you have set your heart on Ye Chen for this lifetime, you should still try to take it further. Otherwise, dragging on like this only wastes your own time. Last time I mentioned having a child with him. You should think about it again. With a child, the palace would not feel so empty.”
Helena sighed: “Grandma, it is not as simple as you think.”
The old queen quickly said: “It is precisely because it is not simple that you must strive for it. Otherwise, it will truly become a distant dream.”
Helena rubbed her temples and said: “It is not even easy to see Mr Ye once now… Last time he brought that young girl to Northern Europe, we barely had any chance to be alone.”
At this point, Helena thought back to the various moments when Ye Chen had been unconscious on her bed that time.
She could not help feeling some regret in her heart. If she had seized the opportunity then, would she really have had a chance to conceive his child?
She did not dare think of using a child to tie him down, but having his child would make her content for life.
At that moment, her phone suddenly rang.
The instant the ringtone sounded, her entire demeanour shifted from exhaustion to excitement and agitation.
Because this ringtone was one she had set specially for Ye Chen alone.
