Chapter 75: Because You Are Here

Staring at the three words “me too” at the end of Fang Xu’s letter, Qin Suwen couldn’t help but tighten her grip on the letter in her hand.

Though Fang Xu had only been gone for two short days, Qin Suwen found herself unable to stop thinking about him. She didn’t quite understand what this feeling was; all she knew was that she worried for Fang Xu’s safety, and that was enough.

To Qin Suwen, it wasn’t that she wished Fang Xu would do things for her sake. From a young age, she had been taught to rely on herself for everything. Yet Fang Xu was somewhat domineering in his ways—once he decided on something, he was determined to see it through. To place himself under her protection was something Fang Xu could hardly stomach, so he sought to do what lay within his power.

As she read in the letter of Fang Xu’s successful development of the flash grenade, Qin Suwen was filled with curiosity. What exactly was this flash grenade? Still, since it was something Fang Xu had devised, it couldn’t be anything trivial.

Qin Suwen summoned her subordinates and quickly penned a letter, instructing them to deliver it at full speed to General Bai Qi, who was guarding the Southern Commandery.

This was all Qin Suwen could do at the moment. Even though the barbarians beyond the border had caused no trouble and had not attempted a raid, she could not afford to let down her guard. The lessons of the past were still fresh—no one could predict what the barbarians might be plotting.

Given this, her only option was to ask General Bai Qi to help keep an eye on Fang Xu. Yet she could not have foreseen that the events in the south would unfold in ways no one had expected.

Even Fang Xu, about to set out for the Southern Commandery, was taken by surprise as he gazed at the newly erected Quanzhen Daoist temple before him. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief, for he had worried he might break his promise.

“Why did you agree to accompany me south?” Fang Xu stood beside Qiu Chuji, watching the busy villagers, and asked in a low voice.

“It’s nothing, really—just a matter of repaying a kindness,” Qiu Chuji replied with a gentle smile, glancing at Fang Xu.

“Repaying a kindness?” Fang Xu couldn’t fathom what Qiu Chuji meant. Had he done something that warranted such a debt? He thought hard, but nothing came to mind.

“You helped us rebuild the Quanzhen temple. If it were only about alchemy, that would hardly compare. Since that’s the case, I’ve chosen to travel south with you.” Qiu Chuji turned to leave, speaking with a quiet chuckle.

“Don’t you know it’s dangerous in the south?” Though Fang Xu had already warned Qiu Chuji, he couldn’t help but stress it again.

“I know. But aren’t you with me?” Qiu Chuji did not pause or turn around, but Fang Xu could hear the smile in those words.

“You really trust me that much?” Fang Xu couldn’t help but laugh ruefully, but he let the matter drop.

Inside the house, Qiu Chuji shut the door tightly, leaned back against it, and pressed hot palms to burning cheeks. She hadn’t expected those words to slip out so easily.

“This is so embarrassing!” she murmured, biting her lip in mortification.

But Fang Xu remained entirely oblivious. After all, it wasn’t his fault—he had never been in love in his past life, let alone in this one.

Old Wu and Gu Bei, standing at a distance, had witnessed the exchange and sighed together. Sensing each other’s thoughts, they exchanged a glance, their lips twitching into small, knowing smiles.

“I’ll just call you Old Gu, shall I?” Old Wu said, looking at the man who appeared to be about his age. Gu Bei nodded in agreement.

“Old Gu, do you think the young master knows that Qiu Chuji is actually a woman?” Old Wu slung an arm companionably around Gu Bei’s shoulder, asking with a grin.

“Well…that depends on the young master’s own mind. We, as servants, shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” Gu Bei stammered, startled by Old Wu’s easy familiarity.

Yet Gu Bei, too, was curious—did Fang Xu really not know Qiu Chuji’s true identity? After all, it seemed to be an open secret. If Fang Xu didn’t know, then only one possibility remained.

“Heh, Old Gu, your thoughts are exactly the same as mine,” Old Wu observed, noting the look on Gu Bei’s face.

“I—I didn’t think anything! Old Wu, don’t slander me!” Gu Bei protested, flustered, but Old Wu only gave him a look that said he understood, leaving Gu Bei exasperated.

“Forget it. But since you’ve chosen to follow the young master, there’s something you should know.” Old Wu released Gu Bei’s shoulder, his tone turning icy.

Gu Bei immediately noticed the change, finding it perplexing how quickly Old Wu could shift from a brotherly demeanor to one of stern warning.

“Please, go ahead, Old Wu,” he said, composing his expression.

“You may not know the young master’s true identity yet, but I can assure you: if you follow him, there will be no end to glory and wealth. But if you ever think of playing tricks behind his back, don’t blame me for not warning you—by then, you won’t even know how you died.” Old Wu’s eyes flashed with a murderous intent, sending a chill down Gu Bei’s spine.

Realizing Old Wu was serious, Gu Bei nodded rapidly.

Seeing this, Old Wu’s sternness melted away. He laughed heartily and clapped Gu Bei on the back.

“Honestly, which side is the real you?” Gu Bei muttered, watching Old Wu’s boisterous laughter, unable to suppress a twitch at the corner of his mouth.