Chapter 297 - 295: Your Embrace, I’ll Collect It Later (First Update)

Chapter 297: Chapter 295: Your Embrace, I’ll Collect It Later (First Update)

Xiao Yi was momentarily taken aback and asked, "Who is it?"

Xu Jing replied, "It’s Doctor Yan. I suspect that Doctor Yan knows some inside information and might be somehow connected to this matter."

Xiao Yi: "Yan Ci?"

In his impression, she had always been just an ordinary doctor.

Xu Jing immediately narrated the oddities of Yan Ci and Jiang Da’s matter to Xiao Yi, and finally, she mused, "Actually, I discovered on the first day that the current Jiang Da shouldn’t be the Jiang Da who lived in White Poplar Village for the past three years. The previous Jiang Da was replaced by him at some unknown time. I don’t know if Doctor Yan is aware of this, but there must be some connection between her and Jiang Da.

Earlier, didn’t you say that the Vice Governor Zhou Wenbai of Cui Han disappeared on the day Cui Han had his accident? Do you know what Zhou Wenbai looks like?"

"You suspect the current Jiang Da is the missing Zhou Wenbai?"

Xiao Yi understood and shook his head, saying, "It shouldn’t be. Earlier, you mentioned that Jiang Da is very tall, like a small mountain, whereas the Zhou Wenbai I know is about the same build as me, solid but not overly muscular."

Xu Jing furrowed her brow slightly.

Then it’s not him.

Suddenly, Xiao Yi took her hand and said, "I came to see you tonight for another important matter. As I said, there’s going to be turmoil in Lingzhou soon. When that happens, I might not be able to reach your side in time while I’m in the city..."

Xu Jing immediately understood the implication of his words, "You want me to leave Lingzhou first?"

"Yes."

Looking at her, Xiao Yi said softly, "If there really is chaos in Lingzhou, I’d be worried with you here."

Xu Jing felt warmth in her heart; however, she still felt a bit reluctant and after contemplating for a moment with downcast eyes, she placed her other hand on the one Xiao Yi was holding and said, "I know you’re worried about me, but I came to Lingzhou with a purpose. If I leave just like this, I’ll have come for nothing. Besides, Doctor Yan’s attitude towards me has softened a lot now.

I want to stay a couple more days to explore the relationship between Jiang Da and her and see if I can resolve her issue in advance. If I find it still doesn’t work, I’ll leave then, is that okay?"

Xiao Yi frowned slightly. But before he could say anything, the woman in front of him tightened her grip on his hands. The soft, slightly cool feel of her skin momentarily occupied Xiao Yi’s mind, leaving him slightly dazed, and for a moment, he forgot what he wanted to say.

Looking at him eagerly, Xu Jing asked, "You won’t even let me stay just a couple more days?"

Xiao Yi’s mind went blank, for the first time experiencing the true power of the saying "beauty muddles the mind."

He struggled hard to regain some clarity.

Even though he’d be worried if Jing stayed a couple more days, the independent and assertive Jing now willing to discuss such matters with him was already quite rare.

This means she is genuinely trying to accept him and integrate him into her life.

The corners of his mouth slightly upturned, just about to speak, the woman in front clearly misunderstood the reason for his silence, her complexion changed suddenly, and she let go of his hand, pouting, "Anyway, regardless of whether you agree or not, I’ve decided to stay!"

So she’s losing patience already?

Xiao Yi found it amusing yet helpless as he grabbed her hands back, and with a playful twinkle in his dark eyes, said, "When did I ever say I disagreed? Besides, don’t I know you? Are you the type to obediently follow orders?"

What is he saying?

Xu Jing raised her eyebrows, readying to flare up, when Xiao Yi softly said, "Jing, I’m very happy that you care about my feelings and took the initiative to discuss this matter with me.

Feel free to stay if you wish. Just allow me to assign a few more people around you—that’s one thing you should not refuse. It will ease my heart.

Besides, I, too, am quite curious about what’s really going on between Jiang Da and Doctor Yan."

With his words having reached this point, Xu Jing could only give him a sidelong glance, saying, "Alright, alright, I’ve already mentioned, I am capable of protecting myself. You don’t need to worry so much; you should be more concerned about yourself instead."

His situation is far more dangerous than hers.

Xiao Yi couldn’t help but smile, "I’ll take it as Jing actually caring about me."

As he spoke, he let go of Xu Jing’s hand, stood up, saying, "It’s getting late; I should head back now."

If he disappeared for too long, his whereabouts would no longer remain concealed.

Xu Jing also stood up, feeling somewhat empty, and didn’t hide her feelings, saying, "Knowing I worry about you, try not to make me worry."

Xiao Yi’s heart moved slightly, turning to Xu Jing suddenly, smiling lightly, "Jing, could you give me one more hug?"

Xu Jing gave him a playful look, pretending to scold, "No."

After pausing, she softened her voice slightly, "Next time we meet."

Call her superstitious, but she wanted him to have something to yearn for and come back safely.

Xiao Yi feigned distress, frowning slightly, "But I’m a little impatient..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly leaned forward, giving Xu Jing a quick hug, and before she reacted, he released his grip, with a faint yet content smile on his face, very gentlemanly saying, "This is enough; your hug will stay owed."

Xu Jing: "..."

He ambushed her and oddly made her owe him too?

No mistake, this man’s face-skinned indeed gets thicker day by day!

Xiao Yi didn’t dawdle either, after taking his advantage, he said a low "goodbye," then turned and walked out briskly.

Xu Jing kept her eyes on his figure disappearing into the night before gathering herself, turning around, and giving a glare at Chunyang, who was smiling with auntly affection, "Alright, with your smile, it seems like you are the one with something stirring in your heart."

Chunyang swiftly straightened her smile, saying, "I understand, the one with something stirring is Madam!"

Xu Jing: "..."

When did her heart ever stir!

Xu Jing’s cheeks warmed slightly, ignoring her previous words, she said, "Call Cheng Xiao in for me."

Chunyang was momentarily stunned, "It’s so late, why’s Madam calling Guard Cheng?"

"I want to clear up Jiang Da’s situation as soon as possible. Tonight, Jiang Da was wrongfully accused, almost hauled to the authorities. If Doctor Yan were to find him, tonight would be the most likely time."

Xu Jing said in a serious tone, "Today, I plan to stealthily check Jiang Da’s residence."

Even though accustomed to her lady’s various alarming ideas, Chunyang couldn’t help but be a little horrified.

However, once her lady made up her mind, no one could change it. Didn’t even Vice Minister Xiao compromise just now? Eventually, she could only walk out and call Cheng Xiao in.

Upon hearing that Xu Jing intended to look for Jiang Da tonight, Cheng Xiao was equally worried, to the point of feeling his head would fall off, silently swearing to protect Madam with his life, following Xu Jing into the mountain forest with a grand sense of duty.

Jiang Da resided near the forest by White Poplar Village; finding his place wasn’t difficult. Cheng Xiao’s sent men swiftly located his dwelling, and they led the path ahead with Xu Jing, Cheng Xiao, and two additional guards following closely behind.

The remaining guards kept a certain distance behind them.

This was Xu Jing’s request. As she wasn’t clear about Jiang Da’s identity yet, if possible, she wanted to talk to him calmly first. After all, she had just helped clear his name of unjust charges tonight, he owed her at least a favor and wouldn’t likely give her any attitude.

Bringing a large group of guards along initially wouldn’t seem to invite friendly conversation; it would appear more combative.

The mountain paths were difficult to navigate at night, but luckily, there were several small trails paved by nearby villagers and hunters leading towards Jiang Da’s dwelling, and the road was relatively smooth.

The guard leading the way occasionally looked back at Xu Jing, saying in a low voice, "Madam, we’re almost there. Just a bit ahead and round a corner to reach Hunter Jiang’s place..."

Before finishing his sentence, an ominous, hoarse voice abruptly called out from nearby, "Who’s there!"

That sound, akin to a wild beast’s snarl, tore through the silence of the nighttime forest in an instant.

The hearts of everyone skipped a beat, and the leading guard’s expression changed subtly.

At this spot, Jiang Da should not be able to see them from inside his house!

If they were exposed, it could only mean Jiang Da was already watching them from ahead!

Cheng Xiao immediately stopped Xu Jing from moving forward, saying solemnly, "Madam, please wait here. Let me send two men ahead to check the situation first."