Concealment
Shen Yue slowly moved back to the side of the bed and laid down. Although he was strong-willed, he had to rest a lot. He knew when to do something.
Just as Zhao Jianlong was about to leave, Zhao Changshan strode in. “Long’er, it’s good that you are here, I want to ask the truth about this brother’s incident.”
Zhao Jianlong subconsciously wanted to close the door, preventing him from coming in. However, she followed her father back to the side of the bed. She lifted the curtain around the bed and looked worriedly at Shen Yue, who had his eyes closed.
Before Zhao Changshan could say anything, she quickly spoke, “Father, this chivalrous man seems to be resting. Why don’t I call you back over when I see him awake?”
Zhao Changshan nodded, he had already made up his mind to leave and return the next day. However, to his surprise, Shen Yue said coldly without opening his eyes, “If you have any doubts, you can say them. I’m sure you know.”
“That’s great.” Zhao Changshan nodded. He looked down like he was being interrogated, so he turned around and sat down nearby. He leaned his body back as he recalled the past before he spoke, “Back then, when I was chasing after my daughter, I was being hunted down by my enemies. Fortunately, I was saved by a chivalrous man who used the Dragon Whip. However, the person who saved me wore a mask, didn’t give me his name, so I knew nothing about him. After many years of searching for him, I had no success and the only thing I found out was that the whip was a treasure belonging to the Five Poisons Sect’s Sect Master, Shi Zhongtian. Now that whip is your hands, but you are too young to be the one who saved me. I wonder if you know anything about it and the chivalrous man?”
Before Zhao Changshan could finish his sentence, Zhao Jianlong covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head while looking at Shen Yue. Shen Yue didn’t understand why she didn’t want him to tell the truth. He realised that he was able to rest safely as she seemed to have hidden the truth from her family. His heart was filled with hope and he wanted to know her intentions, so he didn’t say anything or move.
“Sir?” Zhao Changshan turned around, to look at Zhao Jianlong leaning against the curtain with her hands by her side.
Zhao Changshan didn’t see his daughter’s movements. He stood up curiously and walked to the bed to check on him. Shen Yue looked like he was deeply asleep as his breathing seemed to be weak. “Long’er, is this normal?”
Zhao Jianlong didn’t dare to look at her father. “He’s always like this. His injuries are still pretty serious, and he faints if he speaks.”
“I see. Long’er, pay attention to him. When he wakes up, come find me immediately.”
“Father, I will.”
When Zhao Jianlong saw her father disappear from the room, she closed the door and returned to the bed.
“Miss Zhao, I’m your enemy? Why are you helping me?”
His words made Zhao Jianlong feel embarrassed, before replying. “You think I don’t know that you’re seeking death, but I saved you. Even if you want to die, you’ll have to let me figure out what you deserve.”
“What’s the difference between early death and a late death? I’ve already told you the truth. Why are you making it harder for yourself? In the end, you will want to kill me.” His cold and indifferent tone sounded as if he was talking about the weather. She couldn’t believe that he treated life and death so trivially.
“You’re just a prisoner. Don’t worry about what I’m doing. I won’t blame a good person or let a bad person go.”
“So a prisoner gets to be so carefree and happy, and have a beautiful and delicate maiden serving him closely. If that’s the case, I’m willing to be a prisoner for the rest of my life.”
Her cheeks became hot as fire. She didn’t know whether she was shy or angry, but she couldn’t stay in the room dealing with his repeated provocations.
On the same day, Zhao Qinghuai returned with the escort from elsewhere, sweeping away the haze in Zhao Jianlong’s heart. The day after they saved Shen Yue, Zhao Qinghuai hadn’t appeared because of a mission.
As usual, Zhao Qinghuai brought back some gadgets from other places. Zhao Jianlong didn’t look as interested in them as in previous times. She longed to explore the world for herself.
“Long’er, I’ll help you ask Father for the next escort, as the destination is only a hundred miles away.” Zhao Qinghuai lowered his head and rubbed the sheath of his sword. He said proudly, “These past few times, I haven’t even needed to unsheathe my sword.”
“I was just about to talk to Father about this,” Zhao Jianlong held her chin and said in a depressed tone.
“Father said that if I don’t have any setback with the escort, he would give the Xiangzhi City branch to me. I’ll bring you there some time.”
“That would be great!”
“By the way.” Zhao Qinghuai raised his head.” Have you identified the man in black you brought back?”
Zhao Jianlong was a little nervous and was left speechless.
“What’s wrong? I’ll go take a look.” With that said, Zhao Qinghuai immediately stood up and walked to the room. Zhao Jianlong hurriedly followed behind him.
Zhao Qinghuai opened the door and strode in. He looked around the room. And noticed that the windows were clean, the teapot and porcelain cups were neatly placed away, and the bedding was neatly laid out as if no one was living there. “Why isn’t there anyone here?”