"Benefactor Zhao, you're just too attached," said the Abbot Kongliao.
Attached? Zhao Luoning pondered over the abbot's words and murmured to herself, "Attachment, letting go?"
Just as Zhao Luoning was deep in thought, someone interrupted.
"Letting go of what?"
Zhao Luoning turned around and found that somehow Ji Shisu had stood behind her.
Today he was only wearing a simple moon - white long gown. His hair was not tied up as neatly as it was in the Ji Mansion, which made him look more ethereal. Standing beneath the flying waterfall, he seemed to have come with the wind and was about to leave on the breeze.
Zhao Luoning turned her face away and pretended to drink tea to moisten her throat, trying hard not to let her eyes linger on the man beside her.
"Master," Ji Shisu clasped his hands together and bowed to Abbot Kongliao. The abbot smiled and invited him to have tea with them. Only then did he sit down beside Zhao Luoning.
"Benefactor Ji is always busy with important matters. How come you have time to come here for tea today?"
Ji Shisu rarely came to Zhaoming Temple. He didn't believe in gods and Buddhas at all.
"Ning'er is in a bad mood. I'm here to accompany her."
As the saying goes, those involved are easily confused while onlookers see clearly. Abbot Kongliao had watched Zhao Luoning grow up. Now seeing that she had found a good match, he also hoped that this loving couple would finally get married.
It was truly predestined.
"You two chat. I have something to attend to and must take my leave," said Abbot Kongliao tactfully as he got up and left.
When the abbot was out of sight, Zhao Luoning's face turned cold.
"What's the meaning of those two bodyguards?"
Ji Shisu still replied with a smile, "You're the second young mistress of my family, brought in through the proper eight - sedan - chair wedding. Of course, I can't let anything happen to you. If you don't like them, I can replace them."
Zhao Luoning didn't say a word, which was a silent acquiescence.
Ji Shisu moved closer to Zhao Luoning and said, "Let me protect you personally."
Zhao Luoning was startled by this. A sip of tea got stuck in her throat, making her choke until her face turned red.
Ji Shisu quickly helped her smooth her breath and whispered in her ear, "Even if I promised to accompany you, you don't have to be so excited."
Caixue also heard the commotion and rushed over. With her wet hands outstretched, she was about to pull Zhao Luoning. Ji Shisu quickly blocked her wet hands.
"It's cold. Go dry your hands and change into dry clothes before coming back."
Only then did Caixue notice that the hem of her skirt and cuffs were all wet. Fortunately, Ji Shisu had stopped her. Otherwise, if her wet hands touched Zhao Luoning and made her catch a cold, it would be a big problem.
Even so, Caixue still didn't dare to leave. She looked at Ji Shisu as if he were a thief.
"What's wrong?" Ji Shisu had to be extra careful with this feisty maid. "Do you think I'd bully your young lady?"
Caixue nodded in agreement, staring intently at Ji Shisu's hand on Zhao Luoning's back, helping her smooth her breath. She looked as if her eyes could shoot fire and burn that hand to ashes for daring to touch her young lady.
Ji Shisu was intimidated by Caixue's look. By this time, Zhao Luoning's coughing had subsided. She stood up and skillfully dodged Ji Shisu's hand. Then she frowned and looked at Caixue's wet clothes, her tone full of helplessness.
"You're such a grown - up, but as soon as you're near water, you act like a child. Fine, I'll go with you to change your clothes."
As she said this, Zhao Luoning was about to get up and take Caixue downstairs. Ji Shisu quickly stood up and followed her closely.
"What on earth do you want?" Zhao Luoning finally got impatient and blocked Ji Shisu outside the door when she sent Caixue back to her room.
"Do you want me to tell you the information I've found out here?"
Zhao Luoning finally gave in. She walked out of the room, closed the door, and the two of them stood under the porch.
Ji Shisu smiled.
"This is nice, isn't it? Why don't you act crazy and stupid anymore?"
"Anyway, we're both smart people. There's no need for acting. Second Master Ji, what information have you found out? Don't be trying to fool me."
Ji Shisu sighed.
"You ungrateful girl."
He knew how much effort his men had put in to help her find out the information.
"There's a lead on the person who abandoned Caixue back then. It's said that the person's surname is Luo and came from the capital. If you want to know more, you'll have to go to the capital to find out."
"The capital? Huangcheng is quite far from the capital. Why did that person go through so much trouble to bring Caixue to Huangcheng?"
"We'll have to ask that person in person after we find them."
Zhao Luoning nodded. Then she seemed to think of something and stared intently at Ji Shisu.
Ji Shisu's ears turned red under her stare. He took a few steps back.
"What... what are you doing?"
The second young master of the Ji family, a man who had seen countless people and was known for his charm, was actually blushing, nervous, and stuttering under a woman's stare!
"Did you find out this information a long time ago? If this incident hadn't happened, would you still not have told me? Have you found out more and been hiding it from me?"
"Absolutely not! Why would I hide anything from you!" Ji Shisu retorted weakly.
It was true that the Ji family had a good reputation in the business world. Since it was a deal, Ji Shisu should keep his promise.
Zhao Luoning wanted to ask him why he wouldn't let her go but held back.
However, Ji Shisu's attitude of only saying something when forced made Zhao Luoning feel too passive. If it continued like this, she would never be able to leave the Ji Mansion in her lifetime.
She secretly sent a message to Feixing to investigate Aunt Luo in the capital.
Now that there was a lead, it was better than being like a headless chicken before.
At this moment, footsteps could be heard in the distance. Ji Shisu said to Zhao Luoning with a smile, "I've prepared a surprise for you later."
Zhao Luoning thought to herself: I'll thank you if you don't give me a scare.
Although she didn't believe it in her heart, her body still turned around. From afar, she saw a corner of a white robe around the corner. Then, a dignified and gentle - looking lady appeared in their sight.
"Mother? Why are you here?" Zhao Luoning never expected to meet her mother here.
She suddenly understood. She turned to look at Ji Shisu, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Thank you."
Seeing her happy, Ji Shisu felt sweeter than honey. He nodded at her.
"Go."
Zhao Luoning then ran towards her mother like a bird dashing on the ground.
Ji Shisu watched the mother - daughter reunion. After greeting Mrs. Ji, he followed them five steps behind, silently accompanying them.
"You scared me to death, daughter. I've hardly slept well these days after hearing that you had an accident. How are you? Do you feel any discomfort? Tell mother," said Mrs. Zhao.
"Mother, don't worry. I'm fine."
Mrs. Zhao carefully looked Zhao Luoning up and down. After making sure she was okay, she lovingly stroked her daughter's cheek through the veil.
"You've suffered. It's all mother's fault."
"Mother, don't worry. I'm fine in the Ji Mansion. How about you? Is... is everything okay at home?"
Zhao Luoning originally wanted to ask if her step - mother was still bullying her, but thinking that Ji Shisu was there, she changed the topic and asked about the family.
Mrs. Zhao sighed and said, "I won't hide it from you. The family hasn't been peaceful lately."