Chapter 21: The Lonely Soul Market—Part 2

Yusang chuckled to herself.

If Ming Ran was truly worried, why didn’t she come looking for her? Instead, she was here chatting happily with Yan Qige.

Clearly, her words had a double meaning—on the surface, she expressed concern, but underneath, it seemed like she was criticizing Yusang for taking so long.

“I’ve brought the clothes. Here you go,” Yusang handed Ming Ran the small bundle containing the clothes.

“Thank you for going out of your way, Miss. Come in and have some crispy tea pastries,” Ming Ran said sweetly with a gentle smile.

“I’m not hungry. I’ll pass.” Feeling irritated, Yusang didn’t want to exchange any more pleasantries.

She shoved the clothes into Ming Ran’s hands and turned to leave, but unexpectedly, Ming Ran grabbed her arm.

Yusang turned around to see Ming Ran already looking as though she was about to cry.

“Are you upset with me, Miss Yusang? I know I should’ve perished in the river, but it was Young Master Yan who saved my life. I should be serving as a lowly servant to repay both the young master and you for this great kindness. Yet, I still trouble you… It’s my fault. I hope you won’t hold it against me, Miss Yusang.”

Although Yusang indeed didn’t like being made to run errands for Yan Qige, she had never blamed Ming Ran for it.

Seeing her act like this, Yusang knew immediately that Ming Ran’s performance was aimed at Yan Qige.

It made her look pitiful, and at the same time, it subtly suggested that Yusang didn’t like her.

Ming Ran was clearly trying hard to win Yan Qige’s sympathy.

Did Ming Ran think Yan Qige was just some naive young master who would feel sorry for her and shower her with affection just because of her tearful act? If so, she was sorely mistaken.

Yusang smirked inwardly—Ming Ran had clearly miscalculated.

Yan Qige had dealt with plenty of beautiful women who could transform into demons at will, and he’d gotten rid of them without hesitation.

But just as Yusang thought Yan Qige wouldn’t fall for such a transparent act, he stood up from where he was seated, walked over, and looked at Yusang with a hint of irritation on his face.

“You’re just a maid. I asked you to do a simple task, and you took this long. Ming Ran kindly offered you the tea pasteries, and not only did you refuse, but you were also rude. As punishment, you’ll kneel and reflect for half an hour.”

“I—” Yusang, furious, was about to defend herself, but before she could, Ming Ran spoke up.

“Please, Young Master Yan, don’t be angry. It’s my fault for troubling Miss Yusang. If you must punish someone, punish me instead. Please don’t blame her.”

Ming Ran’s voice trembled with emotion, her eyes filled with tears, and her frail figure made her look even more pitiful.

She was a perfect picture of a helpless, homeless woman who had narrowly escaped death, only to be mistreated by others.

“Since Ming Ran has spoken up, I’ll change the punishment. You’re not allowed to have lunch today. Now leave,” Yan Qige said with a wave of his hand, signaling for Yusang to go as though he no longer wanted to see her.

Yusang felt her anger rising, and she stood at the door, glaring at Yan Qige without moving.

Sensing an opportunity, Ming Ran gently touched Yusang’s hand, as if trying to comfort her, saying, “Please don’t be angry, Sister Yusang. If you want to blame someone, blame me. I’ll gladly offer you tea to make up for it.”

“There’s no need!” Yusang shook off Ming Ran’s hand, shot Yan Qige a fierce glare, and stormed out.

As Yusang left, her figure burning with anger, Ming Ran glanced at Yan Qige, who had turned back into the room.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips, and a faint green light flickered in her pupils before quickly fading.

She returned to her usual gentle demeanor and slowly walked back toward Yan Qige.

After the frustration with Ming Ran, Yusang hurried out of the inn.

By the time she stepped outside, it was already afternoon, and the sun was blazing.

The streets were almost empty, with only a few people still out, as most had packed up their stalls and gone home.

The narrow road felt unusually quiet.

After wandering around for a while, Yusang’s legs began to ache.

Feeling tired, she noticed a large locust tree at the entrance of an alley.

Its thick, twisting branches provided ample shade, and since there was no one nearby, Yusang lightly jumped up into the tree, finding a comfortable branch to lie down on.

“Sleeping really is the best,” Yusang sighed, adjusting her position to get comfortable.

She pulled out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it over her face to keep any mosquitoes from biting her as she drifted off to sleep.

She had no idea how long she slept, but eventually she felt the sunlight flickering in front of her eyes, casting a dancing light through her eyelids.

Squinting, she turned her head slightly and saw someone standing on a branch in front of her.

The person was backlit, making it impossible to see their face clearly.

He was wearing golden armor and holding a long sword, exuding a commanding, intimidating presence.

It was none other than the person who had led the charge into the Fengjian Palace, bringing destruction to her homeland.

Instantly wide awake, Yusang tried to sit up to get a better look, but she found herself unable to move.

It was as though she had been placed under a binding spell, forced to remain lying on the branch, staring up at the person who had caused her country’s downfall.

“Who are you? Who are you?” Yusang shouted, struggling to move and see his face.

But because of the backlight, all she could make out was the blinding light reflecting off his golden armor.

His face remained hidden.

Slowly, the figure began to retreat, dissolving into the surrounding light and disappearing entirely.

Yusang panicked, struggled harder, and screamed, “Don’t go! I’ll kill you to avenge my country!”

With a shout, Yusang woke up in a cold sweat, nearly falling off the branch.

She quickly grabbed hold of the tree trunk, swinging herself back onto a sturdy branch.

Rubbing her eyes, she looked around—only the leaves of the locust tree swayed gently in the breeze, sunlight filtering through.

There was no sign of anyone.

It had all been a dream.

“That was close,” Yusang sighed in relief.

As she casually glanced down at the base of the tree, she suddenly noticed someone standing there.

It was Yan Qige, dressed in white, looking up at her with a calm expression.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be keeping your precious lady company?” Yusang asked sarcastically from her perch on the branch.

Yan Qige didn’t respond.

He leapt up effortlessly and landed on a branch beside her, standing with his hands behind his back.

He looked at her for a moment, then smiled.

“What are you laughing at? Can’t you see I’m still mad?” Yusang snapped, still irritated with him.

“If that’s the case, I’ll leave you to it. Carry on,” Yan Qige said with a smile.

Then, without waiting for a response, he jumped back down to the ground and, with his hands still behind his back, walked away without looking back.