After flying for nearly three hours on the Gaoyu flight, the plane finally landed smoothly at its destination, Central City.
As soon as he got off the plane, Lu Yunze took a deep breath, savoring the wonderful sensation of fresh air once again. He wasn’t afraid of flying, but he also didn’t particularly enjoy the recycled air inside the cabin.
Lu Yunze was doing fine, but Luo Yao’s condition was clearly much worse. After getting off the plane, her steps were unsteady and she almost couldn’t keep herself upright.
“Are you alright?” Lu Yunze asked with concern.
“Barely… Strange, I clearly remember I’m not afraid of flying,” Luo Yao (Luo Qi) complained, rubbing her forehead. “Why did it feel so bad this time…”
“That’s because you were too energetic at takeoff. You kept taking selfies and recording videos for over an hour. Even if you’re not afraid of flying, it’s only natural to feel uncomfortable.”
Lu Yunze then glanced at Jiang Sui. The little maid seemed to sense his gaze and turned to flash him a quick smile.
Good, Jiang Sui was still in high spirits.
As soon as the group left the airport, Lin Ying received a call from their family.
“Young Master, Miss, someone from The Clan will be coming to meet us. I suggest we find a place nearby to rest and wait for them.”
“I agree!” Luo Yao’s face was still rather pale, and she looked as if she was about to faint. “Even my legs are shaking. Let’s find a place to sit down and eat something.”
They had set out at noon, and now it was already close to evening. None of them had had lunch, so it was indeed time to get something to eat.
“I know a good place, it’s right nearby.”
Coincidentally, Lu Yunze had taken a flight from here to Lan City before, and that time he had accidentally discovered a Yu Cang Ramen Shop in the vicinity.
It was located just opposite the airport. From the shop’s decor, you could tell it was an old establishment that had been in business for many years. The Boss was a kind, friendly couple.
“Oh, little Zhou, long time no see!”
“Boss, you still remember me?”
“Of course! The first time you came in, you finished three bowls of ramen in one sitting. How could I possibly forget?”
“Haha, don’t bring up the past. Are there any seats? Please give us all a large bowl of beef ramen each.”
“Certainly, there aren’t too many people right now. I’ll have your noodles ready right away.”
Unlike Lu Yunze, the always-cautious Luo Yao seemed hesitant even after sitting down, suspicious about the cleanliness of the place and unwilling to touch the table in front of her.
But once the Boss served the steaming beef ramen, she couldn’t resist digging in.
“Mmm, this is delicious!”
“I told you so.”
Lu Yunze grinned proudly.
The flavor here was exactly the same as the last time he’d visited: rich broth, chewy noodles, and tender, fragrant beef—when combined, it was simply a paradise for beef ramen lovers.
Everyone praised Lu Yunze’s good taste while eating, and after they’d finished, they just sat and rested. The Boss didn’t mind them lingering; instead, he struck up a friendly conversation with a couple of the locals.
Of course, not everyone was used to such a warm and bustling environment—like Jiang Sui.
She ate her noodles in complete silence. After finishing a few strands, she put down her chopsticks and slipped out of the ramen shop.
On the street nearby, Jiang Sui spotted a Black Pig waving a hoof at her from a corner in the alley.
“So you’re here! I thought you’d been mistaken for a stray and caught by one of the airport shops.”
“With my skills, who could possibly catch me?” The Black Pig lifted its head with pride. “But I have to say, you smell great—I haven’t had ramen in a long time.”
“If you really want to eat, next time I’ll have Lu Yunze pack some for you.”
“Good… I mean, yes, that’d be great.”
The Black Pig quickly changed the subject.
“So, this is Central Yuan, huh? It’s even more impressive than I imagined.”
It was completely different from Lan City. Whether it was the towering buildings or the bustling crowds on the streets, it was simply a whole different level.
An even more prosperous metropolis than the city I worked in during my previous life.
Jiang Sui mused inwardly, then asked, “Is this your first time in Central Yuan?”
“Yeah, it is.” The Black Pig flicked its ears. “Since it’s my first time here, I suppose I’ll need some time to familiarize myself with the layout of this city. Jiang Sui, I have some private matters to take care of now, so we may not be able to meet for a while.”
“Private matters? Isn’t this your first visit?”
“It’s my first time, but not everyone’s,” the Black Pig replied, squinting its small eyes. “We just can’t meet for now. Once I deal with those troublesome issues, we’ll meet again.”
“I see. In that case, I can only wish you the best of luck, Senior Black Pig.”
After speaking, the Black Pig turned and darted into a nearby alley, quickly disappearing into the shadows.
We can’t meet for a while? Who knows when we’ll see each other again.
Jiang Sui was also quite curious. Just what were the private matters the Black Pig mentioned? Would they affect her own plans?
“Hopefully there’ll be fewer unpredictable variables.”
The little maid put her hands behind her back and started making her way back to the ramen shop.
It wasn’t just her who had quietly left the ramen shop; Lu Yunze had as well.
After everyone else had become absorbed in the lively atmosphere, Lu Yunze also found an excuse to step out for a bit.
Guided by the map on his phone, he located a nearby pharmacy and bought some supplies to treat his wounds.
As expected, relying only on mineral water and a girl’s favorite bandages was useless. Ever since getting off the plane, his back had been stinging constantly, even affecting the flexibility of his arm.
“She put in so much effort, but in the end, even the anesthetic wasn’t enough.”
Lu Yunze picked up the medicine he’d bought and left the pharmacy.
For some reason, he suddenly started feeling nervous—was it because he’d soon be seeing Jiang Sui again, or because he was about to go home?
When it came to quality of life, Lu Yunze actually preferred Lan City over Central City. In Lan City, there were fewer people, he didn’t have to worry about others’ moods all the time, and life was just more comfortable.
Returning to Central City meant re-entering The Clan’s social circles, surrounded by all kinds of big shots who looked down on others. Most of them viewed outsiders as inferior, and someone like Lu Yunze—an illegitimate Young Master—was their perfect scapegoat.
But this time, with Jiang Sui around, it wouldn’t be so bad. When he was in a bad mood, he could talk to her. There was no need to keep everything bottled up like before.
Thinking this way, Lu Yunze quickened his pace, eager to see the little maid again.
Jiang Sui suddenly sneezed, rubbed her nose, and thought, Who’s talking about me?
Just around the corner, she could already see the ramen shop. Hopefully Lu Yunze wouldn’t suspect that she’d just left a moment ago.
“How is it, is everyone here?”
“Doesn’t look like I see the Lu guy.”
“Maybe he went to the restroom. For now, let’s not do anything suspicious.”
As she brushed past two unfamiliar men, Jiang Sui accidentally overheard their conversation.
They spoke very quietly—normally, no one could hear them—but Jiang Sui had senses strengthened by the Ancient Book, so this close, it wasn’t strange that she picked up on their words.
Lu guy?
Jiang Sui slowed her steps and glanced in the direction the two men had left.
No way, this is already the third time today, and it still isn’t over?
She thought she’d be free of trouble once they arrived at Central City, but now it seemed there were still people lying in wait.
Now, Jiang Sui faced two options.
One: go straight to tell Lu Yunze and the others, quickly leave the area, and find somewhere safe to avoid a possible attack.
Most ordinary people would choose this for maximum security, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
But Jiang Sui, of course, chose the second option.
Instead of telling Lu Yunze right away, she’d rather check things out herself and see what these people were up to.
At this thought, the corners of Jiang Sui’s lips curled up involuntarily. She reached into her bag and pulled out the Grey-White Robe, skillfully draping it over her body.
Now then, it was time for her own performance.