Fortune Across the World

Chapter 39: The Journey Begins

The next day, Ding Qiyu was awakened by Aunt He. Her head was heavy from the previous night's drinking, and she rubbed her temples, thinking she really needed to work on her alcohol tolerance. She couldn't even remember how she ended up in bed...

She had agreed to meet Lu Weiming at the General's Mansion gate at a quarter past the hour of the dragon (7:15 a.m.). It was early in the hour of the rabbit (5:00 a.m.), and after tidying up, she checked her luggage once more. Lian'er called everyone for breakfast. Sitting at the table, Ding Qiyu noticed Lian'er hadn't slept well, evidenced by the dark circles under her eyes. Their eyes met briefly, and Lian'er blushed, quickly averting her gaze. This reaction brought back fragments of a spring dream from the previous night to Ding Qiyu, making her face warm slightly.

With departure looming, the bittersweet atmosphere of farewell dispelled the awkwardness. Aunt He continuously reminded Ding Qiyu of small details, and Ding Qiyu nodded obediently. Lian'er simply clung to Ding Qiyu's clothing, tears brimming in her eyes. Ding Qiyu patted her head, smiling, "Little crybaby, take care of yourself and Mom. I'll be back."

When it was time to leave, Ding Qiyu slung her luggage over her shoulder. "Mom, Lian'er, I'm off. See you in six months." She hugged them both, stopping them from seeing her off, and turned to leave. As she walked away, a lump formed in her throat. A homebody at heart, she had felt this same pang every time her parents sent her through airport security before college. Behind her, Aunt He and Lian'er watched, tears silently falling.

Once outside, Ding Qiyu composed herself, adopting a fresh outlook for her educational journey. Arriving at the General's Mansion, two carriages awaited. A group emerged, with Lady Lu tearfully holding Lu Weixi's hand, giving advice while dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, making Lu Weixi's eyes glisten as well. General Lu, stern-faced, said something to Lu Weiming, displeased with his cheerful demeanor. He cuffed Lu Weiming lightly, causing him to grimace before pulling him into a hug. Ding Qiyu couldn't help but smile, seeing the General's tough love for his children.

Noticing Ding Qiyu, General Lu paused the goodbyes, urging his children to set off. Ding Qiyu approached to pay her respects, "General, Lady Lu, rest assured, the young master and miss will take care of themselves. I'll do my utmost to protect them."

General Lu nodded, and Lady Lu, wiping her tears, said, "Thank you, Young Master Ding, for looking after our children."

Lu Weiming grumbled, "I'm not a child anymore, you know! Brother Yu's the kid here!" Brother Yu was not even fourteen!

Lady Lu glared, "If you're not a child, then learn something and take care of your sister!"

After a few more words, the General ordered them onto the carriages. The first, smaller one carried four guards for protection. Ding Qiyu boarded the larger, luxurious carriage with Lu Weiming. Lu Weixi lifted the curtain to wave goodbye to her parents.

As the driver announced, "Second Young Master, Miss, hold on," the carriage began to move. Lu Weixi lowered the curtain, turning back with reddened eyes. Qing'er, beside her, wanted to comfort her but didn't know how.

Ding Qiyu glanced at Lu Weiming, who was struggling with his emotions. She patted his shoulder, saying, "Brother Weiming, we've set off. Sometimes, letting it out is better than holding it in."

At this, Lu Weiming could no longer maintain his facade. He sniffed, then suddenly grabbed Ding Qiyu's arm, turning to cry on her shoulder.

Ding Qiyu was startled, not expecting this from him. Comforting a young girl was one thing, but having a grown man sobbing on her shoulder felt bizarre. She awkwardly looked at Lu Weixi for help. Amused by her brother's reaction, Lu Weixi felt her own mood lighten and didn't intervene.