Chapter 74: Out of Danger, But Caught by Cold

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Fortunately, the thick fog didn't last long. The Qingyi attendants resumed their search, and the efficiency of the soldiers increased significantly. They meticulously searched every possible location on the islands near the spot where Lu Weixi and Ding Qiyu had fallen into the water. Finally, just as Lu Weiming and his group were hoarse from shouting, they reached the small island where Ding Qiyu and Lu Weixi were sheltered.

Ding Qiyu, with Lu Weixi warm and soft in her arms, felt an inner warmth despite the damp chill of the cave. She was carefully protecting the sleeping Weixi, worried she might catch a chill. While staring idly at the flames, she suddenly heard faint voices from outside the cave. At this hour, the only people likely to be on the island were their rescuers! Ding Qiyu listened intently to confirm she wasn’t mistaken, and although reluctant to let go, she knew they couldn't remain stranded on the island indefinitely without food or clothing. The thought of getting Weixi to safety filled her with joy. She hesitated briefly before gently patting Weixi's shoulder, softly calling, "Xi'er, Xi'er!"

Waking to her name, Lu Weixi blinked her sleepy eyes, gazing up at Ding Qiyu. Her mind was still a bit foggy, and she asked softly, "Hmm... what is it..." Exhausted, her normally gentle voice was even softer, tugging at Qiyu's heart.

Unable to resist, Ding Qiyu leaned down and kissed the corner of her lips, snapping Weixi halfway back to full wakefulness. Qiyu teased, "Wasn't Xi'er supposed to keep watch?"

The words fully awakened Lu Weixi, who sat up slightly and nodded earnestly to Qiyu, "Alright, you should rest. You've been busy all day."

Amused by her seriousness, Qiyu playfully replied, "Haha, just kidding. I wouldn't let you keep watch. Listen, our rescuers have arrived!"

Lu Weixi turned her head, listening intently, and indeed heard voices growing closer. She turned back to Qiyu with a beaming smile, "Yes, it must be Second Brother and the others coming to find us!"

The two moved to the cave entrance, seeing flickering lights in the distant woods, and the voices were indeed calling their names. Qiyu finally relaxed, the tension in her heart easing. She had successfully kept Weixi safe. As relief washed over her, she noticed a creeping fatigue and a sore throat. Could she be catching a cold?

Feeling slightly annoyed, Qiyu turned to see Weixi frowning at her own damp and disheveled appearance. Not wanting others to see her like that, Qiyu removed her outer robe, draping it over Weixi's shoulders to cover her completely. Clearing her throat, she remarked, "There, that's better." She then ran back into the cave, grabbing a piece of glowing wood, and began waving it towards the forest, shouting, "Hey—We're over here!!" Without a proper torch, venturing into the woods could be risky, so it was better to guide the rescuers to them.

Among those searching was Yun Yi, who first heard the voice. After listening intently, she hurried to Lu Weiming, "Young Master Lu! I think I hear Young Master Ding's voice!"

Overjoyed, Lu Weiming exclaimed, "Really?!" He turned and shouted, "Quiet! Everyone quiet!" As silence fell, Ding Qiyu's voice became unmistakably clear. Overjoyed, Lu Weiming led the charge towards the sound, his voice breaking with excitement as he called out.

Finally, they reached the cave entrance where the two were. Qing'er and Qu Ruocheng rushed to embrace Lu Weixi, crying tears of joy. Lu Weiming, equally moved, hugged Ding Qiyu tightly, his voice shaking, "Thank goodness you're alright, thank goodness..." Overcome, he began to weep on Qiyu's shoulder.

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