Fortune Across the World

Chapter 83: Another Turmoil as Rumors of Ghosts Spread in the Academy (Part Two)

After leaving Weixi's courtyard, Ding Qiyu hurried to Yun Yi's residence. Since Yun Ke couldn't always look after his sister, as a friend, Qiyu felt responsible for doing what she could to help. Knocking on Yun Yi's door, she waited until a maid's voice called out, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Ding Qiyu. I need to speak with Miss Yun," Qiyu replied.

The maid seemed to go inside to consult with her mistress. After a moment, the door opened, and Yun Yi stood there, her eyes widening in surprise, "Qiyu? Is it really you?"

Her astonishment amused Qiyu, "Haha, is there a fake Qiyu?"

"N-no," Yun Yi nervously explained, lowering her head, "I just didn't expect... you'd come."

Qiyu paused, feeling a familiar tug of sympathy for the girl who seemed to place Qiyu on a pedestal, while seeing herself as unworthy. Internally sighing, Qiyu said, "Sorry I'm late..."

"Late? For what?" Yun Yi asked, leading Qiyu into the courtyard and into her study. It was Qiyu's third visit, and the first time she had a chance to take a proper look. The study was simply furnished, clean and tidy, with a soft jasmine-like fragrance lingering, clearly reflecting a young lady's touch.

Qiyu set down her tool bag, retrieving a handmade measuring rope and a notebook, showing them to Yun Yi, who looked puzzled. "The academy's been uneasy lately, so I thought I'd install some anti-theft mechanisms in your courtyard. This way, you can sleep without worry. Is that okay?"

"Anti-theft mechanisms..." Yun Yi was touched by Qiyu's thoughtfulness and quickly agreed, "Yes! Of course, thank you..." With recent disappearances and ghost rumors, the timid Yun Yi was truly frightened, her nights restless with every noise conjuring images of spirits. Unable to see her brother often or bother Qiyu, she had been silently bearing her fears. Desperate, she had asked Yuerui to sleep nearby, but it did little to ease her mind. Exhausted and worn thin, Qiyu's sudden appearance felt like a lifeline.

"Why so formal with me?" Qiyu smiled, "I'll start measuring the courtyard now." With that, she took her tools and left the study.

"Mm..." Yun Yi watched Qiyu's back, a small smile forming as she lowered her head.

Crouching, Qiyu marked positions on the trunks of several large trees with a small knife, using the measuring rope while noting down the dimensions, muttering her findings, "Circumference ninety-three, distance four hundred seventy-five..."

Yun Yi, not wanting to interrupt, stood quietly at the doorway, watching Qiyu work diligently, a warm feeling spreading in her heart.

Uncomfortable with the silence, Qiyu struck up a conversation without pausing her work, "Yun Yi, do you believe in ghosts?"

Lost in thought, Yun Yi was startled back to reality, answering honestly, "I'm not sure. It sounds absurd, but sometimes it seems plausible... like with the missing Miss Wu..." She paused, her voice dropping, "I've been having nightmares recently..."

So she believed the ghost rumors? Understandable, given that even the usually composed Weiming was on edge. Yun Yi's timid tone, tinged with vulnerability, stirred Qiyu's protective instincts. Jotting down another measurement, Qiyu reassured her, "Don't worry, the academy is a place of righteousness, not easily haunted. Besides, your pure and kind heart is the last thing a ghost would dare to trouble. Your nightmares are just worries manifesting."