Fortune Across the World

Chapter 90: A Surprising Return Home

“I’m not going to your house; I’ll stay at an inn,” the old man declared bluntly.

“What? Why stay at an inn? We have space at home,” Ding Qiyu said, puzzled.

“Bah, staying at your place would be inconvenient. I’m not going,” the old man insisted, pointing to an inn they were passing by. “I’ll stay here,” he said, jumping off the carriage.

Qiyu quickly asked the driver to stop, jumping down to persuade him, but to no avail. She ended up giving him her home address, so he could find her if needed.

After parting ways, Qiyu returned home, nearly half a year since she’d left. After paying for the carriage, she instinctively glanced at the imposing gate of the General’s Manor nearby, took a moment to compose herself, and put on a cheerful smile before knocking on the door. She didn’t want her family to sense her inner turmoil after such a long-awaited reunion.

Soon, she heard a response from inside. Expecting one of Weiming’s female guards, she was surprised to hear Lian’er’s familiar voice, laced with cautious hope, “Wh-who is it?”

This time, Qiyu’s smile was genuine. She playfully deepened her voice, “Ahem, it’s the big bad wolf here to gobble up little crybabies.”

The door swung open, and before Qiyu knew it, a soft, fragrant bundle had flung itself into her arms. She quickly embraced Lian’er, who had rushed into her, and looked up to greet her foster mother, “Mother, I’m home.”

Feeling the gentle trembling of the girl in her arms, Qiyu’s heart softened. “Why is my little crybaby crying again? If you keep crying, the wolf will eat you up.”

Lian’er stopped crying momentarily, snuggled deeper, unwilling to leave Qiyu’s embrace, her senses flooded with the long-missed scent of Ah Yu, the scent that made her heart flutter.

“You’re back. That’s all that matters.” Mother He’s eyes were red as she approached, gently touching Qiyu’s face with motherly affection, “You seem thinner.”

Embarrassed, Qiyu replied, “No, no, you must be seeing things, Mother.”

Lian’er finally lifted her head, examining Qiyu closely before concluding, “You have lost weight. You must not have eaten well while away…” Her voice was filled with concern and discontent. “Starting today, we’ll fatten you up again.”

Hearing this, Qiyu felt a pang of guilt. What if I have to leave again in a few days? She was unsure how to break the news of her impending departure.

Half-supporting, half-embracing Lian’er, who was reluctant to leave her arms, Qiyu followed her mother inside.

The three sat in the living room, chatting about Qiyu’s life at the academy, restoring the warm atmosphere from half a year ago, and Qiyu finally tasted the meals she had long missed. After dinner, as Lian’er went to tidy up in the kitchen, Qiyu hesitated but didn’t follow. Instead, she pulled her mother into her room, closing the door, intending to share her plans to leave again.

Sitting on a small stool by her mother’s knee, Qiyu sighed, looking up. “Mother, I have something to tell you.”

Seeing Qiyu so serious, Mother He felt a pang of worry, “Yes, dear, go ahead.”