The Villain in the Quick Travel is My Wife

Chapter 12

Chapter 12.1.12

The carriage moved along the winding mountain road, eventually reaching the main road toward the city.

At the bustling train station, Sun Yuebai led An Shuting through the throng until they finally found seats. Once he sat down, An Shuting took a moment to look around, taking in his surroundings with a hint of surprise.

"This train is quite nice," he remarked.

The carriage was styled in light brown, with white curtains fluttering by the windows. The cypress-colored tables and chairs had a smooth, warm finish, creating a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere far removed from the industrial style of modern times.

"It certainly is," Sun Yuebai replied. First-class was different, as long as one was willing to spend. He placed a heavy bamboo basket under the table with practiced ease.

As the train began to move, An Shuting gazed out the window at the cityscape-a mix of red-brick buildings, tile roofs, and people dressed in cheongsams and mandarin jackets. Among them were occasional figures in modern suits hurrying by. He felt a pang of nostalgia. "Everything feels so different now."

Sun Yuebai nudged him back into his seat, saying, "We should look forward. There's always a way to live better."

He paused, his expression thoughtful. "Life in the village might be simpler, something worth remembering. But the lively, bustling city is a world of its own too."

An Shuting nodded. "Grandpa's gone, and there's nothing left for me there. Just a reminder that life can change so suddenly." He couldn't forget the pain of his grandfather's passing, even though he recognized some good in the village people.

"In the future, there'll always be food to eat, and you won't go hungry. We'll have good days ahead," Sun Yuebai said softly, running his fingertips along the table's grain. Inwardly, he affectionately thought, Good boy.

Hearing Sun Yuebai's reassurance, An Shuting's mind wandered to the troubles he knew Sun Yuebai would eventually face, and he sighed quietly.

Rolling up his sleeves, he looked into the bamboo basket. Noticing Sun Yuebai's interest in something wrapped in oiled paper, he explained, "It's just an old book from home." After rummaging around, he pulled out a small sachet. "Here, take this."

Sun Yuebai took the sachet and examined it. It was like the temple's prayer sachets for peace and happiness, yet it felt a little different.

"It smells nice," he remarked, detecting a faint floral scent mixed with herbs.

"I picked some dried flowers along the way, plus a few medicinal herbs. It's good for clearing heat and refreshing the mind. I thought you might need it," An Shuting said.

Sun Yuebai paused, holding the sachet as he looked into An Shuting's clear gaze. With a smile, he said, "You're observant. I'll keep it with me."

Touched by his words, An Shuting felt a bit self-conscious under Sun Yuebai's gaze. "It's just a small gift. You covered my incense money earlier, so consider this a return gift," he said, his eyes drifting toward Sun Yuebai's elegant purse.

Noticing his glance, Sun Yuebai unfastened the white silk purse embroidered with peonies and tossed it to him. "Pocket money."

An Shuting caught it instinctively, then laughed awkwardly. "I wasn't asking for money."

Sun Yuebai casually tied the red lucky bag to his waist and said, "Keep it-you might need it."

He seemed completely unfazed. An Shuting, noticing that the nearby passenger had been watching them, discreetly tucked his new purse away.

Liu Qingmei had noticed the two as soon as they boarded; their refined looks and demeanor made them stand out in the crowd. Seeing An Shuting's glance her way, she smiled and remarked, "You two brothers seem very close. Are you headed to Jincheng?"

An Shuting hadn't expected her to strike up a conversation, but he responded with a polite smile, "Yes, I'll go wherever my brother says." His tone wavered slightly at first, then turned warm and respectful, like a dutiful younger brother following his elder's lead.

"Oh, I wish my brother was like you," she sighed. "He doesn't listen to a word we say-he loves going against the grain." Although she sounded as if she was complaining, her affection for her brother was clear. Noticing that An Shuting was listening attentively, she continued, "Are you both from Jincheng? Given your age, I'd guess you're still studying?"

This rapid line of questions made An Shuting furrow his brow slightly, but before he could respond, Sun Yuebai's voice, low yet firm, interjected: "Young lady, it's best not to chat with strangers too freely when traveling. The world can be less peaceful than it seems."