Chapter 064: An Identity Check or a Journalist’s Inquiry?

“Who’s there?!” Liu Zhang clutched his neck, struggling to rise with frustration, and shouted angrily at his surroundings.

He saw no one, but his thigh was struck again, making him cry out in pain.

“Damn!” Liu Zhang cast a resentful glare at Jin’er lying on the ground, limped hurriedly away, glancing around as he fled, but still saw no sign of anyone. He dared not linger a moment longer.

Once he had run far off, Jin’er tried to stand, but perhaps the shock had left her too weak—a trembling attempt to rise sent her half-bent knee collapsing forward again.

“Ah!” She had barely cried out when a pair of strong hands caught her.

“Are you alright?” A deep, magnetic voice sounded at her ear, and Jin’er turned in confusion to see the handsome man who had once helped her—whose face resembled that of the general who had nearly strangled her.

Why was he here? Had he just saved her? But why would he be here so late?

Chu Yifan helped Jin’er to her feet before speaking: “I was discussing business with Master Liu, and the conversation went a bit late, so I’m only just leaving.”

Jin’er nodded slightly. “Thank you, sir, for coming to my aid.”

“You’re welcome. It seems the second young master is rather interested in you. You’d best be careful—good fortune like tonight’s won’t always be with you.” Chu Yifan looked steadily at her, his expression hovering between a smile and a smirk.

“Thank you for the warning. I’ll be on my way.” Jin’er glanced up at him, then turned and left.

“I’ll walk you home—he may not have gone far yet.” Chu Yifan said, following after her.

Jin’er paused for a moment, but said nothing, quickly resuming her pace.

After a brief silence, Chu Yifan spoke: “You’re new here, aren’t you? I don’t recall seeing you before.”

Jin’er answered simply.

“What’s your name?”

“Jin’er.”

Another silence stretched between them.

“Where are you from?”

Jin’er, walking ahead, rolled her eyes in annoyance, feeling as though he were interrogating her or conducting an interview.

“My lodgings are just ahead, sir. There’s no need to escort me further. Thank you—goodbye.” Jin’er turned to Chu Yifan, gave him a slight bow, then strode off without giving him a chance to reply.

Chu Yifan stood in place, dumbfounded as he watched her quickening steps disappear into the distance. After a moment, he could not help but chuckle softly.

It seemed he’d been a bit too talkative...

Back in her room, Jin’er told Aunt Lin about her recent ordeal, causing the old woman to fret deeply.

“Jin’er, it looks like you can’t stay here much longer. The second young master won’t let this rest—I’m truly worried he’ll...”

“Auntie, don’t worry! From now on, I’ll always be with the young lady. He won’t dare bother me. I’ll come back early in the evenings, or bring a maid to accompany me.”

“Why don’t you just stay at Firefly Pavilion? That way, you’ll be safe,” Aunt Lin urged, her concern endless.

“No, I finally reunited with you—I don’t want to be separated again.” Jin’er clung to Aunt Lin’s hand, pouting in protest.

Aunt Lin’s heart melted, and she could only smile helplessly. “Alright, alright, how could I bear to let you go? But... how about this? From now on, wait at Firefly Pavilion in the evenings, and I’ll come fetch you myself. How does that sound?”

Seeing Aunt Lin’s worried gaze, Jin’er nodded in agreement.

The next morning, Jin’er awoke to find her legs sore and aching, particularly when getting out of bed or using the privy. Still, she gritted her teeth and forced herself through it.

No matter the pain, she was determined to continue her training!

Liu Ying leaned against a pillar, watching Jin’er approach with her odd gait, unable to suppress a giggle.

This girl had trained so diligently yesterday—her legs must be killing her today.

“Greetings, Miss,” Jin’er said, approaching Liu Ying and bending her knees to curtsy, but the moment she tried, her legs gave way.

Liu Ying quickly caught her before she could kneel, laughing, “Such a grand salute! I can hardly accept it.”

Jin’er blushed, laughing sheepishly.

“How are you? It hurts, doesn’t it? Today, let’s skip—”

“I must train!” Jin’er interrupted anxiously before Liu Ying could finish.

Liu Ying blinked her large eyes, staring at Jin’er’s tense face for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter.

After a long laugh, she slapped Jin’er’s shoulder, grinning, “Good spirit! Come, let’s keep training today!” She took Jin’er’s hand, leading her outside with excitement. “With you as my fearless partner, I’m sure I’ll become a martial arts master in no time! Then we’ll travel the land together, acting with honor and justice—what do you say?”

“Absolutely!” The two answered in unison, laughing as they headed toward the gate.

“A martial arts master?” The two maids in the courtyard overheard their conversation and exchanged bewildered glances. After a moment, both burst out laughing.

“With Miss’s skills, she’ll be a martial arts master? What lofty ambitions!”

“Hush, keep your voice down! If Miss hears, we’ll be in trouble.” The two maids whispered and giggled, covering their mouths as they spoke.

Meanwhile, Jin’er and Liu Ying marched toward the training grounds, their hearts full of ambition, each dreaming of roaming the world with elegance and joy—an excitement they could hardly contain.

Halfway there, Jin’er spotted someone who left her conflicted.

“Brother Yifan!” As Jin’er brooded, Liu Ying suddenly chirped like a cheerful bird and rushed over to him with delight.

“Ying’er,” Chu Yifan greeted her with a smile, then glanced over, surprised to see Jin’er standing nearby.

She’s with Ying’er now? Wasn’t she sweeping the grounds just days ago? She’s moving up quickly.

“Brother Yifan, you haven’t taught me martial arts in days,” Liu Ying said as she reached him, taking his arm and pouting.

“Alright, alright, I’ll teach you soon. I just need to see your father first,” Chu Yifan said, ruffling her hair.

“Really? You promise! If you don’t, you’re a puppy!” Liu Ying said with anticipation.

“Have I ever lied to you?” Chu Yifan smiled, exasperated.

Liu Ying tilted her head thoughtfully, then shook it with a grin.

“Silly girl!” Chu Yifan tapped her forehead, laughing. “Alright, I’ll be off—see you soon.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Liu Ying remained, watching him leave, her hand absentmindedly rubbing the spot where he had tapped her, grinning to herself.

On the other side, Jin’er and Liu Ying, full of bold dreams, made their way to the training ground, each imagining the thrill and romance of venturing into the martial world together.