Chapter 75: A Love That Lasts a Lifetime with Every Step

“When you truly fall for someone, you’ll understand how I feel right now. So, I won’t explain anything, but you must leave at once.” Chen Yage’s face was calm as she casually picked up a celadon vase. Unexpectedly, You Huan grabbed her hand. “Come with me!” As soon as You Huan spoke, the vase slipped from Chen Yage’s grasp and fell to the floor with a loud crash.

Both Chen Yage and You Huan were startled; the noise would surely alert the household. Chen Yage pushed You Huan inside, closed the door, and hurriedly whispered, “I’ll distract them. You find a chance to slip out.”

No sooner had Chen Yage stepped outside than a group of servants rushed over. She had to lead them away to give You Huan time to escape, so she headed toward the rear courtyard.

The servants swarmed after Chen Yage. When the commotion died down, You Huan quietly exited and left the residence. Out on the street, Xu Jin happened to be approaching with his men. Seeing You Huan, Xu Jin was a bit surprised but said nothing.

Chen Yage ran without stopping, unaware that she had reached the wall she’d entered through. Looking up at the two-meter-high wall, she felt a momentary pang of despair. She hesitated—should she climb over and escape, or wait to be caught and sent to prison? Yet, she was unsure if Wang Zhiguo would hand her over to the authorities.

Isn’t life always a gamble? Chen Yage bit her lip, deciding to take a chance, wagering that Xu Jin’s men had already arrived and her plan would proceed smoothly. Her only regret was failing to steal anything valuable.

Chen Yage stood motionless, watching the servants rush toward her, a faint smile curling at her lips. The servants paused, wary and uneasy. Her innocent smile, colored by their fear, took on a hint of menace.

Leading the pack was Wang Qingtian. He recognized Chen Yage in the dim light and barked to the servants, “Quick, seize her!”

The servants exchanged nervous glances, then charged at Chen Yage. She did not resist, surrendering without struggle. They bound her hands behind her with rope. “Brother, how should we handle her?”

The “brother” was Wang Qingtian himself. He sneered, “Naturally, we report to the master and let him decide.”

With a wave of Wang Qingtian’s hand, the servants escorted Chen Yage to Wang Zhiguo’s quarters. Chen Yage cooperated, neither causing a scene nor protesting. Knowing You Huan had escaped, she was unburdened. As she entered Wang Zhiguo’s room, the pungent scent of alcohol hit her, and only two men brought her inside while the others waited outside.

Chen Yage had assumed Wang Zhiguo could hold his liquor, but in less than the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he was sprawled drunkenly on the floor. Wang Qingtian hurried to help him up, calling, “Master, Master…”

All that could be heard were Wang Zhiguo’s groans; his eyes never opened. Wang Qingtian, still unwilling to give up, pressed, “How do we handle this woman who broke into the residence?”

Wang Zhiguo waved his hand and collapsed again. Unable to report, and unwilling to release Chen Yage, Wang Qingtian ordered, “The master is asleep tonight. Lock her in the woodshed, and we’ll deal with her when he wakes tomorrow.”

“Wait!” A clear voice rang out. Chen Yage turned to see Xu Jin leading a group of officers in, You Huan trailing at his side. Seeing Chen Yage unharmed, You Huan breathed a deep sigh of relief.

“How come Young Master Xu is here?” Wang Qingtian spoke up.

Xu Jin gripped his sword, smiling. “And why shouldn’t I be?”

“But my master is drunk and unable to host guests.”

“I’m not here for your master. I came for this petty thief.”

Chen Yage glared at Xu Jin, but he returned her gaze with a smile that unsettled her.

“And how did Young Master Xu learn there was a thief in the residence?” Wang Qingtian, the steward, spoke with a sharpness equal to Wang Zhiguo’s.

“You don’t need to know that. Just hand her over to me!” Xu Jin ordered. The officers moved to take Chen Yage from the servants, but Wang Qingtian objected, “Hold on. There’s no need for Young Master Xu to interfere. This is a trivial matter; the Wang residence can handle it. We’ll wait for the master to wake before deciding her fate.”

“She’s a thief, and I’m an officer. It’s our duty to protect the people’s safety—unless you want to compete with us for our jobs? I will take her away, and if your master insists on contesting it, he can come to the prison tomorrow after he sobers up!” Xu Jin spoke with conviction. With a wave, his officers took Chen Yage from the servants. Wang Qingtian, only a steward, was left speechless and could only wait until Wang Zhiguo awoke.

Outside the residence, Xu Jin walked over to Chen Yage. He said arrogantly, “I’ve rescued you again. How will you thank me?”

Chen Yage turned away. “If you want thanks, lock me up with Brother Bai.”

“You want to be with Li Bai? Was that your reason for causing chaos in the Wang residence?” Xu Jin raised an eyebrow.

“So what if it was? So what if it wasn’t? Are you afraid?” Chen Yage’s tone was strong; though she’d trespassed, she spoke with conviction.

“You think I’ll fall for your bait? Provocation doesn’t work on me.”

“So what are you afraid of? Afraid to lock me up with him? Or afraid I’ll escape with him?”

Xu Jin didn’t reply. At that moment, You Huan interjected, “Brother Li is already sentenced to death. Grant Yage’s wish—let her accompany him through his final days.” You Huan understood Chen Yage’s purpose; unable to stop her, she could only help her achieve it. She had to admit, Chen Yage was truly unique—so different from most women, bold in love and hate, daring in all things, never caring about propriety. It was precisely this quality that she admired.

Xu Jin still said nothing, merely walking ahead. Seeing his dark expression, You Huan dared not say more, and followed to ensure Chen Yage’s safety.

After about half an hour, they arrived at the prison. Chen Yage wondered whether Xu Jin would fulfill her wish to be locked up with Li Bai. Even if not together, being in the cell next to him would satisfy her. Yet she didn’t ask. The journey was silent; each was lost in thought.

Step by heavy step, they walked to the deepest part. The weight in her heart was hers alone to bear.