Chapter 80: The Envy-Inducing Jade Toad of Space

People experience joy and sorrow, reunion and separation, just as the moon waxes and wanes; no matter how reluctant one may be, the day of parting inevitably arrives.

Early the next morning, everyone in the Su family’s little courtyard gathered together for breakfast, a rare occasion. Even Chen Lin joined them at the table, sharing the meal, and the big greedy bear, too, couldn’t be left out. Since there was no chair large enough for its massive body, it had to settle for sitting beside the table on the floor.

After breakfast, Qing Gu went to clear away the dishes, and Uncle Zhong headed to the stable to prepare the carriage.

Ma Xue’e, playful as ever, flung herself into Su Meng’s arms, her small face nuzzling affectionately against Su Meng’s chest as she pleaded, “Aunt Su, Aunt Su, don’t forget about me! Once you leave, I won’t be able to taste your and Qing Gu’s delicious cooking anymore.”

“These days you’ve spoiled my palate; now I can’t eat anything my brother makes, it’s just too awful…”

Hearing Ma Xue’e’s coquettish complaints, everyone present couldn’t help but laugh.

Ma Qingyun, accused by his sister of being a terrible cook, didn’t take offense, for he knew she spoke the truth.

What concerned him more was that, for a long time to come, he would no longer see Su Meng, the gentle woman who so resembled his mother. Whenever he thought of events happening beyond his sight, beyond his control, Ma Qingyun couldn’t help but want to stop Su Meng from leaving, to keep her by his side forever.

Fortunately, Ma Qingyun hadn’t lost all reason. He believed that one day he would make Su Meng willingly stay with him. The Su Meng he loved was gentle as water, and he knew that imprisoning her would only turn her into someone like his mother had been—restless and despairing. The thought pained him, and before things became irreparable, he would not act rashly.

He sighed inwardly; indeed, he and that person shared the same blood. Possessive to the core, unwilling to let anyone take what he cherished—those who tried would be punished!

No one noticed Ma Qingyun’s unusual mood, for everyone was immersed in the sorrow of parting.

Chen Lin mustered his courage and said, “Miss Ma, don’t worry. My cooking may not match our elders, but it’s decent enough. If you don’t mind, I’ll prepare your meals from now on.”

Ma Xue’e laughed sweetly and nodded, “Alright, thank you, Brother Chen! Not having to eat my brother’s inedible food is such a relief!”

Chen Lin grinned, glad to help the young master’s friends, which was a way of serving the young master as well.

Strictly speaking, Chen Lin had been saved by more than just Luo Changning, but he stubbornly pledged allegiance to Luo Changning alone, though he couldn’t say exactly why.

Perhaps it was for Luo Changning’s upright and clear gaze, or perhaps for the sincere respect Luo Changning showed him.

In any case, Chen Lin would never betray Luo Changning and would always follow his commands alone.

As for Ma Qingyun, Chen Lin felt only gratitude, nothing else. Perhaps it was Ma Qingyun’s perpetual coldness and distance, or perhaps the sense of superiority he always exuded.

With his years of experience, Chen Lin instinctively avoided getting too close to Ma Qingyun. When he looked at Luo Changning, he felt admiration and awe, as if his soul were cleansed of all impurity. But standing before Ma Qingyun, he felt insignificant, like an ant undeserving of even a glance.

Chen Lin disliked this feeling; though he was humble, he had his pride and didn’t want to be looked down upon.

At this moment, Chen Lin didn’t fully understand these feelings, but years later, when he became stronger, he would realize why two people who had both saved him could inspire such different attitudes.

One he would pledge his life to follow.

The other he would secretly resist.

It was simply because Luo Changning treated him, and everyone around him, with genuine sincerity.

True sincerity begets sincerity, respect begets respect; Luo Changning possessed a charm that drew others to follow him willingly.

Soon, Qing Gu finished tidying the kitchen, and Uncle Zhong brought the carriage over.

Except for the big bear, Luo Changning, Su Meng, and the others headed to the main gate. The moment they opened it, they were startled by the scene outside.

Dozens of people stood in the street, blocking the entrance entirely. At the front of the crowd were Xiang Ao and his son Xiang Yinglong.

When Luo Changning and his companions appeared, the crowd became lively.

Xiang Ao stepped forward and spoke first, “Manager Su, nephew Changning, I’ve brought my brothers from the martial arts school to see you off!”

Originally, Xiang Ao had planned to host a farewell banquet at the Gaosheng Restaurant, but Su Meng had gently declined.

Today, as Su Meng and Luo Changning were about to leave Annan Road, it was only fitting for him to bring people to escort them for a stretch.

After all, not only had his son and Luo Changning been close brothers for nearly ten years, the Luoyang Martial Arts School and the Su Family Medical Hall had interacted often over the years. Their families were no ordinary acquaintances.

“Yes, Aunt Su, Brother Changning, we’ve all come to see you off!” Xiang Yinglong called out loudly from the side.

Everyone chatted at the gate of the Su family’s courtyard. Even Su Meng, usually reluctant to engage with others, spoke more than usual, her gentle smile always appropriate.

Finally, Xiang Ao instructed Xiang Tong to bring over the gifts from the Luoyang Martial Arts School, all prepared by disciples who were friends with Luo Changning.

There were quite a few large packages, enough to fill a carriage.

Originally, Xiang Ao had intended to give a lightweight yet valuable gift, so as not to burden their journey. But, unable to restrain Xiang Yinglong and the disciples’ enthusiasm, everyone insisted on preparing their own gifts, one after another, until things ended up as they were.

Xiang Tong pulled a carriage over to Luo Changning and the others.

“These are the collective gifts from our disciples at the martial arts school. Please accept them, Manager Su and Young Master Luo,” Xiang Ao said, feeling somewhat helpless. The youngsters insisted on giving their own gifts, and this extra carriage would surely be a burden to Manager Su and his companions.

The journey from Annan Road to Miaonan Road was neither far nor near. Though it seemed only separated by the Blackwater River, traveling was troublesome.

Luo Changning looked at the extra carriage that had appeared out of nowhere and couldn’t help but twitch his lips. The four of them had only prepared one carriage for themselves, and now there was another—how did that happen?

Luckily, they had the Su family’s ancestral spatial jade toad; otherwise, they wouldn’t know how to manage this unexpected carriage.