Chapter Forty-Five: Rekindling Past Bonds (First Part)

Halfway through, Li Yiting was notified to head to Lashihai to meet with Qian Yaliangzi. The female vigilante had already been "captured," so his assistance was no longer needed.

Liu Zichen did not reveal the identity of the other party, only mentioning that there were two individuals who needed protection and that Li Yiting must ensure their safety.

In truth, this was Chen Tianyu’s idea—admittedly a bit selfish—wanting Li Yiting and Qian Yaliangzi to meet. If Chen and Qian could be considered acquaintances, Qian’s feelings toward Li Yiting were quite different. Years ago, he had already discerned that Qian harbored affection for Li Yiting.

Li Yiting, ever the dedicated professional, never meddled in personal matters, but Chen Tianyu could not overlook this.

Why not play matchmaker and bring some joy?

Thus, Li Yiting was somewhat bewilderedly dispatched to the remote Enzong Fourth Community, utterly confused.

“Protect two people, and both are women? Lucky for me,” he muttered. “Is this odd job really what they want me to do? I still have several cases unresolved.”

As for the “ugly young master,” Li had already arranged for the railway police to hand him over to the public security bureau—he truly had nothing more to do with that. Li Yiting was just restless. From the information shared in their group chat, the case was rather peculiar, but having neither seen the scene nor met Xiao Su personally, how could he investigate?

Liu Zichen reassured him: “You can’t reveal your full capabilities yet. Be patient.”

So, the head of Beiting Detective Agency gritted his teeth and endured. He showed no interest in leisure and went straight to the caravan, seeking Qian Yaliangzi’s residence.

He had always been such a dull person.

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Yiruo and Qian Yaliangzi stayed at the caravan, sipping tea when idle, sometimes wandering into Lashihai to enjoy Old Qi’s singing, and savor a couple of roasted Dongba fish.

Though anxious, Yiruo was helpless and could only wait patiently for news. She had long suspected finding Xiao Su wouldn’t be easy, but the persistent unease in her heart kept her restless.

Qian Yaliangzi, however, remained composed. This place had always been hers, and since she harbored doubts about Yiruo’s relationship with Xiao Su, watching Yiruo’s sometimes distracted state made her feel a touch of sympathy.

Yesterday, Qian Yaliangzi had received a notification from Liu Zichen that someone would come to assist them in the search. She only smiled and comforted Yiruo.

The two were upstairs drinking tea when a sudden clatter of horses echoed from the stable outside. Qian Yaliangzi couldn’t help but peek out the window.

In recent years, fewer visitors dared to gallop freely, and those who could make the dragon horse neigh wildly were even rarer. Qian had assumed it was the stable owner causing a ruckus, but after a glance, her brow furrowed.

Who was that?

Why was he riding the horse in circles?

A tall man sat astride the horse, his expression stern yet unhurried. The horse beneath him seemed stiff from inactivity, struggling against the bit and refusing to move forward. Instead, it spun in place, attempting to shake off the unexpected rider.

The stable owner stood nearby, helplessly shouting, “Hey, hey, our horses aren’t ridden like that! Get down, quickly!”

The tall man paid no heed, chuckling, “Don’t worry, you won’t lose any money!”

Finally, the dragon horse figured out the direction, clopping forward in a straight line. The tall man’s spirits lifted; he pulled the reins, and the horse began to pick up speed, its legs strong but a bit lazy.

Man and horse soon disappeared from the stable owner’s sight, galloping swiftly into the distance.

But Qian Yaliangzi watched every detail clearly.

She thought to herself: This guy’s quite reckless—he might tire out the dragon horse, poor thing.

After a while, the dragon horse returned, this time lively and spirited.

The tall man leapt off and inquired about the riding fee. Compared to the stable owner’s usual rates, it was fair, but he waved off payment, saying it was a gift for enjoying the mountain. He gently patted the dragon horse with a look of fondness mixed with delight. This guy was truly capable!

He laughed heartily, clapping the stable owner on the shoulder in thanks.

Then, striding toward Qian Yaliangzi’s tea house, Qian was momentarily stunned. As he approached, her heartstrings snapped sharply, leaving her dazed.

How could it be him? How could it be him?

Yiruo called her several times, but Qian did not respond. Curious, Yiruo imitated her and peeked outside, just as Li Yiting ascended the spiral staircase of the tea house.

When Li Yiting saw Qian, he too was taken aback—this girl looked familiar! Yet her skin was bronzed and radiant, and he hesitated to confirm.

“Hello, is there a lady named Yiruo Jieke here?” Li Yiting asked politely.

Yiruo was momentarily stunned, not yet replying.

Qian Yaliangzi stood up, whispering as if confessing a secret, “Brother Li… I’m Xiaoya…”

“Xiaoya?” Li Yiting was utterly dumbfounded. “You really are Xiaoya—I almost didn’t recognize you.”

He scratched his head, his expression awkward.

“Uh… what are you doing here?” He was too embarrassed to ask why Qian’s skin had changed from porcelain-white to sun-kissed bronze.

“Oh…” Qian quickly recovered, smiling. “I’m here with Yiruo waiting for you.”

Yiruo quickly added, “I am Yiruo Jieke. May I ask… what brings you to see me?”

Qian giggled, gesturing, “Don’t just stand there—come in and have some tea. This is my tea house, reserved for honored guests.”

“By the way, Yiruo, this is the fierce warrior sent by Sister Zichen to protect you,” she said, turning to Yiruo.

Yiruo was puzzled. “Protect me?…”

Li Yiting quickly took a seat on a wooden chair and smiled, “I didn’t receive orders to protect anyone. I just came to say hello.”

Qian cheerfully handed him a cup of tea with tweezers. After riding so long, Li Yiting was indeed thirsty and gulped it down.

“Not bad—rich aroma, authentic,” he casually praised.

Qian couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “You’re really not afraid of burning your mouth, drinking so fast. Can you even smell the fragrance?”

Yiruo covered her mouth, laughing quietly. This guy seemed a bit silly.

Li Yiting awkwardly rubbed his chin. When it came to women, he was even less skilled than Chen Tianyu, so he changed the subject: “Xiaoya, why aren’t you at home? What brings you all the way to China?”

“I needed money, so I came here to do some business,” Qian answered without hesitation.

Li Yiting glanced around and frowned. “Is there business here?”

Before Qian could reply, he turned to Yiruo, “Have any suspicious people come around lately?”

Yiruo shook her head blankly. “It’s been cold recently; few tourists come. I don’t really know…”

“The most suspicious person is actually sitting right across from us,” Qian said with a pout, displeased.

Li Yiting’s face darkened immediately—this woman was just as sharp as ever.