Chapter 12 I’m Back Again

Chapter 12 I'm Back Again

After finishing the questioning, Gu Qingyin sent the spirits to rest, as payment.

Exiting the room, Gu Qingyin saw Auntie carrying a meal tray into the room at the end of the hallway. She raised an eyebrow in puzzlement—was someone living in that room? Can they not come out? Do they need meals delivered?

Gu Qingyin went downstairs, still puzzled.

Huo Xingye had removed his suit jacket and was now wearing only a white dress shirt, the cuffs rolled up to his forearms. He looked much more relaxed than he did at the office. Holding a tablet, he was probably working again.

"Who lives upstairs?" Gu Qingyin walked over and asked casually.

Huo Xingye's eyes flickered briefly, but his tone remained neutral. "A friend. They’ve been ill these past few days and can’t be around drafts. I’ll introduce you another time."

No wonder the door was sealed tight. Gu Qingyin didn’t press further and smiled. "Is dinner ready?"

Huo Xingye stood and gestured toward the dining room. "I eat very lightly in the evenings. Hope it’s okay with you."

At one end of the long dining table were four dishes and a soup—all vegetarian, no meat at all. It was indeed very light.

Huo Xingye and Gu Qingyin sat across from each other, eating in silence.

Soon after, Auntie came down with the meal tray.

Gu Qingyin glanced at it—porridge and side dishes, barely touched. She remarked offhandedly, "Your friend doesn’t have much of an appetite. Have they seen a doctor?"

Huo Xingye also looked at the tray, his expression unreadable. He lowered his eyes and replied calmly, "They have. It’s nothing serious—they’ll be fine in a few days." He turned to Auntie. "Take it away. You can go now."

Auntie gave a nervous smile, tidied up in the kitchen, and then left.

After the meal, the two cleared the table, loading the dishes into the dishwasher without a second thought.

"I’ll head back now. See you tomorrow," Gu Qingyin stood at the doorway, waving cheerfully at Huo Xingye.

Huo Xingye stayed at the door, feeling a mix of relief and surprise. "You’re coming back tomorrow?"

Gu Qingyin’s smile didn’t waver. "Once you’ve developed the habit of eating on time, I won’t need to come anymore."

"I wasn’t saying you shouldn’t come," Huo Xingye pressed his lips together, explaining. "You’re always welcome. Anytime."

"Ah, I know, no need to explain," Gu Qingyin patted his shoulder. "Get some rest early tonight. I’ll be off—no need to walk me out."

Huo Xingye stayed at the door, watching her enter the elevator. "Let me know when you’re home."

"Who is she? Your new target? So when will you finally let me go?"

A woman’s voice, sharp but weak, came from behind him. It sounded unsettling, but Huo Xingye was unfazed, as if used to it. His tone remained indifferent. "When you change your mind, I’ll naturally let you leave."

Huo Xingye turned to face the woman—almond-shaped eyes, delicate arched brows, a pert nose, and full red lips. Her features were stunning every time you saw her.

"You’re the one who’s delusional, not me!" The woman took a deep breath, her eyes filled with loathing. "I’ve told you countless times—I don’t like you! The fact that you’re keeping me prisoner now only makes me despise you even more! You’re a freak!"

Huo Xingye’s expression didn’t change. "Make sure to eat properly tomorrow. Don’t be stubborn—if you don’t eat, you won’t even have the strength to curse me."

The woman shook with anger and fear. "I regret it so much! I never should have saved you back then!" Who would have thought that a childhood act of kindness would lead to years of being stalked by a madman?

"Let me help you upstairs to rest." Huo Xingye stepped forward and took her arm.

The woman recoiled as if electrocuted, flinging his hand away and panting heavily as she shouted, "Let go! Don't touch me! I feel sick!"

Huo Xingye ignored her protests, his patience for coaxing long gone. He bent down, scooped her up over his shoulder, and strode upstairs without another word.

The woman shrieked, pounding her fists against his back, but her weakened state made the blows as ineffective as a weak massage.

Huo Xingye dropped her onto the bed and left without another glance.

Her face streaked with tears, she persisted, "You've already found someone else—why won't you let me go? Are you afraid I'll go to the police? I swear I won’t say a word about any of this, please... just let me go home."

Huo Xingye paused at the door. "You're mistaken. It's only you I care about. I have work to do—just sleep now."

The door clicked shut, followed by the sound of a lock turning.

In the darkness, the woman wiped her tears and curled silently under the covers, her expression blank as she thought bitterly.

Huo Xingye had acted differently around that woman today. Who was she? Could she... be used to help her escape?

Meanwhile, before even reaching home, Gu Qingyin received a call from Liu Ergou.

"The Celestial Master who visited Tianfu Jinyuan last month is named Lin Wu—a newcomer with no known master. And after leaving Jinyuan, he vanished. No one knows where he went."

Gu Qingyin narrowed her eyes slightly. "No doubt, the Yin Gathering Array in Jinyuan was his doing." She mused, "If we break the array, will Lin Wu show himself?"

Liu Ergou: "It’s our best lead, but it’s risky. That array needs to go sooner or later anyway."

It was a residential area. Prolonged exposure to such concentrated yin energy would only weaken the living.

"Then let’s break it. Tonight." Gu Qingyin’s words were polite, but it was an order. "You’re free tonight, right? Meet me at Jinyuan’s entrance later."

Liu Ergou: "Got it."

Only then did he realize. Hadn’t he already decided to move on from Gu Qingyin? Yet here he was, jumping to assist the moment she called!

Pathetic!

After mentally berating himself, Liu Ergou left the hotel and flagged down a taxi, declaring firmly, "Tianfu Jinyuan, please!"

This was for the greater good—not just to help Gu Qingyin!

Meanwhile, Gu Qingyin’s car turned back toward Jinyuan. Remembering Huo Xingye’s previous displeasure, she decided to call him proactively.

Huo Xingye answered immediately. "What’s wrong?" She couldn’t have reached the old house this quickly.

"I’m heading back to Jinyuan," Gu Qingyin spoke matter-of-factly. "The yin energy there is too strong, and since you live there, I was too worried. So I contacted an old Celestial Master friend—we’re handling it tonight."

"Just wanted to give you a heads-up, so don’t get mad." Her voice carried a soothing tone. "The sooner it’s dealt with, the sooner I can relax."

Huo Xingye sensed her concern and didn’t object. After a pause, he said, "I’ll go with you."

Gu Qingyin balked instantly. Tonight’s operation was meant to draw Lin Wu into the open—what if Huo Xingye ended up in danger?

But before she could think of a way to say no, Huo Xingye added, "I’ll wear the jade charm you gave me. I should be safe, right? After all, you’re such a formidable Celestial Master."

Gu Qingyin clenched her jaw, defeated. "Fine! Stay put until I get there!"

Huo Xingye laughed softly. "Okay."