Chapter 140: See You on the Seventh Day of Next Month-Hunting in the Northwest(Qian Shen)

Upon hearing Fang He’s words, no one showed much emotional change; they maintained their usual carefree, roguish demeanor. In truth, they had already come to terms with their fate during Gu Zhiheng’s unconsciousness, so hearing such words now stirred little in their hearts. This was their destiny, a choice they had made themselves, yet none regretted having met Gu Zhiheng, nor did they regret the outcome of following him.

What they cherished was the friendship, almost like family—a bond of mutual sincerity and trust.

By mid-afternoon, as most had awakened, the group headed to Minghui Chinese Restaurant for a meal. The atmosphere was lively as always; those rascals devoured the plentiful dishes as if starving. After the clamorous food battle subsided, a quiet stillness settled over them—they sat in silence, glancing at one another.

To ease the awkwardness, Chen Yuan spoke first, “Well, I’m heading back for a bit. It’s been so long since I’ve seen my man; I want to spend some time alone with him.” With less than a month to go, she wanted to bid Chi Zhou a proper farewell and cherish these last moments.

“I’m going with Han to get our marriage certificate. We’ve been together so long, it’s about time we made it official!” Chu Xingran suddenly regained her domineering spirit, laughing heartily as she announced this to everyone.

“Yeah, we’ll go to my place, get the certificate, and then both families can have a meal together,” Mo Han added with a smile, sharing Chu Xingran’s news with the group.

Indeed, Chu Xingran had fully agreed to be with him. They were finally taking the step to be truly united.

“I’m the only family Aran has left. I’m going with them as kin, and to keep an eye out for that crazy Chu Zhao’an. I want to protect my sister,” Chu Zhaoting declared firmly. He had made his decision—he wanted to see his sister find someone who could give her happiness.

Ye Zheng had let go, and Mo Han was alright; as long as Chu Xingran was happy, her brother would no longer oppose their union.

“I’m going to check on Jing Shushu. After all, we’re friends, and I want to persuade her to turn over a new leaf,” Liu E said quietly. Having lost his family, Jing Shushu was his only familiar person. He no longer wished to dwell on matters concerning Gu Mojiang; the past should remain in the past.

Everyone was making their final decisions. As Gu Zhiheng’s junior apprentice, Qing Xiu had her own thoughts. “I’m going back to Wumei Mountain to see my family. Most of them should have taken human form by now. I want to spend some time with them.”

That little girl, Qing Xiu, had been inadvertently drawn into this mess. It was hard to part with her—she was so naïve and simple that it would be a pity if she were lost.

“In that case, I’ll go home too. I just want to see my family. We’ll regroup here later,” Gu Zhiheng said slowly, his expression heavy. He truly had dragged them all into this.

Seeing everyone had made their choices and had places to go, Fang He and Ye nodded, agreeing that this was the best way. At least in their remaining time, they would be with the people who mattered most, making amends for any regrets so that when they parted, their hearts would not be overwhelmed with sorrow or reluctance.

“See you on the seventh day of next month!”

“…”

So this is what feelings are like—bittersweet, a torment as if the heart itself were being sliced.

Gu Zhiheng watched his comrades leave the private room one by one. He truly felt the full spectrum of worldly emotions—the unwillingness and deep attachment that comes with parting.

Chu Xingran had taught him how to grow and survive, accompanying him through the most pivotal twenty-three years of his life. In every moment, she had played the most important role in his existence.

Mo Han taught him about unconditional love—accepting everything one loves, even things one dislikes, simply because the other person is willing, and trying to embrace it all. That was love.

Liu E taught him that every person shows many faces: to speak differently to different people and that disguise is the most reliable form of self-protection. He also showed him that once you care, you can let go of past grievances and continue to care.

Chen Yuan taught him that no matter whether you meet or not, trust your first instinct—if someone is right, they are right. Family remains family, regardless of their form.

Although Qing Xiu had spent much time with him, she never forgot gratitude and repaid kindness. No matter the distance, those destined to meet will always reunite. After all, a day as a teacher is a father for life.

Chu Zhaoting, somewhat double-faced, acted out of love for family. Gu Zhiheng was grateful for him too—it made him understand that family truly could be one’s strongest support, a harbor from the storm.

As for the last one…

There was nothing much to say about the two of them; their relationship was as close as it could be, intertwined and inseparable.

“They’re all gone, let’s head back too!” Fang He sipped his tea, signaling Gu Zhiheng that it was time to leave.

“Oh, I completely forgot! My sister and brother-in-law are in the same city as my family!” Gu Zhiheng suddenly realized. The four of them could travel back together.

“What are you shouting for? I’ll teleport you there in a flash. How simple is that?” Fang He rolled his eyes, leading Gu Zhiheng away.

They reached a secluded spot and instantly teleported back—a far quicker, easier, and more economical method than driving or flying.

When they arrived, only a few minutes had passed. Fang He didn’t want to go straight home with Gu Zhiheng but decided to take the opportunity to wander the city, planning to have a little fun by roping Gu Zhiheng into some mischief.

“Brother, can you hurry up? What’s taking so long buying stuff and dawdling around?” A familiar voice came from a nearby shop. Gu Zhiheng pushed past Fang He and rushed inside.

It was Gu Zhixia’s voice. The one calling “brother” had to be Jun Luan, that kid.

“Xia Xia?” Gu Zhiheng called softly, looking at the girl before him, now even more beautiful and gentle. Such a transformation!

Two years apart, and his little sister had blossomed into a graceful, virtuous young lady.

“Brother! It’s really you! You’re back!” Dropping what she held, Gu Zhixia threw herself into Gu Zhiheng’s arms.

After two years, their brother had finally returned; they had missed him so very much.

“Good girl, brother’s back. This time, I can stay with you all for more than twenty days!” He pinched Gu Zhixia’s cheek affectionately, his eyes full of tenderness.

“Brother? You… you really came back? I was just saying Xia Xia was seeing things!” Jun Luan looked at Gu Zhiheng with a hint of grievance. These past two years had been both joyful and painful for him.