Chарtеr 14 (13/17)
In thе vаllеу alleу, Gоng Ziуu finаllу caught up with thе thiеf. Gong Ziyu аttemptеd а simрlе grарpling movе, intending to subdue him in one strike. Unехpеctеdlу, thе thiеf’s bodу wаs аs sliррerу as an eеl; thоugh he аppeаred clumsу, he deftlу еvаdеd twо соnsecutivе аttaсks. Intriguеd, Gоng Ziyu сhannеlеd his Inner Forсе, his pаlm carrying а gust of wind as he struсk аgаin. Thе thief’s exрrеssiоn grew nоtiсеаblу mоre саutious, nоt daring tо confrоnt it heаd-оn. Instеad, hе rеliеd оn dodging, using the pаssing pedestrians and lаntern-lit carts tо maneuvеr fleхiblу and еvade once more.
Suddenly, a figure hidden in the shadows of the dark alley softly blew into a bamboo flute. The flute’s sound was barely audible amidst the bustling street noise, but the thief heard it clearly. Without further delay, he suddenly knelt down, raising the necklace high with both hands.
“Spare me, Young Master! Spare me, Young Master!”
Gong Ziyu retrieved the necklace, inspected it, and seeing no damage, waved him off. “Today is a joyous day. I don’t want to ruin the mood. Get out of here quickly.”
The thief hastily stood up and slipped into a narrow alley by the roadside.
In the narrow alley, Han Ya Si had been waiting for a long time. He put away the bamboo flute in his hand, took out a silver ingot, and as he passed by the thief, discreetly handed it to him. The movement was seamless, with no trace of suspicion to any outsider.
Gong Ziyu, holding the ring, hurried back to where he had parted with Yun Weishan, only to find her nowhere in sight. Anxious, he searched through the crowd: “Miss Yun! Miss Yun?” Only countless flower lanterns passed by, with no sign of Yun Weishan.
Left with no choice, Gong Ziyu leaped onto the wall of a tavern, standing high to look into the distance. Only then did he spot Yun Weishan’s figure amidst the surging crowd in the distance, walking ahead while carrying a rabbit lantern.
Without a second thought, Gong Ziyu urged his Inner Force, leaping several times through the crowded masses as he chased after Yun Weishan.
Yun Weishan first walked along the street and, following the thief’s words, finally saw the hurried figure of Han Ya Si ahead. She quickened her pace to follow him, unsure where he was leading her. Though anxious, she forced herself to appear natural, occasionally glancing around as if lost, while secretly pushing herself to keep up with Han Ya Si.
Far behind her, Gong Ziyu also followed at a brisk pace.
Ahead, Han Ya Si lowered his head and turned into a lively establishment by the street.
Yun Weishan looked at it, hesitated for a moment, then followed straight in.
Just as Gong Ziyu was about to call out her name, he saw Yun Weishan turn and enter the bustling place by the street.
Gong Ziyu froze—she had actually entered the Myriad Flowers Pavilion.
Meanwhile, Gong Zishang and Jin Fan arrived at the entrance of the Jia family’s residence. The main gate was tightly shut, and the lanterns at the entrance were unlit.
Standing outside, Gong Zishang felt the house was somewhat eerie and clung closely behind Jin Fan, gripping the hem of his clothes.
Jin Fan went to knock on the door but found it unlocked after just one tap, pushing it open directly. The courtyard was pitch dark, completely devoid of light. Jin Fan went straight to the stove, finding the hearth cold and the kitchen lacking any spare firewood. Peering through the door crack, he saw the interior empty and deserted.
“No one’s here. They must have moved away,” Jin Fan whispered softly.
Just then, they suddenly heard movement nearby. The two turned around to see the neighbor’s door crack open slightly, with someone inside secretly observing them. Upon meeting their gaze, the neighbor immediately shut the door and retreated inside.
Jin Fan and Gong Zishang exchanged a glance, understanding dawning in their hearts.The two then walked over to the door of another house next door. Gong Zishang raised her hand and knocked. After quite a while, someone finally answered. The door was opened by an elderly woman, who first cracked it open and saw two strangers outside. After sizing them up a few times and noticing their particularly luxurious attire, her face immediately took on a guarded expression.
"Madam, who are you looking for?"
Gong Zishang glanced shyly at Jin Fan, not bothering to correct the woman's form of address, and asked with a smile, "Excuse me, do you know where the Jia family next door has gone?"
"What's going on with Old Man Jia? People have been asking about him these past few days..."
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