Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 774 - 379: Farewell_2

Chapter 774: Chapter 379: Farewell_2

To be honest, getting lost in the desert—sometimes, even with a map—makes it easy to lose one’s sense of direction.

The merchant caravan I mentioned to you earlier hasn’t shown any activity these past few days. However, tomorrow morning, there will be a caravan from Haichuan heading toward the Capital City. I’ve arranged for you to join them; it’ll be more convenient."

Jiang Shouzhong took the map and nodded, saying: "Alright, I’ll set out tomorrow morning."

Initially planning to use the remaining time before his departure to have a proper conversation with Xiao Lingqiu, Jiang Shouzhong was caught off guard when she didn’t return all day.

Only after asking Yun Zhu did he learn that Xiao Lingqiu had gone out to survey the terrain in preparation for her upcoming battle with the Fourth Prince, Wanyan Tianyou.

Jiang Shouzhong could only sigh helplessly.

At this point, he was completely resigned—this woman wasn’t going to leave with him.

It wasn’t until late night that Xiao Lingqiu returned.

"I plan to leave with the merchant caravan tomorrow morning," Jiang Shouzhong said. "I’ve already arranged for Yun Zhu to protect your safety. After all, this place is far from peaceful."

Xiao Lingqiu glanced at the packed luggage on the table, uttered a casual "mm," and without sparing him another glance, filled the bath with hot water. Then, without saying a word, she walked behind the screen and began undressing for her bath.

Jiang Shouzhong stared blankly at the graceful silhouette of the woman behind the screen. The words he had wanted to say stayed stuck in his throat.

After her bath, Xiao Lingqiu didn’t lie down to rest but instead took out paper and pen and sat at the table, writing and drawing.

"Do you not have a life of your own at all?"

Jiang Shouzhong couldn’t help but ask.

"What are you trying to say?" Xiao Lingqiu adjusted the wick of the candle. The warm glow illuminated the slender curve of her snowy neck, revealing even the faintest hairs on her soft skin.

Jiang Shouzhong took a deep breath and spoke earnestly: "If you’re willing—I’ll marry you."

Xiao Lingqiu’s writing hand froze for an instant.

The woman remained with her back to him; her facial expression was unreadable.

After a long pause, the corners of Xiao Lingqiu’s lips curved into a mocking smile as she coldly replied, "Daydreaming."

"Yeah, it’s just a delusional fantasy," Jiang Shouzhong said with self-mocking laughter as he stared at the ceiling. "Even I despise myself. What I say, what I think, and what I do—none of it ever aligns."

Xiao Lingqiu slightly pursed her lips before resuming her writing.

Jiang Shouzhong said no more and closed his eyes.

It was nearly 3 a.m. when Xiao Lingqiu finally set her pen down, stretching lazily.

By now, there was a faint light outside; presumably, in about an hour, the sun would rise over the horizon.

Xiao Lingqiu turned back to look at the man sleeping soundly on the bedding. She watched him for a while, then carefully gathered up the stack of thick paper, slipped off her shoes, and quietly nestled into his arms, closing her eyes...

The candle on the table continued to burn.

After a while, the flame gradually weakened and finally extinguished.

...

When Jiang Shouzhong woke up, the woman was still sleeping, exhaustion lingering between her brows.

He got out of bed gently, covering her with the blanket without waking her. ... Sometimes, a silent departure is the best farewell.

After a quick wash, Jiang Shouzhong grabbed his luggage and prepared to leave.

Outside, Liao Feihu had already prepared a horse and provisions.

Before departing, Jiang Shouzhong hesitated as he gazed at Xiao Lingqiu’s beautiful sleeping face. He walked back to the bedside.

Recalling their shared moments over the past few days, Jiang Shouzhong felt an overwhelming tightness in his chest.

Countless impulses surged in his heart—he wanted to take her away, bind her to his side forever.

But ultimately, he didn’t have the courage.

Gently brushing a lock of hair from her cheek, Jiang Shouzhong’s fingers stroked her smooth skin as he softly said: "Take care of yourself. I’ll be back."

The man bent down and lightly kissed her forehead before turning to leave.

...

Outside the courtyard, Liao Feihu’s face was filled with worry as he said:

"Jiang Shouzhong, that merchant caravan isn’t coming anymore. I heard something major’s happened over in the Capital City. A lot of Jianghu figures from Nanjin Country have gathered there, and the roads aren’t safe."

Jiang Shouzhong froze for a moment before smiling and saying: "No caravan? That’s fine. As long as I pay attention, the map will be enough."

Knowing he couldn’t persuade him, Liao Feihu carefully explained the dangers of the desert and gave him two modified compasses for navigation.

After finishing his instructions, Jiang Shouzhong mounted the horse.

The man’s gaze swept back toward the small house, but the familiar figure was nowhere to be seen. Sighing lightly, he rode off, his silhouette fading into the dim morning light.

...

Jiang Shouzhong’s pace was not hurried; he meticulously studied the map along the way.

As Liao Feihu had warned, once in the depths of the desert, losing direction—even with a map—could be fatal. The most terrifying threat was undoubtedly encountering a sandstorm.

Jiang Shouzhong had already survived one sandstorm before and had no intention of braving another.

Under such circumstances, Jiang Shouzhong almost preferred encountering rogue troops—for at least they meant human presence. With his current abilities, he could protect himself.

As long as he could find people, he wouldn’t worry about being stranded.

Time passed unknowingly. While studying the map, Jiang Shouzhong’s ears perked up as he caught the faint sound of hoofbeats approaching from behind.

Turning to look, he saw a distant silhouette gradually emerging on the horizon.

As the figure’s contours sharpened, Jiang Shouzhong’s expression turned peculiar.

It was Xiao Lingqiu!

The rhythmic sound of horseshoes echoed as the woman galloped through the open land. The wind tousled her ink-black hair; her billowing robes resembled clouds rolling across the sky.

The vegetation bowed as she passed, dust rising in her wake.

An indescribable aura of grace surrounded her.

Jiang Shouzhong pulled the reins and stopped his horse, a faint smile forming on his lips.

Yet, when she was ten paces away, Xiao Lingqiu suddenly tugged her reins. The horse reared dramatically, its neighing like thunder reverberating across the plain.

She stopped her horse, gazing at him from afar.

Jiang Shouzhong hesitated, unsure why she had halted so abruptly. Not giving it much thought, he turned his horse to approach her.

But as soon as he moved forward, Xiao Lingqiu turned her horse in the opposite direction.

No matter how far Jiang Shouzhong chased, she galloped away in the opposite direction, always maintaining a distance of ten paces—just out of reach.

If he stopped, she stopped.

Utterly baffled, Jiang Shouzhong shouted: "What are you doing? Are you mad at me?"

Xiao Lingqiu pressed her lips tightly, saying nothing.

Familiar with her stubborn temperament, Jiang Shouzhong sighed and said: "If you’re upset, go ahead—hit me with the whip. I swear I won’t dodge."

Still, Xiao Lingqiu maintained her composed, quiet demeanor.

Seeing there was no resolution to this stalemate, Jiang Shouzhong decided to continue his journey on horseback.

Xiao Lingqiu followed behind him.

From the scorching midday sun to the stifling heat of the afternoon, and as the temperatures cooled into evening—one in front, one behind—they traveled in this peculiar "companionship."

Late at night, feeling sleepy, Jiang Shouzhong found a spot sheltered from the wind to rest.

Xiao Lingqiu rested further away.

But in the middle of the night, she suddenly led her horse and approached him. Before Jiang Shouzhong could speak, she nestled into his arms like a wild kitten, closing her eyes to sleep.

When Jiang Shouzhong tried to embrace her, a cold sensation touched his abdomen.

"If you dare touch me, I’ll castrate you!"

In Xiao Lingqiu’s hand was a small, exquisitely curved blade.

Cold sweat broke out on Jiang Shouzhong’s forehead. Smiling bitterly, he conceded: "Alright, alright, I was wrong. Okay? I..."

"Shut up! Sleep!"

Xiao Lingqiu firmly instructed as she clung to his broad figure.

Jiang Shouzhong was caught between laughter and disbelief but gently whispered: "If you can’t sleep, I’ll sing you a song."

"Don’t want to hear it!"

Yet she perked her ears up.

Jiang Shouzhong hummed a tune from Earth softly. Its melodious notes lingered amidst the faint desert winds, encircling the pair and etching an unforgettable memory.

...

The following morning, Xiao Lingqiu once again maintained a distance of ten paces, trailing behind him on horseback.

Before leaving, she even snatched some of his provisions.

Jiang Shouzhong sighed: "She truly is one untamable wild mare."

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