Chapter 306: Zhuqing, come with me

"Have all my heartfelt words gone to feed the dogs?"

Under the sunlight, the young man's exasperated voice spread in all directions, causing more than a few people to struggle to hold back their laughter.

"Poor Brother Jian, all that deep affection flowing away like water..."

Oscar happily grabbed a handful of melon seeds.

"Since when was Brother Jian's affection 'deep'? It was clearly 'multi-faceted', right?"

Ma Hongjun used a Phoenix Fire to clear the melon seed shells off the ground, then grabbed another handful.

"I actually think he spoke very sincerely; he doesn't look like someone with other intentions."

Tang San's words almost made Qin Jian burst into tears: "Finally, someone understands me..."

Flender sighed: "Once this little guy Qin Jian leaves, my melon seeds and stools won't sell anymore..."

Grandmaster and Liu Erlong did not have the mood for their banter; instead, they were the most deeply touched.

"Children..."

She suddenly reached out and patted the heads of Ning Rongrong and the others, saying: "What Qin Jian said came from his heart, I can feel it. You all really should think carefully about what you want. Although, looking at the journey so far, I can see you really like him..."

"However, people always grow, and perspectives change as one's horizons broaden. Many things you hold onto now might seem trivial in the future..."

She turned to look at Grandmaster and smiled: "Just like Xiaogang and me, separated for twenty years. Although we both suffered for so many years, we have no regrets, because this long separation allowed us to see our own hearts clearly. From now on, no one can ever separate us!"

Grandmaster nodded in agreement: "It is a timely encounter. Since Qin Jian is currently unable to look after himself, you truly cannot be with him. So, give each other a chance—a chance to understand each other's hearts..."

He stepped forward to embrace Liu Erlong, his face filled with undisguised satisfaction: "Elevating liking to love, elevating taking to giving—only by realizing these will your future be more stable and beautiful."

Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu looked at each other, then silently looked at Qin Jian.

"Alright then, I will walk across the Dalu, see the scenery I have never seen before, and meet the people I have never met."

Zhuqing stepped forward and buried herself in Qin Jian's arms, whispering: "I don't know if I will be willing to share you with others five years from now, but at least I know that in this life, I will never forget you, nor will I ever like anyone else."

Qin Jian held her tightly for a while, then said in a daze: "Zhuqing, I really haven't given you enough time during this period. I have always known. That you can endure sharing me with others, that you are willing to stay by my side—it's not because I have high talent, nor because I am stronger than others..."

He deeply inhaled the scent by her ear, his heart trembling incessantly: "I know, it's just because you feel at ease by my side. Because I will protect you, I will be considerate of your feelings, and I will never say words that hurt you, but..."

His voice trembled slightly: "But this time, I cannot protect you. These few years, you won't be able to feel at ease again. I... I... I... am truly sorry..."

Zhuqing buried her head tightly into his neck, warm tears silently sliding down her cheeks and wetting Qin Jian's collar.

"No... no need to say sorry... you have already done very well..."

She said with a slight sob: "Qin Jian... the factor that made me the most uneasy... the shackles of my own family... the marriage contract on me... you have already helped me eliminate them..."

"I... even if I am alone... I can try to walk on my own..."

Qin Jian held her tightly.

Whether it was Shui Bing'er or Huo Wu, he wasn't that worried.

Because both of them were actually very independent girls by nature and wouldn't have problems because of a temporary separation.

He also wasn't very worried about Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, because Ning Rongrong had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Ning Fengzhi, and Xiao Wu had Da Ming, Er Ming, and her mother.

The one he was most worried about was Zhuqing in his arms.

Although she usually looked cold and aloof, she was actually just a little kitten at heart.

She had no family to rely on; all she had... was him!

"Zhuqing, you... you come with me!"

Knowing he shouldn't say it, Qin Jian still couldn't control himself: "Zhuqing, don't go out for training. Just stay by my side, okay? No matter what, I will protect you well."

Zhuqing suddenly looked up, her bright, sparkling eyes still filled with moisture, but now overwhelmed by immense surprise: "You... you are willing to take me... you are really willing to take me, even when you are in such a difficult situation yourself?"

Qin Jian nodded fiercely: "I am willing."

Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu watched silently; although they felt a bit sour, they also felt a bit relieved.

Because this was the Qin Jian they knew—a Qin Jian who would be willing to protect them regardless of the hardships and obstacles.

"I'm so happy... so happy..."

Zhuqing cried and laughed, constantly wiping her tears with the back of her hand, a sight that made Qin Jian feel endless pity.

"Stop crying, you're going to become a little kitten."

He gently stroked Zhuqing's cheeks, wiping away the moisture on her face bit by bit.

Zhuqing couldn't help but nuzzle against his warm palm, the water in her eyes slowly dissipating, replaced by a gradually solidifying determination.

"With these words from you, for the next few years, no matter what kind of path it is, I have the courage to walk it."

She laughed softly, a very satisfied laugh.

"You aren't staying by my side?" Qin Jian asked blankly.

"Mm."

Zhuqing nodded, moved out of his arms, and said: "With this care and love from you, no matter where I go, I will always have a sense of tranquility and peace of mind in my heart."

She smiled, the bright sunlight spilling onto her face, looking breathtakingly beautiful: "I already have what I wanted, so I can go temper myself alone and search for my own path of the strong. In the future, I won't just be your little kitten..."

She turned around slowly, her firm voice entering Qin Jian's ears: "One day... I will be your most solid wings. With me, you will fly further and fly higher..."

Whoosh...

Her figure gradually became blurred, and under the surprised gazes of the crowd, she sped away like a little cat wandering with love.

No loneliness, only heavy affection and hope.

"Zhuqing—"

Ning Rongrong suddenly put her hands to her mouth like a megaphone: "If you are tired, you can come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to find me. We are the best of sisters, and my home is your home—"

"Okay—"

Zhuqing's voice came from afar, fading away as her figure gradually disappeared.

Qin Jian was silent for a moment before turning around: "Rongrong, thank you for saying that to Zhuqing. She really needs care."

Ning Rongrong wanted to roll her eyes as usual, but she couldn't do it. Instead, her eyes felt sore, and she had to hold back to keep the tears from falling.

Because very soon, she would also have to part with her beloved Brother Jian...

Thanks to the update-urging maniac 【White Horse Cold Sword Guest】 for the 500-coin tip!

(End of this chapter)