Chapter 3530: How Did You Suddenly Turn Bad!
After deciding to set off for Australia, Ye Chen began to consider how to fabricate a lie to Xiao Churan.
As soon as he thought of this problem in his mind, his subconscious naturally came up with the excuse of consulting feng shui.
After all, he had used this trick for too long, gaining experience and becoming utterly familiar with it.
Thus, he specifically instructed Master Hong Wu to call him later, but the call would have to wait until after he had booked their return flight to Jin Ling with Xiao Churan, so that he could temporarily change his itinerary while still being able to send Xiao Churan to the airport first and feel at ease.
Afterwards, he quietly exited WeChat, opened the ticketing software, and asked Xiao Churan: "Wife, when do you want to return to Jin Ling? Let me check the flights."
Xiao Churan was somewhat surprised; she had thought that upon learning of Tang Sihai's accident, Ye Chen would immediately tell her he needed to go away for a while.
But she never expected Ye Chen to actually suggest booking a ticket back to Jin Ling.
She had wanted to ask Ye Chen whether she was returning alone or together with him, but upon reflection, she realized she couldn't say that—saying it would expose the lie.
So she casually replied: "Either way is fine. You wanted to return today, didn't you? Then we can check out at noon and head to the airport. You book the tickets—no problem, plenty of time."
Ye Chen browsed the flight information and calmly said: "Wife, how about the 3 p. m. flight?"
The flight to Melbourne departs at 5:30 p. m., so Ye Chen could first send his wife to the airport, then, after confirming she had boarded and returned to Jin Ling, proceed through airport security and customs, and board his own flight to Melbourne.
Xiao Churan didn't know what Ye Chen was up to, but she understood his character—Tang Sihai had met with misfortune, and Ye Chen could not possibly stand by idly, so he must be seeking an opportunity, a suitable chance to go to Melbourne.
Thus she said to Ye Chen: "3 p. m. works well—we'll be home in time to finish dinner, so just book this flight, husband."
"Alright!" Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief and immediately booked the ticket.
At noon, the couple had an early lunch at the hotel before taking a taxi to the airport.
They printed their boarding passes, cleared security, and arrived at the airline's VIP lounge to await boarding.
At this moment, Master Hong Wu proved his usefulness.
He called Ye Chen, and as soon as the call connected, he eagerly asked: "Master Ye, where are you now??"
Ye Chen casually replied: "I'm here in Yanjing with my wife to see a concert, just about to fly back—what do you need?"
Master Hong Wu quickly said: "Master Ye, a friend of mine has encountered some trouble at his residence in the southwest—his whole family has been feeling unlucky lately, and they want to invite a master over to assess the feng shui. I wonder if you could spare the time to come take a look?"
Ye Chen feigned difficulty: "Oh, to be honest, my schedule has been quite full lately—I haven't planned to go out for feng shui consultations."
Master Hong Wu pleaded: "Master Ye, this is a longtime sworn brother of mine—we're very close. Please, just help me out..."
Xiao Churan stood right there, watching Ye Chen still acting at this moment, and though she felt no anger, she instead felt a pang of sympathy for Ye Chen.
She thought: Ye Chen has had to hide so much from me over the years, still managing my emotions and ensuring I have no suspicions—surely that must be exhausting.
So she softly said: "Husband, is it Master Hong asking you for help?"
Ye Chen nodded; he had the earpiece volume turned up, so it was normal for Xiao Churan to hear.
Xiao Churan then went along with it, urging: "Just agree to help Master Hong—he usually looks after our family quite well, treats you with great respect, and this is a small matter. Don't refuse him."
Ye Chen hadn't expected Xiao Churan to be so understanding, and he deliberately feigned reluctance again: "Master Hong's side has an urgent matter—he needs to leave today. If I agree, I won't be able to return to Jin Ling with you."
"It's fine," Xiao Churan said with a faint smile. "I'll just go back myself—anyway, it's only two hours. Once I'm there, I can take a taxi or have my dad pick me up. You go attend to your business; don't worry about me."
Ye Chen had originally planned this himself; seeing Xiao Churan volunteer, he naturally felt relieved and said: "Alright then—I'll see you off to board in a moment, and I won't board myself. Later, let Dad come pick you up."
"Okay." Xiao Churan nodded, and suddenly felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.
Originally, Tang Sihai's plan had been for her to depart from Yanjing while her parents set out from Jin Ling, but he hadn't anticipated that Ye Chen would still send her onto the plane—now it seems she can only return to Jin Ling first.
But no matter what, once she boards the plane, she and Ye Chen will have parted ways.
As a married couple, they will ultimately come to an end here.
Her heart is filled with reluctance, yet for Ye Chen's sake, she still harbors no regret.
She knows that by staying, she would not only be of no help to Ye Chen, but would also hinder him.
In daily life, whenever Ye Chen needs to go out, he carefully constructs a web of kind lies, and because he worries about her, he never stays away too long—many tasks that could be completed in one go, due to her presence, might have to be repeated back and forth, dragged out for a long time before finally being resolved.
Once she leaves, he will no longer be bound—he can focus all his energy on his affairs, strengthen his power, slay his enemies, and avenge his parents.
Therefore, no matter what, she cannot continue to hold him back.
While Xiao Churan felt an overwhelming bitterness, Ye Chen failed to notice her subtle changes; he hurriedly messaged Chen Zekai and Master Hong Wu on WeChat, informing them that he had made all arrangements and would meet them at the airport that afternoon.
Not long after, the VIP lounge staff approached and said: "Mr. Ye, Ms. Xiao, your flight has begun boarding. The gate is at 63—about a five-minute walk. Please arrange your time accordingly."
Ye Chen nodded, said thank you, then turned to Xiao Churan and said: "Wife, let me see you off to board first!"
Xiao Churan's heart was filled with sorrow, yet she could only pretend nothing was wrong as she stood up, fighting back tears as she said: "Husband, when you're out there, please be careful."
Ye Chen smiled: "Don't worry—I'll be back soon."
Xiao Churan, eyes red, asked: "You'll definitely be able to take care of yourself, right?"
"Of course," Ye Chen said with a smile: "Your husband still has a few tricks up his sleeve—don't worry."
Xiao Churan asked again: "When you're not busy, will you think of me?"
"Of course I will."
Xiao Churan solemnly said: "You said it yourself—you must follow through."
To Xiao Churan, she could leave Ye Chen, but she does not want him to forget her.
Ye Chen had never seen Xiao Churan this sentimental before; at one moment he felt it strange, but upon reflection, since Xiao Churan had only just truly become his wife, and a woman giving her most precious thing to him naturally becomes more sentimental—it's only normal.
So he gently embraced Xiao Churan and promised: "Wife, rest assured—whether I'm busy or not, I will think of you. Wait obediently for my return; if you miss me, just send me a WeChat message or a video."
Xiao Churan could no longer hold back her tears—they streamed down.
But to avoid making Ye Chen suspicious, she could only sob and laugh softly, saying: "Just yesterday I finally let you have your way, and today you're leaving—I really don't want to let you go."
Ye Chen deliberately asked: "Is it just that you're reluctant in your heart?"
Xiao Churan startled, then realized, and blushing said: "You……you how did you suddenly turn bad!"
Ye Chen protested: "What? I didn't say anything..."
"Still saying you didn't." Xiao Churan muttered: "Although I don't have much experience, I'm not a fool."
Ye Chen, seeing he'd been caught, didn't argue—just gave a hesitant, embarrassed laugh.
Xiao Churan wasn't truly angry, so seeing Ye Chen's silent admission, she didn't press further, only held him tighter and said, unwilling to part: "In short, when you're out there, take care of yourself—no matter when, your health and personal safety are the most important, alright?"
"Okay." Ye Chen readily agreed, feeling Xiao Churan's reluctance, and his heart was moved. He then said, "I'll come back as soon as I finish my business!"
End of Chapter
