"Really?" The two asked in astonishment, almost in unison.
"Why would I lie to you guys? When I get back from the Southwest this time, Iāll bring the ancestor out from there."
Ling Nan was so excited that he stomped his feet a few times and rubbed his hands together, "Ah, this is fantastic! I never imagined I would actually get to see the Gu Family Ancestor."
In contrast, Xiao Wen was much calmer, "Qiaoqiao, has the Gu Family Ancestor always been inside?"
"Yes, heās always been inside. The time there is frozen, but every mountain, river, scenery, and item inside are so similar to Qiaoze Ranch."
Xiao Wenās eyes lit up, "The Gu Family Ancestor must have been extraordinarily distinguished, right?"
Gu Qiaoqiao proudly pointed to herself, "Just look at me and youāll know our Gu Family Ancestor must have been unmatched in beauty and grace."
Gu Qiaoqiao seemed to have regained her usual playfulness.
Xiao Wen found it amusing and pointed at Qin Yize, whose fingers were still interlocked with Gu Qiaoqiaoās, mischievously saying, "What about compared to your Ah Ze?"
"Compared to my Ah Ze?" Gu Qiaoqiao blinked and then proudly said, "They each have their own strengths."
"You cheeky girl, youāre really thick-skinned," Xiao Wen chuckled, poking Gu Qiaoqiao, and then looked at the time and said, "Since weāre leaving at dawn, shouldnāt we start preparing now?"
Gu Qiaoqiao slowly released her intertwined fingers with Qin Yize, then got off the hospital bed, stood in front of the two, looked at Xiao Wen, and said solemnly, "Sister Xiao Wen, I need Ling Nan to go with me this time. You stay in the Imperial Capital."
Xiao Wen had no objections, nodding, "Okay, Iāll follow your arrangement, but what about this painting?"
This painting needs to be carefully kept, even more meticulously than before, because the Gu Family Ancestor is in the Hundred Miles of Mountains Map.
Gu Qiaoqiao thought for a moment and whispered, "Iāll take this painting and the Mysterious Dragon Box with me. Oh, and I need to bring the set of carving knives too."
After finding Qin Yizeās soul, we immediately start carving the White Jade Stone. Gu Qiaoqiao knew that, according to the ancestor, the moment itās worn, Qin Yizeās obsessions from his past life would disappear, and his soul would naturally return to his body.
Ling Nan and Xiao Wen exchanged a glance but didnāt ask Gu Qiaoqiao why she needed to bring the carving knives. Ling Nan spoke up, "Sister Qiaoqiao, Iāll go get them now."
"Xiao Nan, have you already gotten your driverās license?" Gu Qiaoqiao asked quickly.
Ling Nan nodded, "Yes, I got it not long ago."
"Great, you can drive this time. Weāll set off after breakfast."
At this point, Xiao Wen thought of a question, "Qiaoqiao, how are you going to explain this to your family?"
Gu Qiaoqiao had already thought of an explanation, "Iāll tell them Iām taking Ah Ze to see a reclusive expert, and theyāll believe me."
Thatās true.
Xiao Wen nodded silently.
Besides, now that Qin Yize is like this, everyone has tried everything to no avail. No matter where Gu Qiaoqiao takes Qin Yize, itās like treating a dead horse as if it were alive. As long as thereās a glimmer of hope, no one will stop her.
The three of them, who had agreed to take a rest, didnāt actually rest. Gu Qiaoqiao and Xiao Wen started packing some things to take to the Southwest Base, while Ling Nan had already left the hospital. Fortunately, there were still taxis, though even without one, he would have run back; his speed was remarkably fast now, and he definitely wanted to show Gu Qiaoqiao one day.
But at the same time, he felt a bit of yearning and anticipation. What kind of extraordinary distinction did the Gu Family Ancestor really have?
He really wanted to meet this legendary figure immediately.
The first glimmer of dawn quietly appeared on the horizon, silently enveloping the land as the sleeping city slowly awakened from the night.
The traffic on the roads began to flow again, and the people hurrying about on the streets and alleyways were already busy. It was almost New Year, and everywhere was bustling and adorned in red.
The three people, who hadnāt slept all night, were now standing energetically in the ward, having already completed all the preparations for their departure. Ling Nan had also brought Gu Qiaoqiaoās car downstairs.
Gu Qiaoqiao informed her family of her decision. At this moment, Grandma Qin, Great Grandfather, and Great Grandmother had gone home due to health reasons.
In the ward were Gu Tianfeng, Qin Xuan, and their spouses, as well as Gu Muran.
Shen Manru, worried, glanced at her son. Recently, she couldnāt quite figure out how she felt. If she were to say she was sad or in pain, her sonās face was rosy and healthy, making crying seem unlucky. But if she acted as if nothing was wrong, her son wouldnāt wake up, which reminded her of when he used to sleep in as a child.
So, Shen Manruās feelings were the most complicated.
Then, upon hearing Gu Qiaoqiao say she had a way to cure Qin Yizeās illness, she breathed a sigh of relief. She couldnāt underestimate her daughter-in-law; though young, she was very capable.
At this very moment, Shen Manru had a premonition that when Gu Qiaoqiao returned, the two of them would definitely walk into the Qin Family Old Residence hand in hand. The thought of that scene gave Shen Manru hope, but she still worriedly said, "Qiaoqiao, itāll be hard on you this journey. If you need anything, just let me know and Iāll prepare it for you."
Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head with a smile, "No need, Xiao Wen and I have already packed everything we need. Xiao Nan will be driving this time. If everything goes well, weāll be back before New Yearās Eve."
At this moment, Lian Yuhong was concerned about Gu Qiaoqiaoās accommodation and meals. She quickly said, "Stop by Gu Garden when youāre driving. Iāll call your grandaunt to pack our new pickled vegetables and cured meats for you to take. Itās not possible to always have delicious meals like at home on the road."
Gu Qiaoqiao had forgotten about this. She had lost interest in food lately, almost like she was going to fast like a monk, but Ling Nan was different. Xiao Nan had a very good appetite and could eat over eight large steamed buns at once.
So Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, "Okay, call grandaunt now. We wonāt enter the courtyard; have her bring it to the alley entrance to save time."
Before Qin Xuan and Gu Tianfeng could speak, Gu Muran quickly spoke up, "Qiaoqiao, I want to go with you, so we can look out for each other."
Gu Qiaoqiao contemplated for a moment. Having Gu Muran accompany them might actually be a good idea. However, she was concerned they might not make it back before the New Year, so she had a task for Gu Muran, "Brother, my departure is quite rushed, and Xiao Nan and I can handle it. But thereās one thing Iād like to ask you to do for me."