1099: Chapter 1099: Acknowledging Guilt (3) 1099: Chapter 1099: Acknowledging Guilt (3) Looking back at Gu Yaoâs horse, it was already showing signs of weariness, unable to pick up pace any longer.
If they didnât rest soon, the horse would very likely collapse.
Fortunately, they had reached their destination.
Huanghua County was not large, but as it was a necessary stop for travelers heading north or south, it was quite prosperous.
Despite being a small county town, there were over a dozen inns of various sizes, and plenty of restaurants and teahouses as well.
Upon entering the county town, they followed the markers and made their way to an inn at the edge of town.
Although situated slightly off the center, Yunlai Inn was by far the largest and most luxurious inn in Huanghua County.
It boasted not only the usual guest rooms but also several uniquely styled private courtyards towards the back.
âAre you two here for a meal or to stay the night?â Xiaoâer seemed clever, welcoming everyone with a smile.
But when he saw Gu Qinghengâs face, he was taken aback.
That such a celestial being would visit such a small town brightened his smile even more.
âBamboo Garden,â Gu Yao stepped forward and said.
Xiaoâer immediately nodded and said eagerly, âThis way, sir.
The honored guest of Bamboo Garden has already arrived.â He then respectfully led them through the inn to the back courtyard.
Bamboo Garden was located at the very back of the inn, the quietest place of all.
As they passed through the innâs rear courtyard, faint strains of music could be heard.
Xiaoâer, perceptive, halted, âThis path leads to Bamboo Garden, where youâll find a cluster of Xiangfei Bamboo by the door.â
Gu Yao tossed him a piece of silver.
Xiaoâer happily caught the silver and then respectfully bowed before taking his leave.
The path was short, and Gu Qingheng reached the entrance within a few steps.
However, upon hearing the music clearly, he frowned, halted at the gate, and then, after a momentâs pause, turned to leave instead.
âBrother MingyiâŠâ Just then, the music inside the garden abruptly ceased, and the door burst open.
A stunning beauty, tall, with willowy brows and almond eyes, rushed out, âIs it really you?â Tears fell without warning.
Another maid followed, also in tears, and immediately knelt on the ground: âYoung MasterâŠâ
âChai Huan?â Gu Yao looked down at the kneeling maid in surprise.
Gu Qinghengâs gaze too sharply turned towards Chai Huan.
Feeling a chill envelop her body, Chai Huan momentarily stopped crying.
After three years, the Young Master was taller and even more handsome.
But why was he so cold?
âBrother Mingyi, where have you been all these years?
I knew you couldnât be dead.
These past three years, how bitterly Iâve waited for youâŠâ The beautyâs voice trembled, tears streaming down her face, and her body swayed as if on the verge of collapse, naturally evoking pity.
Logically, at this moment, as a man, Gu Qingheng should have stepped forward to embrace the beauty, whisper comforting words, and maybe even share a tearful look, creating a perfect, intimate moment.
But Gu Qingheng remained unmoved, his expression unchanged, not giving the beauty a single glance.
Instead, he turned to Chai Huan on the ground: âDo you know your guilt?â
âDonât blame Chai Huan,â the beauty hurriedly spoke up in defense, âI asked her to send you a message because I missed you so much.
Ever since your accident, Iâve been praying for you in the convent, later when I knew you were safe, IâŠâ
âFrom now on, youâre no longer mine,â Gu Qingheng said, not to the beauty, but to Chai Huan.