Chapter 51: Pouring Out Love

Wiping the tears from her face, Ah Fei composed herself, shaking off the complex emotions stirred by the song, and her sharp, capable demeanor returned at once.

"Qin Rou and the others have already finished eating and are just waiting for you two. Who knew you wouldn't show up? So I had to come and call you again. Honestly, aren't you hungry at all? You still have the mood to sing." Ah Fei pointed at Dugu Yi, who was still sitting aside watching her, then turned back to question Gu Xinyao. Looking at the one sitting inside the bed, he somehow seemed a bit sharper than the previously naive and foolish state he was in. However, the disheveled appearance of someone who had just been thoroughly ravished was certainly nothing to look at either; it was a wonder they still had the appetite and inclination to tumble into bed together.

Gu Xinyao glanced at Dugu Yi, who was also looking back at her. That moist, flushed face was simply too captivating to look away from.

"Ahem—" With a long, exaggerated cough, she pulled her gaze away. She rubbed her nose and said with an apologetic smile, "Big Brother Ah Fei, I'm afraid we have to trouble you once more. Just tell them we need to tidy up a bit and we'll be right over."

"Alright, I'll go tell them, but you don't have much time left for dinner." Ah Fei stood up. As she spoke, she walked over to the vanity mirror in the corner of the room to tidy her appearance and let out a sigh. She wasn't entirely unreasonable; seeing that this married couple had been through quite a lot—especially considering that song just now—she didn't mind running the errand one more time. But if they delayed any further, they might miss dinner entirely.

"It's fine. Later on, I'll just accompany Yi in eating a little," Gu Xinyao replied hastily.

"Right, what was that song you two were singing earlier?" Ah Fei, who had just reached the door, stopped, turned around, and asked.

Gu Xinyao was still wondering why she changed topics on a whim, but seeing her suddenly turn back to ask this, she set her confusion aside and answered immediately: "Attached to It—it means loving someone so much that you are simply unwilling to let go."

Upon hearing the title, Ah Fei pondered it for a moment, nodded, and stepped out of the door.

"Attached to it, attached to it... Are you... also attached to me like that?" Dugu Yi wanted to ask her. Was she also so in love with him that she was unwilling to let go? Yet he felt asking such a question was far too bold, so he left those four words unspoken, lingering only in the air.

Gu Xinyao walked over to the bedside and took his hand. She wanted to look into his eyes, wanted him to know that she was truly unwilling to let go.

"What the lyrics describe is actually my exact feeling. You are so wonderful, how could I ever bear to let you go?" When he finally looked back at her, her words were filled with sincere affection—no pretense needed, no flattery required. It was simply the truth of her heart.

At this very moment, Dugu Yi shed his usual coldness and arrogance. He was simply an ordinary man willing to nestle close to his beloved, with no other desires in the world. To receive such a profession of love from his partner made him feel that this lifetime was already complete. No matter what he might become in the future, he was no longer afraid. Yet, if he truly were to become dull and childish in the days to come, how much effort would she have to pour into caring for him? At this thought, his gaze dimmed. Perhaps this was all karmic fate; he was unwilling to be abandoned, nor did he want to be a burden to her. Thinking it over and over, the only way he could repay her was with the entirety of his own heart.

"I, I..." He rallied his spirits to look at her, his lips moving a few times, but managed to utter only two syllables of "I."

Looking into his pure eyes and seeing his anxious expression, Gu Xinyao knew he must be trying to express something, but due to his habitual reticence, feelings springing straight from the bottom of his heart suddenly refused to find a voice.

"It's alright. If you can't say it today, we can try again another day." Gu Xinyao patted the back of his hand soothingly. After all, they had a long life ahead of them; there was no need to rush this single moment.

"No, I... I... I love you!" Meeting her gentle expression, he summoned every ounce of his strength and spoke those three words aloud, ringing clear. Hearing himself say them made his nose sting. Searching his limited memories, he realized he had never once said those three words to her before. Yet he knew his heart had already embraced her, filled with love—he simply hadn't known how to voice it. Now, no longer the person he used to be, he desperately wanted to speak the words hidden deep in his heart directly to her.

Hearing him finally voice those three words she had longed for, her own eyes grew hot and red. Because of the Hu Yu Mian injection, he had discarded some memories and lost a portion of his former aloofness. The man before her was not entirely the same as the one she had first known, yet this was still a part of him—a vulnerable part she had never touched before. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise, drawing their hearts even closer together.

Unable to resist, she pulled him into an embrace and pressed a light, fleeting kiss to his lips. Ending it instantly, she traced her finger lightly across his mouth. His lips had a beautiful shape and were vividly, enticingly bright, made even redder by that kiss.

"I love you too, I've loved you for a very, very long time!" Her voice sounded lingering and profound, carrying a deep tone like fine wine aged over many years, making anyone who heard it ache for the tenderness behind her words.

Held tightly in her arms, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her in return. In this moment, they belonged wholly to each other, praying that no further disasters would ever befall them again.

Inside the guest quarters of the Eighteen Villages, Gu Xinyao, Dugu Yi, Qin Rou, Shang Ran, and Ah Fei were seated around a large round table. The table was laden with steaming dishes. Dugu Yi was eating with great relish; his usual imposing demeanor had been replaced by a quiet, refined grace, prompting Ah Fei to let out a sigh of admiration.

After a moment of quiet reflection, Ah Fei addressed the others at the table: "The side effects of Hu Yu Mian are numerous, and today I've discovered another one. While he seems to have recovered some of his memory and his daily behaviors are back to normal, judging by how Xinyao takes care of him, he clearly hasn't returned to his previous state entirely. My guess is that fellow surnamed Fang modified the Hu Yu Mian formula. Damn it... I just wonder what's going to happen to him in the future."

Ah Fei swallowed back the curses he was about to unleash under Shang Ran's stern glare, forcing himself to finish his thought calmly. Once he was done, he glared right back at Shang Ran. Even his own older sister had never bossed him around like that; who did this woman think she was, daring to glare at him?

Shang Ran naturally ignored his rolling eyes. Frowning slightly, she said, "A Rou and I have discussed it. There's no place safer than Breezy Island. Not only are its resources abundant, but the people there are also much kinder and more honest."

Long before Gu Xinyao and the others arrived, they had already debated the matter. Although it didn't strictly concern them, these were two people Shang Ran had taken a liking to. Dragging them into this mess right now felt a bit like taking advantage of someone's misfortune, but it seemed Breezy Island was the only sanctuary brave enough to shelter them.

Gu Xinyao was watching Dugu Yi eat when Shang Ran mentioned Breezy Island. The name sounded vaguely familiar to her, though she couldn't place it immediately.

"Does Breezy Island need technical personnel in the power sector?" She still hoped to return to her profession. After all, she had worked in it for so many years. In Utopia, although she did research energy, it wasn't her true specialty, and she was heavily restricted by legal codes; the space she had to fully stretch her talents was truly limited.

Shang Ran looked at Gu Xinyao in astonishment. The electricity she spoke of—was that the kind of thing recorded in old local chronicles and history books? Electricity? Where on earth was there still anything so environmentally polluting and resource-wasting nowadays?

"Though Breezy Island isn't as large or developed as Utopia, electricity is one thing we don't have. If you want to work in a technical field, the opportunity is certainly there. The island has a research institute, and you can research whichever form of energy you prefer. Besides, I have connections in the government." Shang Ran eagerly tried to persuade her, hoping to win her over. Although the man by her side had intelligence that remained to be evaluated, given those looks and that physique, launching him to stardom in the media would be an absolute breeze. Was she a fool to let such prime resources slip away?

"Xiao Yao, what Shang Ran says is true. Breezy Island is indeed a wonderful place. The person who governs Breezy Island was once a commoner herself; she doesn't hold aristocratic prejudices, nor will she use a sense of superiority to force anyone into doing something they hate." If Qin Rou weren't currently unable to travel, she might have left with them too. She joined in to persuade Gu Xinyao as well.

Dugu Yi was currently looking down at the plate of scrambled eggs and tomatoes before him. Although the sour taste wasn't his favorite, combined with the savory flavor of the eggs, it was surprisingly appetizing. He kept tasting it, thoroughly enjoying himself. Perhaps because he had finally relaxed, he paid no attention whatsoever to the conversation among the others.

Gu Xinyao picked up the serving chopsticks, placed a piece of shiitake mushroom on Dugu Yi's plate, and gently wiped a trace of oil from the corner of his mouth. Pausing until he had swallowed the mushroom, she asked, "Yi, if we leave this place and go to the Breezy Island they mentioned, would you be willing?"

She had to consult his opinion. Leaving this place meant leaving his familiar hometown and his relatives. Those relatives might have long since lost the true meaning of family to them, but blood ran thicker than water, and she never wanted him to harbor any regrets.

Dugu Yi chewed the mushroom in his mouth, swallowed slowly, put down his chopsticks, and looked back at her. Pressing his lips together, he gave Gu Xinyao a resolute answer: "I'm willing. Wherever you go, I will follow."

His eyes were filled with absolute steadfastness and an unreserved reliance on her.

Gu Xinyao broke into a gentle smile. She had guessed he would answer this way, yet she couldn't help asking anyway. Receiving a unanimous response, she took his hand, turned to Shang Ran, and said, "Alright! We'll go with you to Breezy Island."

Hearing this, Shang Ran was overjoyed. She had never expected to recruit them so smoothly; she had prepared herself for a long battle of persuasion.

"Brilliant! This afternoon—no, I'll go check if the ship has left right now. If it hasn't, we're leaving immediately. My eldest sister must be dying to see Ah Fei back safely." Their trip here was merely to sign contracts with a few models, and additionally because her eldest sister wanted Ah Fei to return to the island with them. Now, having secured an unexpected bonus, things were turning out wonderfully indeed.

Shang Ran was so excited she almost forgot where she was and stood up to leave.

"Did I say I was going with you?" Ah Fei, however, looked somewhat displeased. When had he ever agreed to go to their island?

Shang Ran hadn't expected Ah Fei to renege on his word. Irritated, she raked a hand through her hair and asked, "How can you go back on your word?"

"A man has the right to change his mind. I'm not going to your silly island, absolutely not!" Why should he go? Just to subject himself to the cold stares of the Shang family all over again? He wasn't that masochistic.

"Ah Fei, you—ugh! My eldest sister said that once you come to the island with me, we'll register our marriage as soon as we arrive." Shang Ran finally compromised; she truly had no way of dealing with this man.

Ah Fei's eyes instantly lit up. So... that woman had never told him directly about getting married! Concealing his sudden joy, he curled his lip and said, "I don't believe you!"

If that were really true, why hadn't she come herself instead of sending this irritating creature to provoke him?

"Ah Fei, brother-in-law, please have mercy and stop dragging your feet at a time like this, will you? My eldest sister is already making preparations on the island; the moment you arrive, we'll process the paperwork and hold the wedding. I was supposed to give you a surprise, but I guess it wasn't necessary after all." Such a hot-tempered brother-in-law—it took someone as stubborn as her eldest sister to want him.

"Really? Then why aren't you out looking for a ship yet?" Fully convinced, Ah Fei turned the tables and began urging her instead.

Shang Ran rolled her eyes, stood up, and genuinely headed out to find a ship.

The room fell silent once more, with only the faint, crisp sounds of Dugu Yi eating his meal.

After a while, a knock sounded at the door. Thinking it was Shang Ran returning after half a day out, Ah Fei muttered under his breath as he walked over to open it, only to find a group of complete strangers standing outside.

"Pardon me, is there someone named Dugu Yi here?" The voice of the person at the front was low, carrying a distinct air of authority.

Ah Fei had seen his share of such people; these were the so-called aristocrats. He eyed the group warily. The two at the very front were clearly the masters, while the ones behind them looked like guards or bodyguards.

"There's no one by that name here."

The person outside paused in contemplation for a long moment before speaking again: "Sir, if he is here, you had best let him come out. Otherwise, I'm afraid this is a responsibility you cannot bear."

Before Ah Fei could retort, Gu Xinyao stepped out from the inner room. Recognizing the visitors, she froze for a split second before immediately turning to Ah Fei: "I know these two people, Big Brother Ah Fei. Could you please do me a favor and go inside to look after Yi?"

Ah Fei, his hand still gripping the edge of the door, wanted to object. But seeing the absolute determination in Gu Xinyao's eyes, he pressed the matter no further, nodded, and stepped back inside.

Gu Xinyao walked out, pulled the door firmly shut, and adopted a cool, distant expression as she addressed the people outside: "Mother, Father, you've come here to take Yi back, haven't you?"

Upon learning that Gu Xinyao and Dugu Yi were here, Dugu Muqing and Gu Yu had rushed over without a moment's rest, only to be blocked at the threshold by Gu Xinyao.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Dugu Muqing's face. Since when did this girl have the right to call the shots here?

"Gu Xinyao, Yi is my son. If I do not consent, don't even dream of taking him anywhere." Dugu Muqing's words were far from an empty threat. Backed by her aristocratic status and influence, successfully snatching someone away from right under her nose required genuine capability—though it was not entirely impossible.

"Xinyao, Yi has suffered enough. Do you want him to lose his aristocratic status and become a laughingstock to others?" Gu Yu chimed in. In truth, he hoped Yi would stay; if he went to some unfamiliar place, Gu Yu feared his son would suffer even more hardships. After all, Yi was flesh of his own flesh, and his heart ached for him regardless.

Gu Xinyao's gaze shifted from Dugu Muqing's stern face to Gu Yu's worried expression. These two were Yi's biological parents, yet did they truly understand what Yi wanted? Could they comprehend the kind of person he really was?

"Father, Mother, I understand everything you're saying. But do you truly know what Yi needs?" As a ruler, Dugu Muqing was far from the best; as a mother, she was deeply unqualified. And as for Gu Yu, what had he ever done as a father? His harsh treatment during Yi's childhood and his aloof distance in adulthood had driven Yi to lock himself away, nearly causing them to miss out on happiness entirely.

Dugu Muqing frowned, while Gu Yu froze at Gu Xinyao's words. They had always assumed they knew what was best for Yi, never once stopping to ask what he genuinely needed.

"As descendants of the nobility, they have both the obligation and the responsibility to sacrifice everything for the family's interests. I have already been more than lenient with Yi. Or did you think you could simply waltz into the Dugu family estate?"

Dugu Muqing refused to admit any wrongdoing, her face cold and dismissive as she spoke.

Gu Xinyao sighed inwardly. She knew she could never convince this mother-in-law; it all depended on what her father-in-law had to say.

"C-can we see Yi?" Gu Yu's heart ached for his son. Abandoning further argument, he simply wanted to see Dugu Yi with his own eyes.

Gu Xinyao pushed the door open and said, "Father, Mother, you may go in, but the others should stay outside. The current Yi is a bit different from before."

Not knowing how to explain Yi's present condition, that was the only way she could phrase it.

Gu Yu paid no mind to Gu Xinyao's warning. Dugu Muqing, already aware of the experiments Fang柯 had conducted on Dugu Yi, remained unconvinced until she saw him with her own eyes. Thus, the moment Gu Xinyao pushed the door open, she bypassed Gu Yu and stepped inside first.

Instructing the bodyguards to remain outside, Gu Yu followed closely behind her.