Running into him even in this remote and poverty-stricken place, her karmic ties with him were indeed deep.
Though Ye Ranran’s complexion had improved significantly, the sickly pallor on her face was still faintly discernible. Huo Yi had always known that her health wasn’t great.
During winter, her body was always as cold as an icicle.
Back in school, her favorite thing was to slip her hand into his pocket and rest her head on his chest, saying that this way, she could absorb his warmth.
He later consulted a doctor, who confirmed that this was characteristic of someone with a cold constitution and suggested that she needed to take good care of herself.
"Are you sick?" The tone was questioning, but the words were assertive.
"Hmm, what brought you here?" Ye Ranran, not wanting to continue that topic, awkwardly changed the subjuect.
A hint of happiness flashed across Huo Yi’s face: "Are you worried about me?"
"You are my husband’s elder brother, and thus naturally my elder brother. We are family, of course I would worry about you." Ye Ranran coldly drew a line between herself and Huo Yi with these words.
"I am here on a mission, to pursue some..."
"It involves state secrets. It’s better you not tell me in order to avoid any leaks. So they won’t suspect me. Otherwise, I won’t be able to clear myself even if I jumped into the Yellow River." Ye Ranran cut him off.
"Ranran, you know that’s not what I mean, and how can I still suspect you after all this while?" Huo Yi bitterly smiled.
He had made the same error before, how could he make it again?
At the sight of his outward sorrow, Ye Ranran didn’t feel much. Toward him, she had truly reached a point of serene calmness.
With time, all wounds seemed to have healed, even erasing the love from the past, gone without a trace.
"You came here probably aiming for some rest, right? I will arrange a room for you right away. Oh, and my husband is in the study. If you need to see him, I can lead you there."
Ye Ranran, upon mentioning Jun Mochan, a ripple of emotions finally stirred within her clear and calm eyes, reflecting waves of ripples on the lake surface, until the brightness in her eyes flared up.
"Mo Han’s here, too?" Huo Yi taste bitterness in his words.
"Yes, he came to see me." Ye Ranran generously shared her happiness with him.
She once thought about running away. But now that she had let go, she felt it was not bad to become the most familiar stranger with Huo Yi.
They could greet each other when they met. If necessary, they could exchange pleasantries, chat about their recent lives. That was enough.
Huo Yi always thought Ye Ranran looked lovely when she smiled. Her eyes curved, her lips, her face all carried a hint of joy.
But he had never thought there would be a time when he found her smile dazzling.
Standing outside for a while, Ye Ranran felt a bit cold. She apologized to Huo Yi with a smile, "I’m sorry. I need to go back. Please, feel free to do as you wish."
Upon Huo Yi’s arrival, the bodyguards had already reported to Jun Mochan.
Jun Mochan didn’t mind. He didn’t rush out immediately but decided to finish the whole meeting.
Only after putting things in order did Jun Mochan leave the study.
The moment he walked into the courtyard, Ye Ranran was just on her way back.
Huo Yi rushed to Ye Ranran’s side, seemingly trying to assist her back to her room but was refused by Ye Ranran.
Huo Yi insisted on doing so and a bodyguard immediately stood in his way. He had no choice but to watch helplessly as Ye Ranran disappeared before his eyes.
Jun Mochan watched all of this expressionlessly. Only when Ye Ranran was out of sight did he greet Huo Yi, "Big brother."
The refined and cultured Jun Mochan had a gentle smile on his face, like a refreshing breeze blowing in winter.