Communicating with someone who can't speak can be quite challenging, especially if one of them is impatient and might get frustrated. However, Qin Yi found that he never felt any discomfort when talking to Cheng Cheng. Perhaps it was because her every expression spoke volumes.
From the moment he saw her, without needing to say a word, the joy of seeing her was clear as day. Besides that, there wasn't much for them to talk about. When one person can't speak, silence and smiles become the norm, making it much more comfortable than awkwardly trying to find a topic to discuss.
From start to finish, it felt refreshing.
If it weren't for all the worries weighing on Qin Yi's mind, he could have sat there forever. Watching the beauty and listening to the sound of flowing water, he realized he hadn't truly enjoyed such natural beauty in a long time. He was always busy with responsibilities and battles, barely able to catch his breath.
He felt increasingly distant from the boy he once was in Xianji Village. He even started to forget what kind of mindset he had back then. Was he still the person Liu Su thought was suitable for cultivation?
He didn't know, and Liu Su hadn't said anything.
Only through the trials of life could one truly understand.
Cheng Cheng watched him with a curious look, blinking her eyes, her face clearly asking, "Do you have something on your mind?"
Qin Yi smiled but changed the subject: "Although the White Country has some civilization and order, it's not a completely unreasonable demon city, the fundamental differences between demons and humans are too great. Humans here have a very hard time living. I've felt like hitting someone several times. Cheng, as a weak woman, it's tough for you to support yourself here, right?"
Cheng Cheng's eyes showed a hint of sadness, but she just shook her head.
At that moment, the little fox who had vouched for him at the pharmacy came over, handing him a package of medicine: "Here’s your medicine, I didn’t take a single thing!"
As she spoke, her eyes darted around, making it unclear if she had taken anything.
Qin Yi chuckled, accepting the package without arguing. The little fox continued, "Of course it's hard for you, miss. There’s no man in your family to support you... If it weren't for some old connections, you would have been eaten alive by now."
Cheng Cheng waved her hand at the fox, signaling her to stop talking.
The little fox said, "But you still need to rely on a good man, what will you do if this drags on?"
Cheng Cheng finally dipped her hand in the wine and wrote on the table: "They all seek to gain wealth and power, none are truly sincere."
The little fox sighed.
Qin Yi silently watched, understanding Cheng Cheng's situation well. In this demon city, only a small number of humans could settle down under the protection of powerful demons. He had only just arrived, and he could already feel the deep discrimination demons had against humans. Cheng Cheng, being a human who couldn't speak, was a weak woman trying to support herself. How could she not have a hard time?
It was hard to expect any demon to have "true feelings" for you.
It was one thing to seek mutual benefit, but what was most worrying was that if something went wrong, no one would care if she was harmed.
Thinking of this possibility, Qin Yi couldn't hold back anymore and said, "Actually, you don’t have to stay in the demon city. There are ways to get to the Rift. You could find a way to leave and live in the human realm."
Cheng Cheng shook her head again, writing: "The blood and sweat of my ancestors cannot be abandoned."
Qin Yi sighed, knowing that everyone has their own ambitions and he couldn’t persuade her further. He said, "My sister, Ye Ling, the little snake you met, will be staying in your country. If you encounter any difficulties, you can seek her help. Also... your country's queen is a woman. Although she can be unpredictable, as a fellow woman, she might have some empathy..."
Cheng Cheng's expression became strange, and she nodded without saying anything.
Qin Yi thought that they had done enough for each other in this brief encounter, so he stood up and said, "Cheng Cheng, I have important matters to attend to... Although this place is nice, I can't stay long. Thank you for your hospitality."
Cheng Cheng lowered her head and stood up, remaining silent for a while before writing: "When will you leave?"
"I'm not sure, but I won't stay long."
Cheng Cheng raised her finger and hesitated for a long time before finally writing: "Can you not go?"
"Uh?" Qin Yi was surprised, his eyes widening.
Cheng Cheng gritted her teeth and wrote faster: "I appreciate your protective feelings. If you wish to stay longer, I would be willing to entrust my life to you."
This development made Qin Yi feel a bit of a headache.
He could understand Cheng Cheng's feelings. Whether she liked him or not was one thing, but the feeling of being protected all along could indeed make a girl feel a sense of reliance, especially in difficult times.
He had to admit that it made him feel good inside. Cheng Cheng's stunning beauty also captivated him, and it seemed she was quite wealthy... But no matter what, he couldn't agree to something like that.
"I'm sorry, someone is waiting for me," Qin Yi said quietly. "I came to the Rift for her."
Cheng Cheng lowered her head, her expression unreadable.
The little fox angrily said, "Hey, you human! Do you have any idea how much property the miss has? How many connections she has up there?"
Qin Yi shook his head slightly: "Even if I had the entire White Country, I still have to go back. I'm sorry."
The little fox was about to say something else, but Cheng Cheng waved her hand to stop her. She lifted her head again, smiling brightly, and walked over to Qin Yi, gesturing for him to accompany her outside.
Qin Yi, who was the first to reject a girl's confession, felt a bit embarrassed. He quietly walked to the door and took out a few talismans: "These are Thunder Attraction Talismans and Divine Movement Talismans, for your protection. Take care."
As Qin Yi strode away, Cheng Cheng leaned against the door, watching his back, lost in thought. Until his figure disappeared around the corner, she finally looked down at the talismans in her hands. After staring for a moment, she suddenly smiled and carefully tucked them away.
A gust of wind blew.
Eagle Li appeared in front of her, speaking softly: "I’ve verified it. That sorcerer was indeed a servant in the Wolf Clan."
Cheng Cheng revealed a meaningful smile: "So, the method to break the curse Qin Yi is looking for might also be in the Wolf Clan?"
Eagle Li was taken aback. He reported this matter as important, but it had nothing to do with Qin Yi, so he was puzzled by her reaction. He could only respond: "Actually, that kind of curse might really not have a solution. It’s just about doing what we can..."
Cheng Cheng's smile became even more charming: "Isn't that even better? Let him stay a few more days."
Eagle Li sighed: "My queen, your thoughts shouldn't be here right now. With great enemies at hand, spending time and effort to disguise a human and pretend to be mute, while setting up a business for embroidery and clothing, is simply absurd..."
"There is no great enemy." Cheng Cheng said sweetly: "Tell the Wolf Clan that the Zodiac Order has been gathered. I will choose a day to visit the Kunpeng Purple Mansion. Please take care of the country's affairs for me."
Eagle Li seemed to understand and bowed to accept the order: "Yes."
(End of Chapter)