Chapter 138: Maple Forest Town
Chapter 138: Maple Forest Town
In a small town nestled at the foot of a mountain, on the border between Shandong and Hebei, You Longsheng and Ding Baiyun rode their horses. They first took in the sight of the maple-covered hills that surrounded the town, and then their gaze fell upon a wine shop at the end of the long street. A light blue cloth banner fluttered above it, adorned with seven elegant characters: "Pause and Indulge in the Maple Eve."
"Is A Fei here?" asked Ding Baiyun.
This secluded town was not as remote as one might think. It was actually quite close to Daming Fu, located near the border between Shandong and Hebei, with the Grand Canal passing by not far from the east of the town.
However, what made it feel secluded was its deviation from the main road. Tucked away at the foot of a deep forest, it was not a place one would typically stumble upon while traveling by boat or horse.
This was the place Li Xinhuan had told Lin Shiyin about, and she, in turn, had informed You Longsheng.
"If Old Man Tianji didn't deceive Li Xinhuan, and Li Xinhuan didn't deceive Lin Shiyin, then A Fei and Lin Xian'er should be here," You Longsheng said with a smile.
In fact, even if Lin Shiyin hadn't mentioned it, You Longsheng would have known of this place. Recently, disciples from the Sword-Hiding Villa had been transporting goods southward and had already located this rather conspicuous landmark during their journey.
Ding Baiyun narrowed her eyes, "Lin Xian'er is already A Fei's woman now."
"I know," You Longsheng nodded, "but don't worry, if they've shared a bed, I won't lay a finger on her. Friends don't poach."
Ding Baiyun furrowed her brows, feeling that something was amiss with that statement, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Ding Baiyun let out a derisive laugh, "A Fei, knowing full well that Lin Xian'er is the Plum Blossom Thief, still couldn't resist her allure. He brought her here to retire from the world, lured by her body, no doubt. They might even have children by now."
"Ah, yes, yes, you make a lot of sense," You Longsheng said, pointing to a small building nestled in the mountainside amidst the maple trees, "Let's go take a look over there."
"Are they there?" Ding Baiyun asked.
"They wouldn't be staying in the town. With Lin Xian'er's beauty, if they were in the town, their traces wouldn't have remained hidden for so long," You Longsheng explained.
Ding Baiyun, feeling a bit annoyed, ground her teeth, "I want to see just how beautiful she is to have captivated him so!"
With that, Ding Baiyun urged her horse forward, riding through the long street of the town and then up the mountain path, traversing the maple forest until she reached the small building.
There, she saw not only Li Xinhuan but also Guo Songyang, which came as a surprise.
"Mr. Guo?" Ding Baiyun exclaimed.
It was expected to see Li Xinhuan, as he was here to find A Fei, but the presence of Guo Songyang was unusual. What was he doing here?
You Longsheng soon arrived as well, and seeing Guo Songyang, he understood how the plot had progressed. Nonetheless, he asked, "Li, have you seen A Fei?"
Li Xinhuan nodded, his smile tinged with bitterness, "I have, but you're too late. He's left again."
Li Xinhuan had shared this address with Lin Shiyin, intending for her to pass it on to You Longsheng. After all, You Longsheng was also a friend of A Fei's, and he believed that if You Longsheng knew A Fei had been deceived by Lin Xian'er, he would come as well. He was glad that You Longsheng had made it, but Guo Songyang scoffed, clearly holding A Fei in contempt.
"He left again? Why?" Ding Baiyun shot a sidelong glance at You Longsheng and said coldly, "I wanted to see this so-called number one beauty of the martial arts world for myself!"
You Longsheng spread his hands, his thoughts turning to the original plot.
In the novel, Sun Xiaohong had confessed her love to Li Xinhuan and shared several pieces of news with him.
Li Xinhuan pleaded with Guo Songyang to expose Lin Xian'er's true colors in front of A Fei. Then they realized that both Lin Xian'er and A Fei had disappeared, and at the same time, they also discovered the secret passage.
Since that was the case...
You Longsheng turned to Li Xinhuan. At this time, Li Xinhuan should have already received the letter forged by Lin Xian'er, pretending to be from Shangguan Jinhong, inviting him to meet at the mountain's flying spring on the first day of next month.
...
Seeing Ding Baiyun's gaze, You Longsheng gestured to the small building in front of them and teased, "Maybe it's because she doesn't dare to face you. After all, one is the young lady of the Ding family from Hebei, and the other is..."
Ding Baiyun turned to look at the rather elegant small building in front of her, as well as the clever-looking young girl leaning against the door. She just thought about it and found it incredible. "Really? Lin Xian'er is still in this business? I thought she and A Fei were married?"
A hint of alertness flashed in the red-clad girl's eyes, and Guo Songyang's expression was somewhat unnatural. Li Xinhuan couldn't help but smile bitterly again.
Then Ding Baiyun's gaze fell on Guo Songyang.
Guo Songyang was a bit embarrassed, but he quickly recovered, as it was only natural for men and women to be together. "I'm not A Fei's friend, and besides, Lin Xian'er and A Fei aren't even married, let alone shared a bed." Guo Songyang said indifferently.
"What!?" Ding Baiyun was stunned.
On the other side, You Longsheng put his arm around Li Xinhuan's shoulder, "It looks like your judgment was wrong. Lin Xian'er hasn't changed at all, and A Fei is still trapped."
Li Xinhuan smiled bitterly, "I didn't expect this either."
Back then, when A Fei went to find Lin Xian'er alone, Li Xinhuan guessed that A Fei wouldn't be able to bring himself to harm her and that he would bring Lin Xian'er along with him. However, he still held a glimmer of hope.
He always wanted to give others a chance, and he hoped that A Fei's sincerity would touch Lin Xian'er's heart. If Lin Xian'er could change for the better, she would indeed be a good match for A Fei.
After all, one had extraordinary martial arts skills, while the other had a clever mind. Together, they would be able to handle any situation without losing out.
Now it seemed that he was wrong.
"So, what now?" You Longsheng's eyes shifted, "Are you going to continue looking for them?"
Li Xinhuan shook his head, "If they left, it means they don't want me to find them. If I keep looking, what's the point?"
"Then let's go back to Baoding?" You Longsheng asked.
Li Xinhuan's eyes flickered, "You guys go back first. I'll stay here for a few more days and look for some things."
Guo Songyang calmly continued the conversation, "This place is picturesque. I also plan to stay here for a few days."
(End of Chapter)
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