FRGNM -Chapter 34 Encounter

“Bang!”

She collided forcefully with the white-clad figure, nearly falling to the ground. But there was no time to dwell on it—she immediately apologized, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” Her eyes had already darted to the distance, searching for that familiar figure.

The white figure paused, quickly blocking her path.

“You… Ruoxi… you’ve returned?” The deep male voice trembled. His eyes locked onto her, almost unable to believe what he was seeing. Ye Ningfeng looked at the person before him once again.

Those familiar eyes were filled with a trace of worry. Even with the veil covering her face below the nose, he recognized her immediately—it was her!

“Uncle, who is this?” Yimeng looked up at the handsome man, tugging at Ye Ningfeng’s sleeve, smiling faintly.

“Uncle?” Ye Ningfeng hadn’t noticed the child at first. He quickly scooped Yimeng into his arms and turned to look at Ling Ruoxi.

Before he could speak, Ling Ruoxi, as if grasping a lifeline, quickly grabbed his arm. “Ye Ningfeng, it’s you! I’m glad it’s you. Can you help me find someone? His name is Yizhui. He’s about the same age as Yimeng, five years old, wearing a small white coat. He went missing just now, outside the Ling residence…”

“Slow down, don’t panic!” Ye Ningfeng’s heart trembled. The words five years old struck him heavily. Five years old? Ling Ruoxi had left six years ago. Her child… must be around five as well.

This adorable little girl is her child… and there’s another one? Ye Ningfeng frowned slightly, listening intently. He would do everything in his power to help her.

Where was this place? The small body shivered, looking at the unfamiliar streets, unsure of the way home. Anger had clouded his mind, and he had been running blindly without knowing where he was.

The sky grew darker, his stomach grumbled from hunger, and there was not a familiar face in sight.

“Mommy… where are you?” Yizhui wiped the tears from his cheeks, taking slow steps forward.

In the distance, faint lights flickered. Yizhui’s pace quickened as he approached a corner.

About a dozen figures stood there. The man in silver was otherworldly, holy, almost like he was enveloped in a halo. One could not take their eyes off him.

Even little Yizhui was drawn in. Under the moonlight, the leading man was bathed in a white glow. His robe was adorned with strange patterns, with a white fox fur draped over it. As he turned slightly, he seemed to notice those behind him.

In that instant, everything else faded. It was as if the world existed only for him—a man seemingly walking out from the moon itself. His silver-white robe emitted a faint glow. His eyebrows were like painted ink, and his gentle eyes looked forward. His lips curved slightly, his hand extended casually—but in the next moment, it was already in front of Yizhui.

“Lost your way?” The calm voice carried irresistible charm. His face, breathtakingly beautiful, was mesmerizing. The deep, mellow tone carried a hint of indulgence, making Yizhui feel a surge of happiness.

Instinctively, Yizhui leaned into the stranger, wrapping his tiny arms around the man’s arm. “Uncle… I’m lost. I can’t find Mommy. I’m so scared.”

“Good boy. Tell Uncle, where do you live?” The man smiled faintly, lifting Yizhui gently. He glanced at the dozen or so people nearby.

One of them frowned. “Young Master, this kid must have overheard our plan. Kill him!”

“He’s just a child. On Qiongyu Immortal Island, what we do has nothing to do with kids. Don’t scare him.” The calm voice softened the entire group. The man’s smile was disarming, leaving no one able to resist.

A man could be so beautiful it made women envious. Even Yizhui murmured dreamily, “Uncle, you’re even prettier than Mommy.”

“Hehe, really? What’s your name?” He gently touched Yizhui’s face. He couldn’t explain why he felt so familiar with the child, as if he had known him in a past life.

Looking at the boy, he felt no resistance whatsoever. The small face, the expression in his brows, carried a faint resemblance to someone he knew.

“Master, this child…” one of the men frowned, face stern.

Luo Mingyu waved his hand and smiled, “No harm done. Kids speak frankly, without cunning. What’s your name, little one?”

“I’m Yizhui. Mommy gave me this name.” The boy proudly patted his chest, smiling, happily sticking to his uncle’s arms.

Luo Mingyu patted Yizhui’s little head, smiling faintly. “Why not call you Zhuoyi? Yizhui… it’s a strange name, but it’s nice. How did you get lost alone?”

“I ran out. That woman scolded Mommy and called me a little bastard. I kicked her, and to avoid causing trouble for Mommy, I ran out. But now… I don’t know the way home.” Yizhui’s head drooped, his eyes sad as he looked at the confusing streets ahead.

Luo Mingyu raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Little bastard? Why did they call you that? Hmm… but you have spirit. You didn’t involve your mother, you acted on your own—you take responsibility for your own actions. I like that.”

“Because I don’t have a father, they all called me a little bastard.” His voice softened, head lowered. But suddenly, he lifted it again, smiling. “Uncle… do you think I have spirit? Do you really like me?”

“Hehe, yes. I like you. I really like you.” Luo Mingyu’s heart stirred. Seeing Yizhui’s sad expression, he felt it deep in his chest. No father… does that mean the boy’s father died when he was born?

A small gurgle came from Yizhui. He shyly held his stomach, licking his lips. “Uncle… I haven’t eaten for hours. Do you have any silver? I want to buy some buns…”

“Hungry? Then let’s eat. You all can disperse for now. I’ll take care of things.” Luo Mingyu lightly tapped Yizhui’s nose. “Come on, whatever you want to eat, Uncle’s treating!”

“Really? Then I want roast chicken—that’s the best! And, Mommy says the noodles and snacks here are the most delicious. Back home, it’s only mountain vegetables and radishes…”

“Found him?” Ling Ruoxi’s heart leapt, anxiously watching those entering the room. She looked at Yimeng, already asleep. She could not lose Yizhui—he was a part of her flesh! How could she let him drift away?

If anything happened to Yizhui, she would never forgive herself.

Ye Ningfeng’s heart trembled. He shook his head. “No news yet. Ruoxi, stay calm. Everyone in the capital is helping search for Yizhui. Once there’s a lead, we’ll report immediately. You haven’t eaten today either—have something first.”

“I can’t eat.” She had no appetite. The night was growing darker. Thinking of the child alone outside, without money, possibly sleeping on the streets… How could he survive winter without food for so long?

For a moment, Ling Ruoxi regretted bringing the two children out. With Yizhui missing, she could think of nothing else.

Children were the flesh of her heart—no one could take them away.

“I know you’re anxious, but panicking won’t help. Sit down and eat a bit. Perhaps another family took Yizhui in—tomorrow there may be news.” Ye Ningfeng sighed, looking at Ling Ruoxi’s vacant eyes.

As he helped her adjust her clothes, a voice suddenly broke the night’s silence.

“Brother Ningfeng, are you there? I’m coming in!”

Before anyone could react, the door swung open. The woman standing there froze in place, shocked.

The scene was astonishing—Ye Ningfeng, who normally had no interest in women, had gone out of his way to adjust a woman’s clothing!

Ling Ruoxi glanced at her coldly. The woman in front of her was also someone she had known six years ago in the forest: Xiao Xue, who had underestimated her when she first arrived in this world.

“Brother Ningfeng, who is she?” Xiao Xue’s face immediately darkened. Her “Brother Ningfeng” was secretly assisting this woman? The hour was late, yet he lingered in her room—he was deceiving her feelings!

Frowning slightly, Ye Ningfeng said softly, “Xiao Xue, you should go out first.”

“I won’t. Brother Ningfeng, you must explain today! All these years, you ignored me, and now you’re treating a stranger so well. Why? Is it because I, Xiao Xue, am unworthy? Why won’t you even look at me?” Xiao Xue’s eyes blazed with fury, glaring at Ling Ruoxi, wishing she could tear her apart.

The child on the bed stirred, murmuring unhappily, “Mommy… I’m scared…”

“Don’t be scared.” Ling Ruoxi’s heart sank. She didn’t bother arguing with Xiao Xue, approaching the bed and gently patting the little one.

Hearing the words “Mommy,” Xiao Xue’s expression softened. She had been by Ye Ningfeng’s side for years and knew much about him. She realized he couldn’t have fathered such a large child in so little time.

“She’s just a friend, temporarily staying here. It’s late—Xiao Xue, you should go back and sleep.” Ye Ningfeng didn’t bother explaining further. He knew there was some misunderstanding between Xiao Xue and Ling Ruoxi, so he didn’t reveal her identity.

Xiao Xue didn’t mind. After all, this woman was now a mother—she wouldn’t seduce Ye Ningfeng. “Alright, Brother Ningfeng, I’ll rest first. Tell me if anything happens.”