USWHC -Chapter 367 Exchanging Fate (Part 7)

“It’s not about whether it’s good or not—I just can’t stop worrying about you,” Ji Yi said gloomily. “If you go there alone, how are you going to live?”

“I can make soap!” Zhu Jie replied with a smile. “I definitely won’t starve. You don’t even know how many things I can do. I’ve also saved up some money now—I could rent a small shop, sell clothes, or even open a restaurant.”

“All by yourself?” Ji Yi looked unconvinced. “You’ll probably get sold off the moment you go!”

“Tch, more like I’d sell other people, okay?” Zhu Jie lifted her chin proudly. “Don’t forget—I’m very capable!”

“Yeah, capable of biting people,” Ji Yi teased.

The moment he said that, both of them froze, and the atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.

After a while, Ji Yi sighed. “Uncle Ge has a friend over there. He’s already contacted him—he’ll come pick us up soon. When the time comes, you’ll go with him and wait for me in the State of Qi.”

Before he could finish, Zhu Jie’s eyes widened. “You’re going too?”

With that one sentence, the earlier sadness instantly vanished. Zhu Jie’s heart began to pound wildly—he was going to Qi too? To find her?

Ji Yi didn’t explain much, only said softly, almost in a whisper, “You’re my wife, after all.”

“Huh?” Zhu Jie froze, her face instantly turning red. “Who’s your wife?!”

“If we’ve slept together, it counts,” Ji Yi muttered shyly, lowering his head.

“When did I sleep with you? Don’t make it sound so ambiguous! We just shared a bed!” Zhu Jie protested loudly, though a hint of a smile flickered in her eyes.

Suddenly, Ji Yi grabbed her hand and said softly, “Wait for me there. I’ll definitely give you a wedding.”

A wedding? With him? Was this… a proposal?

Zhu Jie’s face burned bright red. She quickly pulled her hand back and mumbled, “Who agreed to that?”

Just then, the horse suddenly neighed for some reason, and the entire carriage shook violently, almost tipping over. Zhu Jie was thrown off balance and fell straight into Ji Yi’s arms.

Ji Yi had just felt his hand go empty—thinking she had rejected him—but the next second, she was in his arms. He immediately held her tightly, not giving her any chance to escape.

“Is this excitement?” Ji Yi teased. “I’ll take it as you agreeing.”

“Hey, who agreed?!” Zhu Jie couldn’t help but shout.

“You couldn’t even wait to throw yourself into my arms—how is that not agreeing? Or do you want to go further? Fine, I’ll lie down—you’re welcome to do as you please!” Ji Yi said mischievously.

Zhu Jie’s face turned as red as a boiled shrimp. Was she overthinking, or was he doing it on purpose? That sounded so… adult!

But to her surprise, Ji Yi actually lay down on the bench.

Zhu Jie felt her body sway. Wait, was he serious?! She immediately tried to get up. “Stop messing around! There are other people here!” she said, struggling to rise.

Ji Yi had only meant to tease her, but as she moved, the narrow wooden bench beneath them started wobbling. It was just a simple, flimsy bench—not even wide enough for comfort. With both of them shifting around on it, it shook even more violently.

“Don’t move!” Ji Yi quickly warned.

But Zhu Jie misunderstood and looked at him warily. “What now? You’re acting up again?”

“What are you thinking?!” Ji Yi’s face flushed instantly. If he really did “act up” in a carriage, wouldn’t that be utterly embarrassing?

Hearing that, Zhu Jie realized she had misunderstood and felt inexplicably awkward. For some reason, being so close to him now made her feel weak all over. Her heart pounded loudly, and every inch of her skin seemed hyper-aware of his presence. The discomfort made her want to escape even more.

Ji Yi slowly tried to sit up, but the moment he moved, Zhu Jie scrambled up in a panic.

“Don’t—” Before he could warn her again, the bench beneath them finally lost its balance. With a sudden tilt, both of them tumbled off at the same time.

“Ah!” A muffled cry rang out… and then, suddenly, there was silence.