The night had grown deeper.
The road ahead was quiet as three figures approached the gates of the General Wu Mansion.
Wu Jinhai walked in front, her steps steady.
Beside her—
Qiao Yu Zhen.
And slightly behind—
Wei Zhenyu.
The large gates opened as soon as the guards recognized Wu Jinhai.
"Miss has returned!" one of them called.
Inside the mansion, lights were still on.
Lady Wu Caixia was waiting.
The moment she saw her daughter—
She rushed forward.
"Jinhai!" she called, her voice filled with relief.
Wu Jinhai stopped.
Her expression softened slightly.
"Mother."
Lady Wu Caixia reached her, quickly holding her arms.
"Are you hurt?" she asked, looking at her carefully. "Why are you so late? I was worried."
"I am fine," Wu Jinhai replied calmly.
Lady Wu Caixia let out a breath she had been holding.
Then her eyes shifted—
To the man standing beside her daughter.
She looked at Qiao Yu Zhen.
"Who is this?" she asked.
Wu Jinhai spoke simply. "He helped me on the way."
Lady Wu Caixia's expression changed immediately.
She stepped forward and bowed her head slightly.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. "You have my deepest gratitude."
Qiao Yu Zhen shook his head lightly. "There is no need."
But Lady Wu Caixia did not step back.
"If not for you, I do not know what would have happened," she said.
Her voice was warm.
"You must come inside."
Qiao Yu Zhen paused.
"I—"
"You will stay tonight," she said firmly.
There was no room for refusal.
Wu Jinhai glanced at him briefly.
Qiao Yu Zhen hesitated for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"…Alright."
Lady Wu Caixia smiled slightly.
"Good," she said.
She turned to the servants. "Prepare a room."
"Yes, Madam," they replied.
The three of them entered the mansion together.
The doors closed behind them.
For the first time that night—
There was peace.
Early the next morning—
Soft sunlight entered the hall.
The atmosphere was calm and quiet.
Qiao Yu Zhen stood in the courtyard, looking around.
The mansion was large, but well kept.
Footsteps approached.
He turned.
Lady Wu Caixia walked toward him.
"Did you rest well?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied.
She nodded.
"I am glad."
There was a brief pause.
Then she spoke again.
"I have not properly thanked you yet."
Qiao Yu Zhen shook his head. "You already have."
"But it is not enough," she said.
Her tone was gentle, but serious.
"You protected my daughter."
Qiao Yu Zhen remained silent.
Lady Wu Caixia looked at him carefully.
"You are not an ordinary person," she said.
It was not a question.
Qiao Yu Zhen did not answer.
She did not press further.
Instead, she said—
"I have a request."
Qiao Yu Zhen looked at her.
"A request?" he repeated.
Lady Wu Caixia nodded.
"Yes."
She took a step closer.
"I want you… to stay here."
There was a short silence.
"As my daughter's bodyguard."
The words were clear.
Direct.
Qiao Yu Zhen's eyes shifted slightly.
"A bodyguard?" he said.
"Yes," she replied.
"My daughter walks a path that is not simple."
Her voice softened.
"And I cannot always be there to protect her."
Qiao Yu Zhen remained quiet.
Lady Wu Caixia continued, "You have the strength."
"And you have already proven it."
Another pause.
"I will not force you," she said.
"But if you accept…"
Her voice lowered slightly.
"I will be at ease."
Qiao Yu Zhen looked down for a moment.
His thoughts moved quietly.
Then he spoke.
"I was looking for a place to stay," he said.
"And work."
Lady Wu Caixia waited.
He lifted his gaze.
"…I accept."
Her expression softened with relief.
"Thank you," she said.
Qiao Yu Zhen gave a small nod.
At that moment—
Footsteps approached.
Wu Jinhai stood at a distance, watching them.
She did not interrupt.
But she had heard everything.
Her eyes rested on Qiao Yu Zhen for a moment.
Lady Wu Caixia turned to a nearby servant.
"Call a maid," she said.
"Yes, Madam."
A few moments later—
A young maid arrived and bowed.
"Madam."
Lady Wu Caixia gestured toward Qiao Yu Zhen.
"Take him to his room," she said.
"Make sure everything is prepared."
"Yes, Madam."
The maid turned to Qiao Yu Zhen.
"This way," she said respectfully.
Qiao Yu Zhen nodded.
Before leaving, he glanced once toward Wu Jinhai.
She stood quietly, her expression calm.
Their eyes met briefly.
Then—
He turned and followed the maid.
The corridor was quiet as they walked.
The maid stopped in front of a door and opened it.
"This will be your room," she said.
Qiao Yu Zhen stepped inside.
The room was simple, but comfortable.
"Thank you," he said.
The maid bowed slightly and left.
The door closed.
Qiao Yu Zhen stood still for a moment.
A new place.
A new role.
But something told him—
This was only the beginning.
---------------------
Were you surprised, excited, or maybe a little anxious? I'd love to know your thoughts and have your support as we continue this journey together.