Chapter 43: I’ve Found You!

Everything was going smoothly!

Wanke had now accompanied Chu Xiao on visits to over a hundred households. What used to take a full day was now finished in half, and hardly anyone dared to shirk their duties. Yet inevitably, there were one or two families who were missing; upon inquiry, it was learned that they had left the city, taking their computers with them.

Wanke carefully observed Chu Xiao’s reaction.

Chu Xiao’s expression remained impassive, without a trace of surprise. He had anticipated this long ago.

“Let’s go! On to the next house. Notify everyone else to tally up the number of people who’ve left the city, and report back to me.”

“As you command!” Wanke dared not delay, promptly spreading the message via his phone.

That evening, Chu Xiao gazed at the digits before him—2,356. His eyes stung.

“So many? All for the sake of their computers?” Chu Xiao let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. He tossed the paper aside.

“Remember, the fortress is now exit-only; no one gets in! Those who have left, let them stay outside.” Chu Xiao’s voice was cold as he gave the order.

“Yes, sir!” Ji Kaicheng hurried to relay the command.

January 26, 7:00 AM, 34 days until the Lord of the Underworld awakens.

Chu Xiao had a nightmare.

He dreamed that Wang Lulu died before his eyes once more, again sacrificing herself to protect him.

“No! Please, no!” Chu Xiao shouted as he awoke, touching his face to make sure there was no blood.

He was drenched in sweat.

He wiped his forehead, finding it slick with perspiration; his whole body felt sticky.

In the steamy bathroom, his toned muscles were faintly visible. Water droplets slid down his prominent nose, traversing the contours of his body until they dropped to the floor.

Chu Xiao couldn’t stop thinking about what had just happened.

Wang Lulu’s eyes haunted him, impossible to shake.

No! I must see her!

After showering, Chu Xiao threw on a few garments, boarded a helicopter, and flew to Xishan.

Wang Lulu, too, was searching for Chu Xiao.

She needed to see him!

She believed Chu Xiao would come to Xishan; if she waited, he would find her.

True enough, he arrived.

A helicopter descended from the sky.

A slender, fierce-looking young man stepped out.

“Chu Xiao, you finally came!” Wang Lulu pushed through the crowd to reach him.

Chu Xiao looked at the person he’d been yearning for, his heart unable to settle.

“Yes, I’m here.”

One glance, and time seemed to freeze.

Suddenly, Wang Lulu threw herself into Chu Xiao’s arms. She knew he had come for her.

This time, Chu Xiao did not push her away. He embraced Wang Lulu tightly, as if wanting to fuse her into his very bones.

“Lulu, I love you!” Chu Xiao’s magnetic voice whispered in her ear, his warm breath caressing her.

Wang Lulu held his face steady, smiling brightly.

“Chu Xiao, I love you too! From the moment I first saw you, I’ve loved you!” With that, Wang Lulu wrapped her arms round the back of his head and kissed him fiercely.

Chu Xiao’s eyes widened, but the warmth of her lips made him sink into the moment.

Her nimble tongue danced in his mouth, and though Wang Lulu had taken the initiative, she soon found herself yielding; Chu Xiao’s passionate assault was overwhelming.

The crowd around them watched in astonishment.

None had expected the usually aloof Chu Xiao to show such heartfelt affection.

Qin Lihua watched from afar, a satisfied smile curling her lips.

At last, after their long separation, the two finally released each other.

Their eyes met, emotions flowing between them.

“Ahem!” Ji Kaicheng had come along with Chu Xiao, but hadn’t expected to witness such a display of intimacy. With so many people watching, Ji Kaicheng felt it inappropriate and decided to interrupt.

But Chu Xiao and Wang Lulu were lost in their own world, paying him no mind.

“Lulu, from now on, I will do everything in my power to protect you! Please, when danger comes, never stand in front of me again! I beg you!” Chu Xiao stared into Wang Lulu’s doe-like eyes, tears glimmering.

Wang Lulu was a bit puzzled by his use of “again,” but seeing the tears in his eyes, she nodded instinctively.

Chu Xiao hugged her once more.

Wang Lulu stopped overthinking; the outcome now was the best she could wish for.

Ji Kaicheng, resigned, began dispersing the crowd, sending them off to their tasks.

He remained nearby, a silent witness to their affection.

Chu Xiao did not neglect his responsibilities; he inspected every corner, instructing others on precautions.

Those who watched saw something had changed in Chu Xiao; he was no longer cold and emotionless as before.

Wang Lulu stayed close, assisting him.

There were things Chu Xiao did not speak of, and she never asked.

To Wang Lulu, Chu Xiao’s sudden shift in attitude was no longer something to dwell on; what mattered was that he loved her.

Night fell, and Chu Xiao had to leave.

“Lulu, I’ve arranged a safe place for you. From now on, you’ll oversee the underground base and take part in its construction.” Chu Xiao knew this was selfish.

In the face of coming disaster, he was thinking only of himself. But he would rather give Wang Lulu the chance to live than watch her die before him again.

He had to protect Wang Lulu—and his family.

Wang Lulu looked at him in surprise, unsure of his intentions.

Chu Xiao offered no further explanation, simply pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

“Good night. I’m leaving now.” Chu Xiao turned to go.

A hand tugged at his sleeve from behind.

“Stay with me, won’t you?” Wang Lulu felt that once Chu Xiao left, it might be a long time before she saw him again.

He paused.

Turning back, he said, “Be good. I’ll come whenever I can, but there are things I must handle.”

He ruffled her fluffy hair.

Wang Lulu, like a kitten, shrank her neck but her eyes were reluctant.

Chu Xiao sighed helplessly.

“Once the Lord of the Underworld is defeated, I’ll marry you.”

Wang Lulu stared at him in astonishment, meeting his earnest gaze.

Before she could reply, Chu Xiao had already turned and disappeared into the night.

January 27, 5:00 AM, 33 days until the Lord of the Underworld awakens.

The Pearl City fortress was nearing completion!

Chu Xiao received the news, hurriedly threw on some clothes, and rushed out; he wanted to witness this momentous occasion.

Just a little more, and it would be done!

So very close!

He watched as the final panel was installed on the fortress.

Cheers erupted all around!

“It’s finished! It’s finally finished!”

Many wept tears of joy; this was the fruit of countless days and nights of labor by the people of Jiuzhou.