Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Before Qu Yixian could catch her breath, there was a muffled thump on the car window, as if something had hit the door.

Qu Yixian’s heart skipped a beat, abruptly stopping.

She held her breath, not daring to move for a long moment.

Fu Xun pinched the back of her neck again, lightly.

It looked like reassurance, but from Qu Yixian’s understanding of him, she suspected Fu Xun was more likely mocking her for being so easily startled.

Hiding like this wasn’t a solution.

Qu Yixian, not one to leave things to fate, focused and rapidly thought of a countermeasure.

If it were just Yuan Ye, she wouldn’t need to hide so cautiously. The bigger issue was Jiang Yun.

Jiang Yun had a thing for Fu Xun. Whether it was vanity trying to prove her charm or a flirtatious desire for a romance, the girl’s feelings toward Fu Xun were obvious and far from innocent.

If she saw Qu Yixian alone in the car with Fu Xun, it would be a shock to her worldview, and even if she tried to rebuild it, the consequences could be serious. With this kind of personality, things could get messy fast.

Most importantly, it would reflect badly on the team’s image. Another complaint could bring Peng Shen personally involved; a report and a fine would be enough to ruin her day.

Outside the car, Jiang Yun let out a soft “ah” and stomped her foot: “My camera.”

Yuan Ye pulled back his hand from the door handle and looked at her: “Did it hit the car?”

“Yeah.” Jiang Yun checked the lens, her brows knitting with concern. “This lens costs tens of thousands.”

Yuan Ye, single all these years, had his reasons. He first checked the car, and only after confirming it wasn’t scratched or damaged did he breathe a sigh of relief: “Qu, you love your car like it’s part of you. This car has been with you through thick and thin for so many years. If it were scratched like this, you’d be yelling at me for a month.”

Jiang Yun: “……”

She said her lens cost tens of thousands—was this big oaf really not listening or just pretending?

The distraction broke her mood.

Jiang Yun lost interest in staying, hugged her camera, and muttered, “I’m going back first.”

Yuan Ye saw her displeased expression and assumed she was disappointed about not capturing the night sky tonight, waving his hand: “Okay, go back and rest early. I’ll send you the photos of the stars later.”

No wonder he’s doomed to be single…

Qu Yixian listened to Jiang Yun’s footsteps angrily stomping down the steps and sighed, frustrated at her obstinacy.

Once Jiang Yun left, Qu Yixian’s sense of crisis instantly lifted.

She pulled her phone from the back pocket, unzipped Fu Xun’s jacket, and slipped her head inside.

Fu Xun frowned.

He looked down at Qu Yixian and, not being particularly gentle, pinched the back of her neck and lifted her out.

Qu Yixian glared at him immediately: “Send the message.”

Her chin lifted slightly; the words were forced out through clenched teeth, voice barely audible.

Fu Xun didn’t hear clearly and tilted his head slightly.

The distance between them was already at the edge of danger; his low tilt brought him almost nose-to-nose with her.

She caught a faint whiff of his personal scent, froze for a few seconds, and said, “Cover me.” After speaking, she pulled open his jacket again and slipped back inside.

This time, Fu Xun didn’t pull her out. He lifted the collar of his jacket to block the light from her phone screen and shield her head.

Inside his jacket—

The ferret warily poked its head out, looking up at her.

Its jet-black eyes were moist, silent, and alert.

Qu Yixian met its gaze.

After a few seconds, she bared her teeth and, in front of it, licked her lips with her tongue.

The ferret froze for a full second, then whoosh—it bolted in fright…

A few seconds later.

Yuan Ye received a WeChat message.

Little Qu: What’s Master Chu sneaking around in front of my car for? Get lost.

Qu Yixian’s car had a tracking system, and when she had it installed, the manufacturer also included an “alarm” feature.

This alarm didn’t connect to the police; it was tied to the owner’s WeChat account. When the cruiser was turned off, it sensed if anyone approached and sent a “warning” to the owner’s WeChat.

Yuan Ye’s Jeep had the exact same system.

So, upon receiving Qu Yixian’s message, he darted away like a rabbit, disappearing in an instant.

Once the crisis was over, to avoid awkwardness, Qu Yixian first tossed Fu Xun out of the car.

Then, using the excuse of parking, she returned to the driver’s seat and parked the cruiser back in its spot.

After tidying the ropes and toolbox, and confirming Fu Xun had returned to the hotel, she leisurely walked back herself.

Her room was between Jiang Yun’s and Fu Xun’s, so she had to pass Yuan Ye’s and Fu Xun’s rooms first.

The corridor was empty and carpeted. Stepping onto the thick carpet, Qu Yixian made no sound at all.

As she passed Fu Xun’s room, she glimpsed the warm light leaking from under the door and suddenly felt a weird, uncomfortable sensation all over.

It was like losing both the game and face at the same time…

She swiped her room card, turned, and glanced back. At the unlocking beep, she pressed her hand heavier to re-secure the door. Then she walked to Fu Xun’s door and knocked.

Inside, Fu Xun’s voice was low: “Who’s there?”

Qu Yixian said, “I forgot to remind you of something.”

“Watch the ferret, don’t let me catch it and throw it in the pot.” With that, she finally felt at ease and hummed as she returned to her room.

Inside the room.

Fu Xun looked at the ferret, focused on gnawing its food, and chuckled softly: “Promising.” Only then would it dare to keep an eye on his ferret.

——

The next morning, 6 a.m.

The first thing to ring wasn’t the alarm, but Jiang Yun’s call.

Her voice was soft and sweet, and if one ignored the frustrated tone, it might even be refreshing.

“Qu-jie, it’s still dark outside. Can we still go see the sunrise?”

Qu Yixian squinted, drew the curtain, and looked out.

The sky was dark—very dark.

She checked the time on her wrist and said, “Wait a bit, I’ll go take a look.”

The Black Horse River at dawn was bitterly cold, the air like a frozen knife, every breath painful.

Qu Yixian stood outside in her jacket and immediately felt awake.

She returned indoors, dove straight into bed, and said to Jiang Yun, “Congratulations, you can sleep two more hours.”

Jiang Yun: “……” She wasn’t comforted, only more disappointed.

At 8 a.m., Qu Yixian went room to room, knocking and waking everyone.

She gave them ten minutes to pack, then took the thermos to the guard post to fetch hot water, brewing a cup of health tea for the road.

Yuan Ye, whose biological clock was closest to hers, appeared in the parking lot shortly after.

He looked like he hadn’t slept at all, dark circles under his eyes, and a fatigued expression.

Qu Yixian was busy wiping down the car.

The second half of the night in Black Horse River had seen continuous rain. Water streaked down the car, mixing with the mud from yesterday’s trek through Laji Mountain, making the whole vehicle look like it had just been dragged out of a swamp—miserable to behold.

Today’s second half of the journey would cross the Gobi Desert, where wind and sand were strong. If she didn’t clean it now, by the time they reached Da Chaidan tonight, there would be no time at all.

Yuan Ye stood in front of her car for a moment, making small talk: “Master Qu, the sky’s still not clear. Why are you wiping the car?”

Light drizzle still fell over Black Horse River. According to the itinerary, from Black Horse River Town, they would pass Rubber Mountain to Chaka Salt Lake. That distance wasn’t enough for the weather to change. Today’s “Mirror of the Sky” would probably be gray and dull, not much to see.

Qu Yixian hadn’t shared her plan to cross the Gobi with Jiang Yun or Fu Xun yet, so it wasn’t confirmed. She didn’t bother telling Yuan Ye either. She just looked up and teased him: “Out stealing last night?”

Yuan Ye glanced at her: “Worse than stealing—tossed and turned all night, couldn’t sleep a wink.”

Qu Yixian, completely unsympathetic, echoed: “That’s pretty rough.”

Yuan Ye: “……”

He stayed silent for a moment, then looked back to see Jiang Yun and Fu Xun still hadn’t arrived. Leaning closer, he lowered his voice to Qu Yixian: “Master Qu, why don’t you ask why I couldn’t sleep?”

Qu Yixian didn’t even raise her head: “Waiting for Jiang Yun’s WeChat?”

Yuan Ye said nothing.

He looked down, thinking for a while.

Finally unable to hold it in, he decided it was better to get it off his chest: “Master Qu, last night I saw…” Before he could finish, the sound of rolling suitcases came from behind.

Yuan Ye turned.

Jiang Yun pushed a suitcase up the steps, smiling as she greeted him: “Yuan Ye.”

Qu Yixian had just finished wiping the trunk and casually tossed the cloth in, curious: “Changing how you address him? No more ‘Brother Yuan Ye’?”

Jiang Yun had dressed carefully; her hair curled in waves with a flat iron, topped with a red knit hat, making her skin look snowy and translucent. Her face was small and delicate.

Very pretty.

Yuan Ye grabbed her suitcase and placed it in the cruiser’s trunk.

Jiang Yun whispered her thanks and, before getting in the car, explained to Qu Yixian: “Yuan Ye said I could just call him by his name, so I changed how I address him.”

She held the car door and complained to Qu Yixian with mild regret: “I had bad luck—last night at the observation deck it was cold and dark. Forget seeing the Milky Way, I barely saw a few stars.”

Qu Yixian thought: You could be even more unlucky.

Judging by Black Horse River’s weather, Chaka Salt Lake wouldn’t be much better.

She planned to find a chance on the road to prep the girl mentally, so that by the time they reached the scenic spot, she would still be willing to get out.

Once Fu Xun arrived, the convoy departed.

The hotel didn’t provide breakfast, so they had to find food first.

Qu Yixian had Yuan Ye lead the way and found a breakfast shop in Black Horse River Town to fill everyone’s stomachs.

After ordering, she tapped the table with her finger. Seeing everyone look her way, she cleared her throat and said: “After breakfast, we set off. Next stop: Rubber Mountain. It’s just a roadside scenic spot, we’ll stop only once. If you want photos, take them quickly.”

The only one interested in photos was Jiang Yun.

She nodded politely, acknowledging.

Qu Yixian continued: “The main scenic spot is Chaka Salt Lake. The best viewing time is at noon. I’ve reserved two hours for you. A little extra time is fine—just enjoy yourself.”

“In the afternoon, the plan is…” She suddenly looked at Fu Xun: “There’s an alien site on Baigong Mountain in Delingha. This spot is only accessible by self-driving. We can pass through the Keruke and Tosu Lake Nature Reserves—sunset is especially beautiful.”

She asked, “Do you want to go?”

She presented it individually, making it a formal suggestion.

Fu Xun almost immediately connected the dots and asked, “Just a single scenic spot?”

“Just a single spot,” Qu Yixian leaned back in her chair and leisurely asked, “Aren’t you interested in this spot?”

Jiang Yun looked at Fu Xun, then at Qu Yixian, and sweetly asked: “Is there something special about this place?”

“I usually don’t go to that spot,” Qu Yixian sipped her health tea to warm her stomach and said, “It’s far, the road is rough, hard to travel. But the sunset at Tosu Lake is really beautiful—worth seeing. You didn’t catch the sunrise today, so I’ll make it up with a sunset.”

Breakfast was brought up. Yuan Ye handed out chopsticks and, before taking the first sip of the beef noodle soup, added for Qu Yixian: “If guests don’t request it, we rarely go there when leading tours. That spot—people who go once only remember Tosu Lake. It’s in a remote area, not like a developed scenic spot with tickets and maintenance. But interestingly, even in such a sparsely visited place, there are stalls outside selling antiques.”

Through the steam rising from the soup, Fu Xun stared at Qu Yixian for a long moment before saying: “Let’s go.”

The alien site—the hype alone made it enticing. Jiang Yun was already interested, and when she heard Fu Xun say they would go, she immediately chimed in: “I want to go too.”

Qu Yixian nodded. So it was settled.

They had to cover more Gobi terrain in the afternoon, so time was tight.

She took a sip of the beef soup. The spicy, peppery aroma tingled her throat, giving a thoroughly satisfying, comforting warmth from inside out.

She glanced at Fu Xun and asked, “Where’s that big rat of yours?”