Chapter 330: Chapter 330: Passerby

Hearing Xia Wenjin mention the Jade Pendant, Huangfu Jingchen paused slightly, sighing softly, “Actually, the Jade Pendant doesn’t necessarily need to be taken back. If you like it, it’s the same if it’s in your hands!”

Xia Wenjin shook her head without thinking, “No, I feel it’s better to return it to you!”

She turned her head, looking at Huangfu Jingchen, and smiled sweetly, “This way you can go ahead and do your things without worry, and I can do mine without worry too!”

Huangfu Jingchen’s gaze deepened slightly, “Are you talking about… parting ways?”

The Jade Pendant was indeed priceless and seemed to hold special significance, but when his mother gave it to him, she didn’t say much, only telling him to keep it and give it to his future daughter-in-law!

Earlier, he had tried every way to get it back, but Xia Wenjin kept hiding it, playing dumb, refusing to give it up.

Now that he wanted to give it, Xia Wenjin didn’t want it anymore.

Xia Wenjin’s gaze shifted, her eyes like black gemstones, dazzling like stars, while her smile remained unchanged. Yet, for some reason, Huangfu Jingchen felt a trace of coldness in her smile, though upon closer look, it seemed he was overthinking.

She smiled indifferently, “There is no banquet in the world that doesn’t end. To you, I’m merely a passing traveler. There will eventually be a day to say goodbye!”

Huangfu Jingchen looked into her pure eyes that seemed to hold no attachment or hesitation. He felt something slicing through his heart, a dull pain slowly spreading, gradually engulfing his entire body, immersing him as if about to be drowned by this faint pain.

It wasn’t excruciating pain, yet it made him extremely uncomfortable.

He said bitterly, “So, am I also… just a passerby to you?”

Xia Wenjin didn’t answer this question. Who isn’t a passerby in someone’s life? The difference is only in the duration of sharing the same path.

She believed Huangfu Jingchen understood.

Some words don’t need to be spoken, nor can they be spoken.

Huangfu Jingchen indeed understood; it was just that the reluctance in his heart made him ask this unnecessary question.

He spoke with a hoarse voice, “What are your plans? Will they coincide with mine?”

Xia Wenjin replied openly, “Everyone has their own secrets, I have mine too!”

“Your secret… can I share it?” Huangfu Jingchen hesitated but eventually asked.

He had never felt as apprehensive or careful as at this moment.

He hoped to hear the answer he wanted, yet he had no confidence at all.

He felt Xia Wenjin was like a beam of light, illuminating and warming those around her. Though she was just a young girl, her actions were grand and unconstrained.

He couldn’t see through her. At times, she was very petty, calculating every detail, coveting money, even daring to take fifty thousand taels from the Prefectural Governor’s illicit gains only to return it in the end.

Yet sometimes, she was generous to an astonishing degree, not only spending lavishly but willing to sacrifice her life for others.

Like this time in Wangshan Town!

Despite being a passerby, she resolutely stayed for the unknown villagers. If not for her early discovery and full commitment, many more people might have died. Even those who didn’t would have been burned by fire instigated by Yu Shikui and Wen Hao if the epidemic hadn’t been controlled.

It could be said that Xia Wenjin saved the lives of the entire Wangshan Town, several thousand people.

She had a courage that faced unknown dangers without avoidance or fear. Yet she wasn’t reckless; she was meticulous and prudent, adept at utilizing every available resource…

More importantly, even though she was in the midst of things, she could see beyond the situation, observing a broader world.

If not for her reminder, he wouldn’t have been prepared so early, nor would Huangfu Jinxuan have arrived so promptly.

The more he understood her, the more he wished to stay by her side for a longer time.

He didn’t wish to share her secret; he merely wanted to become someone special in her eyes.

Seemingly not expecting his question, Xia Wenjin was taken aback, then she smiled. Her smile was gentle, like a flower slowly blossoming, the process distinct. She looked at him earnestly, not using a playful tone, nor with any jest or mischief, and said seriously, “I’m sorry…”

The mere two words needed no more; the meaning was clear.

Huangfu Jingchen suddenly laughed, and at this moment, he reached a decision in his heart.

She had things to do, but he did not. Since she already occupied his heart, why could he only be a passerby in her life? He could do more, become her friend, or perhaps…

He extended his hand, gently caressing the top of her head, speaking softly, “You haven’t had a proper rest these days, and tonight was another tiring one. Go ahead and get some sleep!”

His hand touched her hair softly, with a hint of cherishing tenderness.

Xia Wenjin: “…”

A strange feeling arose; besides her father, no one seemed to have touched her head this way.

Yet, somehow it wasn’t unpleasant?

Xia Wenjin was indeed tired. Although she had recovered from the epidemic and was out of life-threatening danger, she hadn’t fully regained her strength. Even when reprimanding Yu Shikui, she needed Huangfu Jingchen’s help. She said, “Hmm, you should sleep too!”

After all, it was just a small inn in the town with fewer than ten rooms. But when Huangfu Jingchen settled in, he booked the adjacent room as well. At the time, Xia Wenjin was still in isolation, but he thought if Wenjin finished her tasks or needed to find him, delaying her return, she would need a place to stay.

Now it served its purpose.

Huangfu Jingchen looked deeply at her and said, “I’m right next door, call me if you need anything!”

Xia Wenjin nodded her head, watching him leave.

Closing the door, she leaned against it. Although very tired, her mind felt exceptionally clear at this moment. She sensed her once calm heart seemed to be beating a little faster, and this wasn’t the first time.

From when did it start?

Perhaps from the moment he chose to stay with her to find a glimmer of hope for Wangshan Town’s villagers;

Perhaps from the moment he rushed into the severe epidemic area in the quarantine zone recklessly, just to see her and make sure she was alright;

Perhaps from the moment he knew she was a woman;

Perhaps when he knew she was infected, staring at her with bloodshot eyes filled with a grief-stricken desire to share her pain;

Perhaps just now, when he gently caressed the top of her head…

These scenes were unusually vivid in her mind.

She sighed heavily.

Huang Zheng had a very pure and innocent heart, not corrupted by wealth and luxury, unlike Huangfu Jinxuan, who became reckless and unscrupulous.

He treated people sincerely, never discriminating based on status or position!

What a fine young man!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep