Chapter 296 – Finding the Right Words to Say  

Everyone else still looked awkward.

Gu Yi’an just wanted to gag Luo Qiqi so she could not say anything else, while Luo Qiqi was eating ever so heartily after making everyone feel awkward.

Gu Yi’an seemed to be able to feel everyone’s gazes on him as he ate, and he had never felt so uncomfortable while having a meal.

He heaved a sigh of relief only when all of them left after lunch, and he also decided not to allow Luo Qiqi to come over during this time.

He had already felt rather awkward everytime he faced Guan Zijue. He felt as if something had changed between them, and that awkwardness seemed to only get worse after Luo Qiqi made that comment at lunch.

He suddenly felt like running away from all of this. He wished that Guan Zijue could recover as soon as possible so that he could leave and escape from this awkward situation.

Two months then passed in the blink of an eye.

Guan Zijue’s leg had healed very well and his cast had already been removed, but Gu Yi’an refused to let him walk as he was afraid that putting too much pressure on it might cause some lingering side-effects.

Guan Zijue, however, had already started walking on his own.

There was a voice in Gu Yi’an’s head that told him, He’s recovered now. It’s time for you to leave.

Though Gu Yi’an was unwilling, he knew that he couldn’t stay here forever either.

I’ve already found him anyway. I can always drop by next time. Something seems to be different between us now, and I don’t know if it’s for the best. I guess it’s better if I leave.

Gu Yi’an thus became extremely focused on helping Guan Zijue recover well and monitored his condition very closely.

Guan Zijue could also tell that Gu Yi’an was planning to leave soon, and he was too proud to ask Gu Yi’an not to leave even if he hoped that Gu Yi’an could stay.

He knew that Gu Yi’an would have to leave someday.

The day came when Guan Zijue’s injury was fully healed.

Gu Yi’an was thinking about what to say before he left, but nothing seemed to sound good.

There was no reason for him to stay either.

Ceng Hanyu’s call came in a timely manner, just as Gu Yi’an was looking for an excuse to leave but couldn’t find any.

It was already late at night when Ceng Hanyu called. Gu Yi’an walked out of the room to answer so as not to disturb Guan Zijue in his sleep. Guan Zijue’s eyes opened right after Gu Yi’an walked out.

He knew Gu Yi’an well enough to know that the latter was planning to leave and that he was looking for the right words to say before he did so.

He shut his eyes again, thinking to himself, He has to leave sooner or later anyway.

Gu Yi’an walked to the balcony to answer the call.

“Hey, Hanyu. What’s up?”

Ceng Hanyu sounded anxious over the phone. “Yi’an, are you okay?”

Gu Yi’an shook his head as he answered, “I’m fine. What’s wrong?”

“One of my men was tasked to oversee the shipping of a batch of antiques from a private collection. It’s supposed to be sent to America, but there was an information leak. These antiques originally belonged to China, and the authorities are probably tracking it right now. I’d like for you to take over and oversee the shipment, otherwise the items might probably get stuck in China forever.”

Gu Yi’an frowned slightly. “You said these antiques originally belonged to China?”

“Yes!” Ceng Hanyu continued, “They belonged to China, and I’m not sure how they became a part of a private collection either. Our job is to complete the task, not to look into the background of these items. Try your best to finish the job, or else we would probably have to be liable and pay our employer a certain amount of money.”

Gu Yi’an nodded. “Got it. Send me the address and tell the guy that I’m only responsible for getting it out of the country. I’m not going to help with anything else. He has to get someone else for the job once the goods are out of the country, so calculate the costs accordingly.”

“Sure! I’ll tell him. I’ll send you the address now.”

“Okay!” Gu Yi’an then ended the call.

He suddenly felt empty as he saw the bright city lights from the balcony.

He grew up in an orphanage before being sent to the underground wrestling rings in America. After which, he was adopted by an English mafia boss. He had never felt the warmth of a home while growing up, and Guan Zijue was someone who was able to give him that warmth he yearned for.

It was too easy to get addicted to this warmth, and he didn’t dare to hanker after it.

Since Ceng Hanyu needed his help, it was the perfect excuse for him to leave.

Gu Yi’an returned to the bedroom after a while, and he did not notice Guan Zijue letting out a sigh after he fell asleep.

Though Guan Zijue’s injury was fully healed, he was being extra careful only because he wanted Gu Yi’an to stay for a while longer. However, he knew that Gu Yi’an could not stay forever.

Gu Yi’an got up at five in the morning the very next day.

Guan Zijue called out to him when he exited the bedroom. “Yi’an!”

He’s up so early?

In fact, Guan Zijue did not get a wink of sleep last night.

“Why are you up so early?” Guan Zijue sat up. “I’m used to it. We wake up early in the military. Why are you up so early today?”

He knew very well that Gu Yi’an was leaving, but he still had to ask.

Why did I get up so early? That’s because I’m leaving today.

In the past, he would always keep in contact with Ye Zhongjue and Ceng Hanyu from time to time no matter how far apart they were.

Right now, however, he felt as if he was never going to see Guan Zijue ever again.

“There’s something I have to take care of.”

“Will you be coming back?”

After some contemplation, Gu Yi’an said, “Maybe!”

Guan Zijue fell silent at this.

Maybe. So it’s possible. Since we’re able to meet, we should also be able to keep in contact with each other.

“Okay! Go pack up then. Drop by if you have the time. I’m not allowed to leave the country now.”

“Mm!” Gu Yi’an nodded. “I will!”

Gu Yi’an stood rooted to the spot, unsure what to do.

“Erm… I’ll go make breakfast. I’ll be leaving soon after. Also… even though you’ve recovered, you should still be careful...” He then turned to leave.

Why do I feel so bad? We’re two grown men and it’s not like we’re never going to see each other again!

It was only six thirty after he made breakfast and was done with the packing.

Both of them had breakfast in silence.

When Gu Yi’an pulled his suitcase out, Guan Zijue said, “Remember to always be careful!”

This reminded Gu Yi’an of when Guan Zijue got hit by the car when trying to warn him about the bullet.

It was fortunate that Guan Zijue was well-trained in the military, and he reacted fast enough to protect himself. If it was someone else who got hit, they might not have been able to survive the blow.

Gu Yi’an nodded, suppressing his emotions. I should leave. Staying any longer would just make this more difficult for the both of us.

Guan Zijue gave a sigh as he watched the door close behind Gu Yi’an.

He returned to camp on the very afternoon Gu Yi’an left.

Having spent almost three months with Gu Yi’an, he was not used to the sudden empty space in his apartment. He thus chose to leave instead of facing that loneliness.

The routine in the military might just help him get over Gu Yi’an’s departure!