Chapter 20: A Quarrel

“Um...This…” That’s not good! He actually knows my true identity! But that can’t be helped, he followed us all the way here. But, why did Jia Qizhe tell me that he didn’t feel anyone following them? He must be lying to me! Damn it!

“Hahaha.” Gu Qingyu laughed weakly. “You figured it out...”

“You really think there’s something in this world that can be hidden from me?” Under the moonlight, Xie Zang’s smile appeared devious yet pure and genuine.

“Didn’t think so.” Gu Qingyu shrugged. “Well, I have to continue my recon, there isn’t much time and I’ve already spent too much chatting with you. Good-bye.”

“Don’t let me keep you then.” Surprisingly, Xie Zang did not pester her any further.

“Also!” Before he left, Gu Qingyu called out softly. “Stop following us.” She paused and said with a sad face. “We’re really not that interesting.”

“Nonono,” Xie Zang gracefully shook his finger. “I’ll keep following you guys, see you again.” He vanished as soon as he said his piece.

Damn it! Damn it all! How could this be! See you again? You’ll see me every day, ok!

“Hey.” Gu Qingyu turned in annoyance, only to find. “Jia Qizhe! You…” She asked tentatively. “You finished scouting so quickly?”

Yes.” Jia Qizhe smiled. “How is your scouting of the surroundings?”

“I…” Gu Qingyu felt relieved. Luckily, Jia Qizhe never saw Xie Zang! But, the sad thing is that I did nothing just now… Eh? Why is there a...crumpled ball of paper in my hand?

Gu Qingyu unfurled the paper ball, it was a map of her surroundings! Not just that, it also had some rough lines of the palace and a few perfect escape routes!

Jia Qizhe leaned over curiously and was amazed. “How...How did you do this?”

“Haha! Surprised?” Gu Qingyu’s gratitude and admiration towards Xie Zang swelled like waves. “Don’t ask how, I am just that good! Hey? Jia Qizhe? Where are you? Hey? And my map? Hey! Jia Qizhe, wait for me!”

Gu Qingyu finally reached the tavern in time as she chased after him desperately, only to find Jia Qizhe had already reached the tavern. He even told the plan to everyone else and they were about to leave for the palace, again.

Gu Qingyu said in between breaths. “So, I have to go with you guys, again?”

“Yes…” Mo Bai hesitated, his eyes were still so gentle. “Yes, sorry about this, Miss Gu.”

“You don’t have to apologise!” Gu Qingyu replied indignantly. “Jia Qizhe! You’re the one that should apologize to me!”

“Why?” The look in Jia Qizhe’s eyes was strange. “Why do I have to say sorry?”

“You left me behind!” Gu Qingyu frowned, she knew her reason would anger Jia Qizhe and may even be too much, but he crossed the line this time! For some reason, a raging flame burned in her heart!

“Hmph,” Jia Qizhe seemed unconcerned. “Apologize for leaving you behind? Clearly you’ve not been abandoned before.”

“No! I have!” Gu Qingyu shouted. “Right in front of my eyes! And by the closest people in my life, people that I thought to be like family! Don’t speak as if you know what that’s like! ”

After that, she dashed out without thinking. Soon, someone caught up to her.

“Are you alright, Miss Gu?” A gentle voice spoke, it was Mo Bai.

“Mo Bai…” Gu Qingyu shook her head. “Let’s go, our mission takes priority.”

“Yes…” Mo Bai looked fairly worried.

The team regrouped outside the palace and Jia Qizhe planned the routes and infiltration groups before they sprang into action. Miraculously, Gu Qingyu was grouped with Jia Qizhe. Qi Yichen and Mo Bai were in another group, they were in charge of clearing obstacles, communication and distracting the guards. Jia Qizhe and Gu Qingyu’s group was to infiltrate the palace and find Murong Ranyue, while Xiao Qi will stay outside alone as lookout to ensure that the escape routes were clear.

“...” On the way, Gu Qingyu kept silent.

“What’s wrong?” Jia Qizhe asked, it was rare for him to ask after her like this.

“...” Gu Qingyu kept silent.

“You’re angry?”

“...” The silence persisted.

“Hey…”

“What?” Gu Qingyu finally spoke.

“Did you hear what I just said?” Jia Qizhe asked, annoyed.

Gu Qingyu shook her head. She really didn’t hear what Jia Qizhe said.

“...” Now it was Jia Qizhe’s turn to be silent, “You’re angry?”

Gu Qingyu shook her head again.

“Then what’s wrong with you?” Jia Qizhe finally stopped. He had been walking ahead of her. So when he stopped, she did not manage to react in time and slammed into him.

“What are you doing?” Gu Qingyu growled. But she kept a hushed tone to avoid alerting the guards.

“Your distracted state can easily jeopardize this mission, ok?” Jia Qizhe said seriously. “Pull yourself together, this isn’t a game. This is the palace, we would die at the slightest mistake!”

“But why don't I feel like I’m in danger?” Gu Qingyu scratched her head.

Jia Qizhe sighed. “Since you’re not angry, then stop getting distracted. Stay close.”

“Yeah…” Gu Qingyu increased her pace.

Tip-tap. Tip-tap.Soft footsteps echoed through the corridor.