Chapter 21: Praise and Pleasant Conversation

What transpired today was truly a harrowing ordeal, chilling to the bone and leaving her utterly terrified, her soul nearly scattered by fright and her heart still gripped by lingering dread. Fortunately, Li Chao was present; had he not been there, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

A faint, reassuring smile played at the corners of Li Chao's lips. “Now that I see you safe and sound, I can finally set my mind at ease,” he murmured. His voice was deep and gentle, like a warm current flowing straight to the heart, washing over her with infinite comfort and tranquility.

As he spoke, Li Chao’s phone rang again, shattering the harmonious atmosphere in the room. Glancing at the screen, he saw that Ye Wuji was once more the caller. Sliding his finger across the display, he answered, and was immediately greeted by a clear, hearty laugh.

“Hahaha, little miracle doctor, is the matter resolved? I’ve been thinking about it all this time!” Ye Wuji’s tone was filled with warmth.

Li Chao laughed in return. “Yes, it’s all taken care of—rest assured.”

“Oh, I must thank you properly! If not for your help, I truly wouldn’t have known what to do!” Ye Wuji’s voice brimmed with gratitude.

Li Chao hurriedly waved off the thanks. “No need for courtesy. It was only what I ought to do. I’m glad I could help.”

After a few more pleasantries, they hung up. Setting his phone aside, Li Chao was filled with a deep contentment. He knew his efforts had not been in vain; by helping others, he found joy and fulfillment in return.

Ye Wuji’s face was alight with smiles. “If anyone should be grateful, it’s me! I’ve just arrived near the White Swan. Where are you now?”

“I’d really love to treat you to a meal!” he added with genuine eagerness.

Li Chao couldn’t help but show a hint of surprise. What he had done was merely a small favor, yet Ye Wuji was showing such warmth, even inviting him to dinner.

Yet, faced with such enthusiasm and sincerity, Li Chao found it difficult to refuse outright. After all, the man’s good intentions were clear.

“I’m at the White Swan as well,” he soon replied.

Ye Wuji was immediately overjoyed. “What a coincidence! Then let’s meet in front of the White Swan in a little while, shall we?”

Li Chao nodded his assent. “Yes, that’s fine.”

At that moment, Li Chao mused inwardly: this Ye Wuji is indeed quite an interesting character...

Ye Wuji, however, spoke with unusual firmness. “You saved my life! Without you, I might not be here now. Whatever happens, I have to thank you face to face!”

His gaze was full of gratitude and respect, as if standing before his savior. He grasped Li Chao’s hand tightly, shaking it with fervor to express his heartfelt emotion.

Li Chao found it hard to resist such persistence. Though inwardly reluctant, he knew Ye Wuji was not one to give up until his goal was met; further refusal might only cause more trouble. With a resigned sigh, he disclosed his location.

As the minutes ticked by, Li Chao silently hoped Ye Wuji wouldn’t actually come. But fate would not comply. Before long, a Red Flag sedan glided to a stop nearby—a car whose distinctive silhouette and air of distinction made it instantly recognizable.

The car door opened and an elderly gentleman stepped out, clad in a finely tailored Zhongshan suit. His stride was steady and forceful, revealing a remarkable bearing. Though time had etched deep lines across his face, his eyes remained piercingly bright, as if able to see through all things.

This was Ye Wuji.

Li Chao was nervous, facing a man of such unique status. He worried his own manners might fall short, or that he would appear awkward and clumsy in conversation.

Yet, the moment they began talking, all anxiety vanished. The legendary figure before him proved surprisingly approachable. Not a hint of arrogance touched Ye Wuji’s words; instead, they radiated warmth and kindness.

Their conversation flowed as effortlessly as a stream, topics unfolding with ease, each exchange bringing new common ground to light.

As they spoke pleasantly, Ye Wuji’s phone rang. He answered, a trace of apology crossing his face, and turned to Li Chao. “I’m afraid something urgent has come up. Our dinner plans may have to wait.”

Though Li Chao felt a twinge of regret, he immediately showed his graciousness. Smiling, he waved off the matter. “You’re too kind, sir. Please, tend to your business—we’ll have many opportunities to meet again.”

Ye Wuji nodded in satisfaction, shook Li Chao’s hand in farewell, and entered his car. Through the window, he watched Li Chao’s figure recede, his thoughts rippling with emotion.

“This young man is truly remarkable,” Ye Wuji murmured to himself. “His conduct is impeccable, and there’s not a hint of self-interest in him. Such people are rare in this world.”

Their encounter left Ye Wuji with newfound respect for Li Chao. He was certain their paths would cross more often and more deeply in the days to come.

Because of his sincerity and humility, Li Chao had won Ye Wuji’s praise and respect. As Ye Wuji’s car faded from sight, disappearing at the far end of the street, a look of ineffable doubt crept across Liu Dan’s face.

She shook her head slightly, as if trying to dispel the fog that clouded her thoughts. Unable to hold back her curiosity, she turned a searching gaze on Li Chao, her eyes filled with intense wonder and deep confusion about this enigmatic man.

Li Chao noticed her expression and smiled faintly. As if he could read her mind, he sighed softly and began recounting the thrilling events of that morning’s rescue. His tone was calm and gentle, as if narrating a legend belonging to someone else, yet every word was imbued with sincerity and profound feeling.

Under Li Chao’s vivid narration, Liu Dan felt as if she were witnessing the perilous scene herself, the tension of that life-and-death moment pressing upon her.

When she learned how Ye Wuji had stepped forward without hesitation, responding to the crisis with poise and calm, she was filled with genuine admiration. She felt fortunate; if not for Ye Wuji’s decisive intervention and quick thinking, today’s events might have spiraled into disaster, the consequences unthinkable.

“Oh! I almost forgot,” Liu Dan suddenly exclaimed, striking her forehead as if waking from a dream. She turned to Li Chao, her voice urgent. “That gentleman is extraordinary—certainly no ordinary person. I think you should try to spend more time with him. Perhaps he’ll become a benefactor in your life, bringing you unexpected opportunities and rewards!”

Li Chao responded with a gentle smile, offering no direct reply. He understood Liu Dan’s meaning and was grateful for her good intentions.

Everyone must walk their own path and face their own choices. Though he was now impoverished and had nothing to his name, Li Chao refused to form relationships out of self-interest. He believed true friendship and meaningful connections must be founded on honesty and mutual respect.

Taking advantage of this rare moment of respite, Li Chao quietly closed his eyes, concentrating his mind as he once more peered inward at the scale within the ancient tower deep in his soul.

That tower, hidden in the most secret recesses of his being, was the very source of his strength. Yet now, the number displayed there brought him disappointment—the golden glow within showed no sign of increase.

He sighed softly, as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. He knew that only through continual, diligent cultivation and ever-increasing strength could he face the challenges that lay ahead.