Ren Xiaosu found it a little strange. After Yang Xiaojin came to Stronghold 88, she did not even visit the Yang Clan's estate properly. Instead, she kept bringing him to small shops like Peace Tailor's to meet some of her old acquaintances.
"Xiaojin, wait a minute." The middle-aged woman in the tailor's shop wiped her hands and took off her sleeves. Then she walked to the door and flipped the "Open" wooden sign hanging outside to "Closed."
It was only 9 in the morning, and they were already closed. It seemed like the other party did not want anyone to disturb her and Yang Xiaojin catching up.
The tailor's shop was small, and there were all kinds of fabrics hanging on the walls. The shop even emitted a pleasant smell of leather that was not pungent at all.
The shop windows were very clean, and the floor was also very clean. Ren Xiaosu could tell that the other party had lived her life very carefully and delicately.
The middle-aged woman looked at Ren Xiaosu with a smile. "Let me introduce myself. I'm a tailor who has been measuring Xiaojin's clothes since she was young. My name is Lan Jingchu, but how about you call me Auntie Lan? The Young Marshal of the Northwest is indeed different. Just like the rumors say, he's full of energy and is a natural clothes rack. "
Ren Xiaosu was a little embarrassed by her words. When others praised him behind his back, he would listen with relish and even participate in the discussion as if nothing had happened.
But once he was praised in front of his face, he would show a rare shyness instead.
Not many people could see this shy side of Ren Xiaosu.
However, what worried Ren Xiaosu the most at this moment was that he was afraid Yang Xiaojin would suddenly tell him not to call her Auntie Lan. That was because Auntie Lan was even younger than Granny Lin.
Fortunately, Yang Xiaojin did not add anything.
"Wait a moment. I'll make you two cups of tea," Auntie Lan said as she entered the back room.
There were brown wooden tables and chairs in the room, with sweets and desserts placed on them. They were probably prepared for the guests.
Yang Xiaojin picked up a piece of candy and peeled off the coating. Then, she handed it to Ren Xiaosu. "Try it. This is the taste I remember from my childhood."
When Ren Xiaosu put it into his mouth, the thick taste of plum blossoms mixed with his saliva permeated the air.
For some reason, Ren Xiaosu suddenly felt much more relaxed the moment the candy entered his mouth.
Auntie Lan walked out with a tray of tea. She looked at Yang Xiaojin and said, "Why did you return to Stronghold 88 this time? Is there anything Aunt Lan can help with? "
As he spoke, he placed two cups of black tea in front of Ren Xiaosu and Yang Xiaojin.
Yang Xiaojin shook her head. She pointed at Ren Xiaosu and said, "It's nothing serious. Just make four suits for him and keep them as a backup."
"I see." Auntie Lan's smile widened. "Then I'll have to do my best. But if it's four suits, I might have to hire a tailor from another shop to help out. Otherwise, it'll take me a long time to finish them all by myself."
"Mhm, it's fine." Yang Xiaojin looked at Ren Xiaosu. "How much?"
"There's no need for that." Auntie Lan shook her head with a smile. "The Yang Clan hasn't used up all the money they've deposited with me. There's still a lot left. I'll get the account book for you. It's fine even if you use the remaining money to make another 20 suits."
Ren Xiaosu clicked his tongue. Were the consortiums that rich?
Yang Xiaojin said, "There's no need to look at the account book. Auntie Lan, can you help me get a shoemaker I'm more familiar with? I want to give him another 12 pairs of shoes."
When Ren Xiaosu heard this, he was stunned. Even Auntie Lan found it a little unbelievable. "Is there a need to make so many shoes?"
"Mhm." Yang Xiaojin said, "I want the sturdiest ones."
At this moment, even Auntie Lan felt that something was amiss. Who would normally make so many shoes at once?
Meanwhile, Ren Xiaosu felt a little uneasy. This feeling was like a precursor to parting. It was just like how a wife would prepare a lot of food for her husband before leaving for a long journey, afraid that he would starve at home alone.
If the husband was going on a long journey, the wife would prepare 10 pairs of shoes at home for her husband to wear while he led the way.
This was a gift before parting.
Yes, what Yang Xiaojin was doing now made it seem like she was going on a long journey.
At this moment, Yang Xiaojin was still instructing Auntie Lan, "The suit has to be looser around the waistline, armpits, and shoulders. That's because he has to move around a lot. Sometimes, he'll get caught off guard and get into a fight. If it's too tight, it'll affect his movements. Also, the shoes have to be extremely sturdy. He's already worn out several pairs of shoes. "
Disregarding everything else, when a supernatural being's power suddenly erupted, the soles of their feet and shoes would have to withstand a lot of force. Many supernatural beings actually had the problem of wearing out their shoes. After just a few battles, their shoes would become like a crocodile's mouth.
After Yang Xiaojin finished instructing them, Auntie Lan immediately called a shoemaker over on the landline. The shoemaker was also very professional. He used clay to make a rubbing of Ren Xiaosu's feet and said that this was the only way to make the most suitable shoes for him.
Honestly, this was the first time in Ren Xiaosu's life that he had enjoyed such treatment.
While they were rubbing his feet, Yang Xiaojin was still nagging about how long it would take for the shoes to be completed and if they could speed up the process by paying more.
Then she asked if they could prepare some insoles or something similar. She wanted the best ones.
At this moment, Yang Xiaojin did not have her heroic spirit anymore. Instead, she looked a little more gentle.
After the shoemaker left, Yang Xiaojin suddenly asked Auntie Lan, "Where's Uncle Li? Why haven't I seen him since we've been here for so long? Is he resting today? "
Auntie Lan paused for a moment as she was selecting the cloth. Then she said slowly, "On the night of the attack on Stronghold 88, he was knocked down by a car that was trying to escape. He never woke up again after that."
That night, Ren Xiaosu took Yan Liuyuan and the others and left first. But before they left, the Li Consortium's nanosoldiers had already arrived at the stronghold and started attacking wantonly.
That war did not have much to do with Ren Xiaosu. But the reason why the Li Consortium's nanosoldiers were able to break through the Kyung Clan's defensive line and reach the Yang Clan was also because of Qing Zhen's intention.
That was why some people said that no snowflake was innocent during an avalanche.
However, from Ren Xiaosu's point of view, he could not say that Qing Zhen's choice was wrong.
In such a sad era, everyone was like a drowning person. If they wanted to swim to the surface to breathe, the only person they could rely on and trust was themselves.
If you were not strong enough, don't even think about saving other drowning people. That was because you would end up being grabbed by the neck and dragged to the bottom of the sea.
Auntie Lan said softly, "It was his birthday that day, so I closed the shop early and went home to cook. He said he was going to get someone's clothes measurements before going home. But I found out later that he had gone to the flower market to buy a bouquet of roses for me. When I found him, the roses were scattered next to his body and were soaked in blood. "
Yang Xiaojin was stunned for a long time and did not say anything. Auntie Lan did not look too sad either. Living in this era, who was not used to seeing people die?
According to the statistics of the Kyung Clan, the average life expectancy of the Kyung Clan had only been 51 years in the past decade. This was partly due to the lack of resources and partly due to the fact that the level of medical care was far inferior to before The Cataclysm.
Ren Xiaosu remembered that before The Cataclysm, the average life expectancy in many cities had exceeded 70 years. There were even first-tier cities that had an average life expectancy of 83 years and above. This was the change brought about by the difference in medical care.
Therefore, this was an era where everyone was better at saying goodbye.
It was not that everyone wanted to be good at it, but that life forced them to get used to it.
After coming out of the tailor's shop, Yang Xiaojin took a deep breath and said, "Xiaosu, when the clothes are ready, leave two gold bars for Auntie Lan in case of emergency."
"Mhm, I will." Ren Xiaosu nodded.
"Let's go. It's almost noon. I'll treat you to some beef patties. When I was young, I liked beef patties the most. They taste even better than the ones at home," Yang Xiaojin said. She thought for a moment and said, "I'll buy you something else in the afternoon."
Ren Xiaosu fell silent. He did not know what this "something else" was.
As they walked, he could sense Yang Xiaojin's deep nostalgia for this stronghold. Even though she did not have much affection for the Yang Clan Consortium, this place still carried her childhood and happiness.
In the afternoon, Yang Xiaojin bought him three brand-new windbreaker jackets of the best quality.
In this day and age, those who could afford a windbreaker were either rich or of high status. After all, there were too few people who could leave the stronghold and could afford one.
At the outdoor equipment store, Yang Xiaojin also bought Ren Xiaosu the best military shovels, tents, thermal blankets, and even an oxygen tank for emergency use.
Yang Xiaojin was so generous and bought a wide variety of items that Ren Xiaosu was flabbergasted.
In the evening, the cap-wearing girl even went out to buy a lot of fresh seasonings for Ren Xiaosu. She even bought a large jar of them.
Salt, pepper, chili powder, soy sauce, soy sauce, cooking oil, MSG …
Everything was available.
This feeling was like she was afraid Ren Xiaosu would not be able to find something suitable when he was living alone.
In the end, Yang Xiaojin even bought Ren Xiaosu the most expensive Ginkgo waterproof watch that could be found in Stronghold 88.
At that time, the shop owner said the watch was extremely sturdy. One of his friends had accidentally fallen off a building with the watch, but it was not damaged at all.
The only thing that was a pity was that although the watch was not damaged, his friend had fallen to his death.
As someone who carried the memories of the civilization before and after The Cataclysm, Ren Xiaosu could not help but feel a little emotional when he bought the watch.
Before The Cataclysm, some watches could easily cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, and they might not even be available for purchase.
If you wanted to buy a popular watch at the counter, you would have to buy two cheaper watches as well. It was just like the price of a best-selling car.
But now, you could buy the most expensive watch, and the shop owner would happily treat you like a father.
After coming out of the watch shop, Ren Xiaosu looked at the darkening sky and could not help but say, "Xiaojin, if you have anything to say, you can tell me directly."
Yang Xiaojin glanced at him. "What needs to be said will be said sooner or later, so don't worry."
With that, Yang Xiaojin went to an office supplies store and bought a pen and a small notebook.
When Ren Xiaosu saw that she bought the pen and notebook, his heart skipped a beat. Was she going to write a letter to him? The kind that left without saying goodbye and left a letter?
After returning to the hotel that night, Yang Xiaojin locked herself in the room alone and told Ren Xiaosu not to go to sleep.
Yang Xiaojin said that no matter what doubts Ren Xiaosu had, he would have an answer tonight.
It was summer, and the wind was blowing at night.
Ren Xiaosu climbed to the roof of the hotel alone from the window. He looked at the lights that had not yet been extinguished and suddenly felt a little lonely.
He had never felt so lonely before.
In fact, Ren Xiaosu had never mentioned these things to anyone. Even Yan Liuyuan had not heard about them.
Sometimes, he felt that he did not deserve to have a family.
He had finally accepted a disciple, but his disciple had passed away.
He had finally gathered a group of bandits to rebuild his home, but the bandits were gone.
He had finally had a younger brother, but his brother had gone to the northern grasslands.
He had finally had an elder, Jiang Xu, but Jiang Xu had been assassinated.
Ren Xiaosu was like a person walking alone on a long dark street. When he looked back, he found that no one was waiting under the dim yellow lights.
Under the lights, there were only words of farewell.
"Master, I'm leaving."
"Brother, I can't go back."
"Xiaosu, take care."
The hot and dry breeze of the summer night brushed his face and then gently blew away. The humid air in the south was like a wet and hot breath. Occasionally, there was a hint of coolness in the wind, but it was like a singer playing the guitar.
Ren Xiaosu looked back in his memory. He was still alone on the long road he had walked.
There were only muddy footprints and messy thorns on the road.
Other than that, there was nothing left.
"I guess I'm a jinx." Ren Xiaosu smiled bitterly. "I can't even keep a home."
So it turned out that he was the only one left at Stronghold 144's East Anning Road that he wanted to return to the most. Actually, Ren Xiaosu did not want to go back.
A teenager's thoughts were complicated, fragile, and sensitive. Like all teenagers, Ren Xiaosu, who was experiencing love for the first time, was swayed by his gains and losses.
But at this moment, a window below him opened. Yang Xiaojin poked her head out and waved at Ren Xiaosu, who was on the roof.
Ren Xiaosu was stunned. He thought she would leave him a letter, but … it seemed a little different from what he had imagined?
He climbed down the wall. When he got into Yang Xiaojin's room through the window, he saw her hand him a small notebook.
"This is …?" Ren Xiaosu hesitated. He was a little afraid to open it.
However, Yang Xiaojin had already changed her silence and calmness from the past two days. She said with a smile, "You'll know once you open it."
Ren Xiaosu flipped to the first page. In the middle of the notebook were the words "Don't Get Angry Use Scroll."
On the back of the first page, an explanation was written: "After using this scroll, I won't get angry at you anymore. I'll even give you a big hug."
On the second page, an explanation was written in the middle of the notebook.
On the back of the second page, an explanation was written: "After using this scroll, I'll accompany you to the ends of the world.
The third page was the "Gentle and Considerate Use Scroll." After using this scroll, I'll transform into the most gentle little angel within a day.
The fourth page was the "Massage Use Scroll." After using this scroll, I can give you a massage for 120 minutes and become your golden massage therapist. I'm good at massaging bones. "
The fifth page was the "Deluxe Breakfast Use Scroll." After using this scroll …
Ren Xiaosu flipped through the pages one by one. The pages of the "Privilege Use Scroll" were like warm red charcoal on a snowy day, ironing out all his bad moods.
The "Privilege Use Scroll" had a total of 99 pages. On the last page, it was written: "Use Period: Forever."
Signed: "Love from Yang Xiaojin."
Ren Xiaosu silently looked up at Yang Xiaojin. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he could not say anything.
Yang Xiaojin said with a smile, "Do you like the present I gave you?"
"I like it." Ren Xiaosu took a deep breath and said, "But these two days, you …"
"Ignored you, right? I did it on purpose to annoy you. "Yang Xiaojin said with a smile," If you run off to a faraway place without saying a word next time, there will be even more cruel punishments. Ren Xiaosu, remember this. If you go on an adventure alone again, I'll beat you up. "
Ren Xiaosu was speechless.
"Is there anything else you want to ask?" Yang Xiaojin asked.
"Why are you so insistent on accompanying me on adventures?" Ren Xiaosu asked softly.
Yang Xiaojin said seriously, "I lost you once, so I swore that I'd never lose you again in this life."
Ren Xiaosu asked again, "Then why did you suddenly give me so many gifts, like clothes, shoes, and …"
"When I found out that you were 240 years old, I was actually quite disappointed." Yang Xiaojin said, "So it turns out that I missed out on more than 200 years of your life."
At that moment in the Mage Nation, Yang Xiaojin suddenly felt like she was looking at Ren Xiaosu across the river of time.
At that moment, Yang Xiaojin felt even more lonely and desolate than Ren Xiaosu. It was as if there was a hand in time that was pulling Ren Xiaosu away.
However, Yang Xiaojin was an extremely straightforward person. Since there was a distance between them, she would close it again.
Ren Xiaosu was stunned. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by Yang Xiaojin. "Don't say anything first. Let me talk."
"In the past two days, I took you to my favorite bun shop, my favorite tailor shop, and the shop where I used to buy outdoor products." Yang Xiaojin said, "Actually, I just wanted to let you see my past life and let you understand the me in front of you, just like how you used to live by my side.
"I gave you gifts because I wanted to make up for the life I missed out on. Every time I thought about how you didn't have me in your 221 years of life, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. So, I wanted to give you 240 birthday gifts so that you wouldn't have any regrets. In the future, since you've accepted my gifts, you must treat it as though I've always been by your side for the past 240 years. "
She gently hugged Ren Xiaosu and pressed her face gently against Ren Xiaosu's collarbone. She said, "Xiaosu, this is the first time we've encountered love. I don't know how to maintain this relationship, nor do I know how to express it. All I can do is not give myself any leeway. "
Ren Xiaosu stared blankly at the cap-wearing girl in front of him. Yes, this was the first time both of them had encountered love in their lives. Neither of them was prepared for it, so this passionate feeling came unawares.
The relationship between the two of them seemed to be more intense and rich than the others. They had fought side by side, gone through life and death together, been separated, and reunited again.
She did not have much experience in love, but she treated him with the most sincere feelings.
People always said that companionship was the longest confession of love.
What Yang Xiaojin wanted to do now was to accompany him throughout his life, be it in the past or in the future.
At this moment, Ren Xiaosu suddenly asked, "Why didn't you open the door to the secret key at your home in Stronghold 144? The wizards say that the door to the secret key will be opened where you want to go the most. "
But this time, Yang Xiaojin was clearly stunned. "That's my home. I can go back at any time, so why did you open it there?"
When she said that, even Ren Xiaosu was stunned.
The end point of opening the door to the secret key was actually to fulfill one's inner desires. Everyone's psychological needs were different at every stage. Children wanted to go to a candy house, while old alcoholics wanted to go to the seaside to escape the world. These were all things that they could not get.
According to Yang Xiaojin's explanation, the way to open the door to the secret key was to go to a place that one could not go to.
Ren Xiaosu had never had a home, so even though he had a "home" now, he was still a little worried about the gains and losses.
Moreover, he was in the Warlock Nation at that time, which was thousands of kilometers away from home, and he did not have Yang Xiaojin by his side.
But Yang Xiaojin was different. She had already subconsciously regarded that place as her home, so her inner desires were much lower. She could go back at any time anyway.
Ren Xiaosu still felt that something was wrong. "Aren't you afraid of losing that home?"
"Lose?" Yang Xiaojin was curious. "How? Are you going to abandon that home? Do you dare? "
"Ahem." Ren Xiaosu hurriedly said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare …."
"Then that's it," Yang Xiaojin said.
In fact, Yang Xiaojin was the one who had entered a state of psychological stability earlier. She already felt safe, but Ren Xiaosu did not.
Ren Xiaosu sighed. "For the past few days, I thought you were bothered by my age and wanted to leave without saying goodbye."
Yang Xiaojin smirked. "If I don't teach you a lesson, what if you keep running around in the future?"
"I won't run away, I won't run away," Ren Xiaosu hurriedly promised.
"That's more like it." Yang Xiaojin said proudly, "But it'll be a little troublesome for you to celebrate your birthday in the future. You'll have to insert 240 candles. It's scary just thinking about it. Your friends who celebrate your birthday will be so scared. "
Ren Xiaosu was speechless.
Why did she say something like that at a time like this?!
"By the way," Ren Xiaosu asked, "So you're counting the number of gifts you're giving? You've given 240 now?"
Yang Xiaojin shook her head and said, "No, it's 239 now. Including the 99 special use scrolls, it's 239 now. "
Ren Xiaosu was stunned for a moment. "Then what's the last one?"
At this moment, Yang Xiaojin suddenly took off her cap and said softly, "The 240th gift is myself."
Ren Xiaosu shivered. "Please don't objectify women …"
However, before he could finish speaking, he saw Yang Xiaojin throw the cap in her hand out and turn off the light switch in the room. "Let's see how long you're going to be a coward for!"
The moon shone brightly in the summer, and the sleeves of the red sleeves need not cry.
At this moment, Ren Xiaosu suddenly remembered what his father had said to him in the letter. Xiaosu, do you already have love?
Love is when you suddenly feel that you don't have to conquer the world, stand out, become famous, or be rich, but you can still feel happy.
You might even lose your ambition a little and feel that it's good to be like this.
It's when you mind everything and can compromise on anything.
Love is when you worry about gains and losses in a panic. Some people will be lonely and old, but some people will finally understand that all the panic and waiting is worth it.
Love is when you meet someone you want to commit to for the rest of your life at the right time.
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