coobybook Chapter 141 Parting ways
Chapter 141 Parting ways
As Shen Yanchu stepped into the carriage, he was greeted by the complaints of Li Changyu's men and the persuasive words of Miss Shi. He was secretly pleased, but remained outwardly composed.
Li Changyu's brows were furrowed, as if he were troubled. Shen Yanchu smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Brother Li, how have you been?" Li Changyu looked up and forced a smile, "Brother Shen, you've come."
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly to greet him, then looked at Li Changyu with a solemn expression: "Brother Li, since you have reservations, let's call off our engagement! I'm not a shameless or unreasonable woman. It's just that I saved myself in my own way, and I don't think I did anything wrong. Besides, I'm not as shameless as Uncle San said, and I haven't lost my innocence."
"Moreover, the world was born from the hem of women's skirts, yet they are not allowed to let their skirts flutter. Our chastity as women exists only in our hearts, not in your mouths. We have not been violated this time, yet you feel we are dirty. Is it we who are dirty, or your hearts?"
"You can fabricate the idea that a simple woman's menstrual cycle is unclean and unlucky. I suppose your thoughts aren't much cleaner either? I will change this phenomenon, even if you old-fashioned people don't approve of it. I will still do it. We women are born great, and we have never been anyone's appendage."
"Young Master Li, Young Master Shen, we have different paths and cannot work together. This humble woman will take her leave now."
Before the two could utter any more unpleasant words, Shi Wanxia turned and alighted from the carriage. She intended to part ways with them; these people were only with her out of curiosity and novelty, not out of love. Although she couldn't survive in Yan Yue Kingdom, she could go to other countries.
She returned to the carriage, summoned Li Qinglan and the others, and told them about her annulment of her engagement with Li Changyu. She also told them her plans, explaining that the world was unsafe and they were still young, and she didn't want them to suffer with her.
The others shook their heads. "Sister Shi, you are our benefactor and family. Wherever you go, we will go."
"That's right! Sister Shi, since Young Master Li has broken off the engagement with you, he is not good enough for you."
Shi Wanxia anxiously explained to everyone the reason for canceling the engagement. Her voice was filled with helplessness and determination: "Li Changyu and I have different values, and that is an unchangeable fact. We have decided that as soon as we reach the next town, we will leave them."
After hearing Shi Wanxia's explanation, everyone fell silent. They understood that matters of the heart couldn't be forced, and could only wish Shi Wanxia and Li Changyu could find their own happiness.
For the remainder of the journey, Shi Wanxia and Li Changyu remained rather quiet. Each lost in their own thoughts, they would occasionally exchange glances, but quickly look away.
Finally, they arrived at the next town. Shi Wanxia and Li Qinglan quietly packed their luggage, preparing to leave.
Li Changyu stood before a tightly closed door, his heart filled with regret and reluctance. For several days, Li Changyu had pondered this again and again, but in the end, he still could not sever his attachment to Miss Shi.
In the late summer, there was a woman as gentle as a breeze, intelligent, bright, and resilient—a truly remarkable woman. Every smile and gesture of hers was deeply imprinted in Li Changyu's heart. He regretted listening to his third uncle's nonsense, which had led him to the point where he might lose her.
Li Changyu stood quietly outside the door, waiting for Shi Wanxia to appear. He didn't know if she would forgive him, but he was determined to try. Time ticked by, and Li Changyu grew increasingly anxious. Finally, the door slowly opened, and Shi Wanxia appeared in the doorway. She almost bumped into Li Changyu, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
Shi Wanxia spoke calmly, "Young Master Li, thank you for seeing me off, but it's unnecessary. If your subordinates find out, it will affect your prestige. We are not suitable for each other; the marriage agreement was fake to begin with. It's good that we can each develop our own careers and not be bothered by worldly affairs. Let's take our leave now! Take care, Young Master. Qinxin, let's go!"
Li Changyu's heart tightened, and he immediately grabbed her wrist, forcibly pulling her back. "Miss Shi, I was wrong that time. I didn't discipline my subordinates properly. Please don't be like this. This world places many restrictions on women. How can you, weak women without any status, survive? You shouldn't leave. Since you don't want to be with me, then go with Young Master Shen and Young Master Cui!"
Shi Wanxia angrily shook off his hand, about to rebuke him. Just then, Shen Yanchu, Cui Yu'an, and Wang Jinqian, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, appeared before them.
Shen Yanchu spoke first: "Miss Shi, don't be angry. It was indeed Li Changyu's fault. How about you come with me first?"
Cui Yu'an also anxiously advised her: "Miss Shi, they are right. It is too dangerous for you few weak women with no background to separate from us at this time!"
Wang Jinqian smiled gently: "Miss Shi, don't be angry. Young Master Shen and the others are only thinking of you. Please think it over carefully."
Looking at the group of people before her, Shi Wanxia felt a complex mix of emotions. She knew they meant well, but she also had her own principles. She didn't want to rely on anyone. They could be friends, but they couldn't live together. Why force a connection when they were from different circles?
“You don’t need to try to persuade me.” Shi Wanxia’s voice was firm and resolute. “We sisters have our own place to go. This world may be vast, but it’s not without a place for us. We will be careful and will not put ourselves in danger.”
Looking into Shi Wanxia's stubborn eyes, Li Changyu felt a pang of helplessness. He knew that no matter what he said, he couldn't change her mind.
“Since Miss Shi has made up her mind, we will not force her.” Shen Yanchu sighed. “But please remember, Miss Shi, if you need anything, please come to us anytime. We will do our best to help you.”
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly, then turned and left with Qin Xin and the others. Watching her departing figure, Li Changyu felt a deep sense of loss. He knew that this parting might be the last time they saw each other.
Shi Wanxia and Qin Xin walked along the streets of the small town, their hearts filled with hope for the future. Although they faced many difficulties, they were fearless. They believed that with their wisdom and talent, they would surely be able to carve out a place for themselves in this world.
Meanwhile, Li Changyu and the others continued their journeys in the martial world. They all longed for Shi Wanxia and hoped to one day meet her again. Li Changyu secretly sent several men to follow them and protect their safety. This time it was his mistake, leaving Miss Shi heartbroken.