Seeing Shen Zhi Qiu return, everyone tacitly refrained from asking her about the outcome of her trip to the temple.
Shen Zhi Qiu entered the house, put down her things, and went to check on the children first.
The children smiled sweetly, and Niannian opened her arms as soon as she saw her, wanting a hug. Shen Zhi Qiu quickly went over and took Niannian from Aunt Zhao's arms. Zhao Zhao was lying obediently on Rong Hong's shoulder, smiling at Shen Zhi Qiu.
Shen Zhi Qiu kissed the children, then couldn't hold back any longer and retreated, leaning against the wall and sobbing uncontrollably. Afraid of disturbing the children, she quickly covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
Rong Hong came out, gently embraced her, and said with heartache, "Child, you've suffered."
"Dad, why did it turn out like this! Isn't it said that good people are rewarded? Lu Jia has done so many good deeds in his life, helped so many elderly people, and even saved Xiaoyu, how could this happen..."
At this point, Shen Zhi Qiu suddenly grabbed Rong Hong's arm. "Dad, Xiao Yu doesn't know yet, right? Please don't tell Xiao Yu; he's still a child. Luckily, we sent him to the school's spring camp, but he'll be back soon. Dad, you have to find a way to keep Xiao Yu from finding out..."
"Dad knows. Your brother has already made arrangements. He's already registered Xiaoyu for another activity, so he won't be back so soon. Don't worry." Rong Hong tenderly wiped away her tears. "Xiao Ran received Wei Qiao's call and knew you were coming back, so she specially made some chicken soup for you. How about Dad goes with you to have some?"
"Okay." Shen Zhi Qiu wiped away her tears, forced a smile, and followed Rong Hong downstairs, suppressing her grief.
"Zhiqiu, you're downstairs. The chicken soup has been simmering in the clay pot." Zhou Xiaoran saw her come down and quickly walked towards the kitchen. "Wait for me to get you a bowl."
Seeing everyone looking at her with concern, Shen Zhi Qiu took the spoon and buried her head in the chicken soup, but tears kept falling down her face.
"Zhiqiu, wait for me a moment, I'll come up and keep you company in a bit." Zhou Xiaoran felt somewhat comforted as she watched her finish the soup, and said to Shen Zhiqiu.
"No need, Xiao Ran, I want to sleep alone tonight, I'm sorry." Shen Zhi Qiu's voice choked with emotion. "I need to calm down by myself."
Rong Mo nodded gently at Zhou Xiaoran.
Shen Zhi Qiu stood up and then instructed Wei Qiao: "Wei Qiao, you've worked hard these past two days. Tell everyone to go home and rest first. I'll let you know tomorrow to come and keep me company."
"Yes, Miss, I'm ready at any time," Wei Qiao said respectfully.
At night, Shen Zhi Qiu lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She turned her head to look at the photo frame beside her bed, and tears fell onto her pillow.
"Lu Jia, where are you?!" Shen Zhi Qiu cried out, clutching the photo frame.
The next morning.
Shen Zhi Qiu hadn't appeared yet, and Rong Mo had intended to let her sleep a little longer, but as the clock struck ten and Shen Zhi Qiu still hadn't made a sound, he became restless.
"I'll go upstairs and check. Zhi Qiu usually doesn't sleep this late." Zhou Xiaoran was also a little anxious. She said as she ran upstairs.
Two minutes later.
Zhou Xiaoran rushed downstairs anxiously, "Something terrible has happened! Zhi Qiu has gone missing!"
Everyone present panicked, and Rong Mo quickly called Jiang Bei.
Jiang Bei answered the phone immediately and frowned upon learning of Shen Zhi Qiu's disappearance.
"Has Zhi Qiu gone anywhere these past few days? I heard from Lu Wei that Zhi Qiu went to seek help from a master. Has anything happened to her?"
"Zhi Qiu fainted at the temple and was brought back by Wei Qiao." Rong Mo was extremely anxious.
"Oh, right, Wei Qiao mentioned that Zhi Qiu wanted to go to Baiyun Valley last night, but it was too dark and unsafe, so he offered to go with her today." Rong Mo suddenly realized that he had forgotten such an important thing in his haste. "Zhi Qiu must have gone by herself. I understand. I'm on my way now!"
“Baiyun Valley?” Jiang Bei pondered for a moment and immediately understood Shen Zhi Qiu’s purpose in going there. “There is a large Buddha statue carved in ancient times on the top of Baiyun Valley. I heard that many people go there to worship Buddha every year, but the mountain there is very steep and full of cliffs. Few people can climb up it, and people often fall off the mountain and their lives are unknown.”
The more Jiang Bei talked, the more anxious he became. Looking at Lu Wei, who was still waiting for him by the sea, Jiang Bei was in a dilemma.
"Then keep an eye on Lu Wei. I'm taking my men to Baiyun Valley now. Keep in touch!" After saying that, Rong Mo hung up the phone and immediately called Wei Qiao, telling him to set off with his men right away. He would also set off immediately to meet up with them.
"President Rong, you must bring Zhi Qiu back safely!" Zhou Xiaoran grabbed his arm and said, her voice choked with emotion.
Rong Mo nodded. "Don't worry, I definitely will."
After saying that, he immediately went out, drove his car, and sped off towards Baiyun Valley.
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Shen Zhi Qiu turned her head and looked at the dilapidated cobblestone road outside the window, feeling somewhat uneasy.
"Young lady, are you also going to Baiyun Valley to worship Buddha?" The female driver asked, looking at Shen Zhi Qiu's pale face in the rearview mirror.
"Hmm." Shen Zhi Qiu's voice was somewhat subdued. "How much longer until we arrive, eldest sister?"
"Almost there." The older sister didn't give a definite answer. The car was bumping violently on the gravel road, and Shen Zhi Qiu pressed her temples wearily.
"Young lady, I've driven many people up to Baiyun Valley to worship Buddha, and I really want to advise you: it's extremely dangerous for a girl like you to climb up alone. It's true that this place is said to be very sacred, but life is also important. Every year, many people don't make it down the mountain alive. Is it really worth it?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhi Qiu's tears flowed continuously.
“I know that everyone who comes here is desperate and has no other choice. But girl, let me give you some advice: don’t take such a risk.” The older sister sighed. “Look, we can see the mountains of Baiyun Valley from here. The forest there is very dense, and the path up the mountain is extremely steep. If you slip and fall, you’ll lose your life.”
The eldest sister's voice carried a hint of worry and helplessness, and her eyes shone with sympathy for Shen Zhi Qiu.
Shen Zhi Qiu opened her mouth, truly unsure of what to say, but her eyes were as firm as iron. She knew she had to go to Baiyun Valley, even if it meant facing mountains of knives and seas of fire; she would forge ahead bravely.
Seeing how persistent she was, the older sister could only shake her head.
Indeed, she had tried to dissuade everyone who came here and rode in her car, but not a single person was willing to stop.
The car finally arrived at the foot of Baiyun Valley. From afar, Shen Zhi Qiu saw a familiar figure and was shocked.
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