Although They're Mentally ill, They're Extremely Easy to Comfort - Chapter 82

Summer turned to the deepening colors of autumn.

Ling Xi followed the travel route she had once walked with Bo’er, crossing the entire Eurasian continent. A month had passed in the blink of an eye.

Dragging a heavy suitcase, she walked out of the airport with an expression of relief. A cool breeze swept through the waiting corridors, fluttering the belt of her trench coat.

This journey, which involved constant travel every day, had finally reached its destination—Sinsinia.

Returning after many years, Ling Xi’s state of mind was surprisingly calm. She stretched her arms and took a deep breath. The city seemed frozen in time, hundreds of years ago, still possessing the free and unrestrained spirit of the Renaissance.

Ling Xi sank into a taxi, tiredly admiring the fleeting roadside scenery. A sense of loneliness arose in her heart—the loneliness of a fruitless search for Bo’er.

Things were different now; she was no longer obsessed with the past, so this ancient city felt strange. What should she do next?

Ling Xi, with this confusion, arrived at the hotel she had booked in advance.

Despite her exhaustion, she didn’t linger in the room.

The hotel was very close to the National Library, just a four or five-minute walk. She grabbed her room key and rushed to the library without stopping.

Perhaps, the answer she sought would be there.

Walking into the library, Ling Xi crossed the front hall to the corner on the second floor—the exact spot where she had read The Rubáiyát back then.

Standing by the window, the world outside hadn’t changed one bit. Just like in her memory, the outdoors was noisy, and her mind was peaceful.

She looked back at the balcony opposite. It was there that Bo’er had quietly watched her figure.

Thinking of this, a warm smile appeared on Ling Xi’s lips. But the smile quickly turned bitter, for the person she wished to see was no longer on the balcony.

Ling Xi painfully clutched her forehead and crouched in the corner.

The journey seemed meaningless at this moment. Because, in the end, she still hadn’t recalled when Bo’er had become a part of her life.

“I can’t find you… what should I do… where exactly are you?”

The Enfeir Town Residence

The sunset over the mountains was more brilliant than that over concrete cities. It blended with the flowers and trees across the slopes, the natural filter transforming the scene into an oil painting.

Qiao Bo’er sat in a wheelchair with a small fleece blanket draped over her legs. The breeze was cool, but it didn’t stop her from enjoying her favorite twilight.

The person who approached from behind gently placed their hands on her shoulders: “Be careful not to catch a chill. How about we go inside and rest?”

“No need, I want to stay a little longer. After all, the sunset is inexhaustible.”

“Then take your medicine first. We can have dinner anytime you like.”

Ji Changyi instructed her gently, then took out a medicine bottle and handed it to Qiao Bo’er.

“Thank you.”

“Your recovery is good. It seems that eliminating the worry of Qiao Di has made your emotions much more stable,” Ji Changyi’s diagnosis was satisfying.

Qiao Bo’er no longer held back her smile. She used her hand to smooth her long hair, which had been tousled by the wind, but there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

She had been recuperating in Enfeir Town for a month. She sat on the hilltop every day, for an entire day, eagerly awaiting Ling Xi’s figure. But the person she longed for had not arrived.

“Why hasn’t she shown up yet?” The change in topic revealed deep disappointment. Ji Changyi comforted her: “You were the one who gave her a difficult task. If it’s too hard to bear, we can go look for her.”

Qiao Bo’er was clearly stubborn. She shook her head firmly: “No, I will wait for her here, until she appears…”

“But what if…”

Ji Changyi didn’t dare to continue, but Qiao Bo’er faced the reality with composure: “What if she never remembers who I am? She won’t… Ling Xi is so smart, it’s just that this riddle is too difficult. She will definitely remember me.”

“Let’s hope so.”

Qiao Bo’er repeatedly affirmed: “She will definitely find me through the clues I left behind. She will.”

“Miss Bo’er, Dr. Ji, dinner is about ready.” Chu Xi still wore oven mitts, seemingly having prepared a lavish meal.

Just then, Zanda and Qu Ye, who had finished fishing, approached carrying a cooler. Qu Ye cheered happily: “We had a great haul today! We can have grilled fish tomorrow!”

Ji Nancen, who was helping out in the kitchen, excitedly poked her head out when she heard about free grilled fish: “I love things that are free! How about you guys go fishing again tomorrow?”

The group gathered around Qiao Bo’er was laughing and chatting, creating a strong, harmonious, and happy family atmosphere.

Ji Changyi slowly pushed the wheelchair: “You must really like this atmosphere?”

“Mhm, it has the taste of home,” Bo’er smiled faintly.

Once inside, everyone gathered happily. Bo’er still maintained a matriarchal presence, watching everyone set out bowls, chopsticks, and wine, until they were all seated.

Ji Nancen playfully tapped her wine glass with a chopstick: “Well, before we start eating, let’s stick to tradition and have the leader give a speech.”

This instantly drew laughter from everyone.

Qiao Bo’er clasped her hands, thought it was a good idea, and took the opportunity to speak: “I’ve never had a chance to live with you all as peacefully as this. To escape Qiao Di, I made you all travel constantly with me. Thank you all for your hard work. This toast is to you.”

With that, Bo’er raised her wine glass. Chu Xi and the others responded by raising theirs: “It’s what we should do. Protecting Miss Bo’er is our duty.”

“Zanda, you’ve worked the hardest all these years. I sincerely thank you for your silent devotion. You wanted to go back to PA-40 to be a mercenary, didn’t you? Now you can go live the life you like.

Of course, this home will always be open to you, and you will forever be our elder brother.

Qu Ye, sometimes my temper is bad. You don’t hold it against me, do you?

I heard Nancen say that you really like the Inglisha knife I gave you. Do you want to stay by my side? I need an assistant/driver who likes to binge-watch shows.

Chu Xi, after you return to Xuancheng, you won’t have to worry about me anymore. Live a good life with Qin Yun and enjoy your happy days.

You’ve learned everything I could teach you during your time with me. I’ve delayed you for too long. Now, you can live for yourself for once.

Remember, your life is not just about me. You should always love yourself first.

In my bleak life, because of all of you, I have been able to live in such peace. Please forgive my unpredictable temper. I am truly sorry.

No matter where you are in the future or what kind of life you lead, please remember that we are family, an indispensable family.”

After listening to Qiao Bo’er’s words, the three people she named paused their drinking posture. They stared blankly at their boss, then exchanged puzzled glances.

Zanda put down his glass. Miss Bo’er could always perceive his heart’s desire. After a moment of silence, he spoke: “I was actually planning to leave tomorrow. Miss truly knows me well… Please take care of yourself while I’m gone, and the two younger siblings, please take care of yourselves too.”

Qu Ye patted Zanda’s shoulder without trying to persuade him to stay. After all, this guy was born for battle; the mercenary corps was his true calling.

“The three of us have been together for so many years. It’s rare to sit down peacefully and reunite. Let’s make a toast! Wishing our elder brother Zanda great success back in the corps!” Chu Xi raised his glass in a toast.

Qu Ye also cheered heartily: “Cheers!”

Qiao Bo’er watched the three of them quietly, offering a knowing smile. She then turned to Ji Changyi and spoke softly: “Thank you for helping me with my recovery treatment during this time. Your secretary called me today, complaining that your clinic will fall apart if you don’t go back soon.”

Ji Changyi silently drank her red wine in one gulp. Her smile was bleak. She knew that no matter how long she stayed by Qiao Bo’er’s side, she could never replace Ling Xi. She nodded understandingly: “I will leave with Zanda tomorrow. I’ve already prepared your medicine dosage. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but Zanda and I share the same hope: you must take good care of yourself.”

“Will you blame me?”

Qiao Bo’er’s sudden question made Ji Changyi’s hand tremble slightly as she held the wine glass. She was puzzled but quickly understood the meaning and shook her head: “Liking you is my right; accepting is yours. There is no question of blaming. It’s just unrequited affection. As long as you are well, that’s better than anything… After any storm, there will be calm. When you meet Ling Xi, hurry back to Xuancheng and live the life you desire.”

After waiting for a long time without Qiao Bo’er mentioning her name, and conveniently sitting next to her, Ji Nancen leaned in and wiggled back and forth.

Qiao Bo’er understood that she was waiting for her turn. She smiled as she poured her a glass of red wine, teasing: “I know you couldn’t wait. Look how anxious you are…”

“Oh, am I the grand finale?!” Ji Nancen laughed humorously.

“Ms. Nancen, who is calculating and loves money, you are my most unexpected surprise.”

Hearing Qiao Bo’er’s description, everyone clapped and cheered. Ji Nancen wrinkled her nose in resignation: “You’re not thinking big enough!”

“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore. If you hadn’t helped Zanda and Qu Ye with their operation this time, the consequences would have been unimaginable. The favor I owe you certainly isn’t something money can solve, although I’d be happy to give you the cash equivalent.”

“Tsk, the topic has reached such a profound level, if I mention money again, my thinking wouldn’t be grand enough. You can owe me the favor for now. I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent with everyone recently.”

“So, I have another task for you, and the compensation is quite generous.” At the mention of a money-making opportunity, Ji Nancen immediately agreed: “Sure! As long as it makes money, I’m willing to take it!”

“Chu Xi and Qu Ye will also head back to Xuancheng tomorrow. Nancen, you stay here to take care of me.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Xi and Qu Ye were stunned. Miss’s decisions were always unexpected.

Chu Xi didn’t understand why this sudden arrangement felt like the team was being disbanded: “Miss, isn’t this arrangement too abrupt?”

“Yeah! You’re scattering all of us at once. I’m a little unaccustomed to it. Do you not want us anymore?” Qu Ye pouted, echoing the sentiment.

Qiao Bo’er looked reluctant. She was full of gentleness tonight, constantly expressing thanks and apologies in a soft voice.

Hearing their complaints, she shook her head, quite helpless: “It’s not like we’re saying goodbye forever. I’m kindly giving you all a long vacation. Why do you all dislike it? Everyone should go and enjoy their own lives. You can’t revolve around me forever.

If Chu Xi doesn’t go home soon, I’m afraid Qin Yun will come here with a knife to catch him. As for Qu Ye, go back and catch up on all the TV series you’ve stockpiled. When I return to Xuancheng, you’ll be a reliable man-of-action again.

So, I’ll entrust the task of taking care of me to Nancen. After all, she’ll earn a substantial commission this way. What a wonderful arrangement…”

Ji Nancen immediately sided with her, nodding repeatedly: “Exactly, exactly! I’m great at taking care of people! Don’t worry about leaving Miss Bo’er with me. When we get back to Xuancheng, I guarantee she’ll have gained ten pounds!”

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