Chapter 30: Parting Ways

After hearing Huoyang’s words, the Ma siblings understood completely—everything was over. Ma Shangfei looked at Su Ning, unwilling to let go, and let out one final, desperate shout.

“Su Ning, we’re leaving today. We probably won’t see each other again. You really won’t forgive Shangting?”

Each word landed with weight.

Ma Shangfei was gambling—he believed Su Ning had feelings for him. From the very first meeting, she insisted on sharing a carriage with him. At dinner, she was considerate of Shangting, and at breakfast, she actively introduced him. Though Su Ning had refused him twice, he still thought he had been a little rash.

No matter what, if Su Ning spoke and asked them to stay, Qiao Duoduo would certainly oblige. Then Huoyang’s words would have to be retracted.

But reality wasn’t so kind. The answer he heard was:

“That’s really… great.”

Su Ning could not understand it. She always refused decisively, never leaving room for hope. Where did this person get the confidence to think she was interested in him?

Su Ning’s words shattered Ma Shangfei’s last sliver of hope.

She turned, took Duoduo’s hand, and spoke without hesitation.

“Let’s go. The weather’s not good today; let’s head back and rest.”

Though it was a clear, sunny day, Su Ning’s casual declaration sent a chill through Ma Shangfei, who was used to her brazen behavior. He didn’t dare make a move against her as he watched them walk away.

Meanwhile, Ma Shangting, in her brother’s arms, looked increasingly flustered.

“Brother, I didn’t mean it. I didn’t expect…”

She hadn’t anticipated Huoyang would handle things so directly—he hadn’t even given her a chance to defend herself. Su Ning’s few words were enough to convict her.

“Brother, I just wanted to teach her a lesson. I didn’t expect it to turn out like this…”

Seeing his crying sister, Ma Shangfei already understood everything. The traces of spider saliva around them made it clear what had happened.

No wonder his sister had volunteered to step on the spider, suggested splitting into groups, and insisted on being with Su Ning and Qiao Duoduo.

Looking at his panicked, helpless sister, Ma Shangfei felt a wave of helplessness. What could he do? She was his only sister, and their parents were still in their hometown, waiting for him to take her back for a family reunion.

“Can you stand?”

“Brother,” Ma Shangting shakily stood up.

“Let’s go home.”

---

Meanwhile, at the banquet hall of the Guoshi Restaurant, Su Ning, Qiao Duoduo, and Huoyang sat down in order.

Huoyang buried his face in his hands, resting his head on his knees. After a long silence, he spoke softly:

“Sorry, my wife. Sorry, Su Ge. Thank you.”

“Sorry, my wife,” because he had misjudged people, mistook brothers, and invited trouble. Seeing Qiao Duoduo fall to the ground, he genuinely thought it was over—that his life was over. The fear of almost losing Duoduo was unbearable.

“Sorry, Su Ge,” for knowing how much you dislike trouble, yet dragging you into it. Making you heal my sister and be harassed—my fault entirely.

“But thank you for always being by Duoduo’s side, protecting and caring for her.”

“It’s okay, husband. Actually, both Su Ge and I were on guard, so we wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.”

Qiao Duoduo hugged Huoyang to comfort him.

“You knew all along?”

Huoyang looked at her in disbelief.

“Don’t look at Duoduo like that. We didn’t know at first, but you mysteriously brought back a pair of siblings—one a lifesaver, the other calling you ‘Brother Huoyang’ from the start. Who could resist that?
Duoduo couldn’t ignore it. And that brother—he tried to come into my room twice at night. How could I not push back? How could I be at ease?
Who knew this little girl secretly held grudges, young and narrow-minded? Last time Duoduo got hurt, wasn’t that her doing? So it’s normal we were careful.

And me being a healer is fine. You didn’t ask if I could attack. Output isn’t lacking. Why insist I go in? No need.”

Su Ning’s explanation was slightly timid—she couldn’t tell if Ma Shangting’s dark turn was because of her pushback or her own tendencies.

Huoyang was even more incredulous. Last time, Duoduo got hurt right under his nose. He thought it was an accident, didn’t even suspect, and foolishly thanked the brother who helped at the critical moment.

“Duoduo, are you hurt? I didn’t expect this.”

“It’s fine. I know you didn’t want this. I also didn’t want to falsely accuse the girl without evidence, so I didn’t tell you to avoid impulsiveness.
Su Ge and I have been alert from the start. But next time, don’t bring any girls back. Whether they harm me or not, I won’t be happy.”

Seeing his jealous little wife, Huoyang couldn’t help but smile and readily agreed.

“Okay.”

Su Ning, having endured this public display of affection, was inwardly extremely dissatisfied.

“Ahem, can we order now?”

“Order whatever you want, Su Ge.”

“Something cheap.”

Of course, the last part was Huoyang speaking. The poor guy still thought his wife worked in the restaurant only because she owed a debt.

Qiao Duoduo laughed and explained—there had been the Ma siblings present, so they kept a card up their sleeve and didn’t explain everything.

Huoyang knew he was in the wrong and didn’t argue.

“Yang Ge, why don’t you have a weapon?”

With the explanation out, Su Ning asked a soul-level question.

Huoyang scratched his head awkwardly.

“I used to have a long sword. It got taken back at level 5. I couldn’t find a replacement, so I’ve been using my fists.”

“Long swords are tricky.”

“Su Ge, why don’t you research one? Whether gauntlets or gloves, it’s better than bare fists.”

“That’s a good idea. By the way, tomorrow we’ll slaughter the ox. Last night I got a bunch of treasures; I’ll show you tonight.”

“Okay.”

Huoyang didn’t understand Su Ning and Qiao Duoduo’s banter.

“Uh… can you explain that?”

“Apprentice system: I learn sewing and make equipment; your wife learns cooking, so she works in the kitchen. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Huoyang scratched his head awkwardly for a while.

“Whoa, I’m really lucky! Wife can cook, brother-in-arms can make gear—invincible!”

Huoyang, finally realizing it, was overjoyed.

“Alright, stop silly laughing. Let’s eat. Afterward, we’ll see the treasures.”

Qiao Duoduo looked at Huoyang’s silly smile and thought he was incredibly cute—clumsy yet endearing. She also resolved to make Su Ge work hard to equip her silly husband properly.