One month later, I'm going back to Jumu.

My grandfather held my hand, tears streaming down his face, and said repeatedly, "You must come back often. Your grandfather is old and often feels lonely..."

I nodded.

"I heard that you've established an assassin organization called Fugu? Can you take a look at these people I have here? If you like them, take them with you. A bounty hunter can't do without subordinates."

My grandfather was practically willing to give me his entire fortune.

Lady Rui, Sangsike, Xiaomile, and Master Baihe all bowed their heads in anticipation.

Among the four, Lady Rui and Sangsike were the most severely injured and appeared the most awkward. Their faces were covered in black burn marks from lightning strikes, and they all wore hats, indicating that their hair had almost entirely been scorched. They looked quite miserable.

I'm not one to impose on others, so I said, "These are all elite members of Wuzhen. Grandson wouldn't dare take away what grandfather loves."

What I meant was, don't take any of them.

Upon hearing this, my grandfather waved his hand, asked Master Baihe and the others to leave, and after they were gone, he looked at Danqinshou standing awkwardly on the side.

"How about you take Danqinshou Baiying with you? She's very clever and capable."

I hastily waved my hand, but before I could speak, Baiying lifted her robe, knelt down half-bowing, and said, "Baiying obeys your orders."

"Grandfather, she's wearing someone else's skin..."

I whispered to my grandfather.

I felt really uncomfortable about it.

My grandfather laughed heartily.

"Yatou, what did you say to the young master before? Tell the truth."

Baiying's cheeks turned red as she said, "I'm sorry, young master. At that time, to confuse your mind, I said I wore Lingsu's skin, but actually, in the jewelry box in Jumu, Lingsu entrusted it to me. I was borrowing flowers to present the Buddha. But for revenge, she did give me her memories. At that time, she was already on the verge of death when she escaped to Wuzhen..."

"Baiying is someone I've seen grow up. The skin she's wearing now is truly her own."

"Baiying, from now on, you mustn't make up stories like this while following the young master."

"Yes." Baiying knelt down again, her face flushed.

With this back-and-forth between the two, it seemed as if I had already agreed, but nobody even asked for my opinion.

I didn't say I wanted Baiying.

When Aunt Lan saw Baiying and me coming down the mountain one after another, she had a smile on her face like an aunt.

She took Baiying's hand and said, "With you here, I won't feel lonely on the rivers and lakes. His Majesty is so thoughtful, knowing that I need someone to confide in."

Wait a minute, did I imply that?

The warm autumn sun cast long shadows of the three of us. The Sword Spirit occasionally poked its head out and made faces at Baiying.

This autumn doesn't seem so cold.

(The End)