However, this change is a good thing. No matter how good the environment is, it’s not an excuse to remain a child forever.

But only thoughts have changed; personality doesn’t easily change.

Actually, to speak of it, Shang Qing is straightforward, while Dongfang Yu is cunning. The two of them together can be complementary.

Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head silently.

She continued wandering with Xiao Bai. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

She checked every corner of the apartment.

And indeed, she did discover something.

In winter, Dongfang Yu doesn’t like wearing down jackets and thick coats. He’s always draping his black fur coat over his shoulders.

Xiao Bai, who knows this place quite well, confirmed to Gu Qiaoqiao that it was indeed missing.

That fur coat is very warm.

Dongfang Yu had worn it for many years, and when not wearing it, he preserved it with special methods.

Now that it’s gone, it means it disappeared along with Dongfang Yu.

Dongfang Yu has a severe aversion to cold.

"Dongfang Yu once said that when his condition flares up, the cold penetrates to the bone, and even the blood freezes," Xiao Bai recalled, shivering. "It’s true; when it flares up, he’s like an icicle. That’s one reason he wanted you to go with him."

Gu Qiaoqiao closed the wardrobe door and looked seriously at Xiao Bai. It was the first time they discussed this issue.

The crisis had been averted, and Gu Qiaoqiao had genuinely forgotten.

Now reminded by Xiao Bai, she recalled those days.

Gu Qiaoqiao furrowed her brow, "Can I cure his illness?"

"I’m not quite sure about that, but Dongfang Yu said your spiritual energy is so warm that it can dispel the cold in his body," Xiao Bai said cautiously, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao. Going on, it said, "Your spiritual energy and your master’s are of the same source, the purest essence in the world. That’s why Dongfang Yu targeted you."

Then added, "Qiaoqiao, it’s all in the past. Don’t be mad."

Gu Qiaoqiao laughed, squatting down to pat Xiao Bai’s head, "I’m not that petty. If it’s in the past, it’s in the past. I won’t be mad."

But if Qin Yize heard this, he definitely wouldn’t be pleased.

Thinking of Qin Yize, Gu Qiaoqiao couldn’t help but recall what Old Grand Master Qin said. Second Uncle of the Qin Family was misbehaving again, but this time, he was smart enough not to cross Old Master Qin’s bottom line, always testing the boundaries of legality, which was quite disgusting.

Old Grand Master’s expectation was for Qin Yize to take on the role of successor.

This coincided with Gu Qiaoqiao’s thoughts.

In this world, the only one who can suppress Second Uncle is not Old Grand Master Qin but Qin Yize.

However, the experimental base project was at its final stage, so Qin Yize couldn’t get away, but hopefully, this time it would be successful.

Gu Qiaoqiao thought to herself.

Then, with a slight sigh, she brushed away those annoying emotions, stood up, and smelled the aroma from the kitchen. It looked like the noodles were ready, and Gu Qiaoqiao took Xiao Bai to eat.

After they finished a simple dinner, Gu Qiaoqiao and Shang Qing checked the place once more, unplugged any unnecessary appliances. Even though there was a barrier, it was better to be cautious.

They packed a bunch of vegetables, meat, and eggs from the fridge. After securing everything, they headed downstairs.

Shang Qing glanced at the stuff in her hands. She couldn’t take it home, and it had been over a week, no longer fresh, but not spoiled either. The cooler weather would keep it edible for a few more days.

Gu Qiaoqiao had Shang Qing place the items on a clean step not far from the trash bin. There were people who cleaned and picked up trash, and if they took it home, there’d be no problem eating it. Throwing it away would be too wasteful.

After dealing with the food, Shang Qing drove Gu Qiaoqiao and Xiao Bai back to Gu Garden.

They agreed on the departure time for the next morning and parted ways at the entrance of Gu Garden.

Gu Qiaoqiao carried Xiao Bai and slowly walked towards Gu Garden, asking as she walked, "Xiao Bai, does Dongfang Yu go through this every winter?"

"Not necessarily. Sometimes several years pass without it happening. Other times it’s every year. There’s no real pattern."

"Can’t he control it himself?"

"It’s hard to control. It’s the backlash of immortality."

"Backlash?"

"Yeah, wanting eternal youth and to transcend others comes with a risk of backlash if one isn’t powerful enough," Xiao Bai said seriously.

"Is this backlash life-threatening?"

"Not initially, but if unresolved over a long time, it can become dangerous..." Xiao Bai replied honestly.

Gu Qiaoqiao’s brows moved, "Xiao Bai, if we find Dongfang Yu’s corpse when we get there, could Shang Qing handle it?"

Xiao Bai hadn’t considered this, but being asked by Gu Qiaoqiao, it was startled, "Gu Qiaoqiao, I hope not..."

"I hope not," Gu Qiaoqiao said slowly.

Strangely feeling an improved relationship with Dongfang Yu now, shouldn’t he be seeking help if necessary, be it from her or Gu Junbai?

Since their spiritual energy could aid him, if he swallowed his pride and asked, Gu Junbai, for Xiao Bai’s sake, wouldn’t refuse.

Yet, he never mentioned it.

Perhaps it was his pride acting up.

And since he promised not to trouble the Gu Family anymore, this matter was naturally included.

Gu Qiaoqiao thought she should bring the Snow Spirit Ball.

If the ancestors didn’t object today, it was a sign there might still be hope.

But everything depended on Shang Qing’s attitude.

Upon reaching the hall, she found her family gathered watching TV.

Gu Qiaoqiao sat beside Lian Yuhong, picked up some seeds from the fruit tray, and indulged in watching.

Although curious about what her often absent daughter was up to, the show couldn’t be missed even for a minute.

Lian Yuhong glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao but shifted her gaze back to the TV. It was written by her husband, so she couldn’t miss a moment.

Thus, the family continued watching TV intently.

At dawn the next day, after informing her family, Gu Qiaoqiao embarked on the journey to Yun City with Shang Qing and Xiao Bai.

They both carried mobile phones.

But they weren’t sure if they’d still have signal after leaving the province.

Still, better to be prepared.

Shang Qing had studied the route to Yun City half the night and remembered most of it.

Moreover, when Xiao Bai recognized familiar sights or buildings, it would tell Shang Qing or Gu Qiaoqiao which way to go.

Yun City was directly south of the Imperial Capital.

So, the farther they traveled, the warmer it became.

Gu Qiaoqiao thought it was a wise time to travel.

Their pace was swift, reaching the outskirts of Yun City in just one day.