CHAPTER 51: 048 GUARDIAN OF FAITH

"Who says I’m scared? Ji Yunya, we’ll see, humph...." Yan Song gave Yun Ya a disdainful look, little brat, anyone can talk big, anyway, there will be plenty of chances to teach you a lesson in the future.

Yun Ya curved her lips into a light smile, as bright and gentle as the sun, "Yes, we’ll see."

"What are you two talking about? Yan Song, are you bullying your sister again?" Zhuang Xiyue came over and said.

Yan Song snorted through his nose, crossed his arms, and turned his head to look out the window.

Mom’s so biased she might as well move to the South Pole, he couldn’t be bothered to explain.

"No, Aunt Zhuang, Brother Yan said he’s going to be a good brother in the future and protect me and Brother Gege," Yun Ya turned her head to look at Yan Song, her smile pure and sweet: "Right, Brother Yan?"

Zhuang Xiyue didn’t expect her son to have such awareness and looked forward to his response.

Yan Song shifted uncomfortably, and while Zhuang Xiyue wasn’t looking, he glared at Yun Ya, but she just smiled gently, completely unaffected by his threat. The calm composure took Yan Song by surprise.

For the first time, he realized that Ji Yunya was a very special girl. Driven by a strong curiosity, the more he learned about her, the deeper he fell, until eventually, he could not extricate himself, willingly drowning in it.

Seeing Yan Song’s silence, Zhuang Xiyue knew her son was just being shy. It was rare to see him act like a child, so she gently stroked his head and said, "Yun Ya is your sister. You should protect her like a man, not bully her, let alone let her be wronged. You should act like a brother, you understand?"

Yan Song pursed his lips and reluctantly nodded, thinking to himself that her brother was deaf and mute, and he didn’t want to be her brother at all.

After parting with Zhuang Xiyue, Yun Ya sat in the car on the way home. Uncle Chang glanced in the rearview mirror and suddenly asked, "Has something happened to Xiao Die? I haven’t seen her recently."

The day that Ji Die had her accident, he had to go out on an errand, and Yun Shu had strictly ordered everyone not to talk about Ji Die’s incident, so Chang Hong was unaware of it.

Yun Ya looked up, meeting his fleeting eye contact unexpectedly, and thought of something; she suddenly curled her lips into a smile.

Aunt Die was gentle and kind, beautiful and smart; it was no surprise that Uncle Chang, who spent day and night with her, would develop feelings for her.

Uncle Chang, tall and sturdily built, with a steady and loyal disposition, also skilled in martial arts, provided a sense of security to women. Aunt Die would probably be happy with him.

"Aunt Die won’t be coming back to the Ji Family," Yun Ya said indifferently.

Chang Hong’s breath caught sharply, the jarring sound of brakes filled the air, and the next second, the car came to a smooth stop by the roadside.

Yun Ya’s expression remained unchanged, looking at Chang Hong’s clearly puzzled and shocked gaze, her eyes showed understanding, "Uncle Chang, this place is no longer my home. Before long, Miaomiao and I will leave as well. Whether you choose to go with us or stay here is your choice."

Chang Hong had seen everything that happened in the past days and understood what Yun Ya meant. He let out a sigh, "Ever since the old master brought me to the Ji Family, I, Chang Hong, have lived as a person of the Ji Family, and I will die a ghost of the Ji Family. Wherever little miss goes, I will follow and vow to protect your safety."

Yun Ya silently looked at him for a few seconds, her deep and dark gaze startling the weathered Chang Hong, as if she could see right through him.

"Uncle Chang, can I trust you?"

The girl’s light tone felt as heavy as a large bell on his chest. He couldn’t believe that a five-year-old girl could have such complex eyes. The deep sorrow in her voice when she asked that question carried a weight that life could hardly bear.

A long time ago, he had lost his faith, and ever since, his life had been like stagnant water.

But at this moment, his entire faith was to protect this girl.

To use all of his life to nourish a flower, to guard her growth, waiting for the day the flower blooms, it would be a stunning sight.

"Little miss, my life is not worth much, but I will protect you at all costs, not only for the old master’s entrusted task but also because you deserve it."

----

Entering the last intersection of Panshan Road, Yun Ya picked up Miaomiao from a parked sedan by the roadside.

She wouldn’t let Miaomiao stay at home alone; practically wherever she went, she brought him along.

When Yun Ya entered the living room with Miaomiao, Yun Shu seated on the sofa looked over, and in that instant, a chilling bleakness flashed through her eyes, making Yun Ya feel as though she was plunged into an ice cellar.

"Where have you been?" the voice was so gentle it sent chills down one’s spine.

Miaomiao seemed to be very afraid of Yun Shu, quietly gripping Yun Ya’s hand tighter. Yun Ya patted his hand to signal him to be calm.

"Miaomiao’s favorite puzzle broke, so I took him to the toy store to get a new one," she explained, showing the bag she was holding to Yun Shu.

A child who couldn’t even tell direction, how could she possibly know where the toy store was? Yun Shu knew her granddaughter was clever to a monstrous degree, and at this moment, she couldn’t be bothered to question the irrationality.

"Next time, take Yun Sha with you. How can I be at ease with just the two of you kids?"

A trace of mockery flitted through Yun Ya’s lowered eyes, her reassurances were fake, surveillance was real.

Her voice, however, was obliging: "Sure, we just don’t want to trouble Grandma Yunsha."

Aunt Yun smiled and replied, "It’s no trouble, the safety of the young miss and the young master is paramount."

At that moment, Kang Jinse descended the stairs, Su Ye following with a suitcase, and a flash of disgust briefly crossed her eyes at the sight of Yun Ya.

Yun Ya curled her lips subtly and watched them with disdain.

She came in swaggering, and now after so little time, she’s leaving in defeat. She didn’t know if her past life was this exciting, but this life would definitely be more thrilling.