Chapter 256 The Familiar Bell Tolls
Chapter 256 The Familiar Bell Tolls
Gu Chengyan was in the room, and Chu Ruohan didn't even have a chance to greet him or say a word.
The doctor packed up his medicine kit and left the room.
Chu Ruohan immediately asked, "May I go out now?"
"I promised you I wouldn't break my word." Gu Chengyan stepped forward, wanting to help her, but Chu Ruohan slightly turned away to avoid him.
“I can do it myself,” she said calmly.
A hint of displeasure flashed across Gu Chengyan's face, but he quickly regained his composure: "Okay, take it easy."
As the two stepped out of the room, Chu Ruohan discovered that it was an exquisite garden. Winding paths led to secluded spots, with artificial hills and flowing water; the scenery was indeed beautiful.
“This is a hot spring resort,” Gu Chengyan introduced, “my favorite place.”
Chu Ruohan secretly memorized this information.
"It's beautiful here," Chu Ruohan said softly, her expression still indifferent.
"I'm glad you like it," Gu Chengyan said in a good mood. "Once your foot is healed, I'll have a maid take you to soak in the hot spring over there."
A faint chime, carried by the gentle breeze, quietly entered her ears.
Yesterday, Chu Ruohan vaguely heard the sound of bells.
Based on the time she was knocked unconscious and woke up, this place should not be far from the capital. And with the sound of bells, it must be the Great Compassion Temple!
Near the capital, only the Great Compassion Temple can emit such melodious bell sounds.
How could she not remember that there was a hot spring resort on the mountain where Fabei Temple is located?
Gu Chengyan led her through a long corridor to a pavilion.
The pavilion is built over a small lake, surrounded by weeping willows, creating a picturesque scene.
“This is something I prepared especially for you,” Gu Chengyan said with a hint of pride. “I know you like reading, so this can be your reading place.”
Chu Ruohan remained noncommittal and simply walked towards the pavilion.
She needs to understand the layout of the estate and find possible escape routes.
Just as the two were standing in the pavilion, a guard rushed over and whispered a few words in Gu Chengyan's ear.
Gu Chengyan's expression changed instantly, a hint of shock and anger flashing in his eyes.
He beckoned two guards and hurriedly ordered, "Keep an eye on the lady, I'll be right back."
After saying that, he gave Chu Ruohan a deep look and quickly left.
Chu Ruohan watched Gu Chengyan's hurried departure, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
She sensed something was amiss and couldn't help but worry about Gu Junze's safety.
Gu Chengyan hurriedly entered the study, his face ashen.
"Are you sure the plan for Pine Forest Manor has failed?" he asked coldly.
The guard kneeling on the ground didn't dare to raise his head: "Yes, Third Master. They escaped the wildfire, and Young Master Gu is still alive."
Gu Chengyan slammed his hand on the table, the wooden table making a dull thud: "Useless! You can't even handle something this simple!"
The guard's forehead was beaded with sweat: "We've lost quite a few men. Young Master Gu's shadow guards are all highly skilled..."
"Enough!" Gu Chengyan roared, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. "Kill him without mercy, at any cost, kill Gu Junze!"
The guards obeyed and left, while Gu Chengyan stood by the window, his clenched fists turning white at the knuckles.
"Gu Junze, you shouldn't be alive! As long as you're dead, Han'er will be mine..." he muttered through gritted teeth.
Chu Ruohan was guarded in the pavilion by two guards. Gu Chengyan's unusual attitude just now made her wonder if it was related to Gu Junze.
A vague sense of worry crept into her heart. If Gu Junze came to rescue her, would she fall into Gu Chengyan's trap...?
Chu Ruohan lifted her leg to walk out of the pavilion, but was stopped by two guards.
"I'm just walking around. Gu Chengyan told you to keep an eye on me, but he didn't say I couldn't move around," Chu Ruohan continued. "Don't worry, my foot is injured, I won't run around."
The two guards exchanged a glance, neither of them moving.
They hadn't forgotten the commotion the lady had caused last night.
A dark-skinned guard said, "Madam, please stay here and wait for Third Master to return."
Chu Ruohan took a deep breath, knowing that the two guards would not let her out of the pavilion, and tentatively asked, "I just heard the bell. I used to go to Dabei Temple to burn incense. The incense money there is really quite a lot."
Upon hearing this, the guards' expressions changed slightly, but they remained silent.
No matter what Chu Ruohan said, the two guards remained silent.
These guards were truly loyal to Gu Chengyan.
"The morning bell and evening drum of Dabei Temple are the most timeless."
Chu Ruohan sighed, "Being imprisoned is not a pleasant experience. At least let me know where I am."
The two guards remained silent, their eyes watching her every move warily.
Just as the air seemed to freeze, Gu Chengyan appeared outside the pavilion.
"You may leave." Gu Chengyan waved his hand, and the guards immediately withdrew respectfully.
Chu Ruohan noticed that Gu Chengyan's expression was somewhat gloomy, with a hint of anxiety between his brows.
"What happened?" Chu Ruohan asked calmly, but secretly observed his reaction.
Gu Chengyan walked into the pavilion, stood in front of her, and looked down at her: "It's nothing, just a small matter."
"Was it Gu Junze who came to save me?" Chu Ruohan asked directly.
Gu Chengyan's pupils contracted slightly, then he sneered, "You really have a lot of faith in him."
“He won’t give up on me,” Chu Ruohan said firmly.
“Yes, he did come.” Gu Chengyan’s voice turned cold. “However, he has already gone to see the King of Hell.”
Chu Ruohan's heart skipped a beat, and she suppressed her panic: "What did you do?"
Gu Chengyan revealed a strange smile: "A forest fire would be enough to burn him to ashes."
"You..." Chu Ruohan suddenly stood up, the pain in her ankle causing her to stumble, but she still glared angrily at Gu Chengyan, "You madman!"
Gu Chengyan reached out to help her, but she pushed him away forcefully.
"Don't touch me!" Chu Ruohan's eyes burned with rage. "You keep saying you love me, yet you want to kill the person I love most?"
Gu Chengyan's expression instantly turned ferocious: "As long as he dies, you will be mine!"
The anger in Chu Ruohan's eyes suddenly subsided, and she chuckled softly.
“If Gu Junze really died in the wildfire, you wouldn’t have left in such a hurry. He should be safe and sound. Your plan failed, and you’re angry and trying to trick me.”
"You will never succeed," Chu Ruohan said coldly. "Gu Junze will not die so easily."
A sinister glint flashed in Gu Chengyan's eyes: "Is that so? Then let's wait and see."
He picked up Chu Ruohan and turned to leave the pavilion.
They escorted him back to the room and placed him on the bed.
Gu Chengyan looked down at Chu Ruohan: "You'd better pray that he really survives, otherwise, you'll only have me forever."
Chu Ruohan: "Even if Gu Junze dies, my heart will never accept you."
Gu Chengyan stepped forward and grabbed her wrist: "Han'er, don't force me."
si-mexico