Chapter 28: First Meeting with Angel Investor Dugu Bo

The moon hung like a starry platter, its pure light intertwining with the desolate autumn breeze. Tonight was destined to be another sleepless one.

Ye Qingqiu, who had gotten up in the middle of the night, suddenly noticed that Ye Lingling was sitting alone in the courtyard. "Ling Ling, aren't you going to sleep? The weather has turned cold recently. It's chilly, so make sure to wear more," she said, draping her coat over Ye Lingling.

However, her words were met with silence.

No one knows a daughter better than her mother.

Ye Qingqiu could tell at a glance that Ye Lingling's absent-minded demeanor meant she was harboring something in her heart.

So, she sat down beside Ye Lingling and spoke softly, "Does our Ling Ling have something troubling her? If you can't figure it out, why not tell Mom? Maybe I can give you some advice."

Little did she know, Ye Lingling was currently in a state of turmoil, her mind filled with thoughts of Gu Feng.

Especially when she recalled the impulsive act of handing over that bag of Gold Soul Coins to Gu Feng a few days ago, she felt utterly embarrassed. Now, she was agonizing over how to face him.

A moment of impulsiveness from a timid person leads to three days and nights of regret.

This phrase perfectly captured Ye Lingling's current state of mind.

After all, who would casually give away a large sum of Gold Soul Coins for no reason?

What on earth was I thinking back then?

Noticing the movement beside her, Ye Lingling snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Ye Qingqiu. Biting her lip, she asked, "Mom, do you ever feel this troubled? I think I might have made a mistake."

Ye Qingqiu tilted her head slightly, pondering for a moment, then pointed to the starry sky. "In life, who hasn't made a few mistakes? Sometimes, you might even wish you could go back and do things differently. But no matter how much you regret it, what can you really change?"

"Life goes on, and people must move forward. There are many crossroads in life, and we can't always make the most perfect choices. But as long as, at the moment of making a decision, you don't regret it in your heart, that's enough."

At this point, she turned her head and smiled gently, "The stars are free, and so is our Ling Ling!"

After listening to her mother's words, Ye Lingling quickly came to a realization.

That's right, what's the point of obsessing over whether giving the Gold Soul Coins was the right thing to do?

She didn't know if giving the Gold Soul Coins to Gu Feng was right or wrong, but she knew one thing—Gu Feng needed them!

As friends, isn't it natural to help each other?

"Mom, thank you!"

"It was Ling Ling's own idea. Come on, it's cold. Let's get some rest."

"Okay."

...

The next day, at noon.

After a simple lunch, Gu Feng hurried toward the training ground under the scorching sun.

Along the way, scenes of his upcoming meeting with Dugu Bo kept flashing through his mind. He pondered how to handle the situation, and without realizing it, his steps quickened.

He thought he had arrived early, having deliberately finished lunch ahead of time to prepare for this meeting.

But as the training ground's entrance came into view, he spotted a tall and graceful figure in purple standing quietly at the door.

A gentle breeze brushed past, stirring her cascading purple hair. Her fluttering robes accentuated her slender figure.

Who else could it be but Dugu Yan?

Gu Feng quickened his pace and approached, but before he could speak...

Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she quipped, "Little brother, you're really slow. I thought I'd have to wait until sunset for you."

Gu Feng scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, "Yan Yan, let's hurry up."

"Alright, you seem even more eager than I am."

Dugu Yan gestured for Gu Feng to follow her with a wave of her hand, then strode gracefully toward the academy gate.

Seeing this, Gu Feng quickly caught up.

...

The two walked side by side along the bustling Tiandou Avenue, where shops lined the streets, and the sounds of hawking and laughter intertwined into a lively cacophony.

Gu Feng's eyes were drawn to the dazzling array of goods on display, and he couldn't help but glance around curiously. Meanwhile, Dugu Yan remained composed, her steps light and carefree, as if she were already accustomed to all of this.

They continued until they reached the corner at the end of the street, where an old, unassuming house came into view. A plaque above the door bore the characters "Dugu."

The house wasn't large, its walls somewhat weathered, and a few wild grasses swayed in the wind atop the green tiles. It looked rather unremarkable.

"Well, we're here," Dugu Yan said casually, pointing to the house as if it were the most ordinary place in the world.

Gu Feng stared at the slightly dilapidated house, his eyes widening in surprise.

In his imagination, the residence of a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo should have been a grand and imposing mansion. This shabby-looking house was a far cry from what he had expected.

Seemingly reading Gu Feng's astonishment at a glance, Dugu Yan chuckled softly and explained, "What? Are you surprised that a Titled Douluo lives in such a small house?"

"Actually, it's perfectly normal. Before my grandfather became a Titled Douluo, our family had always lived here."

"Even after achieving fame and success, he couldn't bear to leave. He still holds onto this old house. My grandfather is a sentimental man."

At this point, Dugu Yan's expression suddenly turned serious. She leaned in slightly, closing the distance between herself and Gu Feng.

In an instant, Gu Feng felt his vision darken as Dugu Yan's face rapidly filled his view. He had no idea why she had suddenly gotten so close.

But a faint, delicate fragrance of jasmine wafted into his nose, adding an inexplicable hint of allure to the tense atmosphere.

Silence stretched between them, and time seemed to stand still.

After a long moment, Dugu Yan spoke with a serious and earnest tone, "Listen carefully. When you meet my grandfather later, you must watch your words and be cautious. His temper isn't the best. If you accidentally anger him, I can't guarantee you'll walk out of here alive."

Gu Feng took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and nodded firmly. "Alright, Yan Yan, don't worry. I understand."

That said, when it came to facing a Titled Douluo he had never met before, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

Fortunately, Old Yi was with him.

Then, Dugu Yan stepped forward and pushed open the heavy door, which creaked softly.

From inside, a hoarse yet cheerful voice called out, "Is that Yan Yan? Why are you back so early today?"

Gu Feng followed the sound with his gaze.

The man was a tall elderly figure with jet-black hair tinged with green, dressed in a green robe, and his piercing emerald-green eyes were sharp and intense.

"Grandpa, I've missed you so much!"

Dugu Yan's eyes lit up, and she rushed over like an excited bird returning to its nest, throwing herself into Dugu Bo's arms without a trace of her usual aloof and composed demeanor.

Dugu Bo pretended to be helpless as he gently patted Dugu Yan's back, chiding her with affection, "If you missed me, why didn't you come back sooner? You insisted on staying at the dormitory, making me worry about you every day."

As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly and let out a soft sigh, though the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth betrayed the joy in his heart.

At that moment, Dugu Bo suddenly noticed that Dugu Yan had brought a young man with her.

He seemed quite young.

Nevertheless, Dugu Bo instantly became wary, his eyes locking onto Gu Feng like a hawk. "Yan Yan, who is this?"

In that instant, Gu Feng felt as though he had been targeted by a venomous snake.

(End of Chapter)