Chapter 71: If You Save Someone, Save Them to the End; If You Escort a Buddha, Escort Him All the Way to the West!

“When I have some free time, I’ll be sure to take Lanlan out for a stroll. As for Ling Xiao, how should we arrange for him? It shouldn’t be difficult to find a place for him within the city.”

Taking them out for a walk was no issue, but his mind was still occupied with how to settle Ling Xiao. Seeing how much Zhang Xiaolan cared for Ling Xiao, he knew she would never agree to simply leave him aside.

“Ling Xiao, of course, must come back with us. Just find any place in your residence for him to sleep—he isn’t fussy about such things. Besides, we still need to treat the poison in his body.”

Zhang Xiaolan had never considered letting Ling Xiao leave. Now that he was no longer with the organization, it was impossible to predict when the poison might flare up. If there were no one to care for him then, how could she be at ease? In her heart, Ling Xiao was already like a younger brother—a true family member.

“It would be quite inconvenient to have Ling Xiao stay at the residence, not to mention that he is a remnant of the Restoration Sect. If someone were to discover and report him, it would be disastrous for both him and me,” Li Rui replied, voicing his concerns. After all, Ling Xiao was a leftover member of the Restoration Sect. Had it not been for Zhang Xiaolan’s persistent pleas, Li Rui would never have agreed to let him go.

If someone reported them, his own reputation would be utterly ruined. But after hearing about Ling Xiao’s difficult past, Li Rui had finally been swayed and agreed to shelter him.

“If we save someone, we must see it through to the end, mustn’t we? I’ve always admired your kindness and compassion, Brother Li. It’s because of this that I hold you in such high regard.”

Zhang Xiaolan understood Li Rui’s worries, but she could only be truly at ease if Ling Xiao stayed by their side. She would first persuade Li Rui and then think of a solution for the future. For now, what concerned her most was still the poison in Ling Xiao’s body.

“Lanlan, you’ve complimented me so much I’m almost embarrassed. I’m truly not as good as you say. If you want Ling Xiao to return to the residence with us, so be it. But his identity must never be revealed to anyone.”

“Of course, I understand. This concerns your reputation, Brother Li. My lips will be sealed as if stitched tight. If you’re well, I’m well, and everyone is well. The fact that you’ve made an exception for me this time moves me deeply. Once again, it proves your generosity and loyalty—I, Zhang Xiaolan, was not mistaken about you.”

If they were careful, there was little chance of exposure. At present, it was only the three of them, and if Xiaolian was included, four. As long as they all kept the secret, there was nothing to fear.

“Your tongue is the sweetest of all. No matter who argues, they can’t win against you. But when I hear your words, any temper I might have simply vanishes,” Li Rui said with a sigh, utterly helpless before Zhang Xiaolan’s charms—he could only yield to her.

“Hehe! As long as Brother Li likes hearing it, that’s enough.”

Zhang Xiaolan snuggled close to Li Rui, acting coy as she once did with her mother. Li Rui, of course, was elated, a broad smile lighting up his face.

“Sister Lan, what are you doing?” Ling Xiao, feeling much better today, came out for a walk and saw Zhang Xiaolan approaching him with a piece of leather in her hand.

“Oh! I wanted to braid a wristband for you. I was just about to find you to measure your wrist, but since you’re here, come and help me for a moment.”

Zhang Xiaolan had intended to cut the leather and then look for him, but since he’d come to her first, it was all the better.

“A wristband? What is that?” Ling Xiao had never heard of such a thing and couldn’t help his curiosity.

“It’s an ornament worn on the wrist. I plan to use it to cover the mark on your wrist,” Zhang Xiaolan explained her intention, but a faint shadow crossed Ling Xiao’s face.