Chapter 48: The Black Dragon in the Dream

Qiu Yiyao pondered for a long time before deciding to reveal a little to them. After all, Bai Peiyu followed her everywhere daily, making it hard for her to move freely. It was better to be upfront. Besides, in such a vast crowd, she couldn’t even find the woman with chestnut hair, let alone that mysterious poster whose name and appearance she didn’t know.

“No, I’ve only been back for half a year; how could I know anyone at the police station?” Qiu Shengming said, then glanced at Bai Peiyu. “Xiao Bai, what about you?”

“No,” Bai Peiyu replied indifferently, not even lifting his head.

But a minute later, as if changing his mind, he suddenly asked, “I don’t know anyone, but I can help. Who are you looking for?”

That was exactly what Qiu Yiyao had been waiting to hear.

“The person who was in the same train carriage as me on the way back.”

Hearing this, Qiu Shengming paused. “Yiyao, did you lose something on the train?”

Qiu Yiyao, struggling for an excuse, quickly nodded. “Yes, I had a small suitcase, but I don’t know who took it.”

“A small suitcase? Anything valuable inside?”

“Yes, the silk scarf my mother bought me before she passed away was in it,” Qiu Yiyao’s eyes reddened. “I used to take it out whenever I missed her, but now the scarf is gone, and I…”

She had indeed thought about bringing that scarf but had stayed up late watching a drama the night before leaving. In the rush to pack, she forgot to bring it to the train station.

“That definitely needs to be found,” Bai Peiyu said, setting down his chopsticks and standing up. “Wait at home; I’ll ask around for you.”

So soon?

Qiu Yiyao was a little surprised. Seeing him stride out the door, she nervously called after him, “If you can’t find it, just forget it.”

…

In the afternoon, the sun blazed outside. Qiu Yiyao sat by the window, feeling the hot air from the fan behind her. Sweat kept breaking out, making her restless.

She began to regret changing rooms. Upstairs had an old air conditioner, but this guest room only had a broken fan.

Leaning on the table with her hands, she stared out at the cement ground, which seemed to shimmer with heat.

“Whatever. I’ll go upstairs first. He’s not back yet, and if he returns, I can find out right away whether he has good or bad news.”

Her mind was racing with plans.

She turned off the fan, hugged a pillow, and went upstairs to push open Bai Peiyu’s door.

A breeze came through the window, carrying that familiar scent.

She couldn’t help but take a deep sniff.

Though the room still had pink accents, it was much cleaner and tidier than when she was there before.

Qiu Yiyao switched on the air conditioner, put down the pillow, and lay down, dozing off.

Perhaps the coolness helped; she soon drifted into sleep.

—

In her dream, dark clouds pressed overhead as she stood alone by the riverbank, rain falling steadily.

Suddenly, a huge fish burst from the water, its fiery red body and whiskers swaying in the wind.

The carp soared toward the sky. Qiu Yiyao looked up, rain blurring her vision.

Rubbing her eyes, a tremendous roar shattered the silence.

A black dragon descended from the clouds, landing on the river’s surface. Its massive body undulated like a shadowy line across the water.

Qiu Yiyao was stunned, frozen in place, eyes wide with disbelief.

The black dragon seemed to notice her and slowly flew toward where she stood.

As it neared, it suddenly accelerated.

She was terrified; it was the first time she’d seen such a colossal creature and she dared not move.

The dragon stopped right in front of her, towering above as it looked down.

“A dragon?” she whispered.

The black dragon, seemingly proud of her shock, clawed at the air.

Then, a voice pierced her ear: “Hey, wake up.”

“Was I dreaming?” Qiu Yiyao muttered to herself. When she lowered her head and looked up again, the dragon was gone.

But the voice kept coming, growing louder: “If you don’t get up now, I’m throwing you out.”

Clearly, it was Bai Peiyu’s voice. Qiu Yiyao scoffed, “Hah, as if I’m scared of you throwing me out.”

She turned to leave, but suddenly a sharp pain struck her head.

Startled, she opened her eyes and saw herself lying on Bai Peiyu’s bed, covered with his small blanket.

Bai Peiyu stood by the bedside, hands in pockets, smirking. “Sneaking into my room to sleep in my bed while I’m gone — what kind of move is that?”

“What kind of move?” Qiu Yiyao pulled the blanket away with disdain. “If it weren’t to steal some air conditioning, do you think I’d want to sleep in your room? Don’t you know the wind outside feels like a sauna?”

“Then should we switch back?”

“Can we?”

At his words, Qiu Yiyao perked up, looking at Bai Peiyu with hopeful eyes.

But then she remembered that besides enjoying the air conditioning, she wanted to know immediately if he had found anyone from the same train carriage. How could she forget the matter at hand?

So she spoke seriously: “By the way, you said you’d help find someone. How’s it going?”

Bai Peiyu deliberately kept her in suspense, sitting on the chair with his legs crossed, looking calm. “Guess.”

Guess what? Did he think she was a kindergartner?

Qiu Yiyao felt annoyed but, eager to find those people quickly, she forced herself to lean in humbly.

“Brother Yu, stop teasing me. You know I’m dumb; how could I guess?”

Her deliberately coquettish tone made Bai Peiyu irritated. He turned his head. “Points deducted. Doing so poorly and still wanting info from me? Not that easy.”

Qiu Yiyao rolled her eyes inwardly but reluctantly reached out to massage his shoulders. “You’ve been out running around for so long; you must be tired. Let me help.”

But after just two squeezes, Bai Peiyu shrugged deliberately. Qiu Yiyao took the hint and withdrew her hand.

He said, “Yeah, I’m tired. My feet are blistered.”

He even patted his legs for emphasis.

Though she’d never “served” anyone before, Qiu Yiyao had watched plenty of TV shows. This was an obvious hint to massage his legs.

Her mind said no, but her body was honest, and she obediently crouched down to rub his legs.

The muscles in his legs were as firm as those in his waist, clearly well-trained.

While massaging, Qiu Yiyao sneaked a look at Bai Peiyu. He leaned back, eyes closed, long lashes fluttering slightly.

Who knew what kind of spirit or creature he really was? His figure and face were even better than idols.

She wondered if his true form was also a handsome spirit.

“Am I good-looking?” Bai Peiyu’s sudden question stunned Qiu Yiyao. She realized he was talking about her secretly staring at him.

“I’m not blind. You think I wouldn’t notice?” she retorted.

“Not yet. Keep looking and you’ll grow eyes on your feet.”

Bai Peiyu lifted his foot, his pristine canvas shoe blocking her view.

She reached out to remove it but pulled back before touching it.

Pouting, she stood up. “Bai, insulting me isn’t your style. If you hadn’t gotten any news, just say so—I wouldn’t blame you. Why make a fuss?”

Bai Peiyu opened his eyes and looked at her, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “Can’t handle it, huh? Do you know your biggest flaw? You can’t be patient; your temper explodes at the slightest spark. You might not suffer with foolish or malicious people, but if you meet someone cunning, you won’t even know how you died.”

His voice was calm, but every word struck Qiu Yiyao like undeniable truth.

She stayed silent but sensed Bai Peiyu’s attitude toward her had shifted. He seemed to be deliberately testing her.

It seemed her decision was right. Bai Peiyu was truly the one who could help her leave this town.

Qiu Yiyao softened her tone. “Sorry, I was too impulsive… I should have…”

Before she could finish, Bai Peiyu shared important news.

“I found someone, but I’m not sure if it’s the one you’re looking for.”