A Time-Traveling Zombie Romance (GL) - Chapter 36

“Master, Zhang Xiaoqi and his group have departed. Should we ambush them halfway and finish them off?”
A subordinate dressed in black stood behind Qi Yichen, a glint of cruelty flashing in his eyes as he asked respectfully.

Qi Yichen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the distance. After a long silence, he said slowly,
“With Zhang Xiaoqi’s skill, a mid-way ambush would hardly succeed. I want a strike that’s certain to kill. A frontal assault won’t work. Where’s Sun Li?”

“He’s nearby, always at your service,” the man replied, bowing.

“Bring him here.”

“Yes, Master.”

A cup of tea later, a man arrived. His features were ordinary, his clothes simple—a plain blue tunic—but the slight bulge at his temples showed he was no commoner, clearly a man of the martial world.

“Master,” the man greeted Qi Yichen with a fist-salute, though without much reverence.

“Did you complete the task I gave you?” Qi Yichen asked coldly.

Sun Li chuckled lightly. “I’ve already studied Zhang Xiaoqi’s habits and mannerisms inside out.”

“Good. Then go test them.”

“Alright.”

Not far away, two carriages rested in a small forest clearing. The group sat around chatting while chewing on dry rations.

“Little Sister Qing’er, I saw that young master Ling Feng drooling when he looked at you earlier,” Mu Jinyi teased with a grin.

“Brother Mu, don’t talk nonsense!” Siqing’s face flushed red. “What does his drooling have to do with me? I only like my brother—even if he doesn’t like me back.”

She sneaked a glance at me as she said this.

I froze. Even though she spoke quietly, my hearing caught every word. Looking up, I saw the two of them laughing—looking every bit the close couple. I sighed helplessly.

Why does this always get so complicated…

“Brother, I’m going to wash my hands by the river,” Siqing said after finishing her food.

“Alright. Be careful,” I nodded.

Qi Yichen (still disguised among us) lifted his eyes briefly, glanced at her, then continued eating without comment.

Siqing smiled softly and walked toward a patch of dense trees.

The little river ran clear and cool, water murmuring gently over the stones.
Dressed in her pink dress, Siqing crouched by the bank, washing her hands, her eyes lost on her reflection. She seemed deep in thought.

Suddenly, she heard faint footsteps behind her. Turning quickly, she saw “me” approaching with a warm smile.

“B-Brother? What are you doing here?” she asked, startled.

“Heh, just came to wash up too. You seemed lost in thought just now—what were you thinking about?” I said with a chuckle.

“N-Nothing.” Her cheeks flushed as she stared down at her toes.

“Mm.” I knelt to rinse my hands in the cold water.

“How much do you like me, Qing’er?” I asked casually.

Her face turned even redder. She didn’t answer.

“Oh my, you’re blushing,” I teased.

“Brother, I like you… very much. Really, really like you,” Siqing said seriously, gazing at me with unwavering eyes.

“Do you like me that much? Then when we return, I’ll tell Father and Mother I’ll marry you—how about that?” I smiled, eyes flashing mischievously.

“Really? You mean… you like me too?” Her eyes lit up with delight.

“Mm, really. I like you too.”

“Brother! You’re the best!” She laughed joyfully and threw her arms around me.

“Hehe. Qing’er, I need to… uh, relieve myself. Go on ahead—I’ll catch up soon.”

“Okay!” She nodded, still beaming with happiness.

Elsewhere, Qi Yichen stood before Sun Li.
“Well? Did she notice anything strange?”

Sun Li shrugged lazily. “Me? Leave traces? She couldn’t possibly tell.”

Qi Yichen’s gaze cooled. “Let’s hope so. I went through great trouble to get the two of you from the Lord’s side—don’t make me regret it. Summon your twin.”

“Understood.”
Sun Li nodded, pulled out a small bamboo tube, and released a silent red signal flare into the sky.

Meanwhile, the “Qi Yichen” who had been eating nearby looked up, saw the red dot glowing above, and stood.
“I’ll go… relieve myself. You all keep eating.”

Everyone nodded casually.

Moments later, the real Qi Yichen met someone identical to himself. He raised a brow slightly. The “Qi Yichen” tore off a lifelike human-skin mask, bowed, and said,
“Greetings, Master.”

Then he turned and grinned at Sun Li. “Brother.”

“Sun Ping, your disguise technique is excellent—I almost fell for it myself,” Qi Yichen said with a rare smile.

“Not at all, brother’s disguise skill far surpasses mine,” Sun Ping replied.

“Flatterer.” Sun Li smirked.

“I’ll return now. Sun Ping, go back to the hall and manage affairs. Sun Li, keep shadowing Zhang Xiaoqi—don’t let a single move escape your eyes.”
Qi Yichen’s tone turned sharp.

“Yes, Master!”

Back with the group, Qi Yichen had just returned when Mu Jinyi smirked.
“Brother Qi, you sure took your time answering nature’s call.”

“Uh…” Qi Yichen froze, face reddening. Inwardly, he cursed Sun Ping. Of all excuses, why that one?!

“Enough,” Menghui said coldly. “Who says it’s impossible to take that long?”

The chill in her tone made Mu Jinyi shiver. He laughed awkwardly, “Alright, alright, my mistake. Brother Qi can… take as long as he likes.”

Qi Yichen’s ears burned even redder.

“Hehe, alright, stop teasing him,” I said with a smile.
Mu Jinyi just shrugged. “Fine, fine. Spoilsport.”

Just then, Siqing returned, cheeks pink as she lowered her head and came up to me.

“Qing’er, you’re back. We’ve been waiting,” I said lightly.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Brother.” She looked at me, eyes filled with warmth.

“Uh…” I froze under her gaze.

“Qing’er… are you alright? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m fine. I’m just… happy,” she said, still smiling.

“Happy? Did something funny happen?” I asked, scratching my nose awkwardly.

“Of course! How could I not be happy after what Brother just said?”

“What… did I say?” I blinked and turned toward Yunxi.

“You said that once we return, you’ll marry me,” Siqing replied sweetly. “Have you already forgotten?”

My legs nearly gave out beneath me. “What?! When did I ever say that?”

Siqing’s smile faltered, her lips pouting. “Just now, at the stream! You said so yourself. Unless… Brother, were you lying to me?”

“This is a huge misunderstanding! I’ve been here with everyone the whole time—I never went near the river, let alone said that!” I panicked.

“She’s right,” Yunxi stepped forward. “He’s been with us all along.”
I shot her a grateful look.

“Yes, Miss, the Young Master was here the entire time,” the five guards added firmly.

“Then who was that just now? Could it be… a ghost?” Siqing frowned.

“Hehe, perhaps your imagination?” Yunxi teased lightly.

“I… don’t know…” Siqing murmured, puzzled.

“It must’ve been an illusion! Just an illusion!” I said quickly, forcing a laugh.

“Brother, you really didn’t go to the river?” she asked again, uncertain.

I nearly collapsed again, grateful when Yunxi grabbed my arm.
“Really, it wasn’t him,” she said firmly. “You must’ve imagined it.”

“Alright…” Siqing finally lowered her head, looking disappointed.

“Ahem. Well, we’ve rested long enough,” I said, coughing awkwardly. “If we don’t move soon, we’ll be camping in the wilderness tonight. What’s the next stop?”

“Sir, our next stop is Nancheng. After Nancheng, we’ll reach Liuzhou—that’s already the Jiangnan region,” reported Li Shaomin.

“Eh? We’re reaching Jiangnan so soon?” I asked curiously.

“Yes, because we’re taking the shortcut,” Yunxi explained with a smile.

“Oh, I see. Alright then—let’s head for Nancheng!”