Chapter 18: Going Home

Chapter 18: Going Home

As soon as Su Mo said those words, he regretted them.

Why did he suddenly agree to visit her?

He wanted to say something to back out, but seeing Yang Xiaoyun's joyful expression, it was hard for him to bring himself to do so.

With a bitter smile, he resigned himself to the situation.

When he had some free time, he would make a brief visit just to appease her.

The conversation with Yang Xiaoyun thereafter was forced and awkward.

Over the past few years, they had very little interaction. Since Su Mo’s transmigration, their only connection was the memories he inherited from his predecessor.

They were more like familiar strangers than childhood sweethearts.

However, it was clear that Yang Xiaoyun cared deeply for Su Mo.

She talked about her experiences escorting goods through the Jianghu.

Unfortunately, her storytelling skills were mediocre, making her tales rather flat. Moreover, Iron Blood Escort Agency was different from the declining Ziyang Escort Agency.

Out in the world, which bandits wouldn’t give her some respect?

Of course, this respect was given to Iron Blood Escort Agency, or more specifically, to Yang Yizhi.

Even so, with the foundation laid by Yang Yizhi and Yang Xiaoyun’s own excellence, her journeys were generally smooth.

Through this conversation, Su Mo gained a new perspective on Yang Xiaoyun.

In his memories, Yang Xiaoyun was often associated with violence, and his impression of her was mostly fear.

But now, it was evident that her concern for Su Mo was genuine.

And she had high expectations for him.

As for romantic feelings, there was no sign of that yet.

It was more of a habit formed since childhood.

That was fine with him.

It saved him a lot of trouble.

After drinking tea and chatting, the sun began to set. A middle-aged man from Iron Blood Escort Agency approached, "Young Chief Escort, we can't delay any longer; we need to head back."

"Alright, Su Mo, come with us."

It didn’t matter much to Su Mo.

Walking on foot, he could at least ride a horse if he went with Iron Blood Escort Agency.

The escort masters had no objections; two of them shared a horse, leaving one for Su Mo.

Together, they returned to Sunset City, parting ways at the city gate.

"Remember to visit me," Yang Xiaoyun reminded Su Mo as she waved goodbye.

Su Mo reassured her again before heading towards Ziyang Escort Agency.

...

...

Ziyang Escort Agency was not in a remote location; its front door faced one of the main roads of Sunset City.

During busy times, carriages passed by continuously, bustling with activity.

But now, before nightfall, the street was empty and quiet.

Standing at the entrance, he looked up at the signboard that read: Ziyang Escort Agency!

The characters were ancient and powerful.

It was said that the ancestor, Su Chengyu, personally sought this signboard from Purple Sun Sect.

As long as this signboard remained, Ziyang Escort Agency would be under the protection of Purple Sun Sect.

However, this protection came with conditions.

Ordinary matters should not bother the sect.

If a serious conflict arose, threatening the entire family, Purple Sun Sect would not stand idly by.

But this promise was meant for Su Chengyu.

By the time it reached Su Mo, the connection with Purple Sun Sect was minimal. While they weren’t estranged, Purple Sun Sect likely didn’t think much of this unaccomplished Su family member.

Thus, the signboard was merely symbolic.

Arriving at the door, he lifted the door ring and knocked.

After a moment, the peephole opened, revealing a pair of slightly cloudy eyes.

Upon seeing Su Mo, surprise flashed across them.

"Master is back!"

Immediately, the gate creaked open, revealing an old servant.

Uncle Fu!

Uncle Fu was quite old, at least sixty this year.

Ever since Su Mo could remember, Uncle Fu had been serving in the escort agency.

It was said that many years ago, he was a poor soul saved by Su Mo's grandfather.

He had been serving in the escort agency since his youth.

He had served three generations of the Su family.

Even when Su Mo was disgraced and the others had scattered, Uncle Fu remained loyal and stayed by Su Mo's side.

Seeing Su Mo return, the joy in his eyes could not be hidden, but he kept within his bounds, carefully examining Su Mo to ensure he wasn't injured or missing any limbs before finally breathing a sigh of relief.

He hurriedly said, "Master, come in quickly. This trip must have been tiring. You were a few days late. I was thinking this morning that if you didn't return today, I would go to the Ten-Li Pavilion to greet you tomorrow."

Su Mo smiled bitterly. "No need for that; you're getting on in years, so please avoid such travel."

"How could it be... In my youth, I followed the late master running around, even sleeping in the snow. My body is still strong."

Uncle Fu smiled, revealing his three remaining teeth, his face creased with wrinkles, yet there was a hint of pride.

"That's true, but rest assured, this journey was short and safe, with no unexpected incidents. It's just that the scholar was slow, which delayed us a bit."

"A scholar is useless in every way; that saying isn't wrong."

Uncle Fu nodded in understanding. "Safe return is what matters. I'll go to the kitchen and prepare hot water for you. Take a bath to wash off the dust from your journey. Afterward, you can eat."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded slightly but then stopped him. "Uncle Fu, this is for you."

As he spoke, he took out a banknote and the five taels of silver given by Li Yishu.

"Ah, how did you get so much?"

Uncle Fu was surprised.

"Don't worry about it; just record it."

"Alright, alright."

Uncle Fu did not ask further and put the banknote and silver into his pocket.

In this small, dilapidated escort agency, all expenses were managed by Uncle Fu.

Although Su Mo had considered that they were only two people relying on each other, why be so meticulous?

But Uncle Fu said that without rules, there would be chaos, and the escort agency wouldn't always be like this. Rules needed to be established from the beginning.

Currently, there was no accountant, so he temporarily took on the role. When the escort agency thrived, there would naturally be an accountant to manage finances, a groom to care for the horses, and a gatekeeper to manage the entrance—each with their own duties.

Su Mo was not one to ignore advice. After considering it, he found it reasonable and agreed.

Leading Su Mo inside, they passed through the corridor and arrived at Su Mo's bedroom. Uncle Fu quickly turned around and returned shortly after, not with hot water, but with a copper basin, his face beaming:

"Master, wash your face first upon returning home."