Chapter 1492: Leaving (Part One)
Yang Haoran had long since figured out Ye Zhiqiu's personality over the years, so he understood him perfectly. Since Ye Zhiqiu had brought up the matter today, and had even specifically kept Red Lotus present to discuss it so solemnly, it meant Ye Zhiqiu had already made a decision. And once Ye Zhiqiu made a decision, it was very difficult, almost impossible, to change.
Knowing this, Yang Haoran still couldn't help but question Ye Zhiqiu at this moment, purely out of a sliver of hope. Even though he already knew the outcome, he couldn't resist confirming it with Ye Zhiqiu once more.
The result did not surprise Yang Haoran. Facing his confirmation, Ye Zhiqiu directly gave an affirmative reply.
"We've thought it through. My wife and I discussed this for a long time before finally reaching this decision. In other words, this isn't just my Ye Zhiqiu's idea, but a joint decision made by both of us. Even if you hadn't come to find me today, I would have sought you out soon. And what I wanted to tell you today is precisely this matter."
Although Ye Zhiqiu's answer did not surprise Yang Haoran, it did not diminish Yang Haoran's disappointment with it. The sliver of hope he had harbored in his heart was shattered by Ye Zhiqiu's affirmative reply.
"Just as Red Lotus said, our Great Night Empire is now on the right track, and its development is incredibly rapid. It's no exaggeration to say it changes every day. You've made a huge contribution to this. As a great contributor, you haven't even properly enjoyed the benefits the Great Night Empire has to offer, and yet you two are leaving. It's truly a pity."
At this point, Yang Haoran paused slightly before continuing to speak.
"Furthermore, our Great Night Empire now stands in opposition to the Yin Division. Besides the Yin Division, I've accumulated considerable enmity with both the Talisman Order and Spirit Mediums. And you've been with me for so many years; they've long known that you, Ye Zhiqiu, are my, Yang Haoran's, trusted subordinate. If you two leave the Great Night Empire and aren't discovered by these people, then so be it. But once you are discovered, I'm worried that your lives will be greatly threatened."
After Yang Haoran's words fell, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but sigh, his face filled with sorrow. Red Lotus's face was likewise etched with regret.
Under Yang Haoran's gaze, Ye Zhiqiu ultimately shook his head.
"Thank you for considering so much for us, but my wife and I have truly made up our minds. So, we hope you can grant our wish."
Ye Zhiqiu had already spoken to this extent; Yang Haoran knew that Ye Zhiqiu truly could not be retained.
Yang Haoran remained silent. Ye Zhiqiu and Red Lotus also said nothing, and the living room once again fell into silence due to their quietude.
A moment later, the silence was broken by Yang Haoran. He let out a helpless sigh, a wry smile spreading across his face. Ye Zhiqiu and Red Lotus watched Yang Haoran's reaction, their hearts similarly filled with mixed emotions. This was only the second time they had seen such a helpless expression on Yang Haoran's face in all the years they had followed him. The last time they had witnessed such an expression was when Xu Meijing broke ties with him.
Precisely because this was only the second time they had seen this expression on Yang Haoran's face, it truly showed the depth of his helplessness regarding this matter.
Although Ye Zhiqiu had initially been forced to follow Yang Haoran, over the years, Yang Haoran had indeed treated him well. Not only was he good to Ye Zhiqiu, but he also made an exception for Ye Zhiqiu's wife, Red Lotus. Otherwise, Red Lotus might have long since suffered Soul Transformation, let alone ascended to the Ghost King realm and gained an immortal Ghost King body.
Of course, the couple knew better than anyone how good Yang Haoran had been to them, and they could feel that his kindness was genuine. Precisely because of this, they had not mentioned this matter to Yang Haoran for a long time. Even though the time they had agreed upon with Yang Haoran had passed many years ago, they had never brought it up in front of him.
That they brought up this matter today meant the couple had gritted their teeth and made this decision only after long discussions. From this, it was clear that when they made such a choice, they must have resolved themselves to an extreme degree. Had they not yearned for a peaceful life, or even intensely craved such a life, they certainly wouldn't have made this decision.
Watching Yang Haoran's helpless expression now, the couple felt equally uneasy. Although Ye Zhiqiu had never shown deference to Yang Haoran, in Ye Zhiqiu's eyes, Yang Haoran was absolutely a good friend, and his only one at that.
"There's no unending feast under heaven. Since this is a decision you two have made after careful consideration, I will certainly support it. While I truly want you both to stay, I won't forcibly keep you here just because I wish for it."
Yang Haoran said with a smile. As he spoke, he tried his best to make the smile on his face appear a bit more natural. Unfortunately, he failed; the smile on his face looked unnatural no matter how one saw it.
"Thank you for granting our wish."
Ye Zhiqiu expressed his thanks, and Red Lotus at that moment also bowed to Yang Haoran, using this gesture to convey her gratitude.
Ye Zhiqiu hesitated for a moment, then spoke again.
"I won't be able to provide long-term support for the Flock of Demons Society, but you can give me tasks that can be completed in a short time. Before I leave, I want to do something more for you, and for the Great Night Empire."
This matter had already dragged on for so long. According to Ye Zhiqiu's original intention, it would naturally be best to leave the Great Night Empire as soon as possible and live the life he yearned for. But if he were to just leave like this, he felt a bit uneasy. That's why he wanted to complete one more task for Yang Haoran before he departed, so he would feel somewhat better about it.
However, after Yang Haoran heard Ye Zhiqiu's words, he gently shook his head.
"No need. Before you leave, you two should just rest well, or buy some daily necessities, or even take a stroll around the Great Night Empire. After all, who knows when you two will return to the Great Night Empire next time—perhaps never again. So, I don't want to give you any more tasks before you leave, because the last mission often costs lives. That's how it's always portrayed in TV dramas, you know."
Yang Haoran refused very straightforwardly, and to lighten the mood, he even made a small joke.
Seeing that Yang Haoran had put it that way, Ye Zhiqiu didn't make a fuss. Instead, he nodded and accepted Yang Haoran's decision.
Ye Zhiqiu understood Yang Haoran's personality just as Yang Haoran understood his. So, he knew that even if he insisted, Yang Haoran wouldn't assign him a task. Therefore, he thought for a moment and simply accepted Yang Haoran's decision, because he knew that insisting further would not only be meaningless but also make him seem affected.
Over the next three days, Ye Zhiqiu and his wife toured the Great Night Empire, purchasing many daily necessities, and also some unique items from the Great Night Empire as souvenirs.
During this period, Yang Haoran summoned all of his trusted subordinates. Even Bai Xue, who had just left the Great Night Empire, received Yang Haoran's Communication Talisman.
Although Bai Xue was puzzled why Yang Haoran would summon her back just as she had left, she did not defy his orders. Instead, she rushed back to the Great Night Empire with the utmost speed.
On the evening of the third day, all of Yang Haoran's trusted subordinates gathered together. Except for Ye Zhiqiu, who knew what Yang Haoran intended to do, the other subordinates were all puzzled, unsure of Yang Haoran's purpose. In the past, whenever they gathered, it was always in the meeting hall to discuss important affairs. Yet this time, they were gathered at a dinner table, laden with all sorts of delicious dishes. How could they not be puzzled?
Yang Haoran had hastily summoned them all together, only for it to be a dinner invitation. While they were puzzled, a sense of surprise also arose in their hearts. They simply couldn't comprehend what was going on.
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