[2] The Whole Family Is Insanely Eavesdropping on My Thoughts

Chapter 434: The Deposed Empress

Shi Yun silently helped Lu Chao Chao put on her shoes and socks before leading her downstairs to the main hall.

Inside the hall, a wail of despair had already broken out.

"How are we supposed to live like this? Hearts are being stolen without a sound, and so many people have already died!"

"The heavens must want our lives!"

"Don't be afraid! I went to the temple yesterday and brought back a divine statue. It will surely protect us!"

An elderly man carefully pulled out a statue wrapped in red cloth from his robes. He had even cleansed his hands beforehand, ensuring that he was pure before touching the idol.

"This is the High God Li Guang, the deity of light. He represents justice and fairness and is known to favor mortals the most. Even his name was given to bring dawn to humanity."

As Lu Chao Chao followed her mother down the stairs, her steps abruptly halted. A sharp pang pierced her heart.

[Li Guang!]

"Chao Chao, what's wrong?" Shi Yun asked with concern. She had never seen her daughter's face turn so ashen before, nor had she ever heard her speak of Li Guang with such deep-seated fear.

Lu Chao Chao lowered her head, avoiding the gaze of the gathered townsfolk.

"N-nothing..." she muttered weakly.

"Innkeeper, do you have any food? Bring us a warming pot of broth," Shi Yun said, deciding to move on.

The attendant immediately went to the kitchen to prepare the order.

It wasn't until half an hour later that Rong Che descended the stairs, his expression grim.

"Strange. The entire inn fell unconscious, yet no one had their heart taken."

Yet it was certain that someone had been here.

Shi Yun glanced at Lu Chao Chao and gently patted her head. Someone had taken her away.

Just as she was about to speak, a loud knocking resounded against the door.

The crowd screamed in fright, huddling together in fear.

The innkeeper nervously called out, "W-who's there?"

"A delivery—lotus roots for the Heaven-tier guest room," came a clear, youthful voice.

The moment Lu Chao Chao heard it, she immediately leaped from her mother's embrace.

"It's for me! It's a person! A real person!"

Shi Yun also found the voice familiar and signaled the servants to open the door.

A young man covered in mud entered. Even his usually pristine black hair was stained with dirt, and his sleeves were rolled up as if he had just come from working the fields. He held an enormous bundle of lotus roots, as thick as a baby's arm.

The roots had already been washed clean, their white flesh glistening with moisture.

Lu Chao Chao scrutinized him suspiciously...

[Wait, why is he wearing green?]

He looked strangely familiar.

Without changing expression, the young man handed the lotus roots to a servant. "This is what Chao Chao wanted."