You're my wife, don't doubt it!

"..."

"So what, should I tie her up and bring her out? That's not a long-term solution..."

"..."

"I've also thought about seeing Shen Jie through the mirror first, at least to discuss it... but it seems there's a huge gap between us, it's not that simple."

"..."

"I don't know if it's her father's, but I think it probably is, but I have no proof."

"..."

"That's pretty impressive, way better than Teacher Yao's."

"..."

"I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but Shen Jie mentioned it on the phone, saying it was a skyscraper..."

"..."

"Tsk, first of all, that hall sounds terrifying from Shen Jie's description. I'm not sure I can handle it. Shen Jie said she couldn't even use her skills inside. Secondly, I don't even know which way her house door faces, let alone find the entrance to the hall. Thirdly, this damn hall always causes people to either die or get seriously injured. If I cripple her father, do you think Shen Jie will forgive me...?"

"..."

"Call the police? Are you kidding me? I'm annoyed right now, I'm not in the mood for jokes..."

"..."

"Are you fucking serious? What right do I have to call the police?"

"..."

"What illegal imprisonment? She's a minor, do you understand? As a minor, her father has the legal right to exercise guardianship!"

"..."

"If that's what you're saying, then that does seem like a possible approach? However..."

"..."

"Youth organizations and the Avengers? That's certainly an idea..."

"..."

"Slow down, (xi) Parents or other guardians shall not allow or force minors to marry, nor shall they arrange marriages for minors... Which law is this from? The Law on the Protection of Minors?"

"..."

"It's fine, but have you thought about it? Doing this will completely break ties with Shen Jie's father, leaving no way out. Are you really planning to elope and get married then?"

"..."

"What do you mean I'm eyeing someone else's property? Okay, okay, I know, I'm not talking to you anymore, my mind is a mess right now."

"..."

"Okay, keep in touch." Xiao Yao said and hung up the phone.

"Ugh, this is really overwhelming..." Xiao Yao said, rubbing his temples as he walked into the church.

Talking to Yu Bo about finding Shen Jie probably wouldn't be of much help, right?

What exactly did he want from me?

Xiao Yao searched the first and second floors, inside and out, but couldn't find Yu Bo anywhere.

What are you doing...

"Beep-beep-beep-"

"Hey, Bo-ge, where are you going?"

“The small garden behind the church,” Yu Bo said.

"Isn't there a cemetery behind the church?"

"My foot! This is China, where cremation is mandatory." Yu Bo said this and then hung up the phone.

Following a winding path, Xiao Yao searched around twice before finally finding a half-open wooden door behind the church, which led to a small garden.

Hey, I've been here so many times before, and I never knew there was such a hidden gem inside.

This small garden is a tranquil and beautiful corner—surrounded by a low stone wall, constructed of rough-hewn stones. One side of the wall is covered with vines blooming in a variety of colors, like a living painting. Inside the garden, various flowers and greenery are planted, creating a rich and diverse landscape.

Carefully trimmed shrubs form several paths in the middle of the garden, with roses, carnations, lilies and other flowers adorning both sides, filling the air with their fragrance.

Yu Bo squatted on the ground, intently watering the flowers.

He was wearing a faded oversized T-shirt, knee-length gray pants, and worn-out slippers, exuding his usual casual and comfortable style.

Yu Bo had some stubble on his lips and chin, making him look older than his actual age. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and flowers, casting a soft glow on him and highlighting his features.

Xiao Yao stood behind Yu Bo, watching him quietly.

For some reason, he sensed a fatherly aura emanating from this young priest.

Although this guy is usually a bit unreliable in his words and actions, he is actually very reliable when it comes to serious matters.

Thinking about the care, help, and earnest teachings Yu Bo had given him over this period of time, Xiao Yao felt as if he were a loving father figure.

This feeling made Xiao Yao feel very close to someone, and his heart was shaken.

Xiao Yao looked at Yu Bo's broad shoulders and asked, "Father, what are you doing here?"

When Yu Bo heard Xiao Yao call him "Father" in a strange tone instead of "Brother Bo," he glanced at him with some oddity: "I'm carrying out the bishop's orders."

"What did His Holiness the Bishop say?" Xiao Yao asked Yu Bo.

“His Holiness the Bishop has already instructed me,” Yu Bo said, “Little Yu, you should grow flowers, plant vegetables, and fish. Ah, picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and leisurely gazing at the southern mountains, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

"What the hell?" Xiao Yao asked. "When did the bishop say that?"

"Two and a half years ago." Yu Bo put down the showerhead and watering can, stood up lazily, and clenched his right fist, tapping his lower right back. "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Xiao Yao stepped forward and reached out to massage Yu Bo's lower back without saying a word.

"Xiao Yao, put your hand on your heart and tell me, how have I treated you?" Yu Bo didn't stand on ceremony with him, standing still while Xiao Yao tapped his waist: "A little to the left."

Xiao Yao understood that when people say such things, they usually mean they want to make a request or ask you to do something for them.

“Hmm,” Xiao Yao said, “I never understood why priests are called ‘father’ before, but now I suddenly understand.”

"You little rascal, you're getting better and better at talking," Yu Bo said with a laugh.

“Sigh, I’m telling you the truth.” Xiao Yao told Yu Bo, “Sometimes, I really wish you were my father.”

“A priest can only be a spiritual father to people, not a biological father,” Yu Bo took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. “So, it’s not surprising that I treat my niece like my own daughter, is it?”

"Of course, I understand," Xiao Yao replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, while secretly trying to figure out what Yu Bo was up to.

"Xiao Yao," Yu Bo asked casually, lighting a cigarette, "you took Yingying back to the countryside this time...you didn't bully her last night, did you?"

Xiao Yao's heart skipped a beat. His first thought was that Yu Luying had complained to Yu Bo.

But it's unlikely that he reacted in 0.5 seconds.

After all, on the way to Fangbing Church for confession, Yu Luying had said to him, "You don't want me to go with my uncle, do you?"

“Of course not,” Xiao Yao said without changing his expression. “Why would I bully her? I’ve always treated her like a younger sister.”

“Oh,” Yu Bo exhaled a smoke ring, cutting straight to the point: “Is she really just your sister? What is your relationship now?”

Xiao Yao almost blurted out, "She's really just my sister," but he realized in 0.5 seconds that Yu Bo could ask Yu Lihua at any time.

“In fact,” Xiao Yao carefully chose his words, “we are also in a romantic relationship now.”

“Oh,” Yu Bo’s expression showed no surprise whatsoever: “Have you and Xiao Shen been in contact lately?”

“I haven’t been in contact with Xiao Shen recently,” Xiao Yao replied.

In fact, this is not a lie.

Chapter 229 The Moon That Doesn't Belong to Me

2023-06-09

“I haven’t been in contact with Xiao Shen recently,” Xiao Yao replied.

In fact, this is not a lie.

Thanks to the ambiguity, or rather, the profoundness of the Chinese language.

Yu Bo didn't speak, but stood there thoughtfully, looking at Xiao Yao.

That gaze wasn't exactly suspicious, nor was it harsh; it was more like scrutiny. His eyes seemed to be swirling with intense flames, as if trying to pull Xiao Yao's memories out of his eyes, suck them in, and investigate them thoroughly, making Xiao Yao's heart pound with unease.

Xiao Yao has never been to the police station in his life, but he has heard that veteran criminal investigators look at suspects with that kind of gaze, and people with poor mental fortitude can't withstand it and will confess everything in no time.

Yu Bo is friends with that forensic doctor surnamed Liang. Could he have recently learned some tricks? Impossible, it couldn't be that fast…

As Xiao Yao was lost in thought, considering whether he should just confess everything, Yu Bo spoke up again: "What about your daughter?"

“Ah, daughter…” Xiao Yao repeated the words subconsciously.

Yu Bo turned back around and began to tend to his flowers again: "How was today's lesson? Was there anything you didn't understand?"