Chapter 117: A Jealous Soul

"Let's go."

Jun Yeli sheathed his sword, walked to Hua Rong’s side, and swept her into his arms, leaping directly from the heights into the void below.

Before she could even regain her senses, her feet were already planted firmly on the ground. Hua Rong stumbled, forced to use the man beside her as a crutch to steady herself. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. "Couldn't you have warned me beforehand?"

"Your brain just couldn't keep up," Jun Yeli replied with such righteous confidence that it was infuriating, yet left one with no way to argue.

The others followed, landing shortly after. Beyond the exit lay a long river, winding off to an unknown destination.

"This doesn't look like the forest anymore. We actually made it out!" To describe Hua Rong’s current state of mind as ecstatic would be an understatement. If not for the presence of others, she might have jumped for joy. "After being trapped in that hellhole for so long, we’ve finally seen the light of day. It wasn't in vain, all the effort I put in these past few days."

As Hua Rong sighed with deep emotion, Zhui Feng could not bring himself to share her joy. He lingered, casting a nostalgic glance back at the cliff, his heart churning like a stormy sea.

"There is no need for further lamentation. What was lost can be reclaimed—do you not understand that?" Otherwise, what was the point of him struggling so hard to stay alive?

But for Zhui Feng, he was currently penniless, stripped of his influence, and standing in a strange land; he was arguably in a worse position than the common man on the street. Caught in his dilemma, Zhui Feng looked up at the pair. Despite the hardships of the journey leaving them all looking a bit disheveled, it could not mask the noble aura that emanated from Jun Yeli. No matter how one looked at it, this man was clearly extraordinary.

He swallowed hard, the words stuck in his throat. Zhui Feng didn't know how to begin. "That... I..."

"You want to borrow money to return to your kingdom?"

Jun Yeli pierced through his thoughts in an instant. Zhui Feng felt awkward; after all, only half an hour ago, the two had been at each other's throats, looking like sworn enemies. To turn around and ask for money now was, to say the least, embarrassing.

To his surprise, Jun Yeli removed a jade fan pendant from his belt and handed it to him. "This item serves as a symbol of my status. Take it to the bank, and no one will stop you. Withdraw as much as you like, but I will review every transaction later. You will have to pay it back eventually."

"This..."

Looking at the precious object being handed over—the jade pendant alone was worth a fortune—he was now being told he could withdraw money without restraint. Just how wealthy must this man be to speak with such arrogance!

"What? Are you unwilling to accept it? I am only helping you for my wife’s sake. Otherwise, do you think you’d be fortunate enough to receive such a favor?" Jun Yeli stood with his hands behind his back, looking haughty. Even while lending money, he managed to assert his power, completely overshadowing Zhui Feng.

After finishing this, he didn't forget to provocatively glance at Hua Rong. "Well? Do you know what kind of husband you have now? The people others can't afford to offend and can't reach, you have them all."

This was no exaggeration. In terms of looks, status, or wealth, if Jun Yeli took a step back, no one dared to step forward.

Hua Rong was left speechless, feeling both awkward and helpless. *Is this guy's ingrained confidence hereditary?* Yet, she had to admit, he was indeed handsome and wealthy. It was just a pity that, having lost all her memories, she felt no sense of being his wife. Being forced into this marriage left her at a loss. "Um, let's just leave this place first. We've been through so much, and I haven't eaten at all. I'm starving."

This was no empty claim; the moment she finished speaking, a loud "rumble" echoed in the air.

Jun Yeli’s gaze fell upon her, and seeing her face flush with embarrassment, he couldn't help but feel a sense of indulgence. "Fine, let's go find something to eat. I can't have my wife starving. You've truly suffered these past few days."

Whether it was the relief of memory or just the joy of reunion, the feeling of having something back was uniquely sweet. Jun Yeli held Hua Rong’s hand tightly, not daring to let go. After they reached the street and had their fill, Zhui Feng finally bid them farewell.

"You both know that my situation is special and my responsibilities are heavy, so I cannot stay long. If fate allows, we shall meet again!"

Seeing him about to leave, Hua Rong felt a genuine reluctance. "You’ve helped me a great deal during this time, and I have nothing to give you. Why don't you take this? It's something I’ve kept with me; it should be meaningful."

What Hua Rong took off was the jade pendant Jun Yeli had given her. Her mind was a blank slate, and she only knew that important things should be left with those one is grateful to.

She was completely unaware that the man beside her was already seething with rage. "You foolish woman! I gave that to you, and you turn around and hand it to another man? Do you even consider me your husband?"

Jun Yeli grabbed Hua Rong’s hand before she could extend it further. He looked her over, reluctant to let her give away her jade hairpin or anything else. "Forget it. You two, watch over the lady and don't let her give things to men. I'll be right back!"

After dropping those words, Jun Yeli walked off. The others stood there, completely bewildered. "Is this guy a vinegar jar reincarnated? How does he flip his lid so easily?"

Zhui Feng, who hadn't even received the gift yet, felt the blame landing squarely on him, feeling utterly wronged. Hua Rong looked at the jade pendant in her hand, feeling a flicker of guilt. *Even if I've lost my memories, it’s true that I shouldn't have made him lose face like that. But surely he wouldn't do anything rash...*

She was truly worried that this jealous man might do something bizarre. Just as she was guessing, Jun Yeli returned, holding a hairpin in his hand. "Take this instead! Let this be a token of gratitude from my wife!"

Looking at the hairpin—which was of poor quality and utterly hideous—everyone fell into a stunned silence.

"Are you serious? He saved my life, after all. This isn't appropriate..." Hua Rong felt embarrassed, but Jun Yeli laughed calmly. "Heh, how would you know how much money he's going to withdraw using my pendant?"

Good grief—he had calculated every penny. Hua Rong couldn't bring herself to hand it over, but Zhui Feng quickly took it and smiled. "No matter what it is, since it holds meaning, it is a priceless treasure. Many thanks."