Chapter 287: Return

“Fang’er?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you mean what you said?”

“I’ve said a lot of things. Which one are you talking about?”

“You said that if I woke up, you’d marry me. Did you mean it?”

“Of course I meant it. But I’m not even twenty-two yet, so I’m not legally old enough to marry you.”

“That’s fine. Let’s get married somewhere else.”

“Oh? Where?”

“Lin Town.”

“Yi-ge, don’t talk nonsense. I miss my parents and brothers so much, but I can’t go back.”

“Don’t worry. Look, what’s this?”

Qin Yi carefully took out a crystal fishbowl. Lin Fang’s eyes widened in shock. “How is this possible? Isn’t this the fishbowl you gave me when we were kids? How…?”

“Haha, this is the treasure that will let us return to Lin Town.” Qin Yi placed the crystal fishbowl in Lin Fang’s arms, cupped her hands around it, then wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her forehead and gazed into her eyes solemnly. “The old monk said that with this treasure, we can travel freely between the two worlds.”

Three years after the mourning period ended, Prince Yi, disregarding the emperor and the officials’ objections, personally visited Magistrate Lin’s residence to formally propose marriage. He intended to marry the unconscious sixth daughter of Magistrate Lin as his princess consort.

Though Lin Dalang and Li Cuimei had already agreed to Qi Biao’s proposal three years earlier, they now faced a dilemma. A royal wedding with the bride unconscious—how could that be proper? Moreover, their daughter might never wake up in this lifetime.

Madam Tong, however, had long guessed the old monk’s so-called “divine secret.” She told Lin Dalang and Li Cuimei to simply accept Qi Biao’s proposal, as there might be a pleasant surprise. She also instructed Prince Yi to proceed with the wedding preparations.

After the engagement between Prince Yi’s residence and the Lin family was settled, Prince Yi embarked on large-scale construction, transforming Qi Manor into a royal retreat. The architectural style of the retreat was entirely tailored to his fiancée’s preferences—intricate and delicate, which required immense effort and expense. This extravagant spending fueled jealousy among many women who had hoped to marry Prince Yi.

Naturally, there were those who schemed to place their own candidates by Prince Yi’s side.

Their reasoning was almost identical: no matter how nostalgic Prince Yi might be, his future bride was still unconscious. Even after marriage, she wouldn’t be able to serve him. Over time, the prince would surely grow weary and turn to new favorites.

Rumors spread that the princess had been frail since childhood, often falling into days-long comas. This time, she had been unconscious for three years—who knew when she might pass away?

Even Prince Yi’s own elder brother, the emperor, had personally selected a secondary consort for him and bestowed palace attendants. Yet Prince Yi stubbornly refused, defying the imperial decree and sending the women back unchanged. The emperor had no choice but to let him have his way.

If even the emperor had been rebuffed, others stood no chance. For the time being, they abandoned their schemes.

Once everything was prepared and the wedding day approached, Qi Biao sought out the old monk, asking to be returned to Qin Yi’s body. If possible, he wanted to bring Lin Fang back to this world. If not, he was willing to forsake the wealth and status of this life—he only wanted to be with his Fang’er.

The old monk chanted a Buddhist mantra. “Amitabha. Since Prince Yi hasn’t been blinded by riches, this old monk will help you. But if you ever go back on your word to Fang’er, remember—just as I erased her painful memories, I can erase her memories of you too.”

Prince Yi replied, “If I ever betray Fang’er, I submit to your judgment, Master.”

The old monk explained, “The crystal fishbowl you gave Fang’er is the key to traveling between the two worlds. From now on, both of you can merge your bodies across the worlds, sharing a single soul. In this world, your appearances remain as they are here. In the other world, you’ll take on those forms instead.

Though time flows differently between the worlds, it remains equal. One day there is one day here, though the dates may slightly differ. For example, while this world hasn’t yet entered the twelfth lunar month, the other world is nearing the New Year. This is actually good—you and Fang’er won’t have to worry about missing holidays in either world.”

After thanking the old monk, Prince Yi returned to Qin Yi’s body, carrying the crystal fishbowl. From the time he left to his return, only a little over three days had passed. He awoke at dusk, with only Lin Fang by his side.

The next day, Xiao Guanpeng conducted a thorough examination of Qin Yi and confirmed he was in good health before discharging him.

Though Xiao Guanpeng still harbored feelings for Lin Fang, he wished Qin Yi and her happiness, jokingly warning that if Qin Yi ever reverted to his old playboy ways, he wouldn’t hesitate to win Lin Fang back.

After leaving the hospital, Qin Yi resigned from the police force. Instead of taking over the family business, he fulfilled his earlier promise and opened Xu Yi Law Firm. His first client was Lin Fang, who hired him as the legal consultant for the Lin Group.

In Qin Yi’s own words, he had now become Lin Fang’s all-around bodyguard.

In the other world, he was a prince—powerful, wealthy, and free to act as he pleased. Upon returning here, his combat skills and night vision from that world remained. Confident in his abilities, he believed his law firm would provide enough income, allowing him to devote himself entirely to Lin Fang without spending excessive time earning money.

Qin Ran pestered her brother about the wooden carving, but Qin Yi only smiled without answering. That was a private matter between him and Fang’er—outsiders didn’t need to know.

On Minor New Year’s Day, Qin Yi brought gifts to Lin Fang’s parents’ home. Lin Fang revealed Qin Yi’s true identity to Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin, explaining that the girl who had disguised herself alongside her earlier was Qin Ran—and that Qin Ran’s disguised appearance matched Qin Yi’s looks in the other world.

Like Lin Dalang and Li Cuimei, Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin were moved by Qin Yi’s devotion to their daughter. Naturally, they approved of their relationship.

Privately, however, Dong Huixin told Lin Fang, “Thank goodness Qin Yi is so handsome. If he really looked like Qin Ran’s disguise—all cold and stern—your father and I would have had second thoughts.”

Lin Fang burst into laughter at her mother’s biased remark, teasing her for being picky despite her own daughter’s average looks.

Meanwhile, Qin Yi, chatting with Lin Yuanmin about Lin Fang’s adventures in the other world, heard her laughter and asked what was so funny. Lin Fang teased him, “Mom said she always imagined a prince would have three heads and six arms, but you’re just a regular guy—though a very handsome one, good enough for her daughter.”

Seeing Lin Fang’s mischievous expression, Qin Yi knew she wasn’t telling the truth. He flicked her forehead playfully, and the two began bantering, much to the amusement of Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin.

Seizing the moment, Qin Yi mentioned that after the New Year, before Lin Fang’s school term began, he wanted to take her back to the other world to formalize their marriage.

Though reluctant to see their daughter marry so young, the elderly couple had heard from Lin Fang that in the other world, girls married at fifteen or sixteen. A nineteen-year-old unmarried woman would face harsh judgment. Though Lin Fang had mentioned her second grandmother’s rule that Lin family girls couldn’t marry before eighteen, her parents still didn’t want her reputation tarnished.

Moreover, Lin Fang’s parents in the other world had raised her for sixteen years. Putting themselves in their shoes, they felt Lin Fang should return to fulfill her filial duties. Besides, their daughter wouldn’t be gone forever—she could live in both worlds, receiving double the love. They agreed.

On the second day of the New Year, before Lin Yong and Lin Tuo could leave for their in-laws’ homes, Qin Yi arrived early at the Lin residence to pay his respects.

Meatball joked, “Brother Qin, the second day of the New Year is for visiting the wife’s family. Fang’er isn’t even married to you yet, and you’re already following the tradition—practicing in advance?”

Qin Yi, who had a soft spot for Meatball, teased back, “I heard Ma Miao’s hometown is so far away that the round trip takes six days, and the travel costs are steep. To save money, she stays alone at school during holidays. Now it’s the New Year—if you don’t take this chance to practice your ‘caring routine,’ she might just kick you like a ball later.”

Meatball scoffed, “Why would she kick me? I’m nothing to her.”

Despite his words, he grew restless, pacing around aimlessly before asking Sun Siyuan, who was playing chess with Lin Tuo, “Brother Sun, can you get me a train ticket? My mom took my little brother to her parents’ place for a few days, and my dad’s not home. I’m bored—might as well go pray at Yingtian Temple.”

Yingtian Temple was in the suburbs of the provincial capital—where Ma Miao lived. His obvious slip-up drew laughter from everyone.

Sun Siyuan glanced at Lin Fang, made a call, and told Meatball the ticket would arrive soon.

That glance from Sun Siyuan unsettled Qin Yi. He understood Sun Siyuan’s feelings.

In the room, everyone except Sun Siyuan and Meatball was paired up (excluding little Yuan Yuan). Now that Meatball was off to see Ma Miao, only Sun Siyuan remained alone. Qin Yi knew Sun Siyuan still harbored feelings for Lin Fang, even after their relationship was confirmed.

Understanding was one thing, but Qin Yi wouldn’t tolerate anyone eyeing his beloved. He knew Sun Siyuan’s character—he wouldn’t act inappropriately and would even protect Lin Fang if needed. But still, Lin Fang was his.

Quietly, he discussed this with Lin Fang, who suggested he encourage interactions between Qin Ran and Sun Siyuan. Ever since little Yuan Yuan’s innocent remark that Qin Ran should marry Sun Siyuan, Lin Fang had noticed Qin Ran’s gaze toward Sun Siyuan had changed—and Sun Siyuan, usually aloof, showed her subtle care.

Qin Yi agreed. His sister, spoiled since childhood, was impulsive and lively, while Sun Siyuan was calm and worldly. Their contrasting personalities could make them a perfect match.

After whispering with Lin Fang, she joined her sisters-in-law, while Qin Yi asked Lin Yong, who was fixing Yuan Yuan’s toy, “Big Lin, what are your plans after graduation?”

Technically, as Lin Fang’s brother, Lin Yong should be addressed as “eldest brother,” but Qin Yi, having been a prince in the other world, had never called anyone but the emperor “brother.” Even after his engagement to Lin Fang, he still addressed Lin Wen by name and called Lin Wu “Wu’er.”

Here, though hierarchy didn’t matter, Qin Yi couldn’t bring himself to call Lin Yong and Lin Tuo “eldest brother” or “second brother.” Since they were around his age, Lin Yuanmin suggested he follow others in calling them “Big Lin” and “Second Lin.”

Lin Yong paused his work. “After graduation, I’ll work under someone for a few months to gain experience before starting my own construction company. Seeing my siblings succeed while I haven’t even started—it’s frustrating.”

Lin Tuo, having just checkmated Sun Siyuan, came over to help with the toys. “Brother, why rush? You’ve always given the best to me and Fang’er. You joined the army just to secure a city household registration and better our lives. We haven’t forgotten.

“Building isn’t a joke—especially modern skyscrapers. One miscalculation could lead to disaster. Take your time gaining experience. When you’re ready, Fang’er and I will support you fully.”

Lin Fang chimed in, “Exactly! Big brother, if not for my illness, you wouldn’t have been delayed in starting college. Follow your heart, gain experience—safety comes first, no matter how eager we are.”

Others echoed the sentiment, urging Lin Yong to prioritize safety.

Qin Yi stood and bowed to the room. “Thank you all for protecting Fang’er all these years, allowing me this happiness today. This humble one is deeply grateful.”

His bow was sincere, but to the modern Lin family, it seemed playful. Little Yuan Yuan imitated him, bending repeatedly until he toppled over, sending everyone into laughter.