Chapter 65: Unexpected Events and Turmoil at the Inn

As night descended, the dim street lamps cast mottled shadows, stretching and shrinking the silhouettes of the two as they walked, filling the quiet alley with warmth tinged by a hint of mystery.

Li Chao’s voice sounded especially steady and gentle in the darkness. He turned softly toward Yu Xin, concern and a trace of apology flickering in his gaze. “Sister-in-law, did that scene just now startle you?”

Yu Xin’s lips curved into a resilient smile. Her bright eyes, shining under the lamplight, revealed an indomitable spirit. “I’m not some fragile flower in a greenhouse. A little turbulence like that won’t scare me.”

Though her words were brave, a barely noticeable tremor betrayed her anxiety.

Li Chao seemed to sense her unease. He gently took her hand, trying to convey comfort and warmth. “You know, sometimes we must face difficulties and challenges to truly grow. Like those men earlier—they tried to bully you, but I wouldn’t let them succeed.”

Yu Xin felt a surge of warmth at his concern. She nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Chao. But wasn’t your response a bit too severe?”

Li Chao frowned slightly, recalling something, then spoke with quiet meaning. “Have you ever heard the old fable of the wolf and the merchants?”

His eyes seemed to pierce the night, drifting back to a distant past.

Yu Xin shook her head, curiosity lighting her gaze.

Li Chao’s lips lifted unconsciously, his smile warm and enchanting in the darkness. “It’s a story about wisdom and courage. A group of merchants struggled through a vast forest, only to encounter a pack of ravenous wolves. At first, they tried to buy safety with food, but it was like throwing stones into a lake—the wolves only grew bolder, attracting more of their kind.”

Yu Xin listened, intrigued. “What happened then? How did they escape?”

Li Chao’s eyes glinted with wisdom. “The merchants realized they couldn’t treat the wolves with gentleness anymore. They had to show courage and strength to protect themselves and their companions. So they picked up weapons and fought fiercely against the pack.”

“At their darkest moment, a hunter appeared. He didn’t choose to run or placate the greedy wolves with food. Instead, he decisively raised his rifle and shot the lead wolf dead. In that instant, the pack lost its backbone and scattered. The merchants finally escaped.”

As he finished, Li Chao’s gaze grew resolute, as if he saw himself in the hunter. “So, sister-in-law, for those with malicious intent who refuse to repent, we cannot show mercy or compromise. Our retreat only makes them more brazen, more audacious.”

Yu Xin’s eyes flashed with admiration and emotion. She looked at Li Chao, pride for her brave brother mingling with surprise at his hidden wisdom.

“Chao, I never imagined you not only have superb medical skills, saving lives in dire situations, but you also understand life’s truths so deeply. You truly make me see you in a new light.”

Yu Xin added playfully, “Your story reminds me of the wolves in our village. They always bully the weak and are loathsome.”

Li Chao nodded. “Yes, sister-in-law. Those wolves are like the wicked forces in society; we can’t let them have their way.”

Yu Xin looked at him with sincere admiration. “Chao, you’re incredible. You’ve saved so many people, and you understand so much.”

Li Chao waved his hand hurriedly. “Oh, please don’t flatter me, sister-in-law. I wouldn’t dare claim to be learned—just happened to read some interesting stories, that’s all.”

Yu Xin smiled. “You’re too modest, Chao. These stories you share have taught me so much.”

Li Chao grinned. “I’m glad you enjoy them. When I get the chance, I’ll tell you more.”

Yu Xin nodded. “I look forward to your next story.”

They exchanged a smile, glowing in the night like the brightest star, warming and illuminating their hearts, bringing warmth to the cool evening.

Then, the conversation took a playful turn. Li Chao’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “But if there’s any place worthy of being called ‘profound’…”

He drew out the words, stoking Yu Xin’s curiosity. “Where?”

He chuckled, lowering his voice, adding a touch of mystery and jest. “A brother’s greatness!” As soon as the words were spoken, the air seemed to freeze for a moment. Chun Lian’s cheeks flushed like the dawn, glaring at Chen Shan with mock annoyance. “You’re terrible!”

Night deepened, cloaking everything in a gentle ink-black hue.

Li Chao noticed Yu Xin’s embarrassment and felt a surge of tenderness and apology, quickly steering the conversation elsewhere. “Sister-in-law, judging by the hour, the village minibus must have stopped running.”

He glanced at the empty street in the distance. “Should we take a taxi home, or find a place in town to stay the night and head back early tomorrow?”

Yu Xin set aside her playful mood, considering the question seriously.

She looked around—the night was deep, the street lights dim, and indeed, there was no sign of passing vehicles.

She spoke softly, “Let’s stay in town tonight. The mountain roads aren’t safe this late. Safety first.”

Li Chao agreed, and they discussed finding a nearby guesthouse or hotel to stay for the night.

Walking side by side along the empty street, their footsteps echoed clearly in the night. Though late, the unexpected “incident” had brought them closer, filling their hearts with warmth.

Li Chao held Yu Xin’s hand, and together they headed toward a budget hotel in the distance, their silhouettes glowing with tenderness beneath the night sky.

Yet this warmth was soon broken by a sudden complication.

In the hotel lobby, Yu Xin sat on the sofa, nervously twisting her hem, her cheeks still flushed with anticipation and shyness. Li Chao stood awkwardly at the front desk, wallet in hand, unable to proceed.

Yu Xin looked up at him, seeing his hesitation, and urged, “What’s wrong? Go ahead and book a room.”

Li Chao breathed deeply, about to speak, when he realized a serious problem—he had forgotten his identification card!

The discovery left him flustered.

“Um… well…” he stammered, unsure of how to explain.

He turned to Yu Xin for help, but she just looked down, too shy to speak.

“Sir, if you want to book a room, please show your ID,” the front desk clerk reminded him, a hint of confusion in her tone.

Li Chao scratched his head awkwardly. “I… forgot my ID. Is there any way to make an exception?”

The clerk looked troubled, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, sir. We must verify guests’ identity to check in. Without an ID, we can’t help you.”

Li Chao felt a surge of frustration. He’d hoped to give Yu Xin a memorable night, only to be foiled by such a trivial mistake.

He glanced at Yu Xin, seeking her opinion, but she remained shyly silent.

Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind. He remembered he had a photo of his ID saved on his phone—maybe it would suffice.

He quickly pulled out his phone, opened the gallery, and found the photo.

“I don’t have the physical card, but I have a photo of it. Would that work?” he asked, embarrassed.

“Is this okay?” He handed over his phone to the clerk, hopeful.

She examined the image carefully, then shook her head. “I’m sorry, sir. We can’t confirm the authenticity of digital copies, so they can’t be used for check-in.”

Li Chao’s last hope faded. He sighed, turning to Yu Xin, apology written across his face.

“I’m sorry, Yu Xin. I forgot my ID. Looks like we’ll have to figure something else out tonight.”

Yu Xin glanced at him, disappointment flickering in her eyes, but she soon regained her composure.

She smiled, shaking her head. “It’s all right, Chao. We can find a 24-hour café or convenience store and wait there. We’ll go home at dawn.”

Li Chao felt a wave of warmth at her understanding.

“What are you thinking?” Yu Xin asked, seeing his thoughtful expression.

Li Chao sighed. “I wish I hadn’t forgotten my ID. Then we could check in and enjoy a beautiful night.”

Yu Xin smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Chao. Even though we couldn’t stay at the hotel, it’s still a unique experience. And we have each other’s company, don’t we?”

Li Chao nodded. “You’re right, sister-in-law. As long as you’re by my side, I feel happy no matter what difficulties we face.”

Yu Xin blushed, lowering her head shyly.

Despite the setback, Li Chao refused to give up easily.

He knew that, at this crucial moment, even the smallest effort might turn things around.

So he tried another method.

“I really forgot my ID this time! Can you help me figure out a solution?”

Li Chao, with a hint of pleading in his voice, appealed again to the front desk clerk.

He knew his situation was awkward, but he believed that persistence could yield results.

The clerk looked troubled. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, sir. There are strict rules—check-in requires real-name registration to ensure all guests’ safety. We can’t make exceptions.”

Li Chao was a bit discouraged, silently hoping she might find a workaround.

But he didn’t give up.

He knew that sometimes, what seems impossible can become possible with the right incentive.

He raised a finger and asked tentatively, “What about an extra hundred—could you make an exception?”

The clerk was startled, not expecting such a request. She hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s really not allowed.”

Li Chao was disappointed but pressed on. He took a deep breath and raised three fingers. “Three hundred? That should be enough to reconsider, right?”

A flicker of indecision crossed the clerk’s eyes. She knew it was against the rules, but the offer was tempting.

“I know it’s difficult for you, but we really need this room,” Li Chao persisted. “We wouldn’t ask if we weren’t desperate.”

The clerk bit her lip, glancing between Li Chao and Yu Xin, weighing her options.

Her gaze wavered, clearly tempted by the price, but she remained professional, not agreeing immediately.

Li Chao said, “Five hundred! That’s the most I can offer.”

The clerk’s inner thoughts: Wow, that’s really tempting. But I can’t seem too eager—I must stay professional.

She replied, “Sir, this is really difficult. Our hotel has rules, and we can’t change the price arbitrarily.”

Li Chao insisted, “I know, but I really need this room. I hope you can understand my situation.”

The clerk said, “All right, I’ll try.”

Her inner thoughts: This money could help me a lot. I hope it won’t cause trouble.

She glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled out an ID card from the drawer and began processing the check-in on the computer.

Soon, the room was booked.

Li Chao paid the regular room fee and discreetly handed the five hundred in cash to the clerk.

“Thank you for your help,” he said.

“You’re welcome. I hope you and your girlfriend have a pleasant night,” she replied.

“I will,” Li Chao answered.

Her inner thoughts: Although this deal isn’t exactly moral, I need it for my livelihood. I just hope there won’t be any trouble.

With the room card in hand, Chen Shan breathed a sigh of relief, grateful as he glanced at the clerk.

Li Chao’s thoughts: Finally settled—hopefully Yu Xin won’t be upset.

Yu Xin’s thoughts: Li Chao did so much for me—I must cherish him.

End.