The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 255
Double release ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ ♡
Translated by Pure
Chapter 255 Returning in Triumph
When Wen Yantong awoke, the room was empty, and she found herself resting comfortably in bed. Chi Jingxi's departures were always discreet, his movements gentle enough to evade notice.
As noon approached, rumors circulated regarding lax vigilance among Chi Jingxi's troops, purportedly permitting the enemy's escape. Speculation ran rampant, with many attributing the lapse to Chi Jingxi's youth and inexperience.
Wen Yantong, privy to the truth, simply chuckled at the rumors and paid them no heed.
As the days grew colder, she bundled up in a thick cotton-padded jacket.
By the late autumn of the eleventh lunar month, Chi Jingxi and Fu Zixian departed to pursue the enemy, yet failed to return for seven or eight days.
Rumors swirled through Yibei City, with many suggesting that Chi Jingxi's youth and lack of experience might lead to dire consequences, even speculating that he might not return.
The city's future hung precariously on the outcome of this final battle, and its residents trembled with collective anxiety.
Wen Yantong shared in this worry, yet retained her faith in Chi Jingxi. However, with no means to assist him directly, she could only wait anxiously, her heart heavy with concern.
Mu Yang exhibited a newfound maturity during this tense period, making daily visits to reassure Wen Yantong and urge her not to worry.
On the ninth day after Chi Jingxi and Fu Zixian's departure, Wen Yantong ventured to the streets and purchased a local prayer kite from Yibei. According to local belief, if a paper kite is allowed to soar on the wind and then cut loose at the end of its line, the wish tied to it will ascend to the heavens, carrying prayers to the gods above.
Wen Yantong harbored doubts about the effectiveness of such rituals, but with little else to occupy her mind, she found herself drawn to the simple act.
Alongside Mu Yang, she stood in the open space, releasing the kite into the air. In a moment of quiet reflection, they watched as the kite ascended higher and higher into the sky.
Observing the diminishing figure of the kite against the vast expanse of the sky, Wen Yantong offered a silent prayer for the safe return of Chi Jingxi, Fu Zixian, and all the soldiers on the battlefield.
After making this modest wish, Wen Yantong carefully severed the string of the paper kite with a short knife, entrusting her hopes and prayers to the winds above, wary not to appear too greedy before the gods.
The wind in Yibei was fierce, swiftly carrying the kite out of sight, into the vast expanse of clouds above.
Wen Yantong tidied up their belongings and turned to find Mu Yang still engrossed in making wishes with his eyes shut.
She gently advised, "That's plenty, don't ask for too much. The gods might find you too greedy and ignore your requests."
Mu Yang grumbled, "But I still have three more wishes to make."
Wen Yantong quickly cut the string of his kite and insisted, "That's already enough. Let's head back; it's getting chilly out here."
Mu Yang gazed at his kite until it vanished from sight, then accompanied Wen Yantong back to the house.
Perhaps Wen Yantong's earnest prayers had reached the heavens, for that very night, Chi Jingxi returned in triumph with his forces.
As the gates of Yibei City swung open, the resounding clang of gongs and drums filled the air, while the bell atop the tower echoed its joyous toll throughout the city's streets and bustling markets.
The distinct resonance of Yibei's bone drum reverberated through the air, its beats clear and resounding, accompanied by boisterous singing and laughter, celebrating the triumphant return of the soldiers.
Wen Yantong was jolted awake by Mu Yang's urgent knocking on her door, and she sat up in alarm. The pealing of the bell reached her ears in an instant, plunging her into a sudden panic.
She hastily scrambled out of bed and hastily threw on her clothes, blurting out, "What's going on?! What's happening?!"
The last time she heard the bell tolling, it heralded an enemy attack, so when the familiar sound echoed once more, Wen Yantong couldn’t help but be consumed by panic.
As soon as she threw open the window, she was met with Mu Yang's elated expression. "Brother Xi and Fu Zixian have returned!"
Instantly swept up in his excitement, Wen Yantong hastily dressed, hastily tying back her hair with a ribbon, and dashed out of the house alongside him.
The streets, which had lain dormant for days, suddenly burst into life. Torches illuminated the pathways, one after another, while people who had remained hidden in their homes for days now converged on the streetsides, joining in song and dance.
Wen Yantong couldn't discern the words of the songs amidst the jubilant cacophony, but she could sense the joy reverberating through the melodies, and she found herself laughing involuntarily.
Yet, as her laughter persisted, tears inexplicably welled up in her eyes.
At the forefront, Chi Jingxi rode on horseback, leading the procession. Behind him, the victorious soldiers marched in jubilation, each wearing a smile of pure elation.
The city's inhabitants walked alongside the soldiers' horses, uttering words that eluded Wen Yantong's comprehension, yet her tears flowed unabated. She was deeply moved by their sentiments.
In truth, while some among the crowd sang melancholic tunes, the majority yearned for the safe return of Chi Jingxi and his comrades. Their fervent prayers were not solely for Yibei's well-being, but also a tribute to these valiant individuals who had sworn to safeguard them.
Mu Yang appeared much more subdued in recent days, but his weariness was evident to Wen Yantong.
Thankfully, the soldiers’ triumphant return brought solace to the anxiously awaiting populace.
Among the throngs, Wen Yantong stood, enveloped in the rhythmic drumming and joyous songs, finding herself humming along instinctively. Memories of her journey from Chaoge, riding through the open countryside, enduring the harsh sun and traversing countless obstacles to reach Yibei City, flooded her mind.
Amidst her reflections on the various trials and experiences in Yibei City, from the diversity of its inhabitants to the challenges like the red patch pandemic and the destructive floods, Wen Yantong realized that she had been there for five months.
As she contemplated, Chi Jingxi arrived before her on horseback. His halting brought the soldiers behind him to a halt as well, and the revelers following alongside also ceased their singing and dancing.
Chi Jingxi dismounted from his horse, his silver armor stained with dried blood, some areas faded from the wear of battle. Despite this, his long sword gleamed brightly, impeccably clean. Missing its scabbard, the sword was secured to the horse's back.
Standing still, Chi Jingxi remained about ten steps away from Wen Yantong, his eyes holding a smile as he gazed at her.
Wen Yantong's heart skipped a beat, and just as she was about to rush forward, she heard Mu Yang shouting beside her, "Brother Xi!"
Then he dashed forward like an arrow, accompanied by loud cries.
Chi Jingxi's smile widened even further as he raised his arms to embrace Mu Yang, gently patting his shoulder.
Mu Yang burst into tears, "Brother Xi, I've been so worried about you! I couldn't sleep properly these past few days..."
Chi Jingxi chuckled softly, "Idiot."
Wen Yantong observed Mu Yang, aware that he was in a state of genuine unease during the wait, refrained from arguing with him.
Chi Jingxi briefly embraced Mu Yang before gently pulling him away and motioning him aside with a wave of his hand.
Initially displeased, Mu Yang's expression softened as he spotted Fu Zixian beside him, dispelling any lingering resentment. He rushed forward to embrace Fu Zixian, saying, "Zixian—it’s been hard on you."
Fu Zixian returned the embrace, his usually reserved demeanor replaced by a rare, joyful smile. He whispered soothingly, "There are so many people around, don't cry."
Mu Yang sniffled and hastily wiped his tears and nose, muttering, "Whatever, we're leaving soon anyway..."
