The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 261 I Won’t Leave

"Thank you, senior brother, for helping me out today." After a moment's silence, Cen Jiexiao was the first to break the silence, her tone full of gratitude.

Chen Zigui turned to look at Cen Jiexiao, his lips curled up slightly, a gentle smile forming. "It's just a small favor." He paused, a hint of worry in his tone, "But... Sister Cen, you must be more careful in the future. This palace is not as peaceful as it seems. Undercurrents surge, and dangers are lurking everywhere."

Cen Jiexiao nodded gently, understanding Chen Zigui's underlying message. Chai Zhen's intentions were clear to her. She would have to be more cautious and careful in the future to avoid being drawn into the unfathomable vortex of the palace.

Chen Zigui suddenly stopped and looked at Cen Jiexiao with a burning gaze, his tone filled with hesitation and concern: "Sister Cen, have you ever thought about leaving Linkang Mansion?"

Cen Jiexiao was stunned when she heard this, confused as to why he suddenly asked this question. Her thoughts were like tangled threads, and she couldn't find a clue for a moment. "Leaving Linkang Mansion?" she repeated, a hint of doubt in her tone. "Where to? This is my home, my roots are here, where can I go?"

Chen Zigui sighed deeply, his tone filled with an indescribable sense of helplessness and worry. "The court is in turmoil right now. It's too dangerous for a woman like you to get involved. I don't know how the world will develop in the future. Perhaps it will become more turbulent, or perhaps it will gradually calm down. But in any case, I would rather you stay away from this troubled place and go to a safe place to live a peaceful life."

He looked at Cen Jiexiao, his eyes full of worry and concern, as if a brother was advising his sister.

"But..." Cen Jiexiao wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Chen Zigui.

"I know you can't bear to leave everything here, but sometimes, letting go is also a kind of protection." Chen Zigui said in a firm tone.

"If you stay here, you will only put yourself in greater danger. Leaving here may be the best option for you."

Cen Jiexiao fell silent. She understood Chen Zigui's concerns, and knew his words made sense. But if she left Linkang Prefecture, where could she go? This body of hers had lived here for so many years, and the soul of this body had family, friends, and everything here. Asking her to leave here would be like asking her to give up her roots, to give up everything she had.

"I..." Cen Jiexiao opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

Chen Zigui looked at Cen Jiexiao's hesitation, feeling helpless and distressed. He knew it was difficult for her to make this decision, but he still hoped she would think about it seriously.

"Sister Cen, I know this is not easy for you, but for your safety, I hope you can seriously consider it." Chen Zigui said sincerely.

Chen Zigui's words flowed like a warm current into Cen Jiexiao's heart, bringing a touch of warmth, but also a hint of bitterness. She understood Chen Zigui's intentions, his worries, his concern, all for her own good. But, how easy was it for her to leave here?

Here is her loving mother, her only family in this world, her spiritual haven. Here is her familiar Zhaoyin Academy, the place where she grew and transformed, filled with beautiful memories. Here is her sisterly Yulan, a close friend with whom she shares joys and sorrows. And here is her loyal Xiaozhi, her right-hand man in life and a companion with whom she can talk about anything.

More importantly, there are things she wants to do here. She wants to protect Zhaoyin Academy, the people here, and everything she cherishes. Letting her leave is like asking her to give up her ideals, her responsibilities, and everything she has.

"Big Brother, thank you for considering me, but I can't leave." Cen Jiexiao's voice was choked with sobs.

She shook her head slightly, her eyes full of determination.

"This is my home, my roots are here. My emotions tell me that I cannot leave my family, my friends, my home. My rationality tells me that I cannot escape my responsibilities, my mission, my ideals. I can neither leave nor escape."

Chen Zigui looked at Cen Jiexiao's determined eyes, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew Cen Jiexiao's character; once she made up her mind, she wouldn't change it easily. He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, the warmth of his fingertips penetrating her skin, conveying his tenderness and helplessness.

"Silly girl..." His voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of bitterness.

Cen Jiexiao felt the warmth of his fingertips, and a wave of emotion welled up in her heart. She knew Chen Zigui's feelings for her, his deep love and silent protection. But she couldn't respond, nor could she accept it. She could only pretend not to understand, burying these feelings deep in her heart.

"It's getting late, I should go back." Cen Jiexiao gently pushed Chen Zigui's hand away, trying hard to control her emotions.

She turned and left, her steps firm and without a trace of hesitation.

Chen Zigui watched her walk away, his heart filled with helplessness and worry. He knew the road ahead was long and full of unknown dangers, but he would always protect her, even if she didn't understand...

After returning to Zhaoyin Academy, Cen Jiexiao immediately called Xiaozhi to the study.

"Xiaozhi, have you noticed anything unusual recently?" Cen Jiexiao asked solemnly.

Xiaozhi blinked her big eyes, bewildered. "Abnormal? What's abnormal? Miss, have you discovered something? Could it be... that the academy is haunted?"

Cen Jiexiao held her forehead helplessly: "What nonsense are you talking about! I mean, have there been any suspicious people entering or leaving the academy recently, or... have they asked about me?" She said in a serious tone.

Xiaozhi finally understood. She thought for a moment and said, "There aren't any strangers, but quite a few eunuchs, palace maids, and maids have come to the academy these past few days. When asked, they all said they were here on the orders of this concubine or that lady. Oh, and some even said they came specially from the palace."

"Are you from the palace? Are you asking about me?" Sister Cen frowned slightly, and her slender fingers tapped the table lightly, making a crisp sound. This subtle sound seemed to knock on Xiaozhi's heart, making her inexplicably nervous.

"Yes, miss, that man is very impressive!" Xiaozhi responded quickly with a hint of exaggeration in his tone.

"Her eyes are high above the head and her nostrils are pointed upwards. If you don't know her, you would think she is a royal relative!" As she spoke, she imitated the palace maid's demeanor, turning up her eyelids, slightly lifting her chin, and exaggeratingly enlarging her nostrils. Her vivid appearance made Cen Jiexiao almost laugh out loud.

"What did she ask you?" Cen Jiexiao suppressed her smile and continued to ask.