Chapter 2461 Side Story: Ji Xiuran 6 The Independent State: It was winter and heavy snow fluttered from the sky like goose feathers throughout the entire day. In the rear courtyard of the headquarters of Emperor Ji’s faction: Ji Xiuran was wearing a thick overcoat while his head of long hair was casually draped behind him. Currently, the man was kneeling down and meticulously caring for the fruits and vegetables he personally planted. “Brother Xiuran, are you planning to retire and return to civilian life?” Worriless Nie asked from her seat in the courtyard as she watched Ji Xiuran, who had quite a few splatters of rain and snow on his body. She didn’t understand why this man planted these fruits and vegetables. “Retire and return to civilian life…?” Ji Xiuran murmured softly, startled. “Mhm, retire and return to civilian life,” Worriless Nie said jokingly. “What? Is this the life you want?” Ji Xiuran turned to Worriless Nie. “The life I want…” Worriless Nie pondered for a moment with her chin propped on her hand. “A few fields, three meals of salted vegetables, working from sunrise to sunset… Ordinary and peaceful.” Ji Xiuran smiled. “Are you willing to leave it all behind?” “Why wouldn’t I? You though—are you willing to leave it all behind?” Worriless Nie asked Ji Xiuran. Ji Xiuran was startled. “Your future includes me too?” “Of course!” Worriless Nie dashed forward and looped her arm around his arm. “I can be without everyone… I just can’t go without you in my life.” “But I’m not willing.” Ji Xiuran shook his head. The anticipation in Worriless Nie’s eyes instantly turned into an indescribable emotion. “I’m not willing to make you eat only pickled vegetables for all three meals, so how about we add some sweet and sour spare ribs?” Ji Xiuran chuckled lightly. “…” F*ck, what’s going on with this man?! “Brother Xiuran, are you willing to leave this life and abandon everything…?” Worriless Nie was incredulous. In the Independent State, he was akin to an emperor who lorded over the world and possessed almost supreme power. Ji Xiuran shook his head and slowly stood up. He wrapped the girl’s jacket around her more tightly as he said, “I wouldn’t unless I was trading this life for you.” “Really?” Worriless Nie stood in her spot, watching his movements before meeting his enthralling, gentle eyes. She felt that her heart had been melted by his blazing warmth already. “What do you think?” The man tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. “Go in first; it’s cold out here.” Ji Xiuran turned around and picked some of the vegetables and fruits he planted. “I grew these myself since I don’t trust other people’s produce. Come over to eat often. These are all very healthy.” “You… planted all of this for me?” Worriless Nie was astonished. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮 The corners of his lips turned up, happiness also surfacing in his eyes. After he finished picking the produce, he walked forward and grasped her hand before leading her toward the kitchen. Ji Xiuran’s culinary skills had been honed more and more exquisitely. His dishes looked and smelled amazing and tasted incredible, especially his sweet and sour spare ribs. Worriless Nie wanted nothing more than to inhale even the plate. However, the girl didn’t like eating vegetables and only consumed meat, aside from Ji Xiuran’s vegetables. That evening, anyone who looked down from the hilltop at Emperor Ji’s headquarters would have a panoramic view of the resplendence below. The man sat at the mountain top, the girl sitting next to him. “You’ve worked hard for all of this for a very long time,” the girl commented softly. “That’s right. I haven’t stopped since I was a youth.” Ji Xiuran nodded. “My Fearless Alliance is also very fearsome right now… it’s strange though—the factions that kept oppressing us before have all disappeared…” Worriless Nie said. “That’s good.” Ji Xiuran smiled. The girl turned to him. “Eh… It’s not your doing, right?” “It isn’t.” The man shook his head. “Suspicious!” Worriless Nie pursed her lips.