Ch. 429: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 429

Chapter 429

They were also somewhat concerned about Baimo.

Bai Baimo said calmly, "Don't worry about me."

Norah glanced at Baimo. He showed no reaction to the massacre of the Allied army in the village, as if he had already known about it.

Baimo met Norah's gaze. "So, how are you adjusting? Are you getting used to things here?"

"I am," Norah replied. "I get along well with everyone."

"That's good." Baimo's eyes shifted slightly before he continued, "The Captain Edwards I mentioned earlier is from your country. I saw him and his people helping build the school. Your people are truly kindhearted—helping the villagers without expecting anything in return. No pay, just pure goodwill."

His words carried a hint of skepticism, as if he couldn't quite believe that an army could operate that way.

It also challenged the way others perceived things.

Norah nodded in agreement. "In our country, the army isn’t meant for looting or destruction. It exists to protect the people. Only by doing that can a nation achieve true harmony."

She spoke with confidence.

Seeing the chaos here only reinforced how fortunate she was to come from a stable, well-governed country.

Baimo seemed taken aback by her words. He was silent for a moment, then let out a small, thoughtful smile. "That’s incredible. You all must be very happy."

Compared to many other countries, theirs probably had a high happiness index.

"But I’m sorry," Norah said, her tone shifting. "I failed to complete the task you gave me. The village was destroyed, and so was the school. It’s too late to teach the children how to read. Now that you're back, though, things should get back on track."

Baimo nodded. "I’ll be heading out tomorrow. If you want to come, you can."

Norah gave a small nod in response.

"Oh, by the way, this is for you." Baimo turned to Arlene.

Arlene’s face lit up with excitement. "I thought I was late! Teacher, you still remembered my gift!"

Baimo nodded. "I treat everyone equally."

Then he turned to Norah, handing her something as well. His voice was soft. "A small gift. I hope you don’t mind."

Norah hadn’t expected a gift for herself. She looked at Baimo in surprise.

His expression was warm and gentle. No matter how much she doubted him, under his gaze, she felt… cared for. As if she were a cherished child.

Why did she feel that way?

Maybe Baimo saw all of them as children. He brought gifts for everyone, including her. Maybe that was why, in this moment, she felt like she belonged.

Arlene was overjoyed, unable to put down the gift Baimo had given her.

Curious, Norah opened hers. Inside the small box was a woven red string, looped around a jade-carved copper coin.

She wasn’t familiar with jade, but the deep green color was striking. The coin had intricate patterns—rare and exquisite.

"It’s unique." Norah turned it over in her hand. "I just don’t know what it symbolizes."

"Keep it with you," Baimo said. "You know how chaotic it is here. Keeping something safe means wishing for your safety."

His sentiment warmed her heart.

"Thank you." Norah smiled. "I feel bad, though—I didn’t prepare anything for you."

"No need." Baimo chuckled. "Your appreciation is enough."

Norah turned to look at the waterfall cascading over the cliffs.

If nothing else, the scenery here was breathtaking. There was beauty in every direction.

But it was far too underdeveloped.

If this area were turned into a tourist destination, it would definitely thrive.

However, while she was lost in thought, someone nearby was watching—hidden in the tall grass, seething with rage.

"He won’t even touch me, but he’s willing to get close to an outsider? Does he really think of me as his sister?" Journi hissed.

"It’s not necessarily what you think," Owen muttered, though he wasn’t exactly trying to reassure her.

Journi’s eyes burned with anger. "Then what is it? My father has acknowledged me, but he still refuses to? Did he forget how close we were as kids? How did everything change when we grew up?"

"Miss, maybe he just hasn’t processed it yet," Owen offered. "The young master has been looking for you all these years."

Journi let out a bitter laugh. "I don’t think he sees me as his sister at all."

Owen hesitated. "That’s not—"

"Oh, but he’s so sweet to that woman, isn’t he?" Journi’s voice dripped with venom. "He gave her a gift. But me? Nothing. He actually gave it to her!"

Her expression darkened, twisting with hatred. "Fine. If I can’t have him, then no one else will. I’ll make sure of it."

Owen responded obediently. "Understood."

Journi clenched her fists as she watched them. Her rage boiled inside her, a venomous snake coiling, ready to strike.

Meanwhile, Baimo had his own responsibilities.

Norah accepted his gift and spent time with the children, answering their endless questions with patience.

Maybe it was because she was a mother herself, but she had never felt this much patience before.

By the time the children finished their assignments, she was exhausted. She hadn’t slept well the night before, so she leaned against a table and dozed off.

When she woke, the sun had set. The children were long gone.

"Oh no." Norah sat up quickly. Time had slipped away.

As she stirred, she noticed a coat draped over her. A faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the fabric.

She recognized it immediately. It belonged to Baimo.

Glancing to her side, she saw him sitting there—his sharp yet gentle features calm. He held a fan in his hand, waving it lightly.

Had he been keeping mosquitoes away from her?

She had no idea how long he had been sitting there, quietly watching over her.

Rubbing her eyes, she muttered, "I actually fell asleep and lost track of time."

Baimo’s voice was soft. "You didn’t sleep much last night. If you’re still tired, go back and rest. It’s not too cold here."

Norah stood, handing back his coat. "I only meant to rest for a moment, but I guess I dozed off. It’s time to head back. Thanks for looking after me."

"It’s getting late," Baimo said. "I’ll walk you back."

"No need," Norah insisted. "I remember the way."

Baimo frowned slightly. "The mountain paths are rough. Just listen to me."

Norah decided not to argue. "Alright."

They walked in silence, the cool night air surrounding them.

Suddenly, Baimo tensed. A sharp gust of wind cut through the air. His eyes flickered.

"Don’t stay out late again," he murmured.

Norah glanced at him. "Are you talking to me?"

"Yes."

"I won’t. I’ll be in the village."

"Not just in the village." His tone turned serious. "After I drop you off, don’t go out alone."

His words felt more like a warning than a suggestion.

Before she could question him further—

"Watch out!"

Baimo suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her into his embrace.

Norah gasped as her feet left the ground.

A cold arrow whizzed past, slicing through the air right beside her cheek.