Jade of Another World

With the ingenious arrangement and full assistance of Ouyang Qingchuan's apprentice, Lin Ning, Lin Wan, Ouyang Qingchuan, and Xiao Cui, like ghosts in the dark, carefully disguised themselves, changed into ordinary people's clothes, applied special materials to their faces to change their appearance, lowered the brim of their hats, and blended into the bustling crowd.

Throughout the journey, everyone's hearts were in their throats, each step taken with extreme caution, lest they be discovered by Xuan Yuanche's secret guards. Fortunately, they escaped unscathed and successfully sneaked back to the Imperial Observatory.

The moment they stepped into the Imperial Observatory, a complex and indescribable emotion welled up within them. Lin Ning gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, her heart filled with感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or reflection). This was both the starting point of her arrival in this world and, perhaps, the end point of her departure.

With only a dozen or so hours left until the eclipse, Ouyang Qingchuan breathed a sigh of relief, a look of immense relief on his face, and said, "Luckily, I made it in time."

Lin Wan's eyes gleamed with excitement. He clenched his fist and whispered, "I hope that this time, we can really make it back successfully."

Xiao Cui, standing to the side, couldn't hide her excitement either, her eyes sparkling: "Yes, Miss has finally waited for this day."

Ouyang Qingchuan quickly led everyone to a secluded room in the Imperial Observatory, where various ancient instruments and books were displayed. He pointed to a huge astrolabe in the center of the room and said, "According to my calculations, during the solar eclipse, we need to perform a series of rituals in front of this astrolabe. With the help of the astrolabe's power, we may be able to open a portal to time and space. At that time, you two go to the place where you came from in the courtyard, and you will find the way back."

Lin Ning nodded, her eyes resolute, and said, "Okay, then let's get ready and wait for the eclipse."

The group got to work. Ouyang Qingchuan carefully inspected each instrument, while Lin Ning and Lin Wan helped organize the relevant texts and talismans. Xiao Cui stood guard at the door, watching out for any unexpected situations.

Time ticked by, and darkness gradually fell outside. The tension among the group grew ever stronger; they knew that success or failure hinged on this moment…

Lin Ning walked to Xiao Cui's side, her expression full of reluctance and concern. She gently took Xiao Cui's hand and handed her two letters.

“Xiao Cui, I can’t take you with me. You were born on this land. If you go to another world with me, it will probably go against the will of Heaven and bring unpredictable disasters.” Lin Ning’s voice was gentle but resolute, and her eyes were glistening with tears.

Xiao Cui's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up in them. She clutched the letter tightly, her voice trembling with sobs: "Miss, I don't want to leave you. I'm willing to stay with you forever."

Lin Ning gently wiped away the tears from Xiao Cui's eyes, forcing a smile: "Silly girl, I don't want you to suffer here after I leave. These two letters, one for Uncle Zhong and one for Manager Wang. From now on, I'll entrust all my businesses here to you. You're smart and capable, you'll definitely be able to manage them well, and then you'll be a little rich woman."

Xiao Cui sobbed, unable to speak for a moment, only shaking her head desperately.

Lin Ning continued, "From now on, find a good family to marry into and live a good life. If you don't meet a suitable one, you can also consider marrying my brother Lin Qi. My brother is honest and kind, and he will definitely love and protect you. I saw that he cared about you quite a bit before, so I left him a letter. Please give it to him for me, and he will take care of you."

Xiao Cui threw herself into Lin Ning's arms, sobbing, "Miss, you've been so good to me, I can't bear to part with you..."

Lin Ning gently patted Xiao Cui's back, comforting her: "Don't be sad, maybe this is our fate. Live well here, and I will think of you over there."

At this moment, Lin Wan walked over and looked at the scene with emotion: "Xiaocui, your sister is right. You must take good care of yourself."

Xiao Cui raised her tear-streaked face, looked at Lin Wan, and nodded: "Thank you, Second Miss. I will definitely be fine."

The group was immersed in the somber atmosphere of impending parting, while outside, the sky grew increasingly dark, and the moment when the portal to time and space would open was drawing ever closer…