But it didn't matter—they would cross that bridge when they came to it.
The group began their meal, even pulling Fu Yue to the table to drink with them. Just as the conversation was lively, the door outside suddenly knocked.
Situ Ling seemed to have expected this and grinned at Fu Yue. "Go open the door, then pay up the bet. You lost."
Earlier, the two had made a bet on whether Ji Bozhai would actually come to the Situ residence to fetch Mingyi. Fu Yue had thought victory was certain, never expecting a twist at this critical moment.
Skeptical, he went to open the door. As soon as the light fell outside, it illuminated Ji Bozhai's strikingly handsome face.
"What brings you here, my lord?" he asked.
Ji Bozhai lowered his eyes, his tone slightly stiff. "Here to see someone."
Before Fu Yue could refuse, he added, "I followed her carriage earlier and saw her enter."
Fu Yue fell silent and stepped aside.
At the sight of him, Situ Ling smiled. "Rare for you to visit my residence twice in just a few days, my lord. If word gets out, people might think we're close friends."
Ignoring the seat Fu Yue gestured to, Ji Bozhai sat down on the stool beside Mingyi and said coolly, "After all, this is Yi'er's maiden home. Frequent visits are only natural."
Well, it's "Mingyi" when there's trouble, but "Yi'er" when things are fine.
Mingyi reached out to Xiuyun, who immediately understood and produced the gold piece given by She Tianlin.
"During my time at your residence, you rewarded me generously, but those were earned through my own efforts, so I won't return them." She placed the gold piece before him. "As for this one, I've calculated that it covers all my living expenses while I was there. Returning it to you means we're even, with no further ties."
Ji Bozhai had come intending to explain his misunderstanding and ease her mind. But as he looked down at the gold piece, he realized the only one feeling uneasy might be himself.
"Why?" he murmured. "Am I not allowed to make mistakes? Does one mistake mean no chance for redemption?"
Mingyi raised an eyebrow, surprised he would admit fault. Her heart lightened, and she smiled. "You desired my beauty, and I sought your wealth. It was a fair transaction. When the transaction no longer works, it's only natural to end it."
He lifted his gaze, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Was it only a transaction to you?"
She averted her eyes and smirked. "You prefer gentle, delicate women. I'm not one. Everything before was an act, and you saw through it. Why cling to it? Besides, the man I like must have only me in his heart—no concubines, no brothel visits, no flirting in the streets. He must cherish and protect me, trust me unconditionally... Can you do all that?"
In the Azure Cloud Realm, even the idea of no concubines was absurd. Not just among superior fighters, but even ordinary nobles kept multiple wives and concubines, let alone abstaining from brothels or unconditional trust... Neither of them were the type to trust others easily.
Ji Bozhai understood. Between them, it could only ever be a transaction.
Fine. It was the simple, straightforward arrangement he preferred most. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to feel happy about it.
"We agreed earlier—you would take care of Twenty-Seven for me, and I would take all your secrets to the grave. I won't go back on my word, and I ask that you honor yours as well." She turned slightly and bowed to him.The gesture of clasping fists was a salute only men performed—not the slightest bit graceful, yet she didn't lower herself in doing so. She raised her head to meet his gaze levelly, her smile neither ingratiating nor coquettish, open and natural as a breeze blowing from Sunspire City.
Ji Bozhai withdrew his gaze and nodded faintly. "I understand."
He had never been one to force anyone. If she felt there was no need to stay by his side, then so be it. He certainly wouldn't be angry.
Not angry, not angry. Falling ill from rage would bring no relief—just one girl, a trivial matter.
Ji Bozhai stepped out and boarded the carriage, promptly snapping the beast-drawn carriage's shaft underfoot.
Damn it all! What kind of woman was this—so arrogant and domineering, truly believing some skills alone could ensure her survival? Had he not secretly protected her all this time, challengers would have long since trampled her courtyard flat!
And she only cared for his wealth—as if he lacked charm?!
Countless girls clamored to get close to him, yet she alone took his kindness for granted.
Though he had used her at times, he had always safeguarded her life. Did she think those tasks were so easy to accomplish?
He was the most formidable Fighter in Star Yearn City! The man who would lead Star Yearn to the Upper Three Cities! What was wrong with being cautious? He had killed so many—who knew if someone might scheme for revenge? With her behavior so suspicious, was it wrong to doubt her? She never even bothered to explain herself! Compared to Situ Ling, he was far more reliable!
Leaning against the carriage, he exhaled a furious breath before regaining his composure and elegantly seating himself inside.
No rush. It was just the Academicians' Court—there would be plenty of time. She would inevitably face hardships, and when that day came, she'd have no choice but to beg him.
As the carriage set off, Buxiu sighed in relief, thinking his lord had finally cooled down. But when the vehicle turned a corner, a thick beam in the carriage suddenly snapped with a sharp crack.
Buxiu: "..."
He had never seen his lord so angry before. The man was usually calm, indifferent to everything except vengeance, devoid of joy or sorrow—sometimes they even wondered if he was on the verge of ascension.
Only in the past half-year had his lord suddenly seemed more human. This anger of his was... oddly endearing.
Suppressing a smile, Buxiu steered the carriage through the estate's rear gate.
"Ming-jie, if you never meet the kind of person you described, will you never marry?" Situ Ling suddenly blinked and asked midway through their drinks.
Slightly tipsy, Mingyi chuckled, twirling her wine cup. "Even if I met them, I wouldn't marry."
"Huh?"
"Marriage isn't a necessity for survival. I have my own path to walk." Downing the last drops, she stood unsteadily, draping an arm over Xiuyun's shoulders and tapping her forehead. "Let the young girls dream of love and happily-ever-afters."
As if struck by the truth, Xiuyun's face flushed crimson. "W-what love? I don't—I don't have anyone like that."
Mingyi laughed, pinching her cheek. "If there are no obstacles, then having someone you fancy is nothing to hide. Many in this world wish they could be so open."
Staggering slightly, she leaned heavily on Xiuyun, who hastily steadied her, forgetting all about crushes. "I'll take her to rest now. We have to move tomorrow."
"Alright." Situ Ling nodded, watching as the two retreated to the guest quarters.
Fu Yue stood beside him and murmured, "What Ming Guniang said... makes sense."Situ Ling smiled and lowered his gaze. "Not entirely true—knowing the other person doesn't like you back, even if you have feelings, you can only hide them. Otherwise, you might not even remain friends, right?"
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