The Fanghua Residence had many flowers planted, but they were far from as vibrant and brilliant as those in Flying Blossom City. The wilted buds hung limply on the yellow-tiled walls, looking just like the dejected little girl before him.
Ji Bozhai didn’t ask why she was apologizing, merely glanced around. "Is this where you used to live?"
Mingyi nodded and led him inside.
The courtyard was quite spacious but lacked any luxurious decorations. The tables, chairs, and benches were simple, not even comparable to the previous Ji residence. The only things in abundance were Crystals and Record Books, filling two entire rooms.
From within, Luo Jiaoyang and the others kept exclaiming in surprise, as if they had stumbled upon some incredible treasures. Ji Bozhai, however, showed no interest and headed straight for the main room.
On the doorframe were several marks, as if someone had frequently measured their height there. He glanced at them and, without thinking, stood against it, leaving his own mark at the very top.
A challenge—this was absolutely a challenge!
Mingyi puffed her cheeks and turned away indignantly.
He smirked and continued inside.
The room bore no trace of femininity—black wooden furniture, blue curtains, and a bed so hard it felt like a thin cloth spread over bare wood.
After surveying the place, Ji Bozhai casually took a seat on a stool and remarked coolly, "Given your living conditions, I don’t see why you feel indebted to me."
Though his first decade in the Slave Arena had been harsh, the comfortable life he’d led afterward was something even she hadn’t experienced.
Mingyi fidgeted awkwardly. "Granny Xun and the others told me about your time in the Slave Arena. If not for Ming An, you wouldn’t have had to—"
"By that logic, if not for Yan Si Hou, you wouldn’t be in this situation either," he countered, raising an eyebrow. "Should I also apologize to you, and then we stand facing each other, bowing in mutual penance?"
Her almond-shaped eyes widened in realization. "Oh, right. My circumstances are also because of your mother."
"I don’t have a mother." Ji Bozhai wagged a finger, correcting her sternly. "I’ve never believed that being forced into this world is something to be grateful for, let alone being born and then abandoned."
Mingyi frowned. "Your way of thinking is too strange. Your life was given to you by your parents—"
"Did they ask if I wanted it when they gave it to me?" he retorted, arching a brow.
The girl before him grew angry. "How can you say that? Who wouldn’t want life? If you didn’t want it, why not give it back?"
"I did." Ji Bozhai lowered his gaze. "Back in Star Yearn City, when I nearly died from multiple poisons, I returned it. The ones who saved me are my benefactors. My life belongs to them now, not Yan Si Hou."
Mingyi was left speechless. Seeing Ji Bozhai’s downcast expression, she softened her tone, rubbing her hands together. "Don’t be sad. It’s good to think that way. Yan Si Hou isn’t a good person—I’d worry if you went back to her."
What was this sudden urge to comfort him? Ji Bozhai’s brow twitched. He had only closed his eyes briefly because he was tired, never expecting the person beside him to grow so cautious.
So easy to tease.
A thought crossed his mind, and he suddenly let out a long sigh. "I didn’t expect to encounter so much after coming to Sunspire City."
Mingyi, feeling immensely guilty, crouched beside him and muttered, "I just wanted you to know the truth, so that in the future…"
So that in the future, when she was gone, no one else could tell him these things.However, she had originally thought that anyone would want to know who their biological parents were, but she never expected Ji Bozhai to be completely indifferent. This made her seem somewhat meddlesome in comparison.
Ji Bozhai gave a bitter smile. "The truth is truly disgusting. After seeing Yan Si Hou's behavior today, I doubt I'll even want to visit Flower Full Tower again."
"That won't happen. Old habits die hard, rest assured."
"Hmm?" He narrowed his eyes.
"Ah, no, I mean, Yan Si Hou is Yan Si Hou, and she has nothing to do with others. You, who are known for your charm across the land, will get over it soon."
Since when had he been known for his charm across the land? In the past, his fondness for being close to women was merely out of boredom, a way to pass the time... Never mind, even he didn’t believe that, let alone her.
Ji Bozhai glanced at Mingyi and felt a headache coming on.
He didn’t want to let this person go, but right now, her heart held nothing for him except a trace of guilt.
How frustrating. So many women in the past had been reluctant to leave him, yet with her, he felt like nothing more than a debt to be repaid.
He let out a long sigh and lowered his gaze.
Mingyi felt somewhat at a loss. She looked around and found a small wooden rabbit.
"This was given to me by Twenty-Seven. It’s the cutest thing in the whole house," she said, holding it out to him. "When I’m unhappy, I look at it. Would you like to see it too?"
Compared to the cold, hard colors filling the room, the wooden rabbit was indeed adorable. But Ji Bozhai narrowed his eyes. "Twenty-Seven is still just a servant. You’ve kept something he gave you for so long?"
Mingyi’s lips twitched. "What’s wrong with servants? He’s the only one in the inner courtyard who’s been genuinely kind to me."
"You’ve just never been treated well, so the slightest kindness makes you think someone is good," he scoffed. "I could give you a hundred rabbits like this. Why don’t you think I’m genuine?"
Mingyi gave him a complicated look, then stood up and placed the rabbit back on the black wooden shelf. "The words 'genuine' and 'you' have nothing to do with each other."
Ji Bozhai fell silent.
It was true he had never been genuine with her. But what about her? She had hidden so much from him, even her motives for getting close to him had been impure.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Luo Jiaoyang, oblivious, walked in and smiled at Mingyi. "Your courtyard may seem unremarkable at first glance, but it’s full of treasures. We must make the most of our time here to train."
Mingyi snapped out of her thoughts and smiled back. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Though my Essence Power is weak now, I’m still well-versed in cultivation techniques."
Her smile toward him always seemed veiled, but when she smiled at others, her eyes sparkled, and the curve of her lips was natural and charming—utterly captivating.
Ji Bozhai’s fingers tightened slightly, and he suddenly felt his throat go dry.
"How should we divide the rooms in this courtyard?" Chu He entered hesitantly. "There are only three empty ones. We might have to squeeze in."
Three rooms, each with only one bed for two people—meaning someone would have to share with Mingyi.
Luo Jiaoyang immediately raised his hand. "I’ll stay with Ming Guniang. I can sleep on the floor. And I can ask her about Chapter Nine of the Register of Fighters..."
Fan Yao tugged at his sleeve.
Luo Jiaoyang turned his head, annoyed. "Why are you pulling me? I asked first. Don’t try to take my spot."
Who was trying to take his spot? He was trying to save his life. Fan Yao shook his head emphatically and glanced at Ji Bozhai.Ji Bozhai sat leisurely, appearing indifferent, yet the corner of his eye was clearly glancing at Ming Guniang's reaction.
Ming Guniang, however, was quite composed: "That's fine. There's a screen inside the room; a simple partition will do. Fighters don't fuss over trivialities."
Truly, those who face death have no reservations.
Taking a deep breath, Ji Bozhai forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes: "Alright, then it's settled."
Qin Shangwu felt it was inappropriate, but before he could speak, his disciple rose with a cold expression and strode out of the room.
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