Xiuyun was quite displeased and urged the waiter, "Where's our roast duck?"
The waiter looked apologetic. "There are distinguished guests over there, so their table must be served first. Please wait a moment—today's meal will be on the house."
Following his gesture, Xiuyun spotted Xu Tianji leaning close to Liang Xiuyuan, casting a gloomy look at her and Mingyi.
Startled, Xiuyun tugged at Mingyi's sleeve. "How can we eat like this? Let's go somewhere else."
Mingyi, however, remained unperturbed. "A full meal at Huabiezhi costs hundreds of Shell Coins. Since it's free, why wouldn't we stay? Go check the menu and order a few more dishes."
Xiuyun: "..." She had to admit that made sense.
She used to fear Xu Tianji greatly, as everything she did would be met with criticism and disdain. But now, she suddenly remembered Mingyi's promise to give her twenty percent of the earnings from forging Divine Tools. She was someone who made money now—what was there to fear?
Puffing out her chest, Xiuyun confidently ordered the waiter, "Add a braised pork knuckle, some cured sausage, and a bowl of Golden Jade Harmony for us."
"Right away, please wait a moment," the waiter said, bowing before leaving.
Xu Tianji scoffed, swirling her wine cup as she remarked to Liang Xiuyuan, "This place reeks of poverty."
Liang Xiuyuan wasn't fond of the main hall either, but when he glanced at Ji Bozhai, the man looked perfectly at ease, even eating extra bites of the roast duck he usually disliked. Clearly, he had no intention of leaving.
After a moment of hesitation, Liang Xiuyuan told Xu Tianji, "Just bear with it."
Xu Tianji's expression darkened as she downed her wine in one gulp and fell silent.
Following Liang Xiuyuan was frustrating. The man had a temper but lacked sufficient Essence Power—not only could he not stand up for her, but he often made her endure humiliation.
Unlike Ji Bozhai, whose protection allowed those under his wing to strut through Star Yearn City without fear.
She couldn't understand why Ji Bozhai would rather let random women into his residence than accept her. She was, after all, from a prestigious family and could potentially be of help to him in the future.
At this point, she no longer hoped for any formal status, but if she could just enter the Ji residence...
Unable to resist, she stole a glance at the man beside her.
Ji Bozhai sipped his wine, his gaze not sparing her a single glance—instead, it drifted toward the opposite table.
Bitterly resentful, Xu Tianji raised her cup to him. "I heard the Academicians' Court is short-staffed. Is there any way I could assist?"
Ji Bozhai snapped out of his thoughts and gave her a puzzled look.
What could she possibly do to help with the Academicians' Court's shortage? Her audacity was astounding.
Liang Xiuyuan, embarrassed, tugged at her sleeve, but Xu Tianji pressed on, "Since you're friends with Xiuyuan, you're my friend as well. There's no harm in friends lending a hand. Right now, the Academicians' Court has everything ready—all that's missing are a few people to begin training. Coincidentally, I know some skilled individuals. If you need them, just say the word."
"The Academicians' Court lacks Artifact Smiths—it's not a job just anyone can do," Yan Xiao interjected, offering her an out. "Since we're here as friends, let's not discuss such tedious matters."
Xu Tianji replied confidently, "I know Artifact Smiths too. One of them is the disciple of Elder Weng from the inner court. He dislikes society, though, and often stays deep in the mountains—but I know where to find him."
She waited eagerly for Ji Bozhai to respond, but the man seemed distracted, clearly not paying attention.
"Let's drink," he said, raising his cup to Yan Xiao.
Yan Xiao nodded and lifted his glass, while Shu Zhonglin also took a sip.Xu Tianji felt somewhat awkward, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her robe. Liang Xiuyuan beside her said displeasedly, "Since you're a woman, you should meddle less in these important matters. Leave them to the men to handle."
"I..."
"Just drink."
At usual banquets, Ji Bozhai never got drunk—or if he did, it was mostly an act. But today, for some reason, he downed cup after cup until his gaze grew hazy.
After draining the last drop from the jug, he suddenly stood and walked toward the opposite side.
Yan Xiao was startled and quickly followed, fearing he might flip someone's table.
Yet Ji Bozhai merely looked at Mingyi, pursed his lips for a long moment, then sighed. "My new residence is right across from Situ Manor."
Mingyi gave him a baffled look. "My lord, are you asking me to return?"
"No..." he mumbled vaguely, turning his face away. "Life is hard for a woman alone. If you come back, I'll leave the gate open for you."
She chuckled lightly and clasped her hands in salute. "No need for your concern, my lord. I'm doing quite well."
"You were personally elevated to concubine by Da Si," he said, lowering his eyes. "If he finds out and takes offense..."
"Then you'll bear the brunt of it," Mingyi cut in with a smile. "Given your current lofty status, Da Si wouldn't trouble you over a mere woman like me. You needn't worry."
"..." He fell silent, his body stiffening slightly.
Mingyi didn't look at him again, simply saying, "Please, my lord."
Having seen countless women in anger, Ji Bozhai could tell Mingyi wasn't angry—she genuinely wanted nothing to do with him.
Why? Her eyes had once been full of affection for him, yet now she wouldn't even spare him a glance.
Had she truly given up on him, or... had she never cared for him at all?
"Miss Ming, why not join us for a drink?" Yan Xiao, sensing the tension, quickly mediated. "We're all acquainted. Since Xiuyuan has found a lovely companion, it's only right to congratulate him."
Hearing this, Xu Tianji said coolly, "No need. I have nothing to say to her."
Then she glanced at Xiuyun and muttered disdainfully, "Birds of a feather flock together."
Had she not spoken, Mingyi might have declined. But with those words, Mingyi immediately picked up her teacup and walked over, smiling brightly. "Sister Xu is an old friend. We got along well when we were both by Lord Ji's side. Now that you're with Lord Liang, we should toast to your bright future."
At this, Liang Xiuyuan's expression darkened, and Xu Tianji flared up. "What do you mean by that?"
Mingyi blinked. "Did I say something wrong?"
She wasn't wrong—Xu Tianji had once curried favor with Ji Bozhai, and now she'd taken the initiative with Liang Xiuyuan. But spelling it out so plainly was humiliating. Liang Xiuyuan said sternly, "The Golden Hairpin Fighter is quite impressive. We missed the chance to spar at the Song and Dance Stage, but today seems perfect. Why not grant me a lesson, Miss Ming?"
Shu Zhonglin shot Ji Bozhai a look and hurried to intervene. "Are you mad?"
Though not a top-tier Fighter, Liang Xiuyuan was still a man, his Essence Power surely surpassing Mingyi's. This was outright bullying.
Liang Xiuyuan pointed firmly to the center of the hall. "Miss Ming, after you."
Mingyi asked seriously, "What if someone gets hurt?"
"Each bears their own risk," he sneered. "Afraid? If so, apologize to Tianji."Xu Tianji raised her chin, looking at her disdainfully, then glanced uneasily at Ji Bozhai beside her.
If he chose to take sides now, things could get troublesome.
However, as the two of them walked toward the center, Ji Bozhai remained silent, only instructing Yan Xiao, "Be quick when the time comes."
OpenNovel