[Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 23

Chapter 77 Unraveling the Mystery 2

For a long time, my mind was buzzing, and I couldn't hear what the transformed dead man was saying. Being struck by lightning is what I look like now, standing there, scorched and stunned, so stupid that I almost forgot my own name.

...

Damn it.

I'm just a commoner, what does it matter to me who inherits the throne or who marries the princess? Why is everyone else doing well, but I feel like all my dreams have been shattered, like the sky has fallen and the earth has cracked, like the whole world has collapsed?

What's going on now?

Is Murong Lan saying that everything was orchestrated by Yuan Weijiu, and I was just a pawn in his inescapable trap, stupidly being used without even realizing it...

So, Nie Feng was killed by the man I loved for ten years—

no, he was killed by me, by my ignorance and naivety.

"Are you alright...?"

Perhaps my collapse was too intense, because Murong Lan's face showed concern and worry. He frowned, walked over, and patted my shoulder twice as if to comfort me. Before I could say anything, I rudely pushed him away and stormed out without looking back.

What a joke…

the man I'd hated for so long actually showed me some pity. My trusted Ninth Uncle treated me like a fool…

damn it!

If that Murong guy was lying, fine, but if it's true, Yuan Weijiu did this despicable thing to impersonate Ning Xu and get Nalan Ruoli, then I, Ning Moyan, will make him pay with his blood, even if it costs me my life!

“Where are you going? This is the inner palace, how dare you act so recklessly!”

Murong Lan's roar came from behind. I pretended not to hear and ran as fast as I could. Wasn't there still my two brothers' wedding ceremony? I knew exactly where I could find the fake emperor.

"Stop! Do you want to die?"

The "young man," who didn't look very old, was running fast, right behind me.

"I just won't!!! So what!!!!"

I was absolutely furious, my throat felt itchy, and I felt like I was about to spit out blood. Although I hadn't been beaten, my internal organs were all injured.

I admit my feelings were complicated, a mix of emotions, but not jealousy.

From Nalan Ruoli's perspective, a man going to such lengths for her, even killing, should be a very happy thing. But I clearly understand that Yuan Weijiu doesn't like me, and I'm not jealous that she has such deep love from him. All

I need to do is make him pay for his actions and show him that he can't treat others so recklessly, using their lives as tools to fulfill his desires, and then expecting them to learn to forget so easily.

This world doesn't belong to him. We are all human; we can love and hate.

"Halt!!"

The moment Murong Lan grabbed me, the palace guards on patrol surrounded me as if facing a formidable enemy. He had changed; no one recognized him. And I, like a madwoman, had a ferocious expression, utterly lacking in decorum.

"Don't be so presumptuous! We are Lord Liu's men."

When did this kid put his clothes back on? The gold badge that always hung on his waist hadn't been burned. Murong Lan stared with wide eyes, calmly displaying his identification. For a moment, the surrounding soldiers exchanged bewildered glances; even with their suspicions, no one dared to act rashly.

...

It seems, Brother Lan, I've wronged you too.

Aside from being a bit sinister, having a penchant for raping me, and being ruthless, cunning, and cruel, you haven't actually done anything truly heinous.

There's nothing wrong with liking power, and there's nothing wrong with playing some tricks in officialdom, at least you haven't harmed anyone.

If I weren't so stupid, you would already be the powerful Lord Liu, second only to the emperor. "I've ruined everything for you. I don't know if I can ever make it up to you in this lifetime.

" "Haitang, let's leave first. Given my current condition, we need to discuss this matter carefully."

After the soldiers withdrew, Murong Lan tightly grasped my hand, his gaze locking onto me as if he could read my mind.

I struggled a couple of times, but his fair hand seemed permanently attached to my wrist. Damn it, I'm in a hurry to get to the bottom of things! Who has time to wait for you to discuss things carefully!

I was filled with anger and frustration, my chest pounding as I was about to yell at him. Just then, a woman dressed as a personal maid rushed across the front corridor, crying and shouting as if she were looking for someone.

"Quickly, summon the imperial physician! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!!! Something terrible has happened!!!"

I froze, exchanging bewildered glances with Murong Lan.

Chapter 78 Finale:

The Crying—

Following Murong Lan and the personal maid frantically searching for the imperial physician, I arrived at the so-called Crown Prince's Palace. The residences of the successive crown princes were indeed magnificent and elegant, exuding nobility and aloofness, which should have made a lowly commoner like me envious. However, our attention did not linger on the material appearance.

It was because the mournful cries emanating from there were too sorrowful, like the wailing of ghosts from hell, or wild beasts that had lost their mates… Every sound was heart-wrenching, every word devastating, utterly unbearable to hear.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going in?”

Seeing me standing at the palace entrance, hesitant to move, Murong Lan understood my complex emotions. She didn’t press me, but simply asked a soft question.

"...

I was speechless for a moment. The momentum I had just displayed, wanting Yuan Weijiu to fight to the death, had already subsided. In the end, she was just an ordinary, mediocre woman, lacking any heroic spirit. Her so-called fearlessness was merely due to the fact that Murong Lan was still there to clean up my messes, and she still held some hope for that man surnamed Yuan, hoping that in the end it was all just Murong lying.

But now it seems that it's hard not to believe—

"My lord...please save my Miss Li...waaaaah..."

The maid's address was casual, unlike that of a Xian Kingdom person, but rather had a bit of a barbarian style. The mistress who had grown up with her since childhood had married, whether he was a marquis or a prince, or a concubine or empress, Miss was still Miss, still the beautiful woman who helped her with her hair and makeup every morning. It was clear that even when serving her closely, she had never been bound by formalities; this Princess Nalan was still a forthright and enthusiastic person.

"Alas, it's all fate...it's futile for you to beg me." In the blink of

an eye, Murong Lan had already gone inside. The maidservant said something else, her voice trembling with sobs, but I couldn't make out what she was saying. I only knew that the wailing coming from inside was very familiar—a deep, resonant voice, hoarse from years of drinking. Who else could it be but Yuan Weijiu… It

really was him—

he was crying.

Why?

“Haitang, come here—”

I still didn't know what had happened, but my legs were already weak, and my whole body felt utterly drained, instinctively unwilling to face it.

Murong Lan called my name, but to no avail. He then came out, pulled me inside, and his previous “whatever” attitude had changed. It was as if there was something I absolutely had to know, something I couldn't let slip away.

“What are you doing…”

Inch by inch, foot by foot.

I was pushed into the hall by Murong Lan. I tried to close my eyes, but it was too late. I saw the extremely beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes lying in someone's arms, black blood flowing from the corner of her lips. Her face was still rosy, as if she had just drunk poison and committed suicide. It was a pity that she was no longer breathing, otherwise, why would she be so heartbroken?

"Nalan Ruoli..."

I recognized her without anyone introducing her.

Thinking of Yuan Weijiu's obsession and Ning Xu's admiration, I had imagined this woman's appearance countless times during sleepless nights. Now that I saw her, I realized that imagination is not as good as seeing her in person.

I once thought that she was so beautiful that she could destroy a country and a person. Now it seems that her beauty is not in her appearance, but in a kind of aura and grace that is difficult to replicate.

Looking at her face, I couldn't say what was particularly beautiful about it. But it was clean and fair, with a gentle smile in her eyebrows and eyes, and even the corners of her lips were curved, making people happy when they saw her. What a gentle, refreshing presence!

Who wouldn't want to spend eternity with such a woman?

Could it be that she'd choose me and Ning Lingxia? Such restless, willful, and domineering behavior, even with her beauty, would only last a few fleeting years. In the end, wouldn't it just be a self-inflicted war?

"Senior Brother—"

Looking at the man in the dragon robe, whose face was clearly Ning Xu's, yet whose voice sounded like Yuan Wei Jiu's, Murong Lan, despite having lost everything, remained calm and composed. A look of pity shone in her large, bright eyes as she softly called out to him, a reminder, yet also a comfort.

I never imagined that "Liu Yan" would have such a kind heart.

"Lan'er…"

Ning Xu's face was streaked with tears, his eyes almost bleeding. He still held the dead woman, only glancing briefly at Murong Lan before tears streamed down his face again.

It's said that men don't easily shed tears unless they're heartbroken.

At this moment, what talk of old or new grudges? It was as if the two of them had returned to the past. He was still the handsome and outstanding senior brother, and he was still the junior brother who always pestered him to spar.

It was consensual, without any misunderstandings. In youth, things come and go easily, and one is always riding high.

"Yes, I am."

Murong Lan gave a bitter smile.

How much self-mockery and resentment was contained in that "I am," and who was to blame for all of this…?

"What happened?"

The imperial physician had arrived, but "Ning Xu" wouldn't let anyone touch Nalan Ruoli, only tightly holding her body.

"She said—"

"A woman cannot serve two husbands…"

"I didn't even have time to tell her who I was. The moment the new emperor ascended the throne, she learned that she was to marry him, and she drank poison."

"Why…"

"It was like this before, and it's like this now. She'd rather die than come with me."

Murong Lan sighed.

"Senior brother, don't be foolish anymore. Princess Ruoli has never had you in her heart."

Seeing his heartbreak, the man added slowly.

"At least you've gained the world. Be thankful, you're now the most powerful person in Xian Kingdom. I've become like this, you can take my life as easily as a feather, and from now on, no one can harm you."

I believe Murong Lan's words were sincere, and not without a hint of bitterness. The world always seems to make us laugh; what we want we can't get, and what we don't want always seems to come to us unintentionally.

Yet, faced with the world within our grasp, "Ning Xu" suddenly threw his head back and laughed.

Murong Lan and I were stunned by his laughter, staring at him as if he were a madman, laughing and crying. But after a while, this "Ning Xu," laughing, began to tremble. Then, what had happened to Murong Lan before, happened again: the man gradually burned in the icy blue flames, along with the woman in his arms…

"Ah! Miss!"

The loyal maid, seeing Nalan Ruoli's hair already singed, was terrified and wanted to rush over to save her, but was stopped by the equally stunned imperial physicians, who suspected she had been possessed by an evil spirit.

For a moment, flames roared, and an alluring fragrance filled the air, yet the scent brought tears to one's eyes.

Little did they know, beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms—

such a beauty was hard to find again.

After an unknown amount of time, the flames gradually died down. The once majestic "Ning Xu," clad in imperial robes, had vanished, leaving only my all-too-familiar Ninth Uncle, a man cradling a wisp of fragrant soul, his face haggard.

It turned out, there was no need for my junior brother to risk his life. Without hope, even the most exquisite disguise would crumble. We all blame others for our misdeeds, but we don't realize that appearance reflects the heart.

"Senior brother…you…"

Looking at Yuan Wei Jiu's head of silver hair, he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant. Murong Lan was stunned and couldn't help but reach out.

Yuan Wei Jiu didn't resist, letting him touch her. The lover in his arms, whose fragrance had faded, had been reduced to ashes by the ghostly fire, now scattered around him, dispersed by the wind.

A woman cannot serve two husbands.

Ha, if you don't like it, just don't like it. Why make excuses

? How hurtful.

"Senior brother..."

Murong Lan's face showed pity as she shook Yuan Weijiu's shoulder forcefully. But all she got in return was a blank expression; the once-powerful hero was now a cripple.

"Miss!!! Waaah...Miss!!!"

The poor maid didn't know what had happened, why her master's body had disappeared like this. She rushed over and knelt on the ground, crying as she hurriedly gathered the ashes with her hands.

I watched all this, my face blank, having long since lost all emotion.

Absurd.

Truly absurd.

Don't wait anymore, he will come back.

A voice whispered in my ear—

suddenly, I smiled.

I turned around and strode out.

As I walked, I looked up and found the sky was very blue. As I walked, somehow, I found myself outside the palace. The palace was in chaos, as if someone had lost their wife, or someone had broken off their engagement...

No one noticed me; I never belonged here. "

Nie Feng, Nie Feng, I have avenged you, this time for real.

" "Esteemed benefactor, this humble nun has traveled far and is now penniless. Could you please offer me a drink of water and a piece of bread? I would be eternally grateful."

Suddenly, the crisp sound of hooves rang out. I had wandered aimlessly, not knowing how far I had traveled, and had ended up on this forest path. An old nun in a greyish-blue robe led a small donkey towards me and bowed.

I looked at her and suddenly spoke.

"I have no money, but I have a person. Abbess, could you take me with you?"

The old nun was not surprised by my abrupt request. A smile appeared on her kind face as she calmly asked,

"Esteemed benefactor, have you severed your worldly ties?"

I nodded.

"No more attachments."

"Cultivation is austere."

She probed.

"It won't be harder than a broken heart."

"Alright—"

The old nun nodded and asked no more questions.

"If you have the will, then you are destined for Buddhism. Follow along, and you will find your place of rest."

"Thank you, Master."

I led the donkey and followed the nun slowly. Having a new place to go finally made me feel more at ease.

We didn't speak along the way. Summer was approaching, and the wind carried the scent of grass, quite damp. Looking up at the sky, the sky was like a jewel, with a few white clouds occasionally drifting by. No more entanglements, no more sorrows, this was good enough.

"Master—"

"Hmm?"

"What is life?"

"A plow ox and half a field, the harvest depends on heaven, the barrenness depends on heaven."

"What is love?"

"Simple tea and plain food, three meals a day, sweet in the morning and sweet in the evening."

"Master—"

"Hmm?"

"Should I also shave my head?"

"If you are a disciple of the green lamp, then of course."

Extra

Extra Extra: An Unshakeable Sticky Remnant

"Junior Sister, remember to write often in the future."

Third Senior Sister wiped her face, tears welling up in her eyes, and stuffed two more large white steamed buns into my hand.

“That’s right… If things aren’t going well outside, you can always come back after getting a haircut.”

Fifth Sister pulled a crumpled little cloth bag from her bosom, poured out the only two copper coins inside, and placed them in my palm. She held my hand tightly, speaking earnestly.

“Don’t worry, Qingci Nunnery will always be your home!”

The other sisters nodded in agreement, their faces filled with a mixture of reluctance and encouragement.

“Um…”

I looked at them awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Turning to my master, I saw she still had the same kind and serene expression as when she had taken me in. She simply smiled, saying nothing.

“Cough…”

Now, I was sweating profusely.

Qingci Nunnery was truly a strange and loving place, its doors wide open to all. Anyone who wished and had the affinity could become a nun and cultivate here anytime, anywhere.

Once you enter the temple, someone will guide you to bathe and change clothes, donning a greyish-blue monk's robe. Then, you'll enter the main hall and let your hair down—the ceremony is complete. From then on, whether the waters outside the temple are turbulent or filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers is no longer your concern.

Furthermore, each person can leave the temple and descend the mountain once every three months. No one will ask where you go, nor will anyone be curious about what you do. The master often taught us that the disciples chosen by the Buddha are not like sand being grasped. Sand, the tighter you hold it, the faster it slips away; it cannot last.

Instead, they should be like birds.

Every so often, the cage door should be opened, allowing them to return to the blue sky. If they fly back, it proves their worldly ties are severed. Having witnessed the splendor of life, they have settled into their true Buddhist destiny. If they do not fly back, it means their worldly ties are not yet severed. Fate will lead them to where they are meant to go; there's no need to force them to stay, causing unnecessary trouble. Still relying on your own hands? How can that be fulfilling? Forum reputation guaranteed! 3D male sex toy anime virgin real body famous name instrument highly realistic genital shape! Swallowing and spitting, irresistible! Click to enter.

Over the years, some people have gone out and come back, some people have come and left. Coming and going, coming and going, it's all destiny, and it's all impermanence.

Now, it's my turn.

"You..."

A vein on my forehead was throbbing, I lowered my eyelids and suppressed the urge to roar. I thought to myself, you guys are sure I won't come back, right?

Have I eaten meat in these three months? Have I killed anyone? Have I broken the rules?

I shaved my head when I was supposed to, I chanted the scriptures when I was supposed to, I was clearly being a very proper and dutiful nun. It's just because men come to the door every now and then!! So what?!

I clearly didn't agree to anything...

"Mo Yan--"

Just when I was dejected, my master, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

"Master..."

I stared at her blankly, and for some reason, my eyes suddenly became very sore. "

Is the karmic bond not yet severed—

heh.

Who can say otherwise…?

Actually, what I truly feel has already been revealed on my face. Everyone understands, but I'm just stubbornly refusing to admit it so easily.

'Mo Yan, once you leave, we will most likely never see each other again. Your master will only give you one piece of advice—'

'Master, please speak.

' 'What has already happened, whether right or wrong, should not be clung to. The road ahead is long; you should still be happy.'" "

Yes..."

I sniffled, nodding forcefully between tears.

The principle was the same, one I'd understood long ago. But whether I could actually do it was another matter entirely...

However, the simplest of truths, when stated so plainly by my master, took on a Zen-like quality. Perhaps it was because I lacked maternal love growing up, whether it was her or the Weaver Girl, whenever an older woman spoke kind words to me, it warmed my heart, like someone wrapping me in a warm blanket in the freezing snow.

In this world, I never imagined that the person I knew least would understand me so well.

"Then Mo Yan will descend the mountain. Take care, fellow disciples." "

No matter how reluctant I am, I must part ways eventually.

I kowtowed three times earnestly to my master, and then bid farewell to all the sisters. Finally, taking with me a few things I used while living at the Qingci Nunnery, I turned and walked out of the old, creaky wooden door that creaked with every push.

My bundle, which was originally light, was stuffed very heavy by everyone. Who says that entering the Buddhist order means leaving the world? We all practiced under the same roof; who can say that this isn't fate, isn't part of our emotions?

"Why did it take so long? I'm freezing!"

A figure leaned against the big locust tree in front of the nunnery, a straw dangling from his mouth, looking impatient. When he saw me come out, his eyes lit up, but then he frowned again and darted to my side, complaining incessantly.

"Ah, you haven't left yet."

I couldn't be bothered to look at him. The sudden chill of early autumn was unbearable, and I couldn't help but pull my thin, gray robe tighter. "

What kind of attitude is this? I've waited for you for three months. And now you're showing me this face? Do you think you've repaid my kindness?"

The man was furious, grabbing my arm and angrily expressing his dissatisfaction. He looked like a debt collector, and I was unfortunately the poor soul who owed him eight hundred strings of cash.

I stopped, coldly turning my head to scrutinize him.

"Brother Liu… oh no, Brother Murong. May I ask what business you have with me?" "

Tsk tsk.

Sometimes I really can't believe my eyes, and I even start to doubt my own memory.

The Liu Yan I remember should be an arrogant man with a commanding presence and an air of authority. He always spoke in a sarcastic tone, either with orders or threats. How come he's like this now, after regaining his original form, even his personality has changed. He's always acting strangely, and he comes to the nunnery to cause trouble, bang on the door, and steal food."

" I really don't know what sins I committed in my past life. One Yuan Weijiu wasn't enough, so he sent his junior brother to continue tormenting me...

" "You!"

My fair face flushed crimson, and my large, bright eyes instantly turned resentful.

"You know perfectly well

what you're doing!" "I'm sorry, I really don't know. Please tell me."

"You're the one who ruined me. I was practically emperor, if not the emperor. Now I'm left with nothing, and I was almost wanted nationwide. So from now on, wherever you go, I'll go. You have to take responsibility for me!"

He said through gritted teeth, looking like he wanted to chew me up.

"Humph..."

I tried to shake him off, but I couldn't escape his clutches.

"Don't say that. Your fate was entirely your own doing. Besides, I'm just a little nun. I can barely support myself with vegetables and tofu every day, let alone a grown man like you. I advise you to hurry up and find a place to reincarnate, lest you starve to death with me."

"Hehe..."

For some reason, the mention of the word "nun" made Murong Lan's previously dark expression suddenly turn smug.

"Don't worry, I will definitely be 'devoted to you to the death.' Besides, you're no longer a nun, don't even think about lying to me..."

"Eh? Who said I won't? I'll go down the mountain for a while and come back in a couple of days."

I rolled my eyes, dismissing his argument with unwavering certainty.

"Oh? Is that so? Then what are all your nun sisters doing?"

"Huh?"

I didn't understand his words and was wondering when I inadvertently turned around. I saw a group of sisters gathered by the gate, all looking at Murong Lan pulling my arm, with expressions that said, "You must be happy..." I almost got internal injuries from anger.

"See that—"

My ear itched, and suddenly a warm breath blew in.

I shivered, but couldn't push away the man who was clinging to me and whispering in my ear.

"Even Buddhist disciples know I'm yours. From now on, we'll love each other dearly, and be together to the ends of the earth—"

"..."

Holy crap!

Wait a minute, what's going on?!

Extra Chapter Two: Forever and Ever

He was smug, but I had no heart for the

fight. I carried my pack, my steps quickening until I was practically sprinting down the mountain. But Brother Murong seemed leisurely and unhurried, always staying within ten steps of me. In the end, only I was sweating profusely, while he seemed to be sightseeing, his smile growing ever brighter.

"You lunatic, stop following me!"

Unable to contain my anger, I turned around and yelled.

"Impossible. From now on, we'll be together no matter where we are."

He calmly held up one index finger and shook it annoyingly twice in front of me, his face full of rejection.

"Damn it, who said I'd be your wife! You think you can bully me and take advantage of me?!"

I retorted, baring my sharp teeth.

To my surprise, the man didn't get angry at all. Instead, he raised his eyebrows and looked at me tenderly, his eyes becoming even more gentle...

"Darling... I haven't had you in so long..."

"Damn it!!"

I finally broke down, palms up, speechless.

"What's wrong..."

Murong Lan suddenly clung to me, pretending to be intimate as he put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his arms. His fair face buried itself against my neck in a coquettish manner.

"I just haven't had you in so long... I really want to, what should I do..."

Feeling goosebumps all over my body, I glared at him with disgust, struggled to break free from his hold, and continued walking forward without looking back.

"Give me a break. There's no way we're together.

" "Why?"

Seeing I wasn't joking at all, the man's half-serious, half-teasing expression vanished. He caught up, grabbed my arm, and stared at me relentlessly, demanding an answer.

"..."

I looked at him, and for some reason, a thick bitterness welled up in my throat, rising to my mouth, impossible to swallow or spit out.

The man before me had clear eyes and a sincere expression. This slender, fair-skinned man resembled a scholar taking an exam; where was the former governor of the coast guard's imposing presence?

He was no longer Liu Yan; I could easily mistake him for someone else. And Murong Lan was indeed no longer Liu Yan, or rather, Liu Yan was merely an act, never truly existing.

"Look at me now. Do you think I can ever live a normal life again?" I gave a bitter smile .

The man was taken aback at first, then fell silent.

After a long while, as if trying to persuade me, he said with unwavering determination,

"Why not? Now you're free, and I'm free. We can completely turn the page on the past and start over somewhere where no one knows us."

"Haitang, for the sake of the gods, you're only twenty. Don't you want to live your life from now on? What do you want? To commit suicide?"

"Death...?"

I looked at him blankly, and finally shook my head.

"No, I won't die."

It wasn't that I didn't have reasons to commit suicide; in fact, after experiencing all of this, I truly had no will to live. However, having grown up on a pirate ship and experienced so many life-and-death situations, the will to survive had become an instinct. I would rather live a wretched life than die a good death.

Seemingly relieved, Murong Lan's expression relaxed, and his demeanor became gentle.

"Then live well, and come with me!"

"No..."

I shook my head.

"I can't give you anything, and besides, what do you want from me?" "Didn't you say that I ruined everything for you? If you stayed with me, you'd have nothing for the rest of your life."

I was referring to my mindset.

Twenty years old—what a wonderful time. Unfortunately, I no longer have the heart to enjoy it; I've lost interest in everything. I'm afraid—afraid of being deceived, afraid of being hurt, even afraid of so-called love…

How can a woman without desire, only fear, not age? How can she start anew?

"What joke are you talking about… old?"

He didn't believe me, and laughed coldly.

I laughed too, without saying anything more.

"Haitang… if you won't be with me, then what will you do?"

…

After thinking for a long time, I murmured,

"I want to go somewhere else. Xian Kingdom is so big; I've only ever been to Zhongzhou. Maybe going elsewhere will bring new encounters. Maybe, there will be a so-called new beginning…"

Murong Lan looked like he was about to cry, his handsome appearance unable to conceal his sorrow and disappointment. After a long pause, he spoke slowly and deliberately, as if he hadn't wanted to say it but had no choice, looking me in the eye.

"Even if you don't care about me at all, what about the Yun brothers? They are devoted to you, deeply in love. Didn't you say you were going to rescue them? Otherwise, why have you willingly allowed yourself to be threatened by me until now?"

"I lost power, Prime Minister Su broke off his engagement in court, and Yun Heying never married his daughter; he's still a bachelor. Not to mention his extremely unlucky brother, whose bride was kidnapped by bandits on the way, and Princess Ning is still missing..."

"They haven't married any other women; they're still thinking of you. And you? Are you so heartless as to abandon them too?"

He emphasized the word "also," a clear indication that I was ignoring his own accusations.

Upon hearing these names, my first reaction was bewilderment. Because I couldn't remember, I really couldn't remember what the Yun brothers looked like or even their names...

After I remembered, my vision blurred again. Tears welled up in my eyes, then fell in large drops.

"Yun Heying... Yun Zhengyue..."

I squatted down, sobbing softly at first, then bursting into loud sobs.

Murong Lan exhaled, and soon squatted down as well, holding me tightly in his arms.

"Don't be like this, don't give up... Let's go find them, okay? I'll take you to them, and we'll figure out what we want to say and what we want to do."

Extra Chapter 3: The Art of Pretending to be Weak to Get Away with Strength 1

I didn't expect Murong Lan to actually keep his word. After I had cried enough, this guy, with a stern face, led the way, saying he would definitely take me to the Yun brothers.

"Gah!!"

I saw the man kick another pebble away. He was clearly unhappy, all his displeasure written on his face. But I didn't know how to comfort him. Most importantly—damn it, what did I do wrong?! Why did I act like I suddenly owed him eight hundred strings of cash?!

"Alright, I'll take you this far. Because of me, the Yun family's business hasn't been doing well lately; several shops have closed. They're all currently managing the main shop in the south of the city. Just go there to find them."

Pointing ahead, he looked as if he'd already accomplished his mission.

"W-where?"

Hearing the man's words, I looked around, only to find that we'd just reached the foot of the mountain, surrounded by nothing but rocks and trees. Forget the south of the city, I couldn't even see the city itself…

"Go straight for thirty-five li, turn left, then left again, then right, and you'll get there."

He snorted, squatting down to watch the ants carrying food.

…

"Are you fucking kidding me…"

A vein throbbed on my forehead.

"What's wrong with you! I've been pretending to be their cousin for so long, isn't it just asking for trouble to go back here? You only care about them, don't you ever think about me? I'm so pitiful, I have nothing left, and you don't want me... I'm the most innocent one, okay!"

Damn...

this guy actually dares to accuse me first... If it weren't for his ambition and all the trouble he's caused, things wouldn't be like this now.

"So what do you suggest now? I have no sense of direction, I definitely won't be able to find the place by myself." I

looked up at the sky, and suddenly saw that many dark clouds had appeared around me. At this moment, Murong Lan stood up, suddenly leaned close to my face, blinked his big eyes, and said softly—

"How about this, it looks like it's going to rain soon, we won't make it today. Why don't we find a small inn to stay in first, and I'll disguise myself and take you there first thing tomorrow morning. How about that?" I

suddenly felt a chill, and upon closer inspection, the man seemed to be smiling wickedly. I couldn't help but become wary, and just as I was about to refuse, a clap of thunder struck overhead, and the rain really did come as expected.

"Alright then... that's the only way."

Shrinking my neck to avoid the icy rain, I had no choice but to deal with it as it came.

Seeing my agreement, Murong Lan seemed very happy and immediately took off his coat and draped it over our heads before we started looking for an inn.

To be honest, I don't know if it was me who had been practicing on this mountain for three months or him. Having lived in a nunnery, I wasn't very familiar with the plants and flowers on the mountain, but this guy seemed to know the way like a pro, finding a place to rest in no time. The waiter seemed to know him very well, calling him "Brother Murong" affectionately. Soon, he arranged the best room for us to rest.

"Here, eat more of this. The steamed egg custard here is especially tender. You've been eating radishes and vegetables for so long, you need to replenish yourself."

The man said tenderly, diligently putting food into my plate.

"..."

I hesitated, knowing he had ulterior motives, but still reluctantly put the food into my mouth. The moment I tasted the freshness, tears almost welled up in my eyes.

Master, I'm sorry…

I'm definitely not cut out to be a nun; I betrayed you in less than a day.

"And this green vegetable, it's all homegrown, very fresh."

He put another piece on my plate, watching me eat it with a satisfied expression, as if my stomach was full.

"I say—"

I squinted as I chewed the green vegetable, raising an eyebrow at him.

"How come you know this place so well?"

"Because I live here."

He said with a grin.

"So—"

"All that waiting outside the nunnery for me for seven days and seven nights to return to secular life was fake, right? Actually, you sneaked here to sleep in the middle of the night, and then pretended you hadn't left the next day, right?"

"…"

I'd been caught.

"Liar!"

I glared at him fiercely, then turned my head away, ignoring him. Murong Lan knew he was in the wrong and didn't dare say anything more for a moment, only silently eating his meal like a little field mouse, his cheeks bulging out.

Extra Chapter 4: The Art of Pretending to be Weak to Outsmart Others 2

After dinner, I asked the waiter to bring water for a bath.

Life seemed to become simpler: eating, sleeping, bathing… no need to worry about national affairs, no need to care who was impersonating whom, who was trying to please whom, who was being threatened by whom, or who was falling for whom.

Even bathing became easier after I cut my hair. I soaked in the water, feeling utterly lost for a long time. Looking back, it seemed something had changed imperceptibly, but then again, it seemed nothing had changed. A thousand thoughts transformed into the rules of the world—

good deeds bring good rewards, and evil deeds bring evil consequences.

“What are you thinking about, acting like a fool?”

Just then, Murong Lan, shirtless, emerged from behind the screen, holding a cotton towel and asking in bewilderment.

“Nothing… Huh? What are you doing?”

Seeing his expression, as if he wanted to take a bath with me, I stared wide-eyed in surprise, almost biting my tongue off for a moment.

"Taking a bath, huh?"

He shrugged, casually tossing a towel into my bathtub, then began unceremoniously undressing his lower body.

"Hey! This is indecent assault, you know? I'm still showering!"

"It's okay, we're all so familiar with each other."

"Hey!! Put your pants on!! Pervert! Don't crawl in!!! Aaaaaaaah!!!!"

Completely ignoring my resistance, the man whistled and gloriously removed the last piece of clothing, then sat down in the bathtub with a cool "plop" while I was still there.

"Splash—"

"The water temperature is just right, so comfortable."

He picked up the already soaked cotton towel and covered his face with it, then leaned back against the edge of the tub and sighed happily.

"I... damn..."

The already small circular space now felt even smaller. His legs were touching mine, and his arms were almost touching mine. More importantly... his body was soaking in the same tub as me, what the hell was going on?!

"What do you mean, 'damn'? How can a girl like you always talk so rudely?"

He splashed a handful of water on my face, lifted the towel, glanced at me sideways, and scolded me with a "tsk tsk."

I was almost dizzy with anger, and the heat of the water made me feel weak all over, I didn't even have the strength to splash him back. Just then, the man reached out and grabbed my shoulder, slowly moving closer to me.

"Haitang, do you want me to scrub your back?"

He smiled brightly, and my alarm bells rang.

Before I could refuse, he had flipped me over and pinned me against the edge of the tub. The wet loofah was then applied to my back, and Murong Lan began to scrub it meticulously, his professionalism rivaling that of a hired hand.

"Ugh...uh...uh..."

The man was a bit strong, but it was precisely because of the pain that I felt aroused. I struggled for a while but eventually gave in and lay there obediently. To be honest, he scrubbed me incredibly well, and gradually my body felt weak and sore, and I was sweating profusely, almost falling asleep.

"Haitang..."

Unconsciously, the slight pain in my back gradually disappeared, replaced by the man's warm and strong massage.

"Ah...?"

I responded groggily, too half-asleep to think much of it. But those hands kept moving closer and closer to my body, until finally I heard Murong Lan let out a heavy, impatient gasp. He suddenly pressed himself against me, holding my naked body tightly, his hard member rubbing against my crotch in a lewd manner.

"Damn it! What are you doing!"

His movement jolted me awake. My head slid into the water, swallowing several mouthfuls of bathwater, but he instantly pulled me up, pressing me against the edge of the tub like a shrimp, my buttocks sticking up high, my head plunging downwards.

"It's been so long, just feed me... ah..."

He coaxed and tricked me, giving me no chance to refuse, the field mouse instantly turning into a wild wolf. His two demonic hands brazenly pinched my buttocks, spreading my legs, his erect penis about to penetrate me.

"Damn it!!!"

I roared in fury, struggling desperately. I

barely managed to scramble out of the abyss by the tub tipping over, but this guy, seemingly slender and thin, was surprisingly strong. He quickly grabbed me again, twisting me into a strange kneeling position, and forcefully penetrated me from behind…

“Ahhhhhh!!!”

I’m going to kill him!!!

“Oh…oh…”

The man’s penis quickly began to thrust wildly inside me. Because I had been soaking in the water, my body wasn’t dry. Besides, I hadn’t done it in so long, and my body, which had long been trained into a prostitute, was still desperately thirsty. It quickly contracted and writhed with the frequency of the man’s thrusts, my pussy sucking him tightly…

“Look…you want a man too, don’t you?”

Surrounded by my pussy, Murong Lan seemed to be enjoying the penetration and couldn’t help but moan triumphantly behind me.

I knelt on the ground, feeling an electric shock-like numbness in my lower body. This bastard was thrusting into me with the force of grinding an iron rod into a needle. His hands were also pulling my arms back, as if I were his prisoner.

"You just wait!"

The bronze mirror in the corner reflected our images, and I looked at it, my face flushed. The man behind me, who was having sex with me, was lean but not skinny; even without clothes, he was still quite muscular. The owner of the white, tender buttocks he was thrusting into was a bald little nun. This scene was a thousand times more lewd than when I was a prostitute in the Yun Mansion.

"Wait for what..."

He suddenly bent down and bit my earlobe, his hands now half-encircling my waist, still penetrating me from behind. The air began to fill with the sweet, pungent smell of male and female intercourse, and the rhythmic "slap slap" of flesh hitting flesh rose and fell. Hearing it, I felt like I was being pierced by demonic noise, and all I wanted to do was hide in a corner and secretly tear up some paper to vent my frustration.

...

What should I do...

It feels a little good.

I think I'm giving in, I'm really going to give in...

"Come on now... Begonia, my darling..."

Extra Chapter 5: The Art of Pretending to be a Fool 3

When I decided to accept him, this damp, cold floor didn't seem like a good place for making love.

No one knows me better than Murong Lan. He easily picked me up and tossed me onto the bed covered with a straw mat in a few quick steps. In an instant, the two of us were like kindling to ignite a fire. Soon, we were twisted together again in the ancient way.

"Ah... um..."

Perhaps I had lost weight again, because the mat beneath me hurt my bones during the rhythmic movements. But the man didn't care about that, and he crawled between my legs, making me squeeze his waist tightly. His sexy hips moved up and down, like a wild beast in a state of extreme thirst.

"Ah um um..."

Reaching the peak of pleasure, he couldn't help but moan softly. A layer of glistening liquid, whether water or sweat, covered our bodies, and the pubic hair where we were joined was already a muddy mess. The sticky fluid clung lifelessly to my lower abdomen, while the game of his penis drilling into me continued in full swing.

This Murong Lan was no less powerful than Liu Yan, who was a hundred times stronger. Although the size was slightly smaller, it still matched his physique; otherwise, he would have looked like a monster.

"How is it? Is it comfortable?"

He lifted my buttocks and thrust into me diagonally from top to bottom. His penis darted in and out of my opening, churning at strange angles. I felt like my internal organs were being churned apart, not to mention the tingling sensation in my lower body, down to my thighs, as if some fluid was holding back, but it wasn't the urge to urinate—it was incredibly uncomfortable.

"Ugh..."

Sweat trickled into my eyes, and I closed them tightly, frowning, involuntarily gripping his shoulders to endure everything the man was giving me.

"Is it comfortable..."

But he was like a child, oblivious to my near-limitless state, still relentlessly trying to please me.

"Com...comfortable..."

I could only reply, only to be met with even more ferocious thrusting. My legs felt like they were being torn apart, making a loud "plop plop" sound.

“There’s something even more pleasurable…”

he leered, and I screamed.

He tormented me for who knows how long before this bastard finally pressed his penis against my buttocks and forcefully ejaculated all of his hot, white fluid.

“Wow, that feels so good…”

He trembled all over, his expression already dazed, his buttocks still contracting and gently rubbing his semi-erect penis inside me. Only after the last drop of semen was ejaculated did he collapse onto me with a satisfied expression, breathing slowly.

...

I was already exhausted. My earlier indulgence was partly due to his seduction, and partly due to the pent-up frustration I had suppressed for so long. It seems I'm definitely not cut out to be a nun. My three months of solitary practice have not only left me with worldly ties, but I'm also showing signs of a renewed sense of camaraderie...

"What are you thinking about?"

For a long time, we lay naked facing each other without saying a word. Murong Lan held me, one hand supporting his head, the other stroking my face with satisfaction, as if I were his pet cat. But after a while, he got tired of his monologue and couldn't resist tempting me.

"Nothing...I'm tired..."

I rolled over, saying lazily.

He was rebuffed and, feeling utterly bored, pouted and snapped his fingers. His finger snaps were different from ordinary people's; each crisp snap was accompanied by a burning "sizzle."

After several repetitions, I couldn't resist turning around to steal a glance. To my astonishment, I discovered that each time the man's two long, white, jade-like fingers touched, a cluster of blue flames would ignite—exactly the same demonic magic he had conjured in the dark dungeon that day…

"What is this? Have you regained your power?"

I asked, utterly surprised.

"No—"

he shook his head, his expression innocent.

"Then what's going on?"

I sat up and pointed at his fingers.

"Hehe, are you stupid? So what if my original power is gone? It's only been a little over ten years. I remember all the secret techniques and methods; there's plenty of time. I can start practicing again from scratch."

"This blue ghost fire is the simplest basic skill in the art. I can only create one now. The number will gradually increase in the future, and then it won't be impossible for me to transform back into Liu Yan's appearance."

His eyes suddenly lit up, followed by a wicked smile.

“But my wife—”

“Do you like Murong Lan more, or Liu Yan more?”

“…”

I rolled my eyes and snorted coldly.

“I don’t like either of them, they’re both bastards.”

The man wasn’t annoyed at all, but instead grinned and leaned in to kiss me.

“But they both like you so much, what should I do?”

“Go away, go away!”

I shooed him away like a fly, but a thought suddenly flashed through my mind.

“Wait a minute—”

“What?”

He was about to kiss me deeply when I grabbed his chin, his expression displeased.

“If even you can be restored…then Yuan Weijiu…”

I stopped mid-sentence, seeing Murong Lan’s face suddenly darken, and I quickly shut my mouth, realizing I had misspoke.

“You’re still thinking about him!”

He was furious, leaping out of bed to get dressed and storming off.

“Dream on, Yuan Weijiu is already ruined! His most beloved woman is dead, even if he bites his tongue to commit suicide, it’s not your turn!”

he roared viciously.

"I..."

I stared blankly at him, unable to utter a word of explanation.

If I told him I had given up on Yuan Weijiu, he definitely wouldn't believe me. Because if you truly don't care about someone, you wouldn't even bother mentioning them. It's

just that my love is no longer my love, and my Ninth Uncle is still my Ninth Uncle. He's like a wound; even if it heals, it will leave a scar, only it won't hurt anymore.

"Hey..."

I called out to Murong Lan, but although he had already reached the door, he seemed to have been waiting for this opportunity. He stopped immediately when he heard me speak.

"Are you angry?"

I asked softly, but all I got in return was him sulking without even turning his head.

"Sigh..."

I didn't know how to comfort him, or even why I should comfort him. He was just a clingy pest to get rid of, but now it's like I have a responsibility to him, and I have to pay the bill when he's unhappy.

Damn it.

Back then, he poisoned my mother, causing me to have an attack every now and then. The pain was even worse in the nunnery; I needed to be tied up and all the nuns to chant sutras around me to calm down...

Now, he's following me around every day, eating and drinking for free, and even sleeping with me. He throws tantrums and needs to be coaxed; he's getting more and more outrageous...

Thinking of this, I swallowed the words I couldn't say and closed my mouth again.

I lay down again and pulled the thin blanket over myself. Weariness had unconsciously filled me; the lingering effects of my orgasm had completely transformed into a soothing balm.

I closed my eyes, trying to clear my mind and not think about anything. But this action only made Murong Lan more aggrieved, as if he had finally proven that he was completely unimportant to me.

"You!!!"

"Don't think about it anymore. I'm telling you, Yuan Weijiu has returned to the Hu Kingdom. He will never come back, and you will never see him again."

"..."

I remained silent.

"Give me a break. He didn't ask you a single question when he left. You mean nothing to him. No wonder everyone takes advantage of you and treats you like a fool, being so delusional."

"..."

I know.

"Hey... are you mute? Would it kill you to say something?"

"..."

I still didn't answer.

My eyelids suddenly felt heavy, and my hearing gradually weakened. By the time Murong Lan rushed over in alarm and grabbed me, shaking me violently, I had already lost consciousness and knew nothing more.

In the sixth extra chapter, "The Choice,"

when I woke up, Murong Lan was by my bedside, his face filled with deep worry. When I opened my eyes, he didn't seem particularly happy. For a long time, we just stared at each other without saying a word.

"What's wrong?"

Feeling my body as heavy as lead, yet my head was foggy and I had a floating, unreal feeling, I couldn't help but ask him.

"Nothing, just a side effect of Prozac,"

he said faintly, his face as pale as paper.

"Prozac...?"

You know, thinking at this moment is extremely difficult for me, but I finally remembered what the ship's doctor on the Ghost King said—

if you don't use this stuff, the pain will be unbearable, but if you keep using it, it will slowly erode all your essence and blood, turning you into a dried-up corpse.

Come to think of it, it's been quite a while since I've used this stuff. The duration of my withdrawal symptoms has started to lengthen, but each time the craving hits, the pain becomes increasingly intense.

"Hmm."

He nodded, his voice becoming very dry.

“If you really want to quit, you have to force yourself never to touch it again, but your body will instinctively reject the discomfort that comes with the cravings. The closer you get to quitting, the stronger your reaction will be. Generally, in the later stages of withdrawal, addicts often can't take it anymore and faint, convulse, can't breathe... or even—”

“Even what?”

My mind went blank, and he made me even more dizzy.

“You might even be overwhelmed by the addiction and lose your life…”

“Damn it!”

I forcefully pulled out a pillow and threw it at Murong Lan.

“That’s terrifying, you bastard! This is all your doing!”

The pillow slapped the man’s face, and he caught it miserably. The man looked like he had suffered a serious injury, sniffling and looking dejected.

“Don’t say that… I never thought I would fall in love with you.”

Hearing such a naked confession, I didn’t react at all. Instead, I pretended to be deaf and dumb, pressing my dazed head and groaning as I turned away from him. "

How ridiculous...

He even said he never expected to fall in love with me. I'd never believe that after all these men, the one who's clinging to me in the end is the one I disliked the most.

" "Hey—"

He stood anxiously behind me, nuzzling me like a puppy.

"Actually, the chances of dying aren't that high... but to quit, you need to be healthy, eat well, sleep well, and exercise regularly. As long as you're healthy and can withstand the side effects, completely quitting Prozac is just a matter of time."

"You've been eating mostly vegetables in the nunnery lately, so it's understandable that you're weak. Once we find the Yun brothers, we'll give you a proper makeover, and you won't feel this bad anymore."

"What does that have to do with them?"

I felt increasingly uneasy, turning my head to glare at him.

"Ah... well, because I don't have any money."

Murong Lan scratched his head sheepishly, a forced smile spreading across his face.

I was instantly furious. So this guy was trying to get me to use the Yun brothers as a meal ticket?

"Don't worry, Haitang."

He suddenly threw off the covers, ignoring my protests, and crawled in beside me, even putting the pillow he'd been carrying back in its place.

"I originally thought you'd either choose me or them. My ties with the Yun brothers are too deep; we can no longer coexist peacefully. But now, I've decided to do it for you..."

I listened quietly, waiting for him to finish. But after a long while, Murong Lan remained silent, replaced by even breathing. It seemed that after watching over me for several days and

nights

, seeing me wake up, a weight had finally been lifted from his heart; this guy slept quickly and deeply. I looked at Murong Lan's face beside me, my gaze tracing his sunken eye sockets and dark circles. For some reason, my heart felt warm, and even the discomfort in my body was relieved...

For me?

I chuckled softly.

People, don't easily say everything is for others.

After resting for two more days, we set off again, lightly equipped, slowly walking down the green mountain I feared I would never set foot on again. In just a few days, I'd eaten eggs, slept with men, and broken every precept I could. Rather than saying my worldly ties weren't severed, it's more accurate to admit I had absolutely no morals.

This time, Murong Lan seemed determined and finally agreed to lead the way properly. In less than half a day, we reached the south of Zhongzhou City.

"Look, that's the one."

The two of us hid behind a wall, gazing at the exquisitely decorated shop, a fabric business.

The more I looked, the more familiar it seemed. It took me a while to remember that Yun Heying had once brought me here. Back then, we squeezed into a sedan chair, and he made me carry the account books, being extremely strict with me. But he would always secretly treat me to leftover plum juice from other shops, or give me scraps of fabric to make a small shirt…

Despite his stinginess, he was genuinely kind to me. Seeing that time had passed and could never return, yet the peach blossoms still smiled in the spring breeze, I was filled with emotion, and a sorrowful expression appeared on my face.

"Hey, aren't you going in?"

I noticed the head and second managers were inside, the two brothers, one in red and one in blue, chatting and laughing, occasionally marking and pointing at the account books—a scene of harmonious brotherly affection.

Murong Lan, growing impatient, couldn't help but gently poke me with her finger.

"Wait a minute, I'll take another look,"

I whispered, my gaze lingering longingly on the Yun brothers' faces.

It had been so long—

although the prosperity was gone and business wasn't as easy as it used to be, they seemed so happy. I had never seen Yun Zhengyue so focused. The extravagant air about him had diminished considerably, and his clothes and accessories were no longer as dazzling as before. He wore a long, light blue robe, his hair tied up with a wooden hairpin. His eyes were still as bright as stars, but they were completely absorbed by the account books in his hands, as if they could hold nothing else.

Yun Heying was still dressed in red, her long, flowing black hair cascading down her back. She instructed her younger brother on how to manage the accounts, a satisfied smile on her face.

The scene was utterly beautiful; no one with a conscience could bear to disturb it.

"Alright, let's go."

I turned around, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. I felt refreshed, as if all the burdens of my life had been lifted.

"Go? Go where?"

Murong Lan was completely dumbfounded, not understanding what I was up to.

"Aren't you going to find them and see them? They've been waiting for you all this time!"

I smiled, suddenly grabbing his hand and asking a question instead of answering.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Huh?"

"Look at them. They're doing just fine without me. The brothers are harmonious, and they both take good care of the family business. That's always been Yun Heying's wish."

"If I show up now, it'll be like a rotten fish spoiling the whole pot of porridge. It'll only make them fight each other and cause more trouble."

"..."

Murong Lan gradually understood what I meant and couldn't deny my judgment either, but the hand I was holding began to tremble sadly.

"Then what about you? The withdrawal symptoms are so severe. I really can't help you..."

"Hey, it's just money, right?"

I put my arm around his shoulder and turned to walk in another direction.

"What do you mean 'just...'"

he pouted.

"You don't have any, but I do."

I patted my chest, indicating that he shouldn't worry.

When we reached the bustling city, there were pedestrians all around. A woman dressed as a nun with her arm around a handsome man with fair skin naturally attracted surprised looks from everyone.

Seeing that things were going badly, I quickly covered my face with my bundle and pulled him away quickly. The two of them ran and jumped, quickly escaping to the outskirts. When they reached a stream, I squatted down and gulped down several mouthfuls of cold water before slowly speaking, panting.

"When we got off the Ghost King ship, Yuan Weijiu gave me a lot of money, enough for us to open a small shop here. As for health and wellness, we can just make chicken soup from time to time; we don't need to eat ginseng every day."

"Hmm..."

Murong Lan, who had been hanging her head, finally brightened up. She quickly leaned closer to me, blinking her big eyes and asking cheerfully,

"So, you're not going to go find the Yun family? Then from now on, you'll only be with me?"

"Of course."

I laughed, revealing two sharp canine teeth.

"Doing business, of course, requires hiring someone to manage it. Seeing how loyal you are to me, I'll hire you as the head manager. I'm a woman, and I've shaved my head, so it's not convenient for me to show my face in public for the time being. Considering all the bad things you've done to me in the past, I've decided to set your salary at one tael of silver a month. If you do well, there will be additional rewards."

"One tael of silver?!"

the man exclaimed.

"Are you crazy! Are you trying to fetch a beggar?!"

"One tael of silver is too much, take it or leave it..."

I stretched, deciding to go to my hiding place and dig out the silver before making further plans. Murong Lan, however, followed me like a little lapdog, complaining about his salary.

"You're so stingy, you'll go to hell!"

"Ha, I already have."

"We're already married, what's yours isn't mine. What's with this salary system? It's too formal!"

"Wake up, that marriage doesn't count. Are you Liu Yan? Liu Yan is dead, I'm a widow now."

"Hey!!"

...

The following month, a shop specializing in noodles and snacks quietly opened on an inconspicuous street corner in the north of Zhongzhou City. It's said the owner is skilled at accounting, perfectly managing costs and profits, reminiscent of the wealthy Yun family. Though lacking experience, the shop is showing great promise. The head manager is busy with everything, extremely discerning, and meticulous about the ingredients used in the kitchen. Like someone who has walked the palace, he's seen and tasted everything, strictly controlling the quality of the food.

The following spring, the shop's business was on track, with a constant stream of customers, both new and familiar. Making a fortune daily, they were preparing to open their first branch in the west of the city.

The following autumn, the Yun family had another joyous occasion. The daughter of a wealthy textile merchant from Jiangnan married the second young master of the Yun family. It was said that this Miss Chen was only sixteen, beautiful as a flower, skilled at playing the zither, and knowledgeable in business—a truly exceptional match. The second young master treated her like a precious gem, granting her every wish.

Some also said that this woman's appearance was strikingly similar to the woman in a portrait hanging in the Yun family's inner chambers. It was said that this person was an old acquaintance of the Yun family, with whom both brothers had a close relationship. Therefore, the second young master fell in love with Miss Chen at first sight.

The following year, and then, heavy snow fell.

Murong Lan and the shop assistants went out to pick up goods, while I sat alone by the charcoal brazier, working on my abacus. The weather had been unusually cold lately, and people were reluctant to go out, resulting in a much slower business. Murong suggested starting a wild game hotpot business to create a buzz, but I worried that the costs would be too high and the people wouldn't accept it.

Just as I was carefully calculating, a maid entered, breathing out cool air as she handed me a thin note.

"Miss, the head manager of the Yun family has sent a visiting card."

"What?"

Hearing that name, my ears rang, almost ringing.

For so long, I'd been operating behind the scenes; no one knew who was running this thriving shop. I believed he didn't know either, otherwise, things wouldn't have been peaceful for so many years.

Gently unfolding the note, the familiar handwriting made my heart pound wildly. Yun Heying was still a born businessman, not saying much, but essentially saying that business had been tough lately, and since everyone had the resources, they should help each other and devise alliances to weather the storm together.

"Sigh..."

I sighed. Everyone making money together—only he could come up with that.

"Miss, the head manager of the Yun family is already waiting outside. Shall we invite him in?"

"Huh?"

My hand trembled, and the note fluttered to the ground.

"Who told you to let him in!"

"Huh?"

The little maid answered tremblingly, as if she hadn't expected me to have such a fierce side.

"Because it's too cold... it's not good to ask him to wait outside. He seemed very sincere, saying he wouldn't leave until you appeared."

I took a deep breath, feeling an unbearable headache.

Yun Heying, he's right there at the door, we're only separated by a door after all.

To see him, or not to see him?

Just then, there was a creak, and a gust of wind made the decision for me—

red clothes, long hair, slender eyes, a gentle smile.

"You...?"

He was stunned.

"Ah, long time no see."

(The End)

URL 1:http://localhost:909/htmlBlog/6200.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=6200&aspx=1

Previous Page : [Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 17

Next Page : [Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 22

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

[Urban] Dance of Flowers (Complete) - 23

comment Open a new window to view comments