An Jiu remained silent without answering.

After dinner, as Zhu Pianpian and Mei Yanran cleared the table, Sheng Changying found an opportunity to tell Zhu Pianpian, “I’ll be going out for a bit.”

Zhu Pianpian smiled gently, “Go on then, it must be important.”

She walked him to the door as they spoke.

Retreating inside, Zhu Pianpian pressed herself against the door and peeked out. “He’s gone. Hmph! Can’t even take a hint! What a fool!”

“If you want to go, just go. I’ll clean up here,” Mei Yanran said.

Suddenly remembering there was still someone in the room, Zhu Pianpian quickly composed herself, straightened her clothes, and cleared her throat. “Aunt Mei…”

“Go on,” Mei Yanran said with a smile.

Zhu Pianpian hesitated for a moment, then dashed out.

Meanwhile, An Jiu was already waiting outside Sheng Changying’s usual study.

“Storehouse Master Sheng.” Though Sheng Changying no longer held that position, An Jiu still used the familiar title.

Sheng Changying nodded in greeting. “What brings you here?”

Seeing his serious demeanor, An Jiu couldn’t help but recall his shy behavior around Zhu Pianpian the other day. A faint smile appeared on her face.

Sheng Changying looked slightly puzzled.

“I wanted to ask where I might find work, like at Piaomiao Mountain Villa,” An Jiu explained. She needed to earn money, but her skills were limited mostly to killing. To earn fifty thousand taels, she’d have to return to her old profession.

Sheng Changying pondered for a moment. “I remember there’s a bounty board in the west of Bianjing City. It’s used for official announcements during the day, but at night it becomes a place for bounty hunters to find work. It’s tacitly approved by the court, and sometimes they even post jobs there.”

An Jiu nodded. “How exactly does it work?”

“Every night before the hour of Zi, which is when people compete for jobs. Everyone eyes the bounties they’re interested in, and when the first watch of Zi sounds, they can try their luck at claiming them. After getting a bounty notice, wait by the board, and someone will come to brief you,” Sheng Changying explained, guessing her intentions. “I’ll draw you a map of where to find the board.”

“Thank you,” An Jiu said.

They entered the room one after the other.

With no good hiding spots near the room, Zhu Pianpian had to conceal herself behind a fake mountain twenty zhang away. Too far to hear their conversation, she could only glimpse An Jiu’s faint smile through a crack, causing her to anxiously scratch at the rock. When she saw them enter the room, she darted to the window.

An Jiu had long sensed Zhu Pianpian’s presence. Seeing her so anxious, she couldn’t resist the urge to tease her a bit. “Storehouse Master Sheng, I’ve noticed you’re becoming more handsome.”

This was true. Sheng Changying used to look haggard as if he hadn’t slept in ages. Though he didn’t look particularly energetic now, he appeared much healthier than before, naturally enhancing his appearance. His narrow fox-like eyes held a different kind of charm from Mo Sigui’s. They seemed to always harbor mischief, appearing quite alluring when relaxed. Those unfamiliar with Sheng Changying might mistake him for a cunning playboy.

Sheng Changying didn’t expect such words from An Jiu. However, he quickly understood, glancing out the window. His voice carried a hint of amusement as he replied, “You flatter me.”

Now it was An Jiu’s turn to be surprised. She had always thought Sheng Changying was a straightforward person. How appearances could be deceiving!

Since he was willing to play along, it suited her perfectly. An Jiu wasn’t foolish; she knew people like Zhu Pianpian were prone to swindling others out of money. The items she had used probably weren’t even worth a third of fifty thousand taels. An Jiu simply disliked haggling, but she wouldn’t pass up a chance for revenge.

“Let’s go out for a meal sometime,” An Jiu suggested.

“A meal?” Sheng Changying lowered his head to draw, his dark hair falling over his shoulders and his eyes slightly curved. “Alright.”

An Jiu’s ears twitched, hearing faint scratching from outside. She added fuel to the fire, “Just the two of us. How about tonight?”

“There’s a place on Pan Lou Street that makes excellent roast goose,” Sheng Changying said, effectively agreeing.

Zhu Pianpian finally couldn’t bear it any longer and entered, wearing a flawless smile. “What’s this about roast goose?”

“Nothing,” An Jiu quickly replied before Sheng Changying could speak.

Zhu Pianpian gazed at Sheng Changying reproachfully. “This servant suddenly has a craving for roast goose from Pan Lou Street tonight.”

Sheng Changying, who could manage a bit of mischief behind her back, seemed to lose all wit in Zhu Pianpian’s presence. He hastily said, “Then I’ll accompany you tonight to buy some. If you’re tired, you can wait while I bring it back.”

An Jiu silently rolled her eyes, unsure if this was genuine or an act.

“I haven’t been out in so long. Let’s go together,” Zhu Pianpian insisted, unwilling to give others any opportunity.

Sheng Changying agreed repeatedly.

“Is the drawing finished?” An Jiu asked, tired of watching their antics. She had intended to tease Zhu Pianpian but ended up feeling like a third wheel. She strongly suspected this had been Sheng Changying’s plan all along.

They truly were a conniving pair!

“It’s done,” Sheng Changying handed the drawing to An Jiu.

Zhu Pianpian leaned in closer. “What did you draw?”

An Jiu folded the paper and turned to Sheng Changying. “Thanks, I owe you another favor.”

“It’s nothing worth mentioning,” Sheng Changying replied.

An Jiu left with the drawing tucked away.

After a few steps, she recalled Zhu Pianpian’s rapidly changing expressions earlier. Her lips curved into a smile as she concealed her presence and returned, silently perching on a roof beam.

Inside, Zhu Pianpian covered her face with a handkerchief, sobbing softly. “Have you grown tired of this servant?”

“Never, never,” Sheng Changying reached out to wipe her tears, his voice full of concern. “In this life, I am fortunate to have Pianpian as my wife. I will never betray you.”

Zhu Pianpian’s face reddened slightly as she scolded, “Who said I would marry you?”

“Pianpian…” Sheng Changying held her hand, sighing. “If you don’t marry me, I fear I’ll grow old alone.”

“Nonsense,” Zhu Pianpian gently covered his mouth.

An Jiu grimaced. How nauseating.

She couldn’t understand why they found such flirtation amusing. Wouldn’t a smooth relationship be preferable? Why create drama, cry, and then console each other?

However, she could see that in this relationship between Sheng Changying and Zhu Pianpian, Zhu Pianpian had initially been the dominant one, but now they seemed more balanced.

Should she stir up some drama to tease Chu Dingjiang someday?

An Jiu’s heart skipped a beat. This was the third time she had thought of him!

Realizing this, she lost interest in observing the couple’s affectionate display. She quickly left, returning to her room to prepare the weapons she’d need that night.

She donned her fitted clothes, equipped her weapons and medicines, and wrapped her Subduing Dragon Bow in linen before slinging it across her back. Her preparations were complete.

After dinner, she informed Mo Sigui and took a boat to leave the island.

As An Jiu resumed her former profession, her mood differed greatly from before. She now had attachments and concerns, which logically should hinder her assassin’s work. Yet, she felt a lightness in her heart that she had never experienced before.