The spring night was peaceful, with a deep blue sky stretching into the distance. A bright moon hung overhead, its shimmering light reflecting on the water. Misty clouds floated between the peaks, truly making this a serene place of magnificent mountains and beautiful waters.

If not for the thick scent of blood in the air, I would hardly believe what had just happened was real.

Originally, I had no idea how to handle those corpses, but thankfully there was Tang Yinluo. Tang Clan’s poisons were indeed unmatched in the world—dissolving corpses and bones, nothing could withstand them. It was enough to make my hair stand on end.

By now, Feng Jingli had disappeared without a trace, and Lin Shaoci’s injuries were severe, leaving him unconscious. The white-robed man was checking his pulse, with all the women surrounding the bed like guardian angels, making Yan Song and I seem like outsiders.

I pulled Yan Fufeng aside and gestured toward the white-robed man, asking in a hushed voice, “Who is that?”

Yan Fufeng said, “He is Master Murong Yi from the South Sea Murong Family. This time, we were able to reach Biyu Peak thanks to the Murong Family’s unique secret device—the Divine Kite Wings.”

“Is that the thing you flew here with?”

“Correct.” Yan Fufeng continued, “Shukuang, who is this Charming Youth? He…”

Before he could finish, there was suddenly a commotion behind us, with all the women inquiring about Lin Shaoci’s injuries.

We immediately turned and entered the room.

Murong Yi said gravely, “The cold energy from the Xuan Ice Cold Jade Palm has sealed his meridians, causing temporary unconsciousness. Fortunately, Young Master Lin’s inner strength is profound, so there’s no major concern. However, it would be best to invite Divine Physician Li to come.”

Song Qingge immediately said, “I’ll send someone to invite him right away.”

Murong Yi looked at me hesitantly, and finally couldn’t hold back: “Master Rong, may I ask how you came to know the Charming Youth?”

As soon as he spoke, everyone stared at me, and the room suddenly fell silent.

“Well…” I smiled awkwardly. I could hardly tell him that I met him while visiting a brothel.

Seeing my discomfort, he quickly said, “If Master Rong finds it inconvenient…”

I hurriedly said, “There’s nothing inconvenient about it. I met him at a restaurant.”

He then asked, “What does he look like? How old is he?”

I described the Charming Youth’s appearance. He remained silent, and everyone suddenly erupted into discussion.

“Who exactly is the Charming Youth?”

“Is that his real name?”

“There’s such a person in the jianghu, so why haven’t we heard of him?”

Murong Yi sighed deeply, “This man’s whereabouts are elusive. He hasn’t appeared in the jianghu for twenty years, so it’s normal that you don’t know of him.”

“His real name is unknown to anyone in the jianghu. Because he always wears bright scarlet clothes, has handsome features, and is elegant and unrestrained, always accompanied by two beautiful young women, friends in the jianghu call him the Charming Youth.”

Damn! So flamboyant, no wonder he was heading to a brothel that day. He must have been desperate.

Tang Yinluo widened her eyes, “Is his martial arts very powerful? Those four old monsters seemed to be very afraid of him.”

“His martial arts were already immeasurably high twenty years ago. Now I fear he is… invincible.”

Yan Fufeng looked astonished, “Strange, why are there no rumors about him in the jianghu?”

Murong Yi smiled bitterly, “That’s because those who know the details are unwilling to mention this matter.”

He pondered for a moment, then finally sighed and said, “Now, more than twenty years have passed, and since the Charming Youth has reappeared in the jianghu, I have nothing to conceal anymore. Years ago, my elder brother was defeated by this Charming Youth.”

Everyone gasped in shock.

Yan Fufeng exclaimed, “Twenty years ago, the Murong Family suddenly retired from the jianghu. Could it be related to this incident?”

Murong Yi sighed, “Indeed. A year after my brother’s retirement, the Shaolin Abbot, Grand Master Kong Jian, suddenly came to visit. He and my brother talked in a private room for an entire night and left at dawn the next day. A month later, Shaolin changed abbots, Grand Master Kong Jian went into seclusion, and then the leaders of various major sects like Wudang, Emei, and Qingcheng successively abdicated.”

“Ah, I remember now!” Yan Fufeng suddenly exclaimed.

Murong Yi was startled, “What does Master Yan remember?”

“Our villa’s Master Qin left the villa at that time, wandering the world, with no news to this day. Could it be for this reason as well?”

Murong Yi fell silent for a moment, then said, “That’s most likely the case. It’s said that even today, both Qingcheng and Emei sects have explicit rules instructing disciples that if they encounter a person in the jianghu wearing scarlet clothes and carrying a jade sword, they must avoid him at all costs.”

He paused, then continued, “My brother was proud and arrogant all his life, and remained bitter about this incident. Even after retiring, he continued to cultivate martial arts to avenge his humiliation, but the Charming Youth suddenly disappeared from the jianghu. My brother sent people to inquire extensively and learned that his last trace was seen at Snow Lotus Mountain in the Western Regions. After that, there was no more news of him anywhere in the world. Until tonight—”

As he spoke, he turned to look at me and said solemnly, “The Xuelang Sword has reappeared in the jianghu.”

Everyone fell silent.

Yan Fufeng suddenly asked, “Could it be that the Four Immortals of Carefree were also defeated by him?”

Murong Yi nodded, “It should be so.”

I was stunned for a while, “But he doesn’t seem like a bad person.”

Murong Yi smiled, “The Charming Youth’s actions are unpredictable, between righteousness and evil. Indeed, he cannot be called a bad person, but he is perhaps too proud and aloof.”

I couldn’t believe such an extraordinary person had actually crossed paths with me. I don’t know what kind of dumb luck I had stumbled into.

Feng Tingxie, who had been standing silently all this time, also couldn’t help but give me a deep look.

I suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, “Elder Murong, how old is the Charming Youth exactly? From what you’re saying, he should be quite old, right?”

“I’m not sure of his exact age. Rumor has it that twenty years ago he was a handsome young man, so I suppose he should be around forty now.”

Murong Yi paused, then suddenly added, “This man can truly be called the most extraordinary person in the world. In terms of mysteriousness, the only person in today’s jianghu who could be compared to him is Prince Han’s strategist, Chu Tianyao.”

“How is Chu Tianyao mysterious?” I quickly asked.

This guy is the man I’m supposed to marry, and I still need to steal something from him. I need to understand him better. Knowing both yourself and your enemy ensures success in every battle.

“According to jianghu rumors, Chu Tianyao’s temperament is unpredictable and his preferences are capricious. No one has ever seen him in action, yet all manner of strange and powerful figures in the martial world have come under his command, carrying out his orders.”

I couldn’t help but sigh. If this guy is really that formidable, my life is in danger.

At this point, Yan Fufeng delivered a speech of thanks to all the women, persuading them to rest early. I also exchanged pleasantries with Murong Yi, asking him to rest early. Everyone was extremely tired and went their separate ways, though Tang Yinluo and others were unwilling to leave, and Yan Fufeng was still trying to persuade them.

I said, “Let it be, Brother Yan. Your injuries aren’t light either. Go rest early.”

Yan Fufeng left reluctantly.

I saw Feng Tingxie still standing there and said, “You should go rest too.”

He shook his head.

“I can’t sleep either. Let’s go for a walk outside.”

He walked behind me without saying a word.

I asked him, “Aren’t you going to look for your sister?”

He said, “You disappeared suddenly last night, and I feel ashamed. If anything else happens, I won’t be able to explain to my master.”

This stubborn child.

I sighed, “Don’t worry, Zhu Zhanji is a very kind and merciful person. He certainly won’t blame you.”

He was shocked, “You know he is…?”

I patted his shoulder, “Don’t be nervous. I won’t tell anyone. But as for your sister, I’m worried she might do something rash.”

His expression darkened.

I continued, “If you trust me, go find her. When I get that list, I will definitely give it to you.”

He gave me a sidelong glance, saying irritably, “The way you put it, if I don’t go find my sister, it means I don’t trust you?”

I quickly replied, “From your tone, it sounds like you do trust me?”

“Sharp-tongued. When you meet Chu Tianyao, you’d better be more restrained.”

“Are you concerned about me? Or about that list?”

He was silent for a moment, then sighed, “I am indeed worried about Jingli. Once I have news of her, I’ll come to Cangzhou to find you.”

I nodded. He looked at me once more, then turned and went straight down the mountain.

I stood outside the villa for a while, and was about to go back when I suddenly saw three figures darting up from the mountainside. I was greatly startled. Could Shen Zuitain have returned?

I was terrified, my legs turning weak. Just as I was about to shout for help, the three people had already arrived, their imposing presence overwhelming.

I quickly stepped back, my voice stuck in my throat.

The three suddenly came forward together and bowed respectfully.

“Vermilion Bird Altar Master, Xiao Tianyu.”

“Black Tortoise Altar Master, Hai Wuji.”

“External Affairs Hall Master, Lan Zixu.”

“Paying respects to the Villa Master!”

So they were our own people. I breathed a sigh of relief, and a cool breeze brushed against my back—it was Song Qingge who had arrived.

As soon as Xiao Tianyu saw him, he asked directly, “Old Song, why did the Young Master come up to the peak early?”

Hai Wuji also exclaimed, “The arrangements hadn’t been fully planned out, so why suddenly come up to the peak ahead of schedule? At least you should have waited for the three of us to arrive.”

Song Qingge looked at me and said, “The Young Master suddenly received news that Shukuang had been taken hostage by Shen Zuitain.”

Hearing this, the three fell silent.

Lan Zixu suddenly said, “We met your shadow messenger at the foot of the mountain. Is it the Young Master who is injured? Or is it Yan the Bearded?”

Song Qingge sighed, “The Young Master took a palm strike from Shen Zuitain and is temporarily unconscious.”

“What? Where is the Young Master now?” Hai Wuji cried out, immediately rushing inside, with the other two following closely behind.

“In the Listening Waves Pavilion,” Song Qingge called out, also about to go inside.

I quickly said, “Hall Master Song, please wait!”

“Shukuang…” he turned back.

“Please call me Villa Master!” I interrupted coldly.

He was startled, his face turning red. “What instructions does the Villa Master have?”

I stared at him, silent for the moment. For some reason, I vaguely sensed that Song Qingge seemed to have some grievance against Rong Shukuang, as if he didn’t take her seriously.

I was straightforward, “Hall Master Song, after my injury, I don’t remember many things clearly. But since I am the Villa Master of Yu Chi Mountain Villa, I must bear the responsibilities of Yu Chi Mountain Villa, don’t you agree?”

“Yes!”

“Then, please tell me about the villa’s affairs.”

“The villa has many trivial matters. What does the Villa Master wish to know?”

“What exactly happened at Biyu Peak three years ago?”

He was silent for a moment, then said, “Three years ago, on Old Master Lin’s fiftieth birthday, all the major sects of the jianghu came to celebrate…”

I interrupted him, “Keep it brief!”

He was startled, then immediately said, “The Old Master arranged for you to marry the Young Master, but was refused.”

“What does this have to do with Feng Jingli?”

“She caused a scene at the birthday banquet, was injured by you, and was expelled from Biyu Peak. The Young Master subsequently refused the marriage and left.”

“What is her relationship with Lin Shaoci exactly?”

“I don’t know.”

I was silent for a moment, then said, “That’s all. You may go rest.”

He said, “I shall take my leave.”

I waved my hand, sighing softly.

If what Song Qingge said was true, Rong Shukuang had once injured Feng Jingli, so she harbored resentment?

But why did Lin Shaoci refuse the marriage? To save me, he hadn’t hesitated to advance his plans and come up to the peak alone, obviously showing he cared for Rong Shukuang. Was it just brotherly affection?

Sigh, it seems only Lin Shaoci can solve these mysteries for me. I hope he wakes up soon so I can understand what’s going on.

I tightened my clothes and looked up to see the moon sinking in the west while the east was turning white. Dawn was breaking.

When the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone upon Yu Chi Mountain Villa, I convened a meeting at Biyu Peak, exercising my authority as the master of the world’s foremost villa for the first time.

As I sat pretentiously in the Villa Master’s position, narrowing my eyes, contracting my pupils, and pretending to coldly look at Song Qingge and the others who were standing, I was actually thrilled inside. No wonder so many people go crazy for power—it’s not only exhilarating but addictive.

According to Lan Zixu’s report, White Tiger Altar Master Mei Jingyi had died protecting the villa, and eighty percent of the branch halls in Anhui, Henan, and Shanxi provinces had been severely damaged by the Ghost Valley Alliance, and were currently in the process of recovery.

Song Qingge said, “Shen Zuitain’s sneak attack on the branch halls was actually a cover—his real target was the main hall at Biyu Peak. The Young Master received a carrier pigeon message in Wuxi, immediately understood his intentions, and rushed back without delay. Despite facing multiple ambushes along the way, he was still a step too late.”

Lan Zixu said, “Right now, the most important thing is to find the Old Master and Miss Wanci.”

I nodded and said, “Let Hall Master Song arrange everything. Is there anything else?”

Song Qingge pondered for a moment, then asked, “When does the Villa Master plan to depart for Cangzhou?”

I frowned, “Has Chu Tianyao sent someone to hurry us?”

“No, not yet. But at present, it’s not advisable to offend this person. Villa Master, you’ve been on the road for over a month, and I’m concerned he might cause trouble over this.”

I sighed silently. From his tone, it seemed he couldn’t wait for me to leave. Well, whatever will be, will be.

I said with extreme reluctance, “Then I shall depart today.”

He immediately replied, “I will arrange an escort for the Villa Master right away.”

I nodded helplessly, and everyone took their leave.

I went to see Lin Shaoci and found Tang Yinluo and the others still there. Judging by the situation, there was nothing for me to do here. Ha! The way they stayed without eating or sleeping out of devoted love was truly heartbreaking, but unfortunately Lin was lying in bed with his eyes closed, unable to see any of it.

I turned to leave and ran into Divine Physician Li Xiuran at the door—he had arrived quickly indeed.

His eyes widened in shock, “Miss Rong, your body…”

I smiled, “I’m well now.”

He grabbed my wrist. “Please let this old man take a look.”

I followed him with a smile, knowing this old man was about to get another big shock.

“There’s true qi flowing within your body,” he looked up.

“Yes! My martial arts have been restored, though they don’t seem to work very well when I try to use them.”

“How is this possible? Have you taken any medicine, or any other…”

“Someone used their inner strength to heal me. I’m not sure what kind of skill it was exactly.”

“To think there’s such an extraordinary skill in the world!” He stepped back in disbelief.

I was afraid he might collapse, so I quickly reached out to steady him, smiling, “Master Li, there are many wonders in the world. Please hurry and see Young Master Shaoci.”

As soon as the women saw Li Xiuran, they moved aside.

After checking Lin Shaoci’s pulse, he chased all the women out, closed the door, and bustled about for quite a while before finally emerging, sweating profusely.

The women immediately surrounded him.

He panted, “I’ve used golden needles to disperse some of the cold energy. With some medicine, he’ll be fine. However—” his expression grew stern, assuming a physician’s authority, “Young Master Lin needs absolute quiet for his recovery now. He cannot be disturbed. Please act accordingly.”

Although the women were reluctant, they dared not argue and dispersed.

I was thinking about packing my belongings and turned to leave when Li Xiuran suddenly whispered, “Young Master Lin requests Miss Rong to enter.”

Oh? This guy is awake?

I entered the room puzzled, only to see Lin Shaoci leaning against the bed, his handsome face as white as snow, lips tinged with purple, making his jet-black eyes appear even more striking. He truly was a handsome man with the capital to bewitch hearts.

I sat by the bed and smiled, “How do you feel?”

He looked at me with a smile, pale and weak, then suddenly said softly, “Shen Zuitain’s palm strike didn’t make me lose my memory too. That’s really unfair.”

I ignored his pointless complaint and got straight to the point, “What exactly is going on between you and Feng Jingli?”

He smiled bitterly, “Is it still worth talking about this now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Since you decided to marry Chu Tianyao, we have no way back.”

Sweat! He sounded deeply affectionate, but what I most wanted to gossip about now was his relationship with Feng Jingli. “Tell me! I want to know.”

He stared at me for a long time without speaking. I thought he wasn’t going to tell me, but he suddenly began.

“Four years ago, I was traveling on Mount Hua, staying with a medicinal herb farmer. One night, I passed by Lotus Peak during a heavy rainstorm. The scenery was magnificent, and I stood on the peak for a while. She appeared out of nowhere and dragged me down from the peak…”

He spoke very slowly, as if with great effort, “Later, I met her again in Luoyang. She insisted that I owed her a life-saving favor…”

I teased, “As they say, the hardest thing to repay is a beautiful woman’s kindness…”

His pale face turned slightly red, and he glared at me weakly, “Are you going to listen or not?”

I shut up.

He smiled weakly and bitterly, then continued, “After that, she kept following me, causing many troubles…”

“Who told you to have the natural talent for driving women crazy?” I couldn’t help but remark sarcastically.

Surprisingly, he didn’t get angry, “No, Shukuang, I actually feel very inferior.”

This statement really stunned me. The young master of Yu Chi Mountain Villa, the jianghu’s number one romantic, actually felt inferior?

He smiled bitterly, “When I was young, I envied you greatly.”

I was startled, “Why?”

“Because you did everything perfectly, winning my father’s favor. He was so cruel and strict, we all tried to slack off, but you never did. He ordered us to practice horse stance for six hours a day, and you were the only one who accomplished it.”

“Us?”

“Tianyu and Wuji. They also grew up under my father’s guidance, raised by his hand, but father trusted you the most, and you were the only one who listened to him.”

As he spoke, he breathed slightly heavily, his thick eyelashes drooping over his eyelids, trembling ceaselessly like an exquisite feather fan.

I scoffed, “Is that why you refused the marriage? Because you were jealous of me?”

“How could you think that—” As he was speaking, he suddenly fainted.

I was shocked and opened the door, calling, “Doctor Li—”

Li Xiuran immediately entered, with a group of people following closely behind.

Song Qingge stood behind me and said in a low voice, “Villa Master, the carriage is ready.”

I looked at the unconscious Lin Shaoci and couldn’t help but sigh. It seemed the matters between him and Rong Shukuang couldn’t be clarified in a day or two, and would have to wait for another time.

Since I hadn’t slept all night, I was extremely tired and fell asleep as soon as I got into the carriage. When I woke up, I found myself lying on a bed, a very comfortable large bed. The room was filled with a faint fragrance, and outside the window, dusk had not yet fully descended, while inside, a pale yellow candle flame flickered. I felt a long-lost peaceful contentment, and although I knew this place wasn’t right, I didn’t want to get up.

I don’t know which deity was up to mischief again, but I was already accustomed to strange happenings, so I might as well enjoy it first.

In the silence, someone gently knocked on the door. “Villa Master, are you awake?”

Oh? It was Lan Zixu, which was somewhat unexpected.

“Hall Master Lan, is something the matter?”

“It’s time for dinner.”

“Oh.” I responded, “Where is this place?”

“This is the villa’s estate by Daming Lake.”

“Daming Lake?” I put on my shoes while asking, “So we haven’t left Jinan City yet?”

“That’s right.” He paused, “We’ll stay in Jinan for two more days.”

“Why?” I opened the door.

“Chu Tianyao wants to welcome the Villa Master personally.”

“Ah—” I was surprised, “Ha! It seems this person’s temperament is indeed unpredictable.”

“Villa Master, let’s eat first.”

Standing upstairs, I looked into the distance and saw rippling waters, willows as green as smoke, green lotus leaves surging like waves, and a few small boats drifting on the lake, creating a serene scene. My mood immediately improved. “Hall Master Lan, go rent a boat. After dinner, let’s go boating on the lake.”

He smiled, “The entire Daming Lake belongs to Yu Chi Mountain Villa. Why rent a boat? If the Villa Master wishes to go boating, just order them to prepare one.”

Damn! That’s impressive.

I immediately went downstairs, quickly finished dinner, wiped my mouth, and ran outside. At the lakeside, I beckoned a small boat and ordered, “Take me around.”

The boatman at the stern started rowing without a word. Wow, having power and influence feels great.

At this time, the sky was neither dark nor light, the lake covered with a layer of thin mist. Two or three scholarly-looking men were boating, drinking, singing, and composing poetry, appearing very elegant—though most were merely pretending to be elegant.

Amid this beautiful evening scene, I couldn’t help but recall Liu Fengzhuo’s poem about Daming Lake from the Qing Dynasty, and softly recited, “Lotus flowers on three sides, willows on three sides, a city of mountain scenery, half a city of lake.”

The small boat suddenly rocked violently. I leaned over, almost falling into the lake, and quickly grabbed the railing. Looking back, I discovered that the boatman was dressed entirely in black robes with a bamboo hat covering his entire face. His hands kept rowing, but the boat was only spinning in place.

How could there be a boatman who couldn’t row? Could he be a spy from the Ghost Valley Alliance?

My heart skipped a beat, and I shouted, “What’s going on?”

He released his hands, stood up, and walked toward me. The oars fell into the water with a light “plop.”

“Who are you?” I moved anxiously toward the bow of the boat, terrified. Heavens, I can’t swim!

He stopped, suddenly removing his hat and black robe, and sighed lightly, “It seems rowing a boat is not an easy task after all.”

I was stunned, my mouth hanging open, unable to speak.

The Charming Youth wore a thin, moon-white long robe that fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, like clear spring water splashing from a mountain stream, or like a wisp of moonlight on a mild spring night.

“That expression of yours is like you’ve seen a ghost. Am I that frightening?”

His eyes full of laughter, he pulled me up from the boat’s deck and said, “Get up quickly, there’s no need for such a grand gesture of respect.”

I shook off his hand, patted my backside, and kept reminding myself that this person was very powerful and shouldn’t be offended, but my mouth was uncontrollable. “You are a ghost, suddenly appearing like that. Are you trying to scare me to death?”

His smile was as warm as ever. “I wanted to give you a surprise, but it seems you’re only shocked, not pleased.”

I snorted coldly, “Stop with your flowery words. They might work on other girls, but don’t try to fool me.”

“It seems you’ve heard negative rumors about me.” He exaggerated his expression, “Heaven knows, I’ve never deceived any girl. It’s always been girls deceiving me. This is the first time I’ve tried to please a girl, only to end up in such an awkward situation.”

He deliberately heaved a long sigh, though his eyes were curved with laughter.

I couldn’t help but laugh too, “Nonsense. Are you the worm in my stomach, somehow knowing exactly when I wanted to go boating?”

This time he answered honestly, “When you were having dinner, I was learning how to row a boat.”

Now I was truly surprised, “What? Do you have a supernatural hearing? Or do you have spies in Yu-Chi Mountain Villa?”

“That’s a secret,” he winked. “If I want to, there’s nothing in this world I can’t know.”

If anyone else had boasted like this to me, I would have kicked them to Mars.

I stepped back, examining him again.

He looked at me without speaking, the corner of his mouth curved upward in a shallow smile. At that moment, I suddenly felt that I had been waiting far too long for that smile.

“Thank you!” I expressed gratitude for my body’s healing.

“Oh? How rare.” He smiled.

I glared at him, “Is your cough better?”

He raised an eyebrow, “Obviously it is.”

I stepped forward, reaching out to lift the blue headscarf from his head. “Then why are you still wearing this—” Before I could finish, I froze.

A cascade of snow-white hair flowed down like a waterfall.

“Your hair—” My eyes widened.

His gaze suddenly became deep and unreadable.

“What happened?” I murmured, almost to myself.

“I’ve aged,” he sighed softly.

“Forty years old?” I ventured carefully.

His expression changed slightly as he stared at me, “Do I look that old?”

“Ah!” I exclaimed, “Then—”

“You’ve arbitrarily added three years to my age,” he said, his face already showing signs of amusement.

“Thirty-seven, my goodness, and you call that old?” I cried out, almost suspecting he was toying with me.

He sighed again, “You don’t understand. For someone like me, each day feels as long as a century.”

I was shocked. If anyone else had said this, I would have labeled them as extremely pretentious and melodramatic, immediately blacklisting them and cutting off all contact. But when he said it, I believed him.

After a long while, I could only come up with, “Geniuses are always lonely.”

He suddenly laughed softly, “Few people in this world can surprise me. Shukuang, I won’t let you go.”

His words reminded me of something.

I said seriously, “I’m afraid that won’t work. To be honest, I’m about to get married.”

He remained composed, “So what?”

“So, our association must end here. If we continue this ambiguous relationship, it will be troublesome if I fall in love with you.”

He was stunned as if hearing an incredible tale, “You mean you haven’t fallen in love with me yet?”

My vision darkened, and I nearly fainted. This man’s self-confidence bordered on arrogance, so naturally assuming that I had already fallen for him.

“What makes you think I’ve already fallen in love with you?”

“What makes you think you haven’t fallen in love with me?” he countered.

I almost felt repulsed, “Please, brother. I don’t even know your real name, your background, or your history. How can you be so confident?”

“Is that important?”

I was taken aback. Indeed, is that important? But in my concept of love, these were all necessary, except for a one-night stand.

Ah, perhaps we could have a one-night stand—passion, and intimacy, then each going our separate ways. It wouldn’t be a bad experience, especially with such an exceptional character. One like him appears only once in a hundred years, not something anyone could encounter anytime. I definitely shouldn’t let him go easily.

Having made up my mind, I immediately winked suggestively at him, “I’m about to marry a demon, but I’m still free now. Perhaps we could—” I stopped, gazing at him with feigned tenderness.

“Demon?” he frowned, “You think Chu Tianyao is a demon?”

This child missed the point of my words.

I waved my hand dismissively, “Ah, mentioning him spoils the mood. Let’s talk about something more romantic.”

He nodded, “Those two lines of poetry you just recited were quite good, very fitting for the scene.”

I sighed silently. Such a lack of romantic perception truly wasted the name “Charming Youth.” I had practically spelled out ‘I’m willing to spend the night with you,’ yet he still didn’t understand.

I moved closer to him, placing my hand on his shoulder, “Don’t you like me?”

He was startled, “Are you seducing me?”

Good grief, his reaction was too slow. I smiled, “Don’t be afraid, I’m very healthy.”

He was startled again, then burst into laughter, “You’re experienced in this area?”

Damn. I’ve studied countless AVs from China and abroad, especially mastering Japanese productions. How could I be merely experienced?

I laughed dryly, “I guarantee satisfaction. Just…”

He raised an eyebrow, his face expressionless, “Hmm?”

“You don’t have any diseases, do you?” I asked cautiously. Though it might spoil the mood, it was better to be clear. It was said that in his earlier years, he always had two beautiful women with him and was very promiscuous. It would be bad if he had contracted some venereal disease. A pity I didn’t bring condoms with me when I migrated.

Hearing this, his eyes widened abruptly, “Are you offering yourself, or should I spank you?”

“Either is fine!” I shrugged. If we dragged this out any longer, I would lose interest. It was also somewhat damaging to my self-esteem. Did I have no charm at all?

“Well…” he suddenly folded his arms and nibbled his finger, with a mischievous look in his eyes, “I’m worried that if our movements are too vigorous, we might fall into the lake, which wouldn’t be good. Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet, so perhaps tomorrow night, we could…”

“Tomorrow?” I eyed him sideways, “You’re not deceiving me, are you?”

He couldn’t hold back anymore and laughed, revealing fine wrinkles, “I’m more afraid you’ll back out when the time comes.”

“It’s a deal,” I agreed loudly. “Now please head to shore. I need to go back.”

He was taken aback, “I don’t know how to row a boat.”

I was also taken aback, “Then what do we do?”

“There is a way, but—” he suddenly came over, embraced me, and rested his head on my shoulder, saying in a hoarse, low voice, “I want you to stay with me a little longer.”

My heart instantly softened, tenderness washing over me like the moonlight above, as if I were standing at the edge of a beautiful abyss, my heart inexplicably fluttering, rippling like water.

But I really couldn’t stay with him any longer.

I removed his hands, “I can’t. I must go back now.”

He turned his head to look at me, his eyes darkening.

I felt my cheeks burning and laughed awkwardly, “I need to use the bathroom, please take me back to deal with this first, thank you.”

His face was still expressionless, but I could already feel his chest slightly vibrating. To his credit, he managed not to laugh out loud.

“Silly girl, why didn’t you say so earlier?”

He sighed softly, and I felt my body float up. When I landed, I could still faintly hear the trailing sound of his sigh. I could hardly believe that in the blink of an eye, I had traveled from the middle of that vast lake to solid ground.

“Wow, how did you do that?” I marveled.

“Aren’t you in a hurry?” His face was full of amusement.

I laughed dryly, “Then see you tomorrow.” With that, I turned and ran back at full speed.

He finally couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter, quite undignified.