Chapter 108: Just a Transaction

However, it didn’t matter. She would deal with problems as they arose.

As they began to eat, even Fu Yue was pulled to the table to drink. While they were enjoying their conversation, there was a sudden knock at the door.

Situ Ling seemed to have anticipated this. He grinned at Fu Yue, “Go open the door and then pay up your bet. You lost.”

Earlier, the two had bet on whether Ji Bozai would come to the Situ Mansion to pick up Mingyi. Fu Yue had thought he’d won for sure, not expecting a twist at this juncture.

He went to open the door with doubt, and as the light spilled out, it indeed illuminated Ji Bozai’s handsome, chiseled face.

“What brings you here, sir?” he asked.

Ji Bozai lowered his eyes and said stiffly, “I’m here to see someone.”

Before Fu Yue could refuse, he added, “I followed her carriage here and saw her enter.”

Fu Yue remained silent and stepped aside.

As soon as Situ Ling saw him, he smiled, “It’s rare for you to visit my mansion twice in a few days, sir. If others knew, they might think we’re close friends.”

Ignoring the seat Fu Yue indicated, Ji Bozai sat down on the stool next to Mingyi and said coolly, “After all, this is Yi’er’s maiden home. It’s only natural to visit frequently.”

Well, when there’s business, it’s “Mingyi”; when there’s none, it’s “Yi’er.”

Mingyi reached out to Xiuyun, who understood immediately and took out the gold piece given by She Tianlin.

“During my stay at your mansion, sir, you gave me many rewards, but those were earned by my abilities, so I won’t return them,” she placed the gold piece in front of him. “As for this piece, I’ve calculated that it’s just enough to cover my food, clothing, and lodging at your mansion. I’m returning it to you, and there will be no more connection between us.”

Ji Bozai had come intending to explain his misunderstanding to make her feel better, but looking down at the gold piece before him, he realized the only uncomfortable person might be himself.

“Why?” he asked softly. “Am I not allowed to make mistakes? Is there no chance for redemption after one error?”

Mingyi raised an eyebrow, surprised that he would admit his mistake. Her heart softened, and she smiled, “You desired my beauty, sir, and I desired your wealth. It was a fair transaction. When the deal can no longer continue, it naturally ends.”

He looked up, his deep black eyes gazing into hers. “Is that all I am to you? Just a transaction?”

Averting her gaze, Mingyi smirked, “You prefer gentle and delicate women, sir. I’m not that. My previous behavior was all an act, which you must have seen through. Why persist? Besides, the person I like can only have me in their heart, won’t take concubines, won’t visit brothels, won’t flirt with others on the street, will cherish and protect me, and trust me unconditionally… Can you do all that, sir?”

Even the idea of not taking concubines sounded absurd in the Qingyun Realm. Not just top-tier fighters, but even ordinary noble families had multiple wives and concubines. Let alone the other conditions like not visiting brothels and trusting unconditionally… Neither of them was the type to trust others easily.

Ji Bozai understood. He and she could only remain as a transaction.

It should have been fine, simple, and hassle-free as he preferred, but he couldn’t feel happy about it.

“We agreed earlier, sir. You’ll take care of Twenty-seven for me, and I’ll take all secrets to my grave. I won’t go back on my word, and I hope you’ll keep your promise too.” She turned sideways and bowed to him.

The gesture of clasping her hands was a man’s bow, not at all feminine, yet she didn’t lower her head. She looked at him straight on, her smile neither ingratiating nor coquettish, as natural and straightforward as a breeze from Chaoyang City.

Ji Bozai withdrew his gaze and nodded lightly, “I understand.”

He had never been one to force anyone. If she felt there was no need to stay by his side, then so be it. He wouldn’t be angry.

Not angry, not angry at all. Getting sick from anger would benefit no one. It was just a girl, a small matter.

Ji Bozai left and got into his carriage, accidentally breaking the shaft with one step.

He was furious! How could there be such a woman in this world, so arrogant and domineering? Did she think she could survive in this world just because she had some skills? If he hadn’t been protecting her in secret before, her courtyard would have been trampled by challengers long ago!

And she claimed she only wanted his money. Didn’t he have good looks too?!

So many girls were eager to get close to him, yet she was the only one who took advantage and still acted ungrateful.

Although he had used her at times, he had always protected her life. Did she think those tasks were easy to do?

He was the most powerful fighter in Mustar City! The one who would lead Mustar City to the top three cities! What was wrong with being cautious? He had killed so many people; who knew if someone was plotting to kill him in some twisted way? She had so many suspicious behaviors; what was wrong with him being doubtful? She never came clean herself! Compared to Situ Ling, he was more reliable!

Leaning against the carriage, Ji Bozai let out a heavy breath, regaining his composure and elegantly sitting inside the carriage.

No rush. It was just the Yuan Shi Academy. There was plenty of time. She would face hardships eventually, and when that time came, she would come begging for his help.

As the beast carriage set off, Bu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking his master had finally calmed down. However, as the carriage turned a corner, a thick crossbeam of the carriage suddenly snapped with a “crack.”

Bu Xiu: “…”

He had never seen his master so angry before. His master had always been calm, putting everything but revenge behind him, neither sad nor happy. Sometimes they even thought their master was close to becoming immortal.

It was only in these past few months that his master suddenly showed a human side. When he got angry, it was… kind of cute.

Holding back a smile, Bu Xiu drove the carriage through the back gate of the mansion.

“Sister Mingyi, if you don’t meet the kind of person you described, will you never marry?” Situ Ling suddenly asked, blinking his eyes, halfway through their drinks.

Mingyi, slightly tipsy, smiled while holding her wine cup, “Even if I meet such a person, I won’t marry.”

“Oh?”

“It’s not like I have to get married to live. I have my things to do.” Draining the last of the wine in her cup, Mingyi stood up, swaying slightly as she leaned on Xiuyun’s shoulder. She tapped Xiuyun’s forehead, “Falling in love and getting married, that’s for young girls like her.”

As if her thoughts had been read, Xiuyun’s face suddenly turned bright red. She stammered, “What love? I don’t, don’t have anyone.”

Mingyi laughed, pinching her cheek, “If there are no other obstacles, then having someone you like means you do have someone. Don’t hide it. There are plenty of people in this world who wish they could hide their feelings but can’t.”

Her steps were a bit unsteady, and Xiuyun quickly supported her, forgetting about the talk of love interests. She said to Situ Ling, “I’ll take her to rest first. We still need to move tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Situ Ling nodded, watching the two walk towards the guest quarters.

Fu Yue stood beside him and said softly, “What Miss Mingyi said makes sense.”

Situ Ling smiled, lowering his eyes, “Not entirely correct — if you know the other person doesn’t like you, then even if you have someone you like, you can only hide it. Otherwise, you can’t even be friends, right?”