Chapter 18: Chapter 18: A Coincidental Meeting

Translated by: iris.knight

Mo Bai wrapped his hand around Gu Qingyu’s hand that gripped his sleeve. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Calm down, it doesn’t look like she recognised you.” Gu Qingyu calmed down after hearing Mo Bai’s words. For some reason, Gu Qingyu trusts Mo Bai inexplicably.

The woman asked the apothecary owner a few questions, then walked straight towards Gu Qingyu. Gu Qingyu was not afraid of her, but she’s worried that her ‘sister’ would go back and tell the family. The Gu family does have a sizable influence, it would be disastrous if she was caught.

“Young Mister.” The woman bowed towards Gu Qingyu, her voice was as calm and gentle as a river.

Gu Qingyu steadied herself. “Is there something I can help you with, Young Lady?” I cannot lose out on my aura!

“Just now, Young Mister bought the last Seven-coloured Herb. Yours truly has an urgent need for the Seven-coloured Herb and is willing to pay five times more than its market price for the herb, is Young Master willing to part with it?” The woman smiled faintly.

What an actress. Gu Qingyu sneered. “Young Lady, do you think you can buy everything with money?”

The woman flinched. Gu Qingyu did not give her a chance to reply and continued. “Money can be medicine, but not another life. Everyone’s life is unique and shouldn’t be trampled on, wouldn’t you agree, Young Lady?”

Gu Qingyu left after saying those words, dragging Mo Bai with her. The woman was left standing there, in absolute shock.

“His voice sounds so familiar...” The woman muttered to herself. “Who is he...”

Meanwhile...

Jia Qizhe turned back and found that Gu Qingyu and Mo Bai had run off. Immediately, he went around to find them. Just then, he saw them walk out of the apothecary, hands intertwined! And for some reason, Gu Qingyu had a smile of relief on her face!

Jia Qizhe approached them, annoyed and irritated. “What are you two doing?”

“We just saw the woman that tried to assassinate me the night we left. “ Gu Qingyu frowned, barely hiding her disgust. “Luckily Mo Bai bought the herbs she wanted, or else who knows what bad things she will do with them.”

“Now, I think you need another name.” Qi Yichen, who just rushed over, held his hand over his chin.

“Huh? Good idea, but what shall it be?” Gu Qingyu blinked.

“Blackie?” Qi Yichen said after much pondering.

Jia Qizhe frowned. “What kind of name is that!”

Gu Qingyu nodded in full agreement.

“I think Shiro is better!” Jia Qizhe then added.

“Ha!” Gu Qingyu burst out laughing. “The names you two are giving keeps getting better and better.”

“Thanks for your compliment.” Jia Qizhe smirked. “You can come up with one yourself if you don’t like our suggestions”

“Mo Bai, what do you think?” Gu Qingyu asked ‘thoughtfully’.

“Umm...Why don’t Miss Gu change her last name to Zhu for now?” Mo Bai asked tentatively.

“Yes, that sounds good.” Gu Qingyu started to clap. “So the full name?”

“Zhu means bamboo; it’s firm and resilient, and Zhu is a fairly ordinary and humble name. How about going with Zhu Fan?” Mo Bai smiled.

Gu Qingyue nodded. “Alright! From now on, I’ll go with Zhu Fan!”

“Brother Zhu, let’s go.” Jia Qizhe said flatly and walked away.

“Hey!” Gu Qingyu followed suit, then gave a teasing smile. “Wait for me, Brother Jia!”

“Shut up!”

At that, the team chatted and laughed all the way to the palace.

“How do we enter the palace?” The long-ignored Xiao Qi finally spoked.

“I can scout the area around first, then we infiltrate the palace tonight.” Jia Qizhe turned around with gusto. “Come, let’s find a tavern.”

“Oh...” Gu Qingyu frowned, her cat instincts were telling her that someone is tailing them! And, that person is very strong in magic.

At the tavern, Gu Qingyu ordered a few dishes, “Come, let’s all eat. We’ll only have the energy to move after filling our stomachs!”

Okay, that is an undeniable truth! The rest sat down and ate in silence. After a ‘scrumptious’ meal, Jia Qizhe rose, gently dabbed the corners of his mouth. “I’ll go first, you all rest for a bit and get ready.”

“I’ll go with you!” Gu Qingyu suddenly stood up.

“You?” Jia Qizhe raised his eyebrows in doubt.

“Yes!” Gu Qingyu stood with arms akimbo and squared her shoulders, as if she’s about to start a fight. “What’s with that face? Are you looking down on me? Hmph! Don’t forget, I am...”

She suddenly stopped. What else could she say? That I’m a cat demon? Qi Yichen and Mo Bai did not seem to know her true identity. What if they think I’m a monster?

“You’re?” Jia Qizhe teased. He expected Gu Qingyu to snap back, and he wondered how she would help herself out of this situation.

Gu Qingyu frowned, as if she was thinking and would kill anyone who disturbed her. “Hmm...After all, I am the smart, kind, lively, cute, agile, cunning and brave... Zhu Fan!”

“Yeah, yeah, sure. Then let’s go.” Jia Qizhe waved and gestured for her to keep up.

Did he believe this excuse? Hey, Gu Qingyu, you’re so smart!

“Bye bye!” Gu Qingyu turned and waved towards the trio. “I’ll be back soon!”

“...” Qi Yichen waved his hand while stuffing his mouth, “Gogogogo!”

“Gogogo”... Shouldn’t it be ‘Go and come back soon’? Qi Yichen, do you really want me to be gone that badly?

“Take care and come back soon, Xiao Yu.” Xiao Qi smiled and waved.

Mo Bai said nothing, he just gently smiled and pointed towards the pouch that Gu Qingyu carried with her. The Hundred Spiral Leaf is inside...Yes, he is telling me to call for him if I get in danger, he’ll be there as soon as I blow the leaf. Mo Bai and Xiao Qi are truly good people.

Gu Qingyu returned a smile and turned back... Jia Qizhe was already gone! Gu Qingyu immediately dashed out and caught up to him quickly using the speed of a cat demon. Gu Qingyu could not help but to feel pleased with herself.

Seeing her happy self, Jia Qizhe ‘could not bear’ and sighed. “You really think you caught up to me?”

“Huh? Wasn’t that the case?” Gu Qingyu’s smile vanished at once.

“Did you think you could catch up if I didn’t wait for you? You are really slow, even slower than I imagined.” Jia Qizhe’s face was full of mockery.