âWhat a coincidence.â Zu An chuckled in embarrassment. Only then did he notice that Tang Tianâer finger was still on his lips, however, He quickly took a step back.
He really was depressed. Why am I experiencing one of those clichÄd romantic drama scenes?!
âExactly! What a coincidence. I was just on a stroll, and yet I ended up seeing young master Zu flirting with another beauty.â Pei Mianman had a big smile on her face. There wasnât the slightest bit of anger in her expression. But Zu An knew she was getting angrier and angrier by the second, because the amount of Rage points coming in through the backend was rising exponentially.
Tang Tianâer raised a brow. Her sixth sense immediately told her that there was more to these two than met the eye. As such, she grabbed Zu Anâs arm and asked, âBig brother Zu, who is this girl?â In reality, though, judging from the womanâs beauty and her distinct way of dressing, she already had a good guess as to who she was. She just pretended to not know anything.
Zu An coughed and said, âAhem, this is Miss Pei, my good friend.â
He wasnât scared of being honest about their relationship, but Pei Mianman had requested for him to keep it a secret. This world was a bit more open-minded than ancient China, but there was still a limit. Sleeping together before marriage would definitely have an effect on the girl. Meanwhile, the Pei clan wasnât a small clan, so they would care about such things even more.
Even though Pei Mianman knew about their arrangement too, she still couldn't hold back her rage when she saw Zu An acting like this with another girl.
âCould this be young master Zuâs newest concubine?â she remarked as she walked over with a smile. Next to her, Hong Zao was still fuming. She couldn't understand why her master hadn't become hostile yet.
Tang Tianâer heard the sarcasm in Pei Mianmanâs voice, directed toward her physical contact with Zu An. But she didnât mind, and instead looked even more amused. These two⦠are interesting.
Zu An began to sweat buckets when he sensed the jealousy in their voices. He exclaimed, âManman, youâre misunderstanding! Sheâs Zhenyuan Merchant Groupâs Miss Tang, and weâre investigating a case! I have some things to ask her.â
âWhat are you explaining that to me for? Young master Zu can just do whatever you want.â Pei Mianman said emotionlessly.
Zu An was speechless. Didnât you ask me who she was?
Tang Tianâer explained softly, âMiss Pei, Big Brother Zu and I really have nothing between us.â
Pei Mianmanâs heart leaped. Youâre even calling him Big Brother Zu, and yet you say thereâs nothing going on between the two of you?
Hmph, youâre pretending to look all weak and pitiful. Are you trying to make me look like an intimidating villain who doesnât understand?
Women were naturally sensitive toward the green tea bitch[1] behaviors of other girls. But even though she could see through all of that, she couldn't just become hostile on the spot. Otherwise people might look down on her. still, the more that was the case, the angrier she got.
You have successfully trolled Pei Mianman for +233 +233 +233â¦
Suddenly, Zu An sent her a ki transmission. âManman, this woman is clearly trying to drive a wedge between us. Donât fall for her tricks.â
Pei Mianman grinned when she heard his explanation. Hmph, at least this guy isnât too stupid. She knew that he was on her side, so most of her anger disappeared. But she still fired back through ki transmission, âI donât care if youâre investigating a case, but do you have to kiss her finger? Do you have to hold onto her that tightly?â
Zu An was speechless. Even though it was just a coincidence, those things had still happened. It really was a bit hard to explainâ¦
Pei Mianman then began to relax. She began to size up Tang Tianâer with amusement. âYour legs are quite nice, but your chest is a bit small. Hmm, I guess youâre pretty enough; not too bad to keep around as a bed warmer. If you want to join his harem, youâll have to get Chuyanâs personal approval first.â
Now it was Tang Tianâerâs turn to become speechless. Why the hell is this woman talking to me like a main wife talking to a concubine? But she reacted quickly as well, replying, âIs Miss Pei talking about Chu First Miss? But if I recall correctly, she has already divorced Big Brother Zu, right?â
âThat was only done to fool others. The two of them are closer than ever.â Pei Mianman had only planned to amuse herself with the situation, but she couldn't help but feel a bit sour when she said that.
Tang Tianâerâs eyes shone as she continued, âBut why does it feel as if Miss Pei is even more enthusiastic than Miss Chu?â
Pei Mianman obviously picked up on the mockery in her voice. Tang Tianâer was implying that the main wife hadnât even said anything yet, so what kind of a relationship did a girl from the Pei clan have with Zu An, for her to speak out like this?
Because of Zu Anâs explanation, however, she didnât get angry. She instead replied with a smile, âItâs because Chuyan is my good friend, of course. She isnât here, so I have to keep an eye on her husband. Otherwise, some vixens might just come after him.â
Zu Anâs expression darkened. He had discovered that Pei Mianman really liked playing the role of Chu Chuyanâs close friend. It seemed to always bring her a sense of stimulation without fail.
Tang Tianâer was also left at a loss for words. Never had she expected this womanâs mental fortitude to be so great, and for her retaliation to be so vicious.
She was wondering what she should say when Pei Mianman said with a smile, âI still have to do my shopping, so the two of you can slowly enjoy your stroll. I wonât disturb you any longer.â
She bowed toward the two of them, then turned around to leave. When she walked past Zu An, she gave him an ambiguous smile. Zu An forced a smile in return. Even though Pei Mianman hadnât said anything, her intentions were already clear enough.
â¦
When the master and servant left, Hong Zao finally couldn't hold herself back anymore. She asked, âYoung miss, why did you leave just like that?â
âWhat, was I supposed to throw a tantrum and make a scene?â Pei Mianman replied with a chuckle.
âYoung miss, how can you still laugh? That Tang girl is all over the young master, and she⦠even pressed her chest up against the young masterâs arm! How shameless.â Hong Zao angrily voiced indignation for her master. She just felt as if her precious master had been tainted somehow. She continued, âThe young master really is to blame too; he actually didnât push her away.â
âHeâs investigating a case. Itâs natural for him to use a male honey trap,â Pei Mianman replied; she didnât seem to mind. She continued, âIâm already relieved now that Iâve seen that heâs safe and sound.â
âSo it was a honey trap! I was going to say, the young master is so great, so why would he be that kind of man?â Hong Zao nodded as if she suddenly understood.
Pei Mianman rolled her eyes. Looks like Zu Anâs constantly feeding her is now doing work. Why do I have such a dummy for a maid? She even believed some random excuse I made up?
â¦
Meanwhile, Tang Tianâer had a pensive look on her face as she watched Pei Mianman and Hong Zao leave. She remarked, âYoung master Zu, your relationship with Miss Pei seems to be quite good.â
âWe were fellow students back in Brightmoon City, so weâre indeed quite close.â Zu Anâs expression turned serious and he asked, âMiss Tang, why did you have to act like that earlier?â
Tang Tianâer naturally knew that he was unhappy. As such, she put on a sweet smile and began to act cute. âYou know, I only did that because I like the young master too much. I got a bit jealousâ¦â
âOh? You like me?â Zu An replied, looking at her with scorching eyes.
Tang Tianâerâs heart skipped a beat, but she still maintained her smile and replied, âOf course I do.â
âThatâs good then.â Zu An reached out and grabbed her waist, saying, âLetâs reserve a Jasper Lane room and properly get to know each other.â Then, he headed towards Jasper Lane.
Sure enough, Tang Tianâer began to panic. As someone who worked in a place like the Hub of Freedom, she obviously knew what Zu An meant. She leaped away and pleaded, âYoung master Zu, I was wrong! I wonât do that again in the futureâ¦â
Zu An gave her an indifferent look, replying, âI donât want to see a repeat of what just happened in the future.â
Tang Tianâer pursed her lips. In the end, she could only helplessly voice her agreement. However, Zu An finally revealed a smile and replied, âThatâs better. Weâre already friends, so isnât it better to be a bit more sincere with each other?â
âAm I not sincere enough to you yetâ¦â Tang Tianâer mumbled. She had already shown him everything in that bathtub. Of course, there was no way she would say that out loud.
Zu An had obviously thought of the same thing. His expression softened a bit when he looked at her, and he asked, âAlright, where do you want to go?â
Tang Tianâerâs eyes lit up. The cute dimples returned to her face as she replied, âAnywhere is okay, as long as itâs with you.â
Zu An frowned. He just felt that Tang Tianâer was acting a bit too close, but that she probably had an ulterior motive. But when he recalled how she had saved him last time, he felt that she had sacrificed a bit too much to have really done so all because of some ulterior motive.
â¦
Zu An accompanied Tang Tianâer around Cloudcenter City just like that, touring nearly half of the city.
Eventually, Tang Tianâer said meaningfully, âI feel really happy today. Iâve never felt so carefree in all these years.â
Zu An realized that whether it was the Hub of Freedom or the Zhenyuan Merchant Group, Tang Tianâer indeed didnât have many opportunities to relax. He couldn't help but feel a bit of a soft spot for her. At her age, she would still be a carefree student in Zu Anâs previous world. He said, âIâll keep you company again in the future if thereâs a chance.â
Tang Tianâer shook her head. She said somewhat emotionally, âThere might not be a next time.â
Zu An was stunned. He was just about to ask why when Tang Tianâer spoke up again. âAlright, alright. I know youâve wanted answers for a while now. Youâve been a bit absent-minded while you were around me, so Iâll just tell you. Jasper Laneâs boss is nothing but a figurehead. The real boss is the Pegasus Merchant Group.â
âThe Pegasus Merchant Group?â Zu An had a strange expression as he spoke. These two merchant groups really were arch-enemies! They immediately threw dirt at each other whenever they had the chance.
Tang Tianâer sighed and replied, âI know what youâre thinking, but Iâm really not speaking out of a personal grudge, and I really am trying to help you.â She continued, âRight, Pegasus Merchant Groupâs background is quite formidable too, so you have to be careful.â Afterward, she gave him a wave and showed him a sweet smile. Then, she quickly disappeared into the street.
Zu An began to ponder to himself. He had investigated the Pegasus Merchant Group before, and they seemed to be quite connected to the Devil Sect.
Sigh, donât tell me I have to antagonize Qiu Honglei, Yu Jianyue and the othersâ¦
1. Green tea bitch â