Gu Wei let out a hearty laugh and extended an invitation to Tang Qi: “You’re absolutely right, absolutely right. Since fate has brought us together, how about we take a stroll around the city, young friend? Let’s get to know each other and become friends, what do you say?”
That fleeting heartbeat! It gave Gu Wei a feeling—it’s him! It’s really him! He’s the one I’ve been waiting for!
Now that they’d finally met, of course, he wasn’t going to hold back!
Gu Wei was a determined man. Once he set his sights on a goal, he would strive relentlessly toward it, no matter how distant or arduous the journey might be. He never backed down.
For instance, now—after years of being single, this old bachelor had finally experienced a moment of genuine attraction. If he hesitated now, where would he ever find a second chance?
Gu Wei was about to perform a spectacular scene titled “An Old House on Fire.”
Tang Qi gently rubbed his delicate nose, which had just collided with the other man’s firm muscles, feeling a bit embarrassed. Strangely, though, he didn’t feel any annoyance or resistance. Clearing his throat lightly, he said, “As it happens, I’m a local of Yuntian City and know my way around fairly well. If you’d like a guide, I… I’d be happy to help.”
Their eyes met, and everything was understood without words. Tang Qi took the lead, with Gu Wei following half a step behind. Though usually not one for many words, Tang Qi proved to be an excellent guide, explaining things in an orderly manner. Occasionally, Gu Wei would chime in, and bit by bit, the two built a rapport, the pink bubbles around them growing ever more intense.
As they wandered through Yuntian City, they exchanged names. Gu Wei had kept a low profile for years, so few knew his true identity. Tang Qi, having shouldered his family’s responsibilities hastily after his parents’ untimely deaths, naturally had no idea who Gu Wei was. But Gu Wei was no stranger to Tang Qi.
After all, when the truth behind Tang Qi’s parents’ deaths was revealed, the Tang and Rong families had garnered immense sympathy, drawing waves of public sorrow. In contrast, the cult associated with Rong Nianxin’s grandmother had been dragged back into the spotlight and thoroughly condemned.
Tang Qi’s reputation had grown significantly, especially after organizing this grand event. Gu Wei had once praised Tang Qi’s character and capabilities—never expecting to meet the man himself today. He couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.
Noticing Gu Wei’s astonishment and realizing he’d been recognized, Tang Qi inexplicably grew even more bashful. He pinched the hem of his sleeve, blinking up at Gu Wei with wide eyes, biting his lip as if unsure what to say.
After the initial surprise, Gu Wei reined in his surging emotions and managed to maintain some semblance of restraint, shaking Tang Qi’s hand. “Is that so? I never expected to meet such an outstanding friend today. This trip was truly worthwhile!” Originally, he’d just come to accompany his junior brother on some errands, but stumbling upon such a lovely little cutie—what a stroke of luck!
Meeting Gu Wei’s deep gaze, Tang Qi’s ears and cheeks flushed pink. Soon, the two were inseparable, happily flaunting their affection wherever they went.
At a medicinal shop along their path, Gu Yu—the shopkeeper, now rendered utterly invisible—crossed his arms and watched with dead-fish eyes as his unreliable senior brother, practically radiating pink blossoms, walked off with a pretty young man, completely forgetting about his poor, abandoned junior brother. He sighed deeply.
Gu Yu: *Hmph, I really shouldn’t have expected much from that unreliable senior brother. And seriously, am I really that unnoticeable? With my good looks and refined aura, I clearly stand out as a wealthy young master, drawing plenty of attention from passersby. How could those two lovebirds just ignore me like that?*
Thinking back on the pair, Gu Yu suddenly had an epiphany and muttered to himself, “Ah, so it’s not that I lack presence—it’s just that my senior brother and his new crush only have eyes for each other. To them, the rest of the world fades into the background. Right, so my presence is still strong.” Sneaking a glance at the admiring gazes around him, Gu Yu nodded confidently.
Just then, a clean-cut young boy came bounding over. “Wow! There are so many amazing medicines here! They all look incredible!”
A delicate-looking attendant hurried after him. “Young… master, it’s crowded—please be careful!”
The young “master”—actually Rong Nianxin in disguise—waved dismissively. “Ah, Xiao Liu, relax! I’ll be fine. Come, take a look at this!”
It was no surprise Rong Nianxin was so excited. Having transmigrated not long ago, she couldn’t help but be fascinated by the miraculous pills of the Xuantian Continent. As a former assassin, life-saving items like these were something she could never have too much of.
As an accomplished physician, Gu Yu immediately saw through the two “boys'” true genders but said nothing. The young lady disguised as a master was exceptionally beautiful—traveling as a woman would undoubtedly invite unnecessary trouble.
While outstanding women weren’t rare these days, and gender norms weren’t as strict, pretty boys could be just as much at risk as pretty girls. Still, since it was their choice, Gu Yu treated them no differently than any other customers.
Rong Nianxin, intoxicated by Yuntian City’s bustling novelty, was instantly captivated by Gu Yu’s striking appearance and gentle, refined demeanor. Her heart raced, cheeks flushing as she stared at him, unable to look away.
She was, in essence, the perfect picture of a lovestruck maiden.
Truthfully, Rong Nianxin was annoyed. She’d left home under the pretense of broadening her horizons to relax and be herself, yet the Rong family had still sent a minder. Forced to maintain her sweet, innocent facade, she found it exhausting and frustrating.
But she wouldn’t show it. After all, she was still new to this world, lacking a solid foundation or independent power. For now, the Rong family was her only backing. No matter how much they irked her, she wouldn’t risk exposing her discontent.
*Once I rise to power and command respect, it won’t matter how I act—everyone will grovel at my feet.*
The strong ruled, the weak obeyed. Having witnessed the darkest depths of betrayal and cruelty in her past life, Rong Nianxin was determined to become the strongest, ensuring the world bent to her will.
Love? Affection? All illusions. Only power and authority were eternal.
Lowering her head in feigned shyness, a glint of ambition flashed in Rong Nianxin’s eyes.
After exchanging pleasantries with Gu Yu, she left reluctantly, glancing back every few steps.
*This man seems extraordinary. Building a connection now might prove useful later.*
But before she could get far, a commotion erupted outside a luxurious shop nearby, drawing the attention of Rong Nianxin, Gu Yu, and others.
A well-dressed young man emerged, swinging a birdcage lazily—the very image of a spoiled, idle noble. Blocking his path was a plainly dressed, delicate girl, kneeling tearfully before him.
“Master Lang,” she sobbed, wiping her tears, “please, I beg you! I’ll submit to you—just spare Brother Yu and my family!”
The crowd instantly conjured up dramatic scenarios—*”The Tyrant’s Forced Love,” “You Hurt My Beloved, So I Yield to You”*—their gossipy hearts alight as they watched eagerly.
From the shop emerged two figures—one exuding noble elegance, the other silent and unassuming, like a steward.
This was a branch of the Liuyun Merchant Guild. The two were its third young master, Fu Yuming, and his ever-present attendant, Fu Yuanjing.
Initially disinterested in the drama, Rong Nianxin’s eyes gleamed when she spotted Fu Yuming. Noticing Gu Yu’s attention on the scene, she adjusted her clothes and dashed forward.
Glaring at the nobleman, she snapped, “So you’re Master Lang? You seem utterly useless, yet you’re quite skilled at bullying the weak!”
Helping the weeping girl up, she declared, “Miss, stand up! With so many witnesses here, we won’t let this scoundrel trample on justice!”
The crowd swelled, drawing even more onlookers—including Huangfu Yichen’s group and Jin Yu Yan Ruizhe, who lingered at the edges, observing quietly.
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