So the clerk reached out and tossed another one out, still looking rather unwelcoming.
Shi Chun turned his head and said to Big Stone, who was accompanying him, “You pay for it.”
Big Stone glanced at Wu Jinliang beside him, a little helpless. He had promised Wu Jinliang earlier to treat him, and treating him was fine, but what was the meaning of buying two identical books? He probably figured one was for the big guy.
Wu Jinliang chuckled, also thinking he’d get one, but Shi Chun tucked both books away and left. Wu Jinliang and Big Stone exchanged silent glances, one following, the other paying.
The group hadn’t walked far when they met Old Dong, who was returning after delivering the message. Old Dong told Shi Chun that Miss Miao had agreed to see him.
Shi Chun said there was no rush, he’d change his clothes first.
When he was in the Land of Exile, he always dressed neatly to see Miss Miao.
Now that he was here, he certainly couldn't be tattered.
Old Dong could only urge him to hurry, stating it was not good to keep Miss Miao waiting.
The group headed straight to the clothing area. After some selection, Shi Chun chose a pair of black shoes, a random set of inner clothes, and finally a green robe for the outer garment.
He had originally wanted to buy a white one, thinking white clothes looked better and more refined, but he gave up when he saw Wu Jinliang wearing it and looking truly unattractive.
Dressed completely, with his hair tied up with a hairpin, he did indeed look like a rather spirited young man.
Only the dull, chapped skin on the back of his hands, lips, and cheekbones was difficult to change in a short time.
As they went upstairs, Shi Chun handed one book to Wu Jinliang to carry, keeping one in his own hand.
They were stopped and questioned several times along the way before finally stumbling to the door of Miao Yilan’s office.
Chasi was waiting at the door.
As the group entered, Miao Yilan, who looked up, immediately put down her pen.
The beautiful feather on her desk was gone; she had temporarily put it away.
There was no other meaning, she just didn’t want Shi Chun to see it and have any inappropriate misunderstandings. She purely admired the feather's beauty, nothing else.
Shi Chun stopped in his tracks, leaning casually against the antique shelf beside him, arms crossed over his chest, the book held against his chest, and his feet crossed, striking what he thought was a very handsome pose. After gazing at Miao Yilan for a while, they suddenly both chuckled simultaneously.
Despite their laughter, Miao Yilan still scrutinized Shi Chun’s attire up and down. It was the first time she had seen him dressed so presentably.
He did indeed look more refined, but she knew very well that this fellow's refinement was all an act.
It wasn't that she had discerned it herself, but she had learned much from her mother that made her aware.
Not to mention the process of vying for dominance, but in short, many souls had fallen by his blade.
Seeing her scrutinize him, Shi Chun immediately stood straight, then spread his arms and spun around, allowing her to admire him.
He asked, “How is it? Am I not so rustic anymore?”
So he knew he used to be rustic. This was the first time he had shown such self-awareness in front of Miao Yilan.
“Very spirited,” Miao Yilan praised, not forgetting to raise a hand and tap her jade-like finger towards Wu Jinliang, greeting him in a gentle, mellow tone, “Big Guy.”
Her gentle and refreshing manner made everyone who saw her feel comfortable.
Wu Jinliang nodded cheerfully, “Hello, Miss Miao.”
Shi Chun stepped forward, took out the book, and presented it with both hands, “I don’t know if you’ve read it, but I just bought it.
It’s the first book I’ve ever bought in my life, and I’m giving it to you.”
Big Stone, who was standing by, immediately had a toothache.
He really wanted to say, ‘This is what I bought, alright?’
He truly was exasperated; he didn't even pay for something he was giving as a gift.
Wu Jinliang grinned again, with a hint of amusement, as he already knew that Shi Chun’s interest in Miss Miao was just a pretense.
Chasi, observing coldly, was also enlightened; he finally witnessed the rumored events.
Miao Yilan rose to accept the book, lightly patted it, and smiled, “The moment you speak, it’s a tremendous gift.
Alright, since it’s already bought, I’ll accept it.”
Shi Chun, his hands now free, clasped them behind his back and walked around, surveying the environment of the office.
He went to the outdoor balcony, saw the beauty of the lake and mountains outside, and called back, “This place is indeed much better than the Living Prison.”
Miao Yilan also walked to the balcony, looked around, and nodded, “It’s alright.”
She had clearly seen better, so the current view was merely ordinary to her.
Shi Chun, his face full of envy, leaned on the railing and softly said, “It’s truly wonderful.”
Miao Yilan also rested her hands on the railing and asked, “What are your plans now that you’re out?”
Shi Chun admired the beautiful scenery, “Taking it one step at a time. I’ll repay the forty thousand Wood Gold I borrowed from you as soon as possible.”
Miao Yilan: “Do you want to come to Far-Gazing Tower? I can help you two inquire; it shouldn’t be a big problem.”
Wu Jinliang inside immediately brightened up.
Old Dong and Big Stone exchanged smiles; they could be together again, which was quite good.
Chasi, meanwhile, was secretly surprised.
Could it be that Miss Miao genuinely had feelings for that scoundrel?
“Thank you,” Shi Chun politely refused, “I want to find something to do on my own.”
At this, everyone was surprised.
Especially Wu Jinliang, who looked a little anxious. After making a fortune, they could then enter Far-Gazing Tower; how good would that be? It was a blessing others couldn't even beg for, why refuse?
Miao Yilan puzzled, “Is Far-Gazing Tower not good?”
Shi Chun: “It’s not that Far-Gazing Tower isn’t good, but what others give is ultimately limited, and I want too much.”
Miao Yilan tilted her head, staring intently at his profile, then suddenly chuckled and shook her head, “Indeed, you’re out now. It’s not like being in the Land of Exile anymore; you don’t need to keep up the act.”
Before, as long as she spoke, this fellow would immediately put on a posture of willingness to go through fire and water; there was no reason to disobey. Every time they met, it was a string of mushy sweet talk.
Now that he suddenly stopped, she truly felt a tiny bit unaccustomed.
“It’s not an act.
You’re so beautiful and kind; I truly like you, but I’m unworthy!” Shi Chun said, sliding one hand from the railing to rest beside Miao Yilan’s. The two hands, one large and one small, one porcelain-white and delicate, the other rough, dark, and chapped, clearly belonged to two individuals with vastly different fates.
He asked with a smile, “Do you think we’re a match? If you can say the words ‘perfect match,’ I’ll immediately give up everything, go nowhere else, and stay peacefully by your side from now on. I’ll do whatever you ask.
Can we be a perfect match?”
He looked at her, waiting for her answer.
Everyone in the room also quietly waited for Miao Yilan’s reply.
Actually, when it came to such a topic, the few people in the room looked at the backs of the two on the balcony and found them quite a match.
The wind blew her skirt.
After Miao Yilan met his gaze for a while, she dodged his eyes, looked into the distance, and playfully refused to answer with a gentle tone, “You’re at it again. Let me remind you, teasing words spoken in Zhixu City, with Zhixu City’s rules, no one dares to lay a hand on you.
But here, it’s different; you might get beaten, you know.”
Shi Chun was very sensible; he immediately brushed it off as if he hadn't said anything, withdrawing his hand and saying, “I’ve always wondered if you liked the things I’ve given you.
Yilan, is there anything you like and want that I might be able to get for you?”
He actually just didn't know how to repay her.
If Lan Qiaoyan hadn’t intervened in Zhixu City, he and Wu Jinliang might not have left alive.
Miao Yilan had lent him forty thousand gold without even meeting him. The debt to both mother and daughter was truly immense, but he currently had no way to repay them, so he could only see if he could do something.
Miao Yilan chuckled and shook her head, “Thank you, but truly, there’s no need.”
Since she said that, Shi Chun, though regretful, didn’t press the topic further.
He let go of the railing and said, “Yilan, I saw you were busy just now, and I also have something to attend to, so I won’t bother you. I’ll visit again when I have time.
Don’t worry, I’ll return the money to you as soon as possible.”
He now needed to figure out how to get money and sell the goods he had obtained.
Miao Yilan did not try to keep him or mention the money. Instead, she offered a reminder, “Lü Taizhen has power in Zhaotian City.
You've damaged his reputation; have you considered the consequences?”
“I know, it will be fine,” Shi Chun calmly shook his head, then cupped his hands in farewell and turned to leave. As he passed Wu Jinliang, he paused, striking his chest with the back of his hand, “Miss Miao’s kind offer, Far-Gazing Tower, are you coming?”
At this question, Wu Jinliang scratched his head, unsure how to decide.
So Shi Chun didn't bother with him anymore, leaving him to stay or go as he pleased, and strode away.
Old Dong and Big Stone immediately followed him.
Wu Jinliang was still anxiously scratching his head and ears. Miao Yilan watched him with interest, appearing very patient.
Chasi, observing from the side, thought the big guy would definitely stay, but then Wu Jinliang suddenly stomped his foot and let out a loud sigh, then cupped his hands to Miao Yilan and bid farewell, saying, “Miss Miao, I’ll visit you again with Chuntian.”
He then hoisted his great saber, turned, and ran, rushing to catch up.
Miao Yilan was silent for a moment, then said to Chasi, “It wouldn’t make sense if something happened to them after coming to see me. Put your current tasks aside and go keep an eye on them.
If Lü Taizhen truly makes a move, and they can’t overcome this hurdle, then intervene. If necessary, you can bring up my mother’s name and say they are my mother’s people.”