Chapter 1105: The Beauty Trap

"What a coincidence," Zu An chuckled awkwardly, only then realizing that Tang Tian'er's finger was still covering his lips. He quickly stepped back.

He was truly frustrated. Why was he encountering plotlines straight out of those melodramatic romance dramas on TV?

"Yes, what a coincidence. Just out for a casual stroll, and I find Young Master Zu and his confidante openly flirting," Pei Mianman said, a smile on her face, showing no sign of anger.

Zu An, however, knew that her anger was already rising, as he was constantly receiving "rage points" from her in the background.

Tang Tian'er raised an eyebrow. Her sixth sense as a woman immediately told her that the relationship between these two was not simple. So, she took Zu An's arm and asked, "Brother Zu, who is this young lady?"

In truth, seeing the other woman's captivating beauty and distinctive attire, she already had a faint suspicion, but she pretended not to recognize her.

Zu An cleared his throat. "Uh, this is Miss Pei, a good friend of mine."

It wasn't that he was afraid to admit their relationship; it was what Pei Mianman had previously requested.

Although this world was more open than his previous one, its openness had limits. For an unmarried couple to sleep together would always affect a woman's reputation, and the Pei family was not a minor household, so they naturally had to consider their image.

Even though Pei Mianman was aware of their agreement, hearing him say it in front of another woman still made her furious.

"Is this perhaps Young Master Zu's newest concubine?" she asked, smiling as she walked closer. Beside her, Hongzao was still fuming, unable to understand why her mistress hadn't lost her temper yet.

Tang Tian'er understood the subtle jab about her openly embracing Zu An, but she didn't mind. Instead, her eyes sparkled with amusement. The relationship between these two... how interesting.

Sensing the jealousy in the other woman's tone, Zu An broke into a cold sweat. "Mianman, you've misunderstood. She's Miss Tang from the Zhenyuan Merchant Guild. I'm investigating a case and need to question her about some matters."

"Why are you explaining this to me? Young Master Zu can do whatever he pleases," Pei Mianman said indifferently.

Zu An was speechless.

*Weren't you the one asking me?*

Just then, Tang Tian'er also gently explained, "Miss Pei, there's really nothing going on between Brother Zu and me."

Pei Mianman's heart skipped a beat. She's already calling him "Brother Zu," and there's "nothing"?

*Is she deliberately feigning such a delicate and pitiful appearance to make me seem aggressive and unreasonable?*

Women are naturally very sensitive to such "green tea" tactics.

However, even though she could see through everything, she couldn't bring herself to expose it, lest she be looked down upon.

The more she held back, the more she seethed inwardly.

Rage points from Pei Mianman: 233233233...

Just then, Zu An's vital energy transmission whispered in her ear: "Mianman, this woman is clearly trying to sow discord between us. Don't fall for her trick."

Hearing his explanation, Pei Mianman's lips curved slightly upward. *This big oaf, at least he wasn't completely stupid.*

Knowing that he was clearly siding with her in his words, most of the anger in her heart immediately dissipated.

Still, she transmitted a vital energy message back, taunting him: "You're investigating a case, but do you need to kiss her finger? Do you need to hold her so tightly?"

Zu An was speechless.

Although these were just coincidences, they had indeed happened, making it truly difficult to argue.

At this point, Pei Mianman's mood relaxed, and she began to playfully scrutinize Tang Tian'er: "Her legs are quite nice, but her chest is a bit small. Hmm, her looks are sweet enough; she'd make a decent bedmate. If she wants to marry into the family, Chu Yan would have to personally approve."

Tang Tian'er was speechless.

*What was with this grand dame's attitude while scrutinizing her?*

However, she reacted quickly: "Does Miss Pei mean Young Miss Chu? But I seem to recall she has already divorced Brother Zu."

"That's just for show, to fool outsiders. Their relationship is actually incredibly good," Pei Mianman said, initially joking, but as she continued, a hint of sourness crept into her tone.

Tang Tian'er's eyes darted. "But I can't help but feel Miss Pei is more anxious than Miss Chu."

Pei Mianman naturally understood the sarcasm in her words: *The legitimate wife hasn't said anything, so what's your relationship with Zu An?*

Because Zu An had understood her, Pei Mianman didn't get angry. She replied with a smile, "Because Chu Yan is my good friend. Since she's not here, it's only natural for me to help her keep an eye out, lest some 'vixen' covets her husband."

Zu An's face darkened. He noticed that Pei Mianman enjoyed playing this "best friend of Chu Yan" game; it seemed to give her an extra thrill every time.

Tang Tian'er was also speechless. She had never expected this woman to be so psychologically strong, turning the tables so quickly.

Just as she was pondering how to retort, Pei Mianman smiled and said, "I still have some shopping to do. You two can take your time browsing. I won't bother you."

After speaking, she gave a slight bow to both of them and walked away. As she passed Zu An, she gave him a look that was not quite a smile.

Zu An gave a wry smile. Although she hadn't said anything, her message was very clear.

After the mistress and servant had walked a distance, Hongzao could no longer hold back. "Miss, why did you just leave like that?"

"Otherwise, what? Should I have cried, made a scene, or threatened suicide there?" Pei Mianman chuckled softly.

"Miss, how can you still smile? Didn't you see that Tang vixen practically falling onto Young Master, even... even rubbing her chest against his hand? How shameless!" Hongzao fumed, indignant on behalf of her mistress, feeling as though their family's prized cabbage had been rooted up by an outside pig. "And Young Master, too, he didn't even push her away."

"He's investigating a case; it's quite normal to use a bit of a 'honey trap'," Pei Mianman said dismissively. "I'm just relieved to see that he's safe and sound."

"Oh, so it was a honey trap! I knew Young Master was too good to be that kind of person," Hongzao said, nodding in sudden understanding.

Pei Mianman rolled her eyes. It seemed Zu An's frequent feeding of her lately had taken effect. How could she have such a foolish maid, believing even the most ridiculous excuses she came up with on the fly?

Meanwhile, Tang Tian'er watched the two women's retreating figures thoughtfully. "Young Master Zu, Miss Pei seems to have a very good relationship with you."

"We were classmates for a while in Mingyue City, so naturally, our relationship is good," Zu An said, his expression turning serious. "Miss Tang, why did you act that way just now?"

Tang Tian'er naturally understood his displeasure, so she smiled sweetly and pouted playfully, "Oh, I just care too much about you, Young Master. I was a little jealous."

"Oh, you like me?" Zu An looked at her intently.

Tang Tian'er's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her smile. "Of course, I do."

"Alright then," Zu An said, reaching out to embrace her waist. "Let's get a room at the Jadeite Pavilion and have a thorough exchange."

With that, he put his arm around her and walked towards the Jadeite Pavilion.

This time, Tang Tian'er truly panicked. As a courtesan from the Carefree Brothel, she naturally knew what a "thorough exchange" entailed. She darted away, pleading, "Young Master Zu, I was wrong! I won't dare to do it again."

Zu An gave her a cold look. "I don't want anything like that to happen again."

Tang Tian'er pursed her lips, finally letting out a helpless hum.

Only then did Zu An reveal a faint smile. "That's better. Wouldn't it be better if we were honest with each other, with fewer tricks?"

"Am I not honest enough with you...?" Tang Tian'er mumbled. They had been completely candid with each other in the bathtub last time, but of course, she was too embarrassed to say that out loud.

Zu An evidently thought of the same thing, and his gaze towards her softened slightly. "Let's go. Where would you like to browse?"

Tang Tian'er's eyes lit up, and her sweet dimples reappeared on her face. "Anywhere is fine, as long as I'm with you."

Zu An frowned. He couldn't shake the feeling that this woman was being a little too eager, likely with an ulterior motive.

However, recalling her self-sacrificing rescue last time, he also felt that if she were simply after something, the sacrifice would have been too great.

Harboring these doubts, he accompanied Tang Tian'er on a stroll through Cloud City, covering nearly half of its area.

Only then did Tang Tian'er say, with lingering satisfaction, "I'm very happy today. I haven't felt this relaxed in years."

Zu An considered that whether she was at the Carefree Brothel or the Zhenyuan Merchant Guild, it was indeed unlikely for her to be truly at ease.

He couldn't help but feel a little pity. A girl her age in his previous life would still be carefree, studying in school. "If there's a chance, I'll take you out again sometime."

Tang Tian'er shook her head, saying somewhat sadly, "I'm afraid there won't be another opportunity."

Zu An paused, about to ask her why, but she spoke first: "Alright, alright, I know you've been wanting the answer, and your mind wasn't entirely on our shopping. I'll tell you now: the owner inside the Jadeite Pavilion is just a front. The real owner is the Flying Horse Merchant Guild."

"The Flying Horse Merchant Guild?" Zu An's expression turned strange. These two merchant guilds were truly sworn enemies; they would trip each other up at every opportunity.

Tang Tian'er sighed. "I know what you're thinking, but this time, I'm truly not acting out of personal grudges. I'm doing this to help you."

"Oh, and the Flying Horse Merchant Guild has a formidable background. Be careful when you investigate; don't get burned." After saying this, she waved at him, left him with a sweet smile, and quickly disappeared down the street.

Zu An, meanwhile, fell into deep thought. He had investigated the Flying Horse Merchant Guild before and found that they seemed to have a significant connection with the Demonic Sect.

*Sigh,* does this mean he'll have to be an enemy of Qiu Honglei, Yun Jianyue, and the others?

***

The author's note: I only fell asleep past 4 AM the day before yesterday and past 5 AM last night, and I couldn't nap during the day. I'm completely numb, especially with the pressure of updates making it even harder to sleep. I'm not sure if it's due to recent stress, but I haven't experienced such insomnia in a long time. My mind is a blur right now, so there won't be a second chapter today. My apologies; I'll adjust as soon as possible.