Chapter 329: Even a Toad Wants to Eat Swan Meat

Zu An’s eyes narrowed. This guy was saying all this just to make him look foolish. But who was Zu An? He’d meet force with force, adapt to any situation; he wasn’t afraid of such petty schemes.

“I love to show off in front of beautiful women, so of course, I won't refuse,” Zu An said, smiling and nodding towards Qiu Honglei, Xie Daoyun, and Zheng Dan.

Wang Yuanlong’s expression was strange. Good heavens, others would flatter one beautiful woman, but this guy was flirting with three women at once, without it seeming awkward at all. How did he manage that?

Sang Qian was even more depressed. Watching Zu An constantly flirt with his fiancée, even though nothing physical happened, he still felt like he was being cuckolded.

Rage points from Sang Qian +233!

Zu An then looked up at him. “Commander Sang, how do you intend for me to demonstrate my literary talent? Are you perhaps planning a couplet challenge with me again?”

Sang Qian quickly waved his hand. “No need for couplets. When it comes to literary talent, nothing surpasses poetry. How about Brother Zu composes a poem?” What a joke. Even Xu Qinsong, the great scholar from Spark City, had just lost to him. How could he be foolish enough to challenge him to a couplet competition again? Besides, the whole point was to make Zu An look bad; if he participated, wouldn't he just be asking for trouble?

“Poetry?” Zu An’s expression was peculiar. “Are you sure you want to compete with poetry?” What a joke. I have Tang and Song Dynasty poetry as my foundation, and countless great poets from other dynasties as backups. Competing in poetry is simply… All those transmigrators become literary plagiarists and live prosperously. I never thought it would be my turn to enjoy this today.

At this moment, Xie Daoyun, who was nearby, also became interested. “What will be the topic?”

Sang Qian spoke up. “Given Brother Zu’s literary talent, ordinary topics certainly won't challenge him. How about I choose a more unusual one to showcase Brother Zu’s skill? Hmm, how about ‘toad’ as the topic?”

As soon as these words were uttered, the entire top floor fell silent. Although he spoke grandiosely, anyone with discernment could tell he was targeting Zu An. It not only ridiculed his relationship with Miss Chu, implying it was like a toad and a swan, but also suggested that his recent overtures to the beautiful women present were merely a toad's desire to eat swan meat.

Qiu Honglei slightly frowned. “Isn't this topic a bit inappropriate? What good poem can be made about a toad? How about we change it?”

Zu An thought to himself, 'This woman acts cool towards me on the surface, but she actually cares about me quite a bit. In that case, I'll forgive your previous behavior.'

Xie Daoyun, nearby, also chimed in. “Indeed, I've never heard of such a topic, nor any poem like it. I also agree to change it.”

Only Zheng Dan smiled without speaking. Her status dictated that it was inconvenient for her to publicly contradict her fiancé to help Zu An. However, she also secretly wanted to see Zu An make a fool of himself in front of other women, to prevent him from flirting everywhere.

Wang Yuanlong also tried to persuade them from the side. He secretly regretted it. If he had known this, he shouldn't have brought them together. Wasn't he just creating trouble for himself?

But Zu An waved his hand, saying, “It’s fine. I actually think ‘toad’ is quite good. As the saying goes, a toad that doesn't want to eat swan meat isn't a good toad.”

Xie Daoyun let out a giggle, then quickly covered her mouth, clearly feeling it was a bit unladylike.

Qiu Honglei’s eyes also held a hint of a smile. This man was unlike any she had met before; he was truly interesting.

Meanwhile, Zheng Dan’s mind was filled with images of him pouncing on her. She thought to herself, 'This white swan of mine has certainly been "spoiled" by a toad more than once.'

Sang Qian, watching from the side, saw him making the three beauties giggle like flowers swaying in the wind, and his face immediately darkened.

Zu An then continued, “I’ve already thought of one.”

“He’s thought of one already?” Everyone present was startled. Can a toad really be used for poetry? More importantly, how much time had passed since the topic was given? Even with a normal topic, it wouldn't be this fast, would it? Even Xie Daoyun grew curious, eager to hear what kind of poem he could compose.

Sang Qian was also startled, but he figured that even if a poem was composed so quickly, its quality would likely be poor. So he said with a smile, “Brother Zu is indeed remarkable. I am all ears.”

Zu An stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the distant lotus pond. He began, “Alone I sit by the pond, like a crouching tiger; Beneath the green shade, I nurture my spirit.”

Hearing these two lines, everyone immediately pictured a toad. Even Sang Qian had to admit that this guy possessed some quick wit.

Only Xie Daoyun’s delicate brows were slightly furrowed. The first line was passable, but the second was merely doggerel. Normally, composing two lines of poetry so quickly would be commendable, but after witnessing his astonishing musical performance earlier, she unconsciously held high expectations for him.

Zu An then continued, “When spring arrives, if I do not first speak, What insect dares to make a sound?”

As his voice faded, the entire hall fell silent. While poetry values elegant language and literary flair, more importantly, it conveys spirit and grandeur. From a literary perspective, this poem could only be described as ordinary, but in terms of momentum, it was top-tier.

Xie Daoyun had initially been somewhat disappointed, but after hearing the last two lines, her eyes lit up. She silently recited the lines, and her gaze towards Zu An changed. This man was not as aimless and idle as everyone imagined.

Qiu Honglei’s eyes shone with a peculiar brilliance. She had previously suspected that his relationship with Chu Chuyan was better than people knew, which made her hesitate about continuing her previous plan, as her plan's premise was his dissatisfaction with his life in the Chu family. But now she understood. Given his impressive demeanor, the plan should proceed. At most, she would compete with Chu Chuyan for him. She believed she was no less attractive, and in terms of seducing men, she far surpassed Chu Chuyan. With this thought, her conflicted feelings of late gradually settled. A softer smile appeared in her eyes as she looked at him.

Only Zheng Dan was somewhat displeased. Hmph, this guy was showing off again in front of other women. However, she was soon startled. Since there was no real possibility between them, why was she still feeling jealous? Thinking of her engagement to Sang Qian, her expression became complicated and somber.

“Brother Zu is truly a great talent!” Wang Yuanlong smiled slightly and started to applaud, and Wei Suo, as if waking from a dream, applauded until his hands were red.

Sang Qian’s face was grim. Especially seeing the admiring looks the other beautiful women gave Zu An, he grew even more frustrated. He had intended to make Zu An look foolish, but instead, Zu An had managed to show off.

Rage points from Sang Qian +233!

Zu An glanced at him and said with a smile, “Brother Sang, do you want to give another topic?”

“No need, Brother Zu’s literary talent has been witnessed by all,” Sang Qian forced a smile. After experiencing these events, he understood that this guy probably truly possessed some unconventional talent. How would he dare give him another chance to show off?

Thinking that Zu An was likely saying this just to needle him, he felt a surge of displeasure.

Rage points from Sang Qian +444444!

Next, Qiu Honglei played a zither piece, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

Following this, Wang Yuanlong thanked everyone who had helped after the kidnapping. Soon, toasts were being exchanged.

Zu An clinked glasses with Wang Yuanlong while continuously urging Wei Suo to drink. Wei Suo had gained face today and was in high spirits, so he accepted every drink offered.

During the banquet, Xie Daoyun did not touch a drop of alcohol. She merely whispered with Zheng Dan, and discussed some musical topics with Qiu Honglei, occasionally glancing at Zu An.

As dusk approached, Xie Daoyun stood up to bid farewell, clearly unwilling to be out too late without returning home. Her demeanor as a noble young lady was evident.

Zheng Dan also took the opportunity to stand up and leave with her. She had seen Zu An drink quite a lot, and worried that he might act impulsively under the influence of alcohol and do something to her, which would be troublesome. While she didn't mind how he treated her in private, in public, she was mindful of her status and responsibilities.

Not long after, Qiu Honglei also took her leave. She originally had many things she wanted to say to Zu An, but with so many people present today, it wasn't a good time.

With the beauties gone, Sang Qian naturally lost his interest. Moreover, drinking with Zu An felt awkward no matter how he looked at it. He soon left as well.

Zu An and Wei Suo drank for a while longer. How could Wei Suo’s alcohol tolerance compare to Zu An’s body, which had been tempered by the Primordial Chaos Sutra? Before long, Wei Suo was thoroughly drunk.

Wang Yuanlong offered to send people to escort them back. Zu An politely declined, stating that since Wei Suo had come with him, it was only right for him to personally ensure Wei Suo’s safe return home.

Wang Yuanlong did not insist further, but still dispatched a few servants to escort the two of them.

Zu An accompanied Wei Suo all the way to the Wei family’s entrance. Wei Hongde, having heard the news, came out to receive his younger brother.

Zu An’s mind stirred. He pressed a certain acupoint on Wei Suo, sending a trace of vital energy into him. Wei Suo immediately felt his stomach churning violently and vomited loudly.

Zu An, who was supporting him, naturally couldn't escape the misfortune, and some stains got on his clothes.

Seeing this, Wei Hongde apologized repeatedly to him. Zu An suggested if he could find a change of clothes at the mansion, as he certainly didn't want to go back in these foul-smelling clothes.

Wei Hongde hesitated for a moment but then agreed.

Having successfully entered the somewhat dimly lit Wei mansion, a faint smile played on Zu An's lips.