Chapter 351: Drawing the Tiger Away from the Mountain

"Me?" Zu'an was a little surprised. Qin Wanru had never really thought highly of him, so it was unexpected that she would take him along this time.

"You're very familiar with the Wei family, and you're the intermediary for this matter. If I don't bring you, who else would I bring?" Qin Wanru shot him a glance.

Hearing that they were about to leave, Chu Hanzhao rushed over, insisting on coming along.

Qin Wanru refused, "We're going out for serious business. You stay home."

"If brother-in-law can go for serious business, why can't I?" Chu Hanzhao pointed at Zu'an, saying discontentedly.

Zu'an was speechless.

*What do you mean 'even I' can go? Am I that bad?* he thought to himself. *It's been a while since I last taught this girl a lesson; she's really asking for it.*

Qin Wanru glared at her daughter. "Obey me!"

Her usual sternness clearly had an effect. Chu Hanzhao stuck out her tongue, pouted, and left begrudgingly.

The two then arrived at the Wei residence. Upon learning of Qin Wanru's arrival, the Wei family head personally came out to greet them.

After initial polite greetings, they went to the study to discuss the details.

Wei Hongde took Zu'an on a tour of the grounds.

However, Zu'an was clearly not in the mood. He feigned fatigue and asked for a room to rest.

Wei Hongde was a little surprised but naturally agreed, knowing that the family head's discussions wouldn't end anytime soon. He arranged a side room for Zu'an, which happened to be the same one he had stayed in before.

After Wei Hongde left, Zu'an, who had been feigning sleep on the bed, instantly opened his eyes.

He thought that this was a good opportunity to investigate the box Old Mi had been looking for.

However, the thought of the mysterious old man's terrifying cultivation level made him apprehensive; stealing something right under that person's nose would be incredibly difficult.

Just then, a figure suddenly leaped in through the window. Zu'an's heart jolted, and he became fully alert. "Who's there!"

"It's me!" A graceful figure slowly emerged, her peach-blossom eyes seemingly always smiling. It was none other than Pei Mianman.

"Mianman!" Zu'an's eyes lit up. He opened his arms and went to embrace her. "Long time no see! Come here, big brother wants a hug."

Pei Mianman was speechless.

With a flash, she easily evaded him. "You're getting bolder and bolder! I must show Chuyan what you're like now sometime."

Zu'an shrugged it off. "Chuyan doesn't care about these things. Maybe she'd even be happy to see us together; that way, you two can continue being good sisters."

Pei Mianman finally couldn't stand his teasing anymore and huffed, "Alright, alright. I came here because I need your help with something."

"I thought our meeting here again was destiny, but it turns out you just need a favor," Zu'an said, feigning disappointment.

Pei Mianman glanced around and realized this was the same room they had been in last time. Remembering that night's events, her cheeks flushed. "I just happened to find you here, so I decided to come to you on impulse."

"You're still looking for that thing from last time?" Zu'an dropped his playful demeanor. "The Wei family has such a terrifying master; are you trying to get yourself killed?!"

Pei Mianman replied, "Last time, I was caught off guard and didn't expect such a powerful presence, which is why I was in such a predicament. This time, I'm prepared, so it will naturally be much better. Of course, if you're willing to help me, the chances of success will be even greater."

"How can I help?" Zu'an asked.

Pei Mianman went to the window, gazing at the distant silhouette. "When the time comes, I'll go to that courtyard first and draw out that mysterious master. Then you can seize the opportunity to sneak in and find something for me."

Zu'an frowned. The plan was simple—luring the tiger away from its mountain—and such simple plans were often effective. However, the crucial question was different: "That person's cultivation is far superior to yours. How will you escape?"

"You don't need to worry about that," Pei Mianman said. "I have my ways. You just need to find the item for me as quickly as possible."

Zu'an knew she was always mysterious. Since she said that, she must really have a way. "What kind of item is it?"

Pei Mianman hesitated, but knowing she had to describe it if she wanted him to find it, she said, "It's a dark golden token, about this long, and this wide..."

She described the token's shape, size, and features while gesturing.

Zu'an couldn't help but ask curiously, "What is this token for? Why are you willing to take such a huge risk to get it?"

Pei Mianman fell silent.

"If you don't want to say, then don't," Zu'an said, looking disgruntled. For some reason, he felt quite irritable.

Pei Mianman bit her lip, clearly struggling internally, but then said, "Alright, I saved your life, and you saved mine. We have a fated connection, so I'll tell you. But you must promise me not to tell anyone else, not even Chuyan."

"I'm not saying this because I don't trust you, but because it's extremely important."

"Alright, I'll keep your secret." Seeing her seriousness, Zu'an didn't dare to be careless.

Pei Mianman then lowered her voice and said, "Whoever holds this token can freely enter and exit the Imperial Palace."

Zu'an was startled. "To steal something like that, what exactly are you planning?!"

Pei Mianman shook her head. "You don't need to worry about that. I have my reasons for doing this."

Zu'an's expression became solemn. After a long moment, he nodded. "Alright, I'll help you!"

"Thank you!" Seeing that he was still willing to help her after learning everything, Pei Mianman's face broke into a radiant smile, her expression incredibly charming and captivating.

Zu'an was momentarily entranced.

Pei Mianman's face flushed slightly, and she quickly said, "Whether you find the token in the courtyard or not, you must leave within the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Otherwise, you'll be in trouble when that person returns."

"I know," Zu'an replied. He was well aware that a person Old Mi feared was far beyond his ability to contend with; he wouldn't dare to meet such an individual.

"Oh, and whether it's successful or not, we'll meet at the pavilion outside the academy an hour from now," Pei Mianman added after a pause. "That gardener of yours isn't simple. If we meet at the Chu residence, we're bound to be exposed."

"Alright!" Zu'an agreed. He had been thinking the same thing, as the gardener had discovered him and Pei Mianman last time. For such an important discussion, it was naturally best to avoid meeting under his watchful eyes.

"Then I'm off. You get ready too." Pei Mianman moved to the window.

"You must be careful." Even though she claimed to have a plan, Zu'an was still very worried, as that person was truly formidable.

"Don't worry," Pei Mianman said with a sweet smile. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly turned back and told him, "I suddenly understand why Chuyan would fall for you."

After saying that, her figure flashed, and she vanished, leaving only a faint fragrance in the air.

Zu'an was taken aback. *Do I even need to think about that?* he wondered. *Isn't it because I'm handsome and rich?*

Not long after, the sound of clothes rustling through the air came from a distance, and two figures could vaguely be seen chasing each other away.

Zu'an's heart tightened. He quickly concealed his presence and stealthily moved towards the previously mentioned courtyard.