Chapter 37: I am Not Worthy

So the assistant casually grabbed another one and tossed it out, still wearing that disgruntled expression.

Shi Chun turned to Big Stone, who was accompanying him, and said, "You pay."

Big Stone glanced at Wu Jinliang beside him, feeling a bit resigned. He had promised to treat Wu Jinliang earlier, which was fine, but what was the point of buying two identical books? He guessed one was for the big fellow.

Wu Jinliang was grinning, assuming one was for him. To his surprise, Shi Chun took both books and walked away. Wu Jinliang and Big Stone exchanged speechless glances; one followed, the other paid.

They hadn't gone far when they met Old Dong, who was returning after delivering the message. Old Dong informed Shi Chun that Miss Miao had agreed to see him.

Shi Chun said he wasn't in a hurry and wanted to change his attire first.

When he was in exile, he always dressed neatly to see Miss Miao. Now that he was here, he certainly couldn't appear shabby.

Old Dong could only urge him to hurry, explaining it wouldn't be good to keep Miss Miao waiting.

The group went directly to the clothing area. After some selection, Shi Chun chose a pair of black shoes, a casual inner outfit, and finally a blue gown for his outer coat.

He had initially wanted to buy something white, believing it looked more refined and handsome. However, seeing Wu Jinliang wear it nearby, he realized it didn't suit him well, so he dropped the idea.

Fully dressed and with his hair neatly pinned up, he looked quite a spirited young man. Only the dull, chapped skin on the backs of his hands, his lips, and cheekbones remained, which could not be changed so quickly.

As they went upstairs, Shi Chun handed one book to Wu Jinliang to carry, keeping the other for himself.

They were stopped and questioned several times along the way before finally arriving, somewhat awkwardly, at the door of Miao Yilan's office.

Che Si met them at the door. As they entered, Miao Yilan, who had looked up, immediately put down her pen.

The beautiful feather that had been on her desk was gone; she had temporarily put it away. There was no other reason than that she didn't want Shi Chun to see it and get any wrong ideas. She simply admired the feather's beauty, nothing more.

Shi Chun stopped, leaning casually against a nearby display shelf. He crossed his arms, holding the book against his chest, and crossed his legs, striking what he thought was a handsome pose. He met Miao Yilan's gaze for a moment, and then they both smiled simultaneously.

Despite the smile, Miao Yilan still scrutinized Shi Chun's attire from head to toe. 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 gentle demeanor was all an act.

It wasn't her keen insight that revealed this; rather, she had learned a great deal from her mother. Without detailing his aggressive nature, suffice it to say, many had met their end by his blade.

Seeing her looking him over, Shi Chun immediately straightened up, then spread his arms and spun around, inviting her appraisal. "How do I look?" he asked. "Am I less rustic now?"

So he knew he used to be quite rustic. It was the first time he had shown such self-awareness in front of Miao Yilan.

"You look very spirited," Miao Yilan complimented. She then raised a delicate finger and tapped it towards Wu Jinliang, greeting him in a gentle, lingering tone, "Big Guy."

"Hello, Miss Miao," Wu Jinliang replied, nodding cheerfully.

Shi Chun stepped forward, took out the book, and presented it with both hands. "I don't know if you've read this before. I just bought it. It's the first book I've ever bought in my life. It's for you."

Big Stone, who was standing idly behind them, instantly felt a pang of annoyance. He wanted to shout, "I'm the one who paid for it, remember?" He was truly speechless. Shi Chun was giving away a gift without even paying for it himself.

Wu Jinliang grinned again, clearly amused. He already knew that Shi Chun's overtures towards Miss Miao were just an act.

Che Si, observing coolly, also had his eyes opened, finally witnessing what had previously been mere rumors.

Miao Yilan rose and took the book, gently patting it as she smiled. "From your very first words, you present an extraordinary gift. Alright, since it's already bought, I'll accept it."

Shi Chun placed his empty hands behind his back and paced around, surveying the office. He then walked out onto the balcony, saw the beautiful lake and mountains, and called back, "This place is indeed much better than the Prison of Life."

Miao Yilan also walked to the balcony, looked around, and nodded. "It's alright," she said.

Clearly, she had seen better places, and what lay before her was only mediocre by her standards.

Shi Chun, his face full of envy, raised a hand, leaned on the railing, and softly murmured, "This is truly good."

Miao Yilan also rested her hands on the railing and asked, "What are your plans now that you're out?"

Shi Chun admired the scenery. "I'm taking it one step at a time," he said. "I'll repay the forty thousand tanjin I borrowed from you as soon as possible."

Miao Yilan: "Would you like to come to Bowang Tower? I can ask for both of you; it shouldn't be a problem."

Inside, Wu Jinliang's eyes immediately lit up. Old Dong and Big Stone exchanged smiles, thinking it would be good to be together again.

Che Si, however, was secretly surprised and suspicious. Could Miss Miao actually have feelings for that rogue?

"Thank you," Shi Chun politely declined. "I want to find something to do on my own."

Everyone was surprised by his words.

Wu Jinliang, in particular, was a little anxious. How wonderful would it be to make a fortune and then enter Bowang Tower? Why refuse such a good opportunity that others could only dream of?

Miao Yilan asked, puzzled, "Is Bowang Tower not good?"

Shi Chun replied, "It's not that Bowang Tower isn't good. What others give is ultimately limited, and I want too much."

Miao Yilan tilted her head, staring intently at his profile, then chuckled softly and shook her head. "You're truly out now," she said. "It's not like the place of exile anymore; you don't need to keep up the act."

Before, whenever she spoke, he would immediately put on a show of being willing to go through fire and water for her, never refusing. Every meeting was filled with sappy love words. Now that he had suddenly stopped, she was actually a little unaccustomed to it.

"It's not an act," Shi Chun said. "You're so beautiful and kind; I truly like you, but I'm not worthy!" As he spoke, he slid one hand from the railing, placing it next to Miao Yilan's. One hand was large, rough, dark, and chapped, while the other was small, porcelain-white, and delicate. It was clear at a glance that these were two hands with vastly different destinies. He asked with a smile, "Do you think we're a match? If you can say 'a perfect match,' I'll immediately give up everything, go nowhere else, and stay by your side from now on, doing whatever you ask. Can we be a match?"

He looked at her, waiting for her answer.

Everyone in the room quietly awaited Miao Yilan's reply.

And surprisingly, when it came to such a topic, the people inside, looking at the backs of the two on the balcony, actually thought they looked quite a good match.

Her skirt fluttered in the wind. After Miao Yilan met his gaze for a moment, she averted her eyes, looking into the distance, and playfully refused to answer with soft, teasing words. "Here you go again," she said. "Let me remind you, if you said suggestive things in Zhixu City, with its rules, no one would dare lay a hand on you. But here it's different; you might get beaten up."

Shi Chun was very sensible. He immediately dropped the subject, as if nothing had been said, pulling back his hand. "I don't know if you've liked the things I've given you all this time," he said. "Yilan, is there anything you like and want? I'll see if I can get it for you."

He simply 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. And Miao Yilan, without even meeting him, had lent him forty thousand gold. He truly owed the mother and daughter a huge favor, but he currently had no way to repay them and could only see if there was anything he could do.

Miao Yilan chuckled softly and shook her head. "Thank you, but really, it's not necessary."

Since she said so, Shi Chun, though regretful, didn't press the topic further. He let go of the railing and said, "Yilan, I just saw you were busy, and I also have some things to attend to, so I won't bother you anymore. I'll visit you again when I have time. Rest assured, I will repay the money to you as soon as possible."

He now needed to figure out how to get money by selling the goods he had acquired.

Miao Yilan didn't try to keep him, nor did she mention the money. Instead, she warned him, "Lü Taizhen is powerful in Zhaotian City. Have you considered the consequences of humiliating him?"

"I know; it will be fine," Shi Chun calmly replied, shaking his head. He then cupped his hands in farewell and turned to leave. As he passed Wu Jinliang, he paused and playfully punched him on the chest with the back of his hand. "Miss Miao's kind offer, Bowang Tower. Are you coming or not?"

Wu Jinliang scratched his head at the question, unsure how to make a decision.

So Shi Chun didn't press him further. It was up to Wu Jinliang whether to stay or go; Shi Chun simply strode away first.

Old Dong and Big Stone immediately followed him.

Wu Jinliang was still anxiously scratching his head and ears, while Miao Yilan watched him with interest, appearing very patient.

Old Che, observing, thought the big man would surely stay. To his surprise, Wu Jinliang suddenly stomped his foot, let out a frustrated grunt, then cupped his hands to Miao Yilan in farewell. "Miss Miao," he said, "I'll come to visit you with Chun later."

He immediately hoisted his great saber, turned, and ran, hurrying to catch up.

Miao Yilan was silent for a moment, then said to Che Si, "It wouldn't be right if something happened to them after they came to see me. Put aside what you're doing for now and go keep an eye on them. If Lü Taizhen truly makes a move and they can't overcome this obstacle, you intervene. If necessary, you can bring up my mother's name and say they are her people."