Chapter 35: You're Just Too Bored

Compared to the famed Sanfen Xiangqi Tower nestled within the grand capital, this branch in Maple City might seem a trifle. Yet, none who have gazed upon Miaoyu would ever speak such words.

Fang Zehou, a pivotal figure among the current decision-makers of the Fang clan, is both the birth father of Fang Heling and the uncle of Fang Pengju. Having traversed the length and breadth of the land, he possesses vast knowledge and has single-handedly forged the trade routes of Yunzhou. With both capability and prestige, he stands poised as the Fang clan's implicit successor to the patriarchate. A man of such stature finds himself utterly captivated by Miss Miaoyu. Each time he returns from a business venture, his first stop is invariably the Sanfen Xiangqi Tower, seeking amusement.

Such instances are too numerous to recount. Fang Zehou is neither the first formidable personage to fall under Miaoyu's sway, nor shall he be the last.

And Zhao Rucheng, this connoisseur of flora and fauna, is counted among them. Since the moment he heard of Miaoyu's beguiling renown, he has squandered a thousand pieces of gold, practically making the Sanfen Xiangqi Tower his abode, his resolve unwavering until she is his.

"There exists no such possibility," Zhao Rucheng declared with an air of serene certainty. "The woman who can resist seeing me is yet to be born."

Within his heart, he added: Jiang An'an is certainly not a woman; she is still a mere sprout.

Miaoyu nodded ever so slightly, as if in agreement. "Indeed, Young Master Zhao is among the most handsome, and his expenditures are even more lavish. His strength is considerable, his family background impeccable, his future bright, his heart clear and transparent, and his tongue honeyed. Which woman could possibly resist you?"

"But," she murmured, a sudden trace of melancholy clouding her brow, a sight that stirred a yearning in onlookers to ease her sorrow, "But you do not favor me enough..."

It was as though Zhao Rucheng's lack of genuine affection wounded her deeply.

"Hehehe..."

A singularly vulgar and abrupt peal of laughter shattered the atmosphere within the room.

It was Huang Azhan, who had evidently awakened at some point, though the intoxication had yet to entirely recede. At this moment, he was propping up his chin, gazing upon Miss Miaoyu with a foolish grin. "Hehehe..."

There was no need to articulate his thoughts; they were plainly etched upon his face.

Jiang Wang covered his face, utterly silent. He did recognize Miaoyu as the woman in red he had encountered earlier, but in this setting, he held no right to speak.

Du Yehu was seized by a desperate urge to drag Huang Azhan outside and extinguish his life on the spot, if only to avoid further loss of face. He was contemplating whether it was worth bearing the burden of a murder case before enlisting in the army.

"How can it be said that I do not favor you enough?" Only Zhao Rucheng remained composed, his expression unperturbed, as if utterly unaware of Huang Azhan's presence. He fully embodied the practiced skills of a seasoned flower enthusiast. "Never have I pursued a woman for such an extended period. Since I encountered Miss Miaoyu, the time I've spent within the Sanfen Xiangqi Tower surpasses even that in the city's Dao Institute. My affection is on the verge of overflowing, threatening to inundate this very place."

He rose from his seat and walked towards Miaoyu with a graceful stride.

"Here," he declared, pressing a hand to his heart.

It must be said, in such a setting, for such a handsome man to make such a gesture... even the proprietress, a woman who had weathered countless storms in her life, now wore a dazed expression, unable to resist a flicker of emotion.

But Miaoyu halted him with a single sentence—

"You do not truly like me; you are merely too bored."

The charming smile that had graced Zhao Rucheng's face vanished. He stopped in his tracks, advancing no further.

"I do not like you now, indeed," he admitted. "I detest women who are overly clever."

Jiang Wang had always known Zhao Rucheng to be a person who abhorred trouble and was deeply indifferent. He seemed to possess not a single care, and living by simply getting by was his life's creed.

He squandered money as if it were water, and likewise, he wasted time. Just as he was profligate with wealth, he also wasted his innate talent. But this was entirely his own affair, and no one held the right to interfere.

Thus, he could comprehend Zhao Rucheng's exceedingly superficial likes and dislikes.

However, on the other hand, engaging in a discussion of likes and dislikes within a brothel was, in itself, a rather humorous notion.

"Let's return home; I still need to prepare food for An'an," Jiang Wang declared, rising to his feet.

"Third Brother," Zhao Rucheng looked at him with an expression of sincere appeal. "Can we perhaps have some dishes wrapped up to take back? Do not trouble yourself with cooking."

Du Yehu, from his side, nodded in earnest agreement, his face still bearing the lingering fear of the previous incident. "An'an is still but a child."

"..." Jiang Wang's face darkened. "Are we leaving or not?"

"Go, go, go."

Du Yehu seized Huang Azhan, disregarding his struggling grin, and the group dispersed in a hasty retreat.

Miaoyu merely watched them depart, a smile playing on her lips, uttering not a single word.

But her fingers subtly circled, and beneath the unsuspecting gaze of the departing figures, a tiny white granular substance, long prepared, quietly landed on Jiang Wang's back.

And penetrated.

...

Du Yehu escorted his drunken companion away, Young Master Zhao naturally returned to his residence to rest, and Jiang Wang went alone to the dormitory of the Dao Institute to fetch An'an.

When he found Jiang An'an, her mood was noticeably low, her little mouth pursed, and he knew not what had displeased her.

"What is it, my little An'an?" Jiang Wang inquired with a warm smile, the very picture of amiable concern.

"Nothing," Jiang An'an pouted in reply.

"That's good," Jiang Wang said, waving his hand. "Let us go home."

"..." Jiang An'an was momentarily stunned. Did he truly not intend to press further, to offer a few more words of solicitude?

Ling He did not linger either, merely waving his hand. "An'an, goodbye."

Jiang Wang understood. This elder brother likely desired to cultivate for extended periods, but was unable to dedicate himself fully due to the need to care for Jiang An'an. His talent might not be exceptional, but his diligence was undoubtedly unparalleled.

"Goodbye, Brother Ling He," Jiang An'an replied, though her mood was not the best, she still maintained basic courtesy.

"Oh, by the way," Jiang Wang said casually before departing. "We've transferred our Dao Xun to you. Combined, they should be nearly enough for an Open Vein Pill. Work harder and exchange it soon."

Ling He was silent for a moment before replying, "It should be given to Rucheng first. He is the youngest and possesses the best talent; it should not be wasted."

"He has no interest," Jiang Wang explained simply. "And Brother Hu intends to journey to Jiujiang Xuanjia and walk the ancient military path of Qi and Blood Rushing Veins."

Ling He offered no further objection, merely saying, "Alright."

He knew that Zhao Rucheng's lack of interest was genuine, and Du Yehu's decision was something no one could sway. There was little he could do. The most important thing for him at this stage was to ensure these Dao Xun, this friendship, were not squandered.

"Let us go home," Jiang Wang said, lifting Jiang An'an onto his right shoulder and striding homeward with steady steps.

Jiang An'an's mood suddenly brightened, and she cried out, "Gee up!" her legs swinging before Jiang Wang.

On the way out of the Dao Institute, she was also remarkably enthusiastic in speaking for Jiang Wang. Whenever someone greeted him with "Brother Jiang," she would chirp, "You too!"

Jiang Wang followed her lead, merely nodding in response.

"Is Brother Ling He very bored?" Jiang Wang asked casually on the journey home.

"He was waiting at the door before school even ended. Other people have things to do after school, but he wouldn't let them, and he kept following me," Jiang An'an said, biting her fingers.

Ling He was a kind and dependable person; leaving Jiang An'an in his care was the safest course of action. Being inseparable was simply his basic mode of operation.

"What could you possibly be so busy with?" Jiang Wang said, pulling her fingers away. "Do not bite your nails."

"Hmph!" Jiang An'an was so incensed she wanted to jump down then and there, but considering the distance home, she relented. "I'm very busy! I'm too lazy to tell you."

Jiang Wang didn't press the matter, saying casually, "Brother Ling He is a very good person. An'an should be polite to him."

"You mustn't wear a cold expression."

"And do not bite your nails."

The sounds gradually faded into the distance.

——"Know! Way! Understood!"