Chapter 81: Playing Chess

Bamboo was planted all around the meditation hall, and when the clear breeze blew, the bamboo groves swayed, producing a rustling sound. Zhu’er pushed Ye Cheng into the meditation hall and closed the door behind them.

Ye Cheng lifted his head to look around. The room was elegant and unique, furnished with a writing desk, a tea table, and a few other items, giving it a slightly spacious feel.

“I’m right here. What are you staring at, you silly thing?”

...

The main road in Luoyi was smooth and even; the carriage rolled along without the slightest jolt. After more than half an hour, with a gentle pull of the reins from Liu Qing, Hua Chen slowly opened his eyes. They had arrived at the royal palace. After Liu Qing used his seal to pass through several layers of inspection, the two finally entered the palace grounds.

“Bah! You shameless old scoundrel, I’ll deal with you first!” With that, she launched into a fierce battle with the Venom-Eyed Dragon King.

A crisp, audible crack of breaking bones rang out as Nie Feng was sent flying dozens of meters by a single slash, spitting blood in midair before crashing to the ground. Absolute No-Sage, after blocking Nie Feng’s blow with his forehead, was left only a bit dizzy but otherwise unharmed.

Yet it was clear that Yang Zuokang was not one to let go of a grudge. The one who had kept him awake these nights was Lin Yu, and he could not let go of his anger until he saw Lin Yu bow his head.

“Are you short on money? Did you spend a lot on ingredients? I can split the costs with you.” Ying Mingyu breathed a sigh of relief.

Yuan Yun stared blankly at Shui Rouxin’s face, full of smiles. She had hoped to see even the slightest trace of regret in Shui Rouxin’s expression, but in the end, she was disappointed. She could feel that Shui Rouxin’s heart was brimming with joy and gratitude.

It was precisely this complete trust and delegation of authority that gave her an excellent stage to display her talents freely.

Hua Chen had never heard of anyone named Yan Zhong in the martial world—no, rather, in the court—but he knew now was not the time to exchange pleasantries with this clever envoy from Qi. He merely nodded ever so slightly and let the matter rest.

I listened with a sigh. To be honest, I can’t agree with such an outlook or approach. I’ve always believed that living, even if with hardship, is better than dying; as long as you live, there’s hope, but after death, there’s nothing left.

“No, I was waiting for you. I’ve missed you all day.” Tang Ruoyao smiled gently. Just hearing his voice made her feel so much better.

“This trip to Vancouver is to help my family bid for a 1.2 billion resort real estate project. The Xu family’s business has ventured into every sector but never into resorts. This year, my father decided we should expand in this direction—ten major projects,” Xu Chen explained to Chen Yan.

“Very well, I shall send word back immediately. In the future, if the alliance calls for you, someone will notify you!” The elder respectfully presented a gilded waist token, speaking with admiration.

“Hey, isn’t this a slot machine?” After greeting Zhang Feng, Xu Feng hurried over and tore open one of the cardboard boxes. The moment he saw what was inside, he exclaimed in surprise.

As for He Haoxuan, he always dismissed her words with a smile, never taking them to heart.

Fourth Master said nothing, but Mr. Wu spoke up instead. “Her Highness speaks truly. Now that she’s returned, you must be satisfied, right?” Having said that, he ignored Fourth Master and went to play the zither.

Moreover, the arrogance and domineering attitude of the school doctor was partly his own fault. As a school doctor, he ought to have a stronger sense of medical ethics, especially in an environment full of love such as a school. If he behaved so poorly here, what would happen if he went out into the world?

After shaking hands, she tried to withdraw her hand, only to find it held tightly by Li Ding. Confused, she looked up at him and saw his eyes brimming with possessiveness.

But one must never judge by appearances alone. I recall that when we first arrived in Qingzhou City, the beautiful mountains and rivers left us with the same impression. Only later did we realize that Qingzhou was all glitter on the outside and rotten within.