Chapter 037
Chapter 37: Qing Qing is Kind
“Hmm…” Shi Zi Chu suddenly thought of something. Pausing her steps, she turned toward the tavern filled with lively music and dancing, then said to Xue Gu, “Xue Gu, since you’ve moved, let’s have a drink to celebrate!”
Without waiting for Xue Gu’s reply, Shi Zi Chu, holding the white cat, stepped gracefully into the tavern.
As soon as she entered, the noisy tavern suddenly fell silent.
The clean and gentle woman had unmatched beauty. Cradled in her arms was an elegant, noble white cat. The refined presence of woman and feline alike was completely out of place in this chaotic setting.
Countless astonished eyes turned to Shi Zi Chu.
Some gazes were pure admiration, while others dripped with desire and ill intentions.
“Oh my, did this beauty perhaps wander in by mistake?” the alluring owner, dressed in a flowing red skirt, approached gracefully, beautiful and charming.
Shi Zi Chu shook her head lightly, replying, “I came for a drink.”
Looking at the gentle and polite Shi Zi Chu, the owner’s eyes widened slightly.
[Why do I feel like a good girl has strayed into trouble?]
Believing in welcoming all guests, the owner personally led Shi Zi Chu to a table beneath the round stage.
After ordering drinks, Shi Zi Chu sat down and began to look around curiously. Her innocent expression made it obvious this was her first time here.
Several people wanted to approach her, but her dignified aura and distant air made them hesitate.
Soon, the drinks arrived.
The taste naturally couldn’t compare with fine tavern wine, but it was strong and fiery enough.
Suddenly, intense drumbeats filled the air, and the enchanting owner appeared on stage. Her slender limbs moved rhythmically with the drums, free and passionate.
A vibrant life force and captivating charm filled the space.
Shi Zi Chu held her cup with both hands, staring without blinking.
Xue Gu squatted on the table, staring blankly at his clan chief, suddenly realizing something—
[Master is secretly a hidden alcoholic!]
“She dances beautifully,” Shi Zi Chu praised softly, her voice filled with admiration.
On stage, the owner arched backward, meeting Shi Zi Chu’s eyes as she tossed a flirtatious glance. Then, she leaped gracefully into the air, her skirt swirling like blooming petals, breathtakingly lovely.
Shi Zi Chu’s peach-blossom eyes curved happily, watching intently.
Her focused gaze, gentle and smiling, unknowingly appeared deeply affectionate.
After the dance ended, the owner lightly stepped off the stage, sitting gracefully at Shi Zi Chu’s table, eyes alluring as silk as she asked, “Well? Did big sister dance nicely?”
“It was wonderful,” Shi Zi Chu answered with a smile, “Free and passionate, just amazing!”
Facing such sincere praise, the owner’s cheeks flushed bashfully.
“I want to learn,” Shi Zi Chu said earnestly, eyes sparkling brightly as she looked at the owner. “Big sister, can you teach me? I’ll pay in spirit stones.”
The soft voice matched with a sweet smile instantly touched the owner’s heart.
Meeting those shining eyes full of expectation, the owner found herself unable to refuse.
“My dancing is self-taught. Someone like you should learn something more refined.”
Her dance was freely expressive—or less politely, quite wild and unrestrained.
A pure and dignified young lady like her shouldn’t learn this type of dance. She ought to study something more elegant.
“I’m not refined at all,” Shi Zi Chu coaxed effortlessly, her eyes smiling sweetly. “I only like the dance big sister performed. Please teach me, big sister~”
When the sweet, adorable young lady pleaded in such a soft voice, the owner surrendered immediately.
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow during the daytime.”
She decided right then: tomorrow morning, her tavern would not open!
How could she allow any vulgar man to see this lovely young lady dance?
Those filthy men weren’t worthy!
“Great!” Shi Zi Chu showed a delighted smile, pouring a bowl of wine and passing it over, “Let me treat big sister to a drink~”
The owner smiled softly without reaching for the bowl; instead, she lowered her head, lips gently brushing the bowl’s edge.
Shi Zi Chu, sensing the gesture perfectly, lifted the bowl carefully to help the enchanting owner drink.
Everyone in the tavern watched this scene with envy and jealousy.
At that moment, Jiang Wan Sheng appeared at the doorway, tall and slender with a cold aura.
His gaze immediately locked onto Shi Zi Chu seated at the table.
“Qing Qing, are you having fun?”
A dark, sinister voice sounded behind her, accompanied by a rich, mysterious fragrance. A tall shadow fell over Shi Zi Chu completely.
The owner straightened up, playfully winked at Shi Zi Chu, then left quietly.
Shi Zi Chu turned calmly, smiling brightly as she faced the dangerous, gloomy man behind her, showing no guilt or fear at being caught.
“This wine isn’t bad. Want to try?” she asked lightly, lifting her bowl toward him.
Jiang Wan Sheng leaned down and lowered his head.
Shi Zi Chu laughed, feeding him a sip.
“Mediocre.”
Young Master Jiang gave a critical comment, then sat beside Shi Zi Chu naturally.
He intimately wrapped an arm around her slender waist, his possessiveness unmistakable.
The silent threat made everyone else afraid to look again.
“Finished with your business?” Shi Zi Chu asked casually, holding her bowl with both hands to continue drinking.
Jiang Wan Sheng hummed affirmatively, glancing toward the white cat on the table.
The elegant, noble cat focused only on Shi Zi Chu, thoroughly ignoring him.
Retracting his gaze, Jiang Wan Sheng began to question her gently.
“Instead of resting at this hour, why did you come here to drink?”
If not for the Heart Return Gu, he wouldn’t have easily located Qing Qing.
Shi Zi Chu’s eyes flickered cleverly, a thought coming to her mind.
She propped her cheek with one hand, looking at Jiang Wan Sheng with sparkling eyes, softly complaining, “I was scolded and felt upset.”
Jiang Wan Sheng raised a skeptical brow.
[Seeing this rare moment of grievance, Qing Qing didn’t retaliate? Has she changed?]
“Chu Zhi Sheng,” Shi Zi Chu frowned slightly, adding, “He’s really annoying.”
Jiang Wan Sheng already knew what she intended.
“What does Qing Qing want me to do?”
Shi Zi Chu playfully lifted his chin, treating him like teasing a puppy, “Little ugly freak, help me vent my anger.”
Seeing her commanding expression so naturally, a flash of aggression crossed Jiang Wan Sheng’s eyes. He captured Shi Zi Chu’s hand and pressed it gently to his face.
“That’s not enough.”
Shi Zi Chu withdrew her hand and scratched his chin again.
Jiang Wan Sheng narrowed his eyes comfortably, like a fierce dog soothed into submission.
“What else?”
Though the news about Jiang Clan and Chu Clan trading spirit pills wasn’t secret, considering Qing Qing’s temperament and status, someone deliberately informed her.
Clearly, they hoped to use Qing Qing to influence his decision.
Shi Zi Chu gently stroked his face with her palm, softly whispering, “Ye Clan.”
“Yes, I kno—ah!”
His cheek was suddenly pinched, causing Jiang Wan Sheng to gasp lightly, eyes opening wide to see Shi Zi Chu’s innocent smile.
After pretending to glare menacingly for a moment, Jiang Wan Sheng sighed in resignation.
Shi Zi Chu withdrew her hand, lifting the bowl to take another drink.
Resting his head on Shi Zi Chu’s shoulder, Jiang Wan Sheng smelled not only her lovely fragrance but also a strong scent of alcohol.
“Since when does Qing Qing enjoy drinking so much?” Before finishing his question, he playfully sniffed around Shi Zi Chu’s neck, like a mischievous puppy.
His dark hair tickled her skin, making Shi Zi Chu squirm slightly before firmly pressing down on his fluffy head.
“Can’t I feel upset and want to drown my sorrows?”
Jiang Wan Sheng tilted his head against Shi Zi Chu’s shoulder, teasingly whispering, “Since when has Qing Qing been so kind-hearted?”
Drowning her sorrows?
Someone who could casually order him to ruin deals with the Chu Clan—would she ever feel sad enough to drown sorrows?
Saying she craved alcohol would be more believable.
“Tsk.” Without hesitation, Shi Zi Chu lightly smacked Jiang Wan Sheng’s head.
Threatened, Jiang Wan Sheng obediently amended, “Qing Qing is kind.”
The golden snake wrapped around his wrist stiffened instantly, as though hearing a ghost story.
Shi Zi Chu narrowed her eyes contentedly.