Chapter 042
Chapter 42: I’m Just Worried Second Senior Sister Will Ruin Master’s Reputation
After breakfast, Shi Zi Chu brought freshly baked pastries to the tavern.
Evening arrived.
After spending an entire day torturing each other through dancing practice, the boss lightly tapped Shi Zi Chu’s waist and scolded, “Your waist must be softer, softer!”
Shi Zi Chu felt innocent and helpless.
She truly had tried her best to learn!
“That’s enough for today. I’ll come find you tomorrow,” the boss said, thinking privately that if the tavern remained closed during the day any longer, she’d have to shut down permanently.
Shi Zi Chu smiled and agreed, then shared her address.
The boss had noticed Shi Zi Chu’s refined manners, but never imagined she was truly a hidden, noble eldest miss!
Shi Zi Chu took out an invitation card and presented it respectfully with both hands, saying sweetly, “I sincerely invite Big Sister to the banquet.”
The boss took the invitation card, her pupils trembling the very next second.
“Xing… Venerable Xing Lan?!” The boss stared wide-eyed at Shi Zi Chu, completely stunned. “You’re inviting me to Jade Void Sect’s banquet hosted by Venerable Xing Lan?!”
Shi Zi Chu smiled gently and replied, “Big Sister refused my money, but I cannot allow Big Sister to teach me for nothing.”
The boss’s hands trembled, holding the invitation.
“You innocent-hearted little fool! You’ll get yourself sold off acting like this!”
This was Venerable Xing Lan’s banquet!
Cultivators attending would be either wealthy or noble. Did she realize what this meant?!
“Would Big Sister bear to sell me?” Shi Zi Chu cupped her face gently, her beautiful, watery peach-blossom eyes blinking pitifully at the boss.
The boss instantly melted at her adorable expression.
“How could I bear to sell you, my adorable little darling!” The boss playfully tapped Shi Zi Chu’s forehead.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, the boss proudly puffed out her chest and said, “You treat me so kindly, so I can’t be unfair. In a few days, come play at the city lord’s mansion with me!”
“I already have an invitation card,” Shi Zi Chu replied with a cheerful grin.
The boss’s proud smile faded instantly.
This little girl had close ties with Venerable Xing Lan; obtaining an invitation from the city lord’s mansion would hardly be difficult.
“We’ll meet up at the city lord’s mansion then, and Big Sister can take me around,” Shi Zi Chu offered.
The boss agreed with a smile.
Leaving the tavern, Shi Zi Chu saw Jiang Wan Sheng standing stiffly outside.
On their way to dinner, Shi Zi Chu told him about her upcoming trip to Evernight Forest with Yao Ruo Ruo.
The result of that casual remark was Jiang Wan Sheng still being upset by the time they reached the dining place.
Shi Zi Chu coaxed the angry and clingy Jiang Wan Sheng for a few moments, then turned her full attention to dinner.
No matter how upset Jiang Wan Sheng was, he had to endure it silently.
Three days later, at the city lord’s mansion entrance.
Jiang Wan Sheng stepped gracefully from the carriage, dressed in a flowing robe of pale purple. The silver ornaments adorning his body jingled clearly as he moved.
Shi Zi Chu gathered up her skirt, took Jiang Wan Sheng’s offered hand, and lightly jumped down.
Her jewelry chimed melodiously.
The wide-sleeved sky-blue gown made Shi Zi Chu appear gentler and more refined. Her long hair was elegantly styled into a spirit snake bun, adorned perfectly with delicate hairpins.
Jiang Wan Sheng reached out to straighten the pins in her hair.
Just as Shi Zi Chu adjusted her skirt and prepared to climb the stairs, a very familiar voice called out from behind.
“Second Senior Sister?”
Without needing to turn around, Shi Zi Chu already knew Chu Zhi Rou was approaching, accompanied by Chu Zhi Sheng.
Chu Zhi Rou wore an exquisite peach-colored, wide-sleeved gown that perfectly outlined her slender figure. Her lovely and innocent face was like a budding peach blossom.
Seeing Chu Zhi Rou dressed up so lavishly, Shi Zi Chu smiled knowingly.
[Today’s banquet won’t be peaceful.]
Compared to Chu Zhi Rou’s extravagance, Shi Zi Chu’s attire was simpler yet equally graceful.
But her peerlessly beautiful face was strikingly radiant, dazzlingly luminous.
Standing beside her was Jiang Wan Sheng, whose breathtakingly handsome features complemented hers perfectly. His gloomy, dangerous aura resembled a venomous snake lying in wait.
Yet such a dangerous person deliberately stood a step behind Shi Zi Chu, clearly protective of her.
Chu Zhi Sheng’s gaze instantly darkened, becoming sinister and bloodthirsty. His cold expression was intimidating.
Jiang Wan Sheng had abruptly broken off their earlier agreement, causing dissatisfaction among several elders in the Chu Clan, though the spiritual herbs from Evernight Forest somewhat softened the blow.
Now facing the two culprits behind his troubles, Chu Zhi Sheng mocked sourly, “Who knew Young Master Jiang would also spend lavishly to please a beauty?”
Jiang Wan Sheng scoffed coldly, then turned to Shi Zi Chu, saying simply, “Ignore the barking dog. Let’s go inside.”
Shi Zi Chu smiled helplessly, gently reprimanding, “Don’t be so rude.”
Jiang Wan Sheng’s expression remained dark and defiant, dangerously brooding, still upset from three days ago.
Chu Zhi Rou lightly tapped Chu Zhi Sheng’s arm and gently reminded, “Ah Sheng, that’s my Second Senior Sister.”
Chu Zhi Sheng clicked his tongue irritably but restrained himself slightly under Chu Zhi Rou’s gentle gaze.
He took Chu Zhi Rou’s hand, deliberately walking past Jiang Wan Sheng and Shi Zi Chu, entering first.
Shi Zi Chu’s smile remained unchanged. Gracefully lifting her skirt, she calmly ascended the stairs.
Jiang Wan Sheng followed at her side, the silver ornaments he wore jingling rhythmically like music.
At the entrance, the maid checking invitation cards received Shi Zi Chu’s card and immediately changed expression.
“Young Lady Shi!” the maid spoke with immediate respect.
The commotion caused Chu Zhi Rou to pause and glance back.
She saw the previously neutral maid treating Shi Zi Chu with extraordinary courtesy and respect, saying, “Please wait here briefly, Young Lady Shi. Elder Yuan Ying will arrive shortly.”
Shi Zi Chu was an honored guest specifically emphasized by the city lord; she couldn’t afford any disrespect!
Shi Zi Chu nodded gently, smiling warmly.
When Jiang Wan Sheng handed over his invitation, the maid returned to her polite, neutral demeanor.
“Young Master Jiang, please come inside. A maid ahead will guide you to the side hall to rest. Should you require anything, simply ask her directly.”
Jiang Wan Sheng glanced at Shi Zi Chu briefly before striding forward, quickly passing Chu Zhi Rou and Chu Zhi Sheng.
Chu Zhi Sheng wrapped an arm around Chu Zhi Rou’s shoulder, leading her forward, whispering disdainfully, “She’s just clinging to influential people. We’ll find out at the banquet soon enough.”
“I’m just worried Second Senior Sister will ruin Master’s reputation,” Chu Zhi Rou replied softly, eyes filled with concern.
After speaking, she couldn’t help glancing back at Shi Zi Chu, as if genuinely worried Shi Zi Chu had done something disgraceful.
Chu Zhi Sheng sneered, “It’d be best if she digs her own grave. If Venerable Xing Lan expels her from the sect, I’ll avenge you!”
Chu Zhi Rou gave Chu Zhi Sheng a helplessly affectionate glance but remained silent.
Right now, she desperately wanted Shi Zi Chu dead!
If Shi Zi Chu died, Master would have only her as a female disciple, and Big Brother wouldn’t be tempted by Shi Zi Chu!
A calculating gleam replaced the darkness in Chu Zhi Rou’s eyes.
She and Mother had discussed Shi Zi Chu’s situation carefully before.
Shi Zi Chu’s drastic changes made her seem like someone possessed by a wandering soul!
Whether it was Shi Zi Chu or this ghostly intruder, today she would die in this city lord’s mansion!
After a short wait, a graceful, valiant woman quickly approached, looking closely at Shi Zi Chu.
Shi Zi Chu’s ethereal beauty made her eyes shine with admiration. Speaking warmly, she greeted, “I am Yuan Ying. Little Friend Shi truly possesses heavenly grace.”
“Elder Yuan Ying,” Shi Zi Chu replied politely, smiling gently. “I attend today on behalf of my Master. I thank Elder and the city lord for their kindness.”
Her refined manners differed entirely from her ruthless reputation.
“You’re too kind, Little Friend Shi. Please come this way.” Yuan Ying politely led Shi Zi Chu inside.
Aware of Shi Zi Chu’s poor reputation and Chu Zhi Rou’s presence, Yuan Ying thoughtfully took Shi Zi Chu around the gardens first to avoid potential conflict.
When the time was right, Yuan Ying escorted Shi Zi Chu toward the banquet hall.