Having just drunk wine, her rosy lips glistened with moisture…
Lu Qingtang finally figured out the pattern of the system’s mission assignments. These ten missions seemed to have their own specific key events or key characters. Once these key events occurred or key characters appeared, the missions would be triggered.
This explained why the second mission appeared before she had even completed the first one.
Lu Qingtang always felt that ever since she completed the second mission—declaring her affection for Jiang Yijie in front of Jiang Xunbai—the way he looked at her had become complex and meaningful. Yet whenever she pondered it carefully, Jiang Xunbai would revert to his usual self, as if it were all her imagination.
Maintaining this subtle and peculiar relationship, they traveled intermittently and finally arrived in Gusu on the evening of the second day.
Lu Qingtang needed to find a way to bring the main characters to her home. Only with them under her watch could she complete her missions properly.
“Big Brother Jiang, Sister Su, why don’t you stay at my home?” Lu Qingtang suggested. “Once I return home, I can have people gather information. It might be faster than you investigating slowly on your own?”
“This…” Jiang Yijie and Su Lingyao exchanged glances. Wouldn’t this be too much trouble for Lu Qingtang?
Jiang Xunbai, with his arms crossed, said, “Brother, I actually think Miss Lu’s proposal is quite good. The Lu family is a prominent household in Gusu. Investigating on our own would be time-consuming and laborious. With the Lu family’s involvement, the truth might come to light immediately.”
Lu Qingtang quickly nodded in agreement. “Exactly, exactly.”
Jiang Xunbai lazily glanced at Lu Qingtang. She seemed delighted to be able to see his brother constantly.
Little did Lu Qingtang know what Jiang Xunbai was thinking. She gratefully glanced at him, thankful that he had spoken up for her once again. Even if his intention wasn’t to help her, it benefited her mission, and that was what mattered.
Jiang Yijie said gently, “In that case, we’ll trouble you, Qing-Tang.”
Overjoyed, Lu Qingtang replied, “No trouble at all!”
Jiang Xunbai lowered his gaze to Lu Qingtang’s beaming, flower-like face and thought to himself: She really is deeply in love with my brother. What should be done about this?
They had always heard that the Lu family of Gusu possessed wealth rivaling that of a nation, but witnessing it firsthand still took their breath away.
The street Lu Qingtang led them through was lined with numerous storefronts, bustling with people and every kind of shop imaginable. The shopkeepers, upon seeing Lu Qingtang, would bow to her and respectfully greet, “Good evening, Young Miss.”
Not only the main characters but even Lu Qingtang herself couldn’t help but gape in astonishment.
Were all these storefronts really part of her Lu family?
In the novel, Lu Qingtang was the only daughter of the Lu family, meaning she was the owner of all these shops. She couldn’t understand why the original Lu Qingtang, with her immense wealth, would obsess over a male lead who was already in a relationship, eventually turning dark and forcing her affections on him after repeated rejections.
Wasn’t loving money enough? What was the use of men? Besides, with Lu Qingtang’s looks and family background, finding a good man wouldn’t be difficult at all.
While Lu Qingtang was inwardly complaining, she heard Jiang Xunbai exclaim, “Miss Lu, you truly are wealthy.””
Lu Qingtang glanced sideways and realized Jiang Xunbai had somehow moved to her side. She slightly raised her eyes and smiled, “You flatter me. The Jiang family is also renowned throughout the land.”
Though demon-hunting families were beloved by the people, their wealth naturally couldn’t compare to that of the Lu family.
Amidst conversation and laughter, the group soon arrived deep within the street, where a grand estate gradually came into view. The entrance was magnificent, with a plaque bearing the flamboyant characters “Lu Manor” in sweeping calligraphy. The manor spanned an extensive area, nestled against towering mountains while facing the bustling market—a blend of elegance and vibrant life.
Lu Qingtang couldn’t help but gape in awe. Lu Manor was truly wealthy; its facade alone screamed opulence. As she marveled, one servant hurried inside while another rushed out from the gate. Spotting Lu Qingtang and the others, the latter exclaimed, “Young mistress, you’ve finally returned!”
Before Lu Qingtang could utter a word, a refined voice called from within the manor: “Tang-Tang.”
A man emerged, and Lu Huai looked nothing like she had imagined.
Lu Qingtang had always assumed that wealthy merchants overseeing vast fortunes would be slightly plump and slick. Yet Lu Huai wore a simple blue robe, appearing scholarly and elegant. Had she not known he was the head of the Lu family, one might mistake him for a mere scholar.
Lu Huai bore no resemblance to her adoptive father from her previous life, yet inexplicably, a wave of sorrow and familiarity washed over her upon seeing him—as if he truly were her father.
“Tang-Tang, where have you been all these days?”
Lu Huai closed the distance in quick strides, scrutinizing her carefully to see if she had lost weight.
Lu Qingtang’s nose tingled, tears glistening in her eyes as she softly called out, “Father.”
Lu Huai feigned anger, chiding, “Running away from home without a word—you’ve certainly grown bold.”
She reached out and grasped his hand, apologizing, “Father, I know I was wrong.”
Seeing his expression soften, Lu Qingtang introduced her companions: “Father, look—I’ve made some friends these past few days—”
Lu Huai’s gaze shifted from her to the main group. Lu Qingtang smiled and said, “These are all outstanding members of demon-hunting families. This is Jiang Yijie, the eldest young master of the Jiang family, and his younger brother Jiang Xunbai. And this is Miss Su Lingyao of the Su family.”
“Greetings, Master Lu,” the three said in unison.
Lu Huai nodded gently, his tone warm. “Since you’re Tang-Tang’s friends, you are honored guests of the Lu family. Just call me Uncle Lu—no need for such formality.”
With that, he allowed Lu Qingtang to link arms with him as they entered the manor.
He murmured quietly, “Don’t think your smiles will distract me. I haven’t settled the matter of you running away yet.”
“Father!” Lu Qingtang pouted playfully. “Look, I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?”
How could Lu Huai not guess what she had encountered after leaving home? She must have faced some danger—otherwise, why would she befriend a group of demon hunters? He recalled how she had wept, protested, and even threatened suicide upon learning of her engagement to the young master of the Bai family, swearing she’d rather die than marry a demon hunter. Yet now, she was mingling with them.
Though these thoughts crossed his mind, Lu Huai smiled and conceded, “Alright, alright, I won’t bring it up again.”
“Father, you’re the best!”
Jiang Xunbai trailed behind the group, observing the luxurious architecture of Lu Manor while watching the green-clad maiden ahead. She clung to Lu Huai’s arm, beaming radiantly, her features lively as she chattered animatedly, eliciting hearty laughter from him.
He couldn’t help but wonder: Could such a bright and cheerful girl truly turn to darkness?
They arrived at Lu Manor as dusk was falling. Lu Huai had prepared a banquet for them, with maidservants bringing in bowls of delicacies one after another into the hall. Lu Qingtang said, “Father, Jingchun and I got separated in Wangshui Zhen. It was Big Brother Jiang and Sister Su who saved me—they are my life-savers!”
Lu Huai raised his cup with a smile. “Thank you, noble warriors, for saving my child. I am endlessly grateful. Should you ever need anything in the future, the Lu family will surely lend our full support.”
Jiang Yijie, Su Lingyao, and Jiang Xunbai all raised their cups in response. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, just as they were about to drink, Jiang Yijie suddenly said, “Uncle Lu, A-Xun isn’t much of a drinker. May I drink his cup for him?”
Hearing this, Lu Qingtang was the first to speak up. “Since Second Young Master Jiang can’t drink alcohol, substituting tea for wine is just as good, right, Father?”
Lu Huai glanced at Jiang Xunbai, then at his daughter, a faint trace of suspicion flickering in his eyes. “Tangtang is right. Tea in place of wine is perfectly acceptable.”
Jiang Xunbai couldn’t help but look up in surprise at Lu Qingtang, only to find her already picking up a piece of pastry from in front of her, taking a bite, and smiling contentedly, as if she had done nothing at all.
Following Jiang Xunbai’s gaze to his daughter, Lu Huai remarked, “This is a family banquet, everyone, please make yourselves at home.”
With that, they all began to eat.
Jiang Xunbai sat beside Lu Qingtang. As he lowered his gaze, he noticed that she had taken a bite out of every variety of dessert in front of her. The Lu family’s pastries were exquisite and looked delicious. Just as Jiang Xunbai reached out to pick up a piece to try, Lu Qingtang said, “This honey pastry is very sweet. I think you’d like it.”
Lu Qingtang didn’t care much for overly sweet things—this honey pastry was too sweet for her, cloyingly so—but she guessed it would suit Jiang Xunbai’s taste and mentioned it offhandedly.
Jiang Xunbai paused, chopsticks in hand. He picked up the honey pastry, took a bite, and chuckled softly. “Hmm, it’s alright.”
Even so, he finished it cleanly. Lu Qingtang glanced at him and couldn’t resist teasing, “Second Young Master Jiang, it’s not so hard to say something tastes good, is it?”
After saying this, she picked up a piece of braised pork trotter and ate it with relish. Jiang Xunbai took another piece of dessert and, after a moment, said, “Miss Lu is right. The honey pastry is indeed the most delicious.”
Lu Qingtang raised an eyebrow slightly. “See?”
Then she asked, “Why can’t you drink alcohol?”
Jiang Xunbai’s expression stiffened slightly. Jiang Yijie teased, “A-Xun can’t hold his liquor. Usually, one or two cups are enough to get him drunk.”
Jiang Xunbai retorted stubbornly, “That’s because I don’t like drinking and rarely do, so I can’t handle much.”
Jiang Yijie simply smiled without replying.
A hint of regret crossed Lu Qingtang’s face. “What a shame.”
“What?”
Lu Qingtang poured herself a cup of wine and drank it in one go. “Gusu has countless fine wines, yet Second Young Master Jiang won’t be able to taste them all.”
Truth be told, she quite enjoyed drinking herself, occasionally having a small amount. Most importantly, she had a decent alcohol tolerance and rarely got drunk.
Jiang Xunbai’s gaze unconsciously drifted to her face, then traveled downward, lingering on her lips.
She had just drunk wine, and her rosy lips glistened with moisture, giving them a translucent quality.
Lu Qingtang noticed Jiang Xunbai staring at her and asked in confusion, “Why are you staring at me? Aren’t you disappointed?”
Jiang Xunbai snapped back to reality, hurriedly averted his gaze as warmth crept up his cheeks. Pretending nonchalance, he took a bite of almond pastry and chuckled lightly, “What a pity indeed.”
Author’s Note:
Later, Qing-Tang: So bored, no one to drink with me. Maybe I should find someone to keep me company—
Jiang TangTang: Not allowed.
Qing-Tang (slightly raising an eyebrow): Not even allowed to drink?
Jiang TangTang: …Don’t find anyone else. I’ll drink with you.
Then, after two drinks, he slumped drunk on the table.
Qing-Tang: Hah, useless man. (Started teasing TangTang with playful touches)