The shop assistant carelessly flung out another book, still showing a disinterested demeanor.

Shi Chun turned and said to Da Shitou who was with him, "You pay."

Da Shitou glanced at Wu Jinliang standing nearby and felt a bit helpless. He had previously promised to treat Wu Jinliang, and treating him wasn't a big deal, but buying two of the same books—what was the meaning of that? He guessed it was to give one copy to the big guy.

Wu Jinliang, cheerful as always, also thought he would get one, but to his surprise, Shi Chun pocketed both books and left. Wu Jinliang and Da Shitou looked at each other speechlessly; one followed Shi Chun, and the other paid the bill.

They hadn't walked far when they ran into Dong, who had returned from reporting back. Dong informed Shi Chun that Miss Miao had agreed to meet.

Shi Chun said there was no hurry and that he wanted to change his clothes first.

During his time in the Land of Exile, he always made sure to dress neatly each time he visited Miss Miao. Now that he was here, he couldn't afford to look shabby.

Dong could only urge him to hurry up, as it wasn't good to keep Miss Miao waiting for long.

The group headed straight for a district selling clothing. After some picking, Shi Chun chose a pair of black shoes, casually put together an outfit, and picked out a cyan overcoat as the finishing touch.

He had initially wanted to buy a white item, thinking that white clothing looked nice and more refined, but after seeing Wu Jinliang's poor attempt at wearing it, he dropped the idea.

Once fully dressed and with his hair neatly secured with a hairpin, there was no denying that he looked quite dapper, though the dark, cracked skin on his hands, lips, and cheekbones was hard to conceal.

As they ascended the stairs, Shi Chun handed one book to Wu Jinliang to hold, keeping one for himself.

They were stopped and questioned several times along the way until they finally stumbled to the doorway of Miao Yilan's office.

Che Si greeted them at the door, and as they entered, Miao Yilan, who was looking up, immediately put down her pen.

The beautiful feather that had been on the desk was quickly tucked away by her, not for any particular reason, but just to prevent Shi Chun from possibly misunderstanding. She simply admired how pretty the feather was, nothing more.

Stopping on the spot, Shi Chun leaned against a nearby rack, crossed his arms over his chest, holding the book at his chest, and crossed his legs, striking what he thought was a very handsome pose. He and Miao Yilan locked eyes for a moment and then both burst into laughter at the same time.

Despite the laughter, Miao Yilan still scrutinized Shi Chun's attire from top to bottom, seeing him dressed up like this for the first time.

He did look more refined, but she was well aware that his refinement was all an act.

It wasn't that she had seen through him on her own; she had heard plenty from her mother, understanding the ruthlessness and the many lost souls his actions had caused.

Seeing her scrutinizing him, Shi Chun immediately straightened up, then spun around with his arms outstretched, asking, "So, don't I look less unsophisticated now?"

It seemed he knew how unrefined he had been before, a self-awareness he was showing for the first time in front of Miao Yilan.

"Very dapper," Miao Yilan complimented, and without missing a beat, lifted her hand toward Wu Jinliang to give a soft, inviting greeting, "Big guy."

Her gentle and fresh demeanor was truly comforting to see.

Wu Jinliang nodded with a grin, "Hello, Miss Miao."

Shi Chun stepped forward with the book, presenting it with both hands, "I don't know if you've read it, but I just bought it. It's the first book I've ever bought in my life, and it's for you."

Da Shitou, who was merely watching from behind, suddenly felt his teeth ache, wanting to say that he was the one who had paid for it.

He was really done with it, buying gifts for others without spending a dime himself.

Wu Jinliang smiled broadly, enjoying the spectacle, already aware of Shi Chun's performative antics in front of this lady.

Che Si, who had been observing quietly, felt his eyes opened, finally witnessing the rumors he had heard before.

Miao Yilan rose to take the book, tapping it gently and laughing, "Such an extraordinary gift right off the bat, well, since you've bought it, I'll accept it."

With his hands now free, Shi Chun strolled around the office, assessing the surroundings. He walked out to the balcony and upon seeing the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, turned and called out, "This place is indeed much better than Life Prison."

Miao Yilan also stepped out onto the balcony, looked around, and nodded, "It's decent."

Clearly, she had seen better, and to her, the view was just average.

Shi Chun, enviously admiring, raised her hand to lean on the railing and softly said, "That's great."

Miao Yilan also placed her hands on the railing and asked, "What are your plans now that you're out?"

Admiring the beautiful scenery, Shi Chun replied, "I'll take it one step at a time and use your forty thousand Sandalwood Gold. I'll repay you as soon as possible."

Miao Yilan suggested, "Why not come to Bowan Building? I can ask around for you both; it shouldn't be a problem."

Inside, Wu Jinliang's eyes immediately lit up. Dong and Da Shitou exchanged smiles, pleased to be back together.

Che Si felt a rush of surprise, wondering if Miss Miao had developed real feelings for that guy.

"Thank you," Shi Chun tactfully declined. "I want to find something to do on my own."

At these words, everyone was astonished.

Especially Wu Jinliang, who was visibly anxious. After making a fortune, there was a chance to join Bowan Building—such a good opportunity others could only dream of. Why would you reject it?

Miao Yilan, puzzled, asked, "Isn't Bowan Building good?"

Shi Chun replied, "It's not that Bowan Building isn't good, but whatever others give always has its limits, and I want too much."

Miao Yilan turned her head, gazing at his profile, then chuckled and shook her head, "It seems you really are out now, no longer in the Land of Exile, no need to keep up the act."

In the past, as soon as she spoke, he would instantly show a willingness to walk through fire and water for her, never found lacking. Each meeting was filled with an excessive display of affectionate words, but now, suddenly, he had stopped, and she was unaccustomed to it.

"It's not an act. You're so beautiful, and so kind, I truly do like you, but I'm not worthy!" Shi Chun slid his hand along the railing until it rested next to Miao Yilan's—his rough, dark, and cracked hand next to her delicate, porcelain white one, showcasing the stark contrast between their fates. He smiled and asked, "Do you think I'm worthy? If you can say we're 'well-matched', I'll give up everything. I won't go anywhere and will happily stay by your side, willing to do anything. Can we be well-matched?"

He looked at her, waiting for her response.

Inside the house, everyone was also waiting for Miao Yilan's answer.

And interestingly, considering such a topic, observing the silhouettes of the two on the balcony, they seemed quite well-matched indeed.

As the wind blew her dress, Miao Yilan met his gaze for a while before she averted her eyes, looking into the distance with a softly teasing tone, she refused to answer, "There you go again. I remind you, though, the rules of Zhaotian City apply here—not the same as Zhixu City where no one dared touch you. Here, you could get beaten for that kind of talk."

Shi Chun, wisely letting the moment pass as if nothing had happened, withdrew his hand and said, "I've always wondered whether you liked the gifts I've sent. Yilan, is there something you like and want? I'll see if I can get it for you."

He just didn't know how else to express his gratitude.

If not for Lan Qiaoyan's intervention in Zhixu City, he and Wu Jinliang might not have been able to leave alive. And Miao Yilan, having never met him, had lent him forty thousand gold—a debt of kindness from mother and daughter that was tremendously large, but he truly had no capacity to repay it, only able to see if there was something he could do.

Miao Yilan chuckled, shaking her head, "Thank you, really, there's no need."

Since she said it that way, although Shi Chun felt regret, he did not dwell on the topic any longer, releasing the railing, "Yilan, I saw you were busy, and I have some errands myself, so I won't disturb you further. I'll visit again when I'm free. Don't worry, I'll repay the money as soon as possible."

He now needed to find a way to make the money and ensure his stock was sold.

Miao Yilan didn't ask him to stay, nor did she mention the money issue, but she gave a reminder, "Lv Taizhen has real influence in Zhaotian City. Have you thought about the consequences of damaging his reputation?"

"I know, there won't be any problems," Shi Chun assured her with a nod and then respectfully bowed before turning to leave. Passing by Wu Jinliang, he paused, lightly thumped his chest, and asked about Miss Miao's kind offer, "Bowan Building, are you coming or not?"

Wu Jinliang scratched his head, unsure how to make a decision.

So Shi Chun didn't bother any further, leaving it up to him, and walked away with big strides.

Dong and Da Shitou promptly followed him.

Wu Jinliang, still anxiously scratching his head, caught Miao Yilan's interested gaze, her patience apparent.

Che, the observer, thought the big man would surely stay, but suddenly, Wu Jinliang stamped his foot heavily, then respectfully bowed to Miao Yilan, "Miss Miao, I'll visit you with Chun Tian later."

Then, shouldering his big sabre, he turned and ran, hurriedly catching up to the others.

After a silent moment, Miao Yilan said to Che Si, "It wouldn't be right if you come to see me and something happens. Put your work aside for now and keep an eye on them. If Lv Taizhen takes action and they can't handle it, step in and stop it. If necessary, you can use my mother's name, saying they are her people."

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