"Oh my, Mr. Dong's second daughter is really getting more beautiful by the day."

"Mr. Dong's second daughter, I used to hold you when you were little."

"Miss Liangyu, you should go out more often, or the neighbors almost forget what you look like."

In the streets and alleys, old aunties with wrinkled faces cackle, oil-covered men with exposed bellies chuckle, and peddlers carrying loads grin broadly, as people and demons alike keep greeting Dong Liangyu.

Even the cat arching its back on the windowsill seems to meow at her.

The large centipede scuttling swiftly up and down the eaves also doesn't hide in the shade, seemingly losing its composure at the street's bustle.

Dong Liangyu continued on her way with composure and courtesy, though all her cultivated manners from books seemed a bit stretched in the face of reality, her smile slightly forced.

Fan Wuzhe seemed to notice her discomfort and whispered during a brief lull in the chatter, "Is it a bit overwhelming? How about we return to the bookstore first?"

Dong Liangyu, eager for respite, nodded and said, "I'll listen to you, cousin."

There was a sense of compliance in her tone.

Before she had spoken those peculiar words to Shi Chun yesterday, her father had summoned her to discuss her marriage to Fan Wuzhe.

The conversation was unlike before; she couldn't argue with her father this time.

Having read many books, she deeply understood the reasoning behind her parents' wishes and the words of the matchmaker regarding marriage.

She also knew her father would never harm her and was surely acting in her best interest. As a mere mortal in this Cultivation World, if she were to entrust herself to the wrong person, not only would her life be restless, but it could also disturb her family's peace.

While she longed for the beautiful dreams she cherished, she wanted to bloom, she did not find the courage to do so from Shi Chun.

Having never begun anything, she couldn't speak of loss, just an ache in her heart.

For now, she could only accept reality.

Thus, they turned back, walking much faster than when they had come. Fan Wuzhe seemed rather considerate of his cousin.

After dropping Dong Liangyu at the bookstore, Fan Wuzhe greeted Dongliang Ying behind the counter, saying he was going out to buy something before leaving.

As Dong Liangyu returned upstairs to the Book Collection Pavilion, she caught sight of Shi Chun from the corner of her eye but made an effort not to look at him, quietly leaving.

Since she had already made her choice in life, she didn't want to wrong Fan Wuzhe. She would keep her distance from Shi Chun, and situations like last night's exchange would never happen again, which was both her upbringing and cultivation.

In the street, Fan Wuzhe suddenly turned into an empty alley, surveyed his surroundings, and quickly pulled out a Mother-child Talisman, sending a message to an unknown recipient.

After receiving a reply, he followed the instructions and hurriedly wove through the city.

He weaved through various areas, finally stopping at the back gate of a desolate courtyard. After ensuring the right place, the back door opened, and a burly man in black gestured him inside, where he promptly entered.

The man in black closed the door, led him into a room, and asked him to wait.

Soon, a tall, barefoot man entered, wearing a black cloak and a bamboo hat, dressed in an odd fashion, with a full beard and fierce leopard eyes, emanating an intimidating air.

To many in Dazhi City, this man was not unfamiliar; he was Mei You, the Assistant Director responsible for the city's taxes.

Fan Wuzhe appeared a bit fearful upon seeing him, quickly cupped his hands and bowed, "Greetings to the Assistant Director."

Mei You was too lazy to sit, stopping next to him and asking in a deep voice, "What's so urgent that you need to see me face-to-face? Has something happened at the bookstore?"

Fan Wuzhe quickly said, "Some things can't be explained without meeting in person. Nothing has happened yet, but I'm afraid something might. I'm worried my connection with you has been discovered."

Mei You's eyes glinted coldly, "What do you mean?"

Fan Wuzhe replied, "Previously, when the Assistant Director apprehended me, someone saw me on the mountain. While I was walking with Dong Liangyu earlier, I saw that person again. I don't know if they recognized me, but as soon as our eyes met, he suddenly turned to a nearby stall to inquire about prices, seeming somewhat unnatural. I am concerned he recognized me."

Mei You seemed unconcerned, "If it's someone from the mountain, it shouldn't be a problem. You need not worry, who is it?"

Fan Wuzhe said, "I don't know the name."

Mei You: "What do they look like?"

Fan Wuzhe: "Quite unforgettable once you see. He's a scrawny old man with a sneaky look, a sharp chin like a monkey's face, with two yellowing mustache tips, and a tuft on the chin."

Mei You pondered for a while and suddenly asked the black-clad man beside him, "Is there someone with this appearance on the mountain?"

At least one thing he was certain about, among the prominent figures on the mountain, there was no such person.

The man in black said, "There are many people on the mountain, but with such distinctive features, they should be easy to inquire about. I will ask around later, and once found, I'll try to probe them discreetly. It shouldn't be an issue."

Mei You nodded slightly, then turned to Fan Wuzhe, "You heard? No need to scare yourself, it will be fine. You head back to the bookstore and focus on your matters, I will handle the rest."

Hearing this, Fan Wuzhe sighed in relief, bowed, and took his leave.

Once he left and the courtyard was devoid of outsiders, Mei You told the returning black-clad man, "Find the person he mentioned quickly, and seal off any leaks. We don't have much time left; failure is not an option."

"Understood," the black-clad man accepted the order and left.

Having descended from the mountain, Mei You did not leave immediately; he brewed tea on the spot, savoring the taste of life, half-awake, half-drowsy.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.