Liu Shinian also defended himself.
"That's what I thought, though with a little ulterior motive."
"Alright, since they're all putting in a good word for you, I won't hit you."
"Mm-hmm." Liu Shinian was happy that I didn't hit him.
The two maids, seeing that I could actually subdue the most notorious playboy in Nanhai City.
Were very envious and asked one after another.
"Miss, you are truly amazing, to be able to subdue the number one playboy of Nanhai City.
May I know your name, Miss?"
"Miss, could you reveal your method of subduing people to us?"
I smiled sheepishly, chuckling.
"Hahaha, it's nothing, just a habit, a habit."
Though I was embarrassed, I couldn't help but pat Liu Shinian.
Liu Shinian, seeing that he had not only lost his dignity but also his face, was very displeased.
He glared at me with his displeased big eyes.
"My name is Liu Muye, and these are Ali and Ada."
In my happiness, I decided to introduce Ali and Ada as well.
Ali and Ada said shyly.
"Hello, two sisters."
The two maids replied.
"Hello, I'm Qingshui, and she's Luozhu. We are both the young lady's maids."
"Oh, it's quite something to be her maid."
Ada, rarely talkative, commented.
Qingshui chuckled and said.
"It's alright, but it took quite some effort.
However, you all, our young lady is not seeing anyone today, so please leave."
"Okay, we'll be going then."
"Yes, please take care."
It seemed we couldn't stay here any longer.
I had no choice but to drag the reluctant Liu Shinian,
Ali, and Ada away from here and back to our lodgings.
Back in this guest room, everyone was already exhausted.
We had searched all day and couldn't find Zhang Tianshi at all.
I sat on the straw mat, feeling somewhat dejected and lost.
"Do you think Zhang Tianshi might have already left Qianji Hall?"
Ali thought it unlikely.
"He shouldn't have. The Heroes' Convention hasn't ended yet.
As one of the invited guests, Zhang Tianshi
Certainly wouldn't leave before the convention concluded.
He might be in some room within Qianji Hall.
It's just that it's too vast, and we're having trouble finding him."
Ada suddenly seemed to recall something and said.
"I remember seeing someone call out to Zhang Tianshi before.
He was with the owner of Qianji Hall at the time."
"Did you see him today?"
I asked urgently.
Ada thought for a moment and shook her head.
"No, I was eating at the marketplace all day."
"Sigh!"
I sighed helplessly.
I became curious. Liu Shinian hadn't made a sound.
This was unlike him, the chatterbox. How could he endure not speaking?
I turned around curiously and saw Liu Shinian lying on the ground with his back to us,
His side resting on the ground, one hand propping up his chin, quiet.
"Liu Shinian, what's wrong?"
I asked him curiously.
"Sigh!"
Liu Shinian sighed deeply, unwilling to say more.
"What's wrong with him?"
I looked at Ali and Ada in confusion.
Ali guessed.
"Brother Liu might be feeling sad because Miss Xueji rejected him."
It was true, Liu Shinian loved Xueji so much,
Yet he was rejected by her. It would be difficult for anyone.
Ada tried to comfort him.
"Brother, if Xueji doesn't like you, you can look at others."
Liu Shinian replied dejectedly.
"Who else can I look at?"
"Well, for example, Miss Muye."
"Me?"
I was confused. Liu Shinian, such a playboy.
If I were to fancy him, he'd be dreaming.
Liu Shinian looked back at me dejectedly, then turned away again, saying.
"She, she's a better match for Ali. She's not my type."
"Tch, you're not my type either."
I thought disdainfully in my heart.
Ali coughed lightly and comforted him.
"Brother Liu, do you need some quiet time?"
Liu Shinian nodded heavily and said slowly.
"Yes, tonight, don't disturb me. Let me be quiet by myself."
I didn't realize he was so serious about Xueji.
However, there's an old saying:
What you can't get, you always crave.
I guessed he was like that, but his demeanor seemed genuine.
I really didn't know what he was thinking.
We three chatted for a while and then felt sleepy.
Unfortunately, there were no beds in this room, so we had to make do on the floor.
So, we all lay down on the floor in various positions and fell asleep.
Until the next morning.
A ray of sunlight, like a gentle call, shone in from outside the window.
Falling onto the faces of those lying on the floor.
Ali's eyes were hit by the light.
In his sleepy state, it suddenly became bright.
He rubbed his eyes and woke up from his dream.
He looked around and saw that everyone else was still sound asleep.
Only one person was missing. I thought he must be feeling better today after a night of sadness.
He raised his head slightly and saw someone standing by the balcony.
He slowly got up and walked over. The downstairs was still noisy.
I wonder what fun there would be tonight.
"Brother Liu, are you feeling better?"
Ali asked Liu Shinian.
Liu Shinian turned around, startling Ali.
"A ghost!!!"
Liu Shinian had two huge dark circles under his eyes and looked haggard.
Liu Shinian and Ada, hearing the loud shout, were also woken up.
Rubbing our eyes, we asked confusedly.
"What's wrong?"
Then we slowly got up and walked towards the balcony.
As we hadn't fully woken up, we were scared half to death by the person in front of us and shouted repeatedly.
"A ghost!"
"A ghost!"
Liu Shinian looked at us speechlessly and said weakly.
"It's me, Liu Shinian."
I rubbed my eyes and looked closely. It really was him.
But he looked like a hanged ghost without a tongue.
Ali asked him.
"Brother Liu, why do you look like this?"
Ada also asked curiously.
"Brother, you didn't sleep all night, did you?"
Liu Shinian sighed and told us about his sad plight.
"I, Liu Shinian, a man of great charm, was actually defeated by Xueji.
My love for her is like the ceaseless flow of the Yangtze River, unending.
My affection for her is like mountains and rivers, the vast sea, boundless.
But why? Why won't she accept me, sob sob sob."
Saying this, he turned his back and covered his face, weeping.
I didn't expect him to dwell on this matter all night.
Ada carefully pulled me and Ali in and discussed with us.
"I think Brother is too deeply in love and can't get over it for now.
Since Xueji doesn't like him, let him like someone else."
"How can he like someone else?"
I asked curiously.
"Miss Muye, it's up to you."
"Me?"
Ali and I were confused.
Ada explained.
"You pretend to be in a relationship with Brother, and then reject him once he feels better."
I glanced at Ali and asked.
"Is that okay?"
Ali coughed lightly and thought for a moment, then said.
"Well, this method isn't impossible.
Our most important goal right now is to find Zhang Tianshi.
Brother Liu is key to leading us.
His sudden state is not beneficial to us, so let's try it."
Since Ali thought it was feasible, I decided to give it a try.
So, under their watchful eyes, I slowly walked towards Liu Shinian.
Clearing my throat, I said to him.
"Liu Shinian, forget Xueji. You still have me."
Liu Shinian turned around in surprise, looking at me with confusion.
My face flushed slightly, and I said shyly.
"If you don't mind, you can be with me."
"Hahaha!"
Liu Shinian seemed to hear something funny and pointed at me, laughing.
"Liu Muye, what's wrong with you? You've taken a liking to me?"
His laughter made my courage, which had been building up, suddenly dissipate.
I stomped on him. Liu Shinian quickly jumped aside and asked me cheerfully.
"Are you serious? You want to be my lover.
However, I regret to tell you that you can at most be my concubine.
Xueji will be the main wife."
I looked at him with utter disdain, raised my hand to hit him, and said resentfully.
"Who's blind enough to like you? Dream on.
Just pretend you didn't hear anything and continue to be sad."
With that, I turned back inside in anger.
Liu Shinian laughed heartily and shouted.
"Being my concubine is not a loss!"
I retorted angrily.
"Dream on!"
Ali and Ada couldn't help but laugh.
I guessed that the two of them were destined to be miles apart.
Liu Shinian wiped his face, regained his spirit, and walked in slowly.
"Alright, let's go find Zhang Tianshi."
I snorted and walked out on my own.
Liu Shinian grabbed me.
"Why are you still angry? If you want to be the main wife, it's not impossible."
I was speechless, but still said.
"Forget it, I'd rather be a passerby. Your love is too heavy."
"Perhaps in the future, we might end up together."
"Dream on, who wants to be with you."
Saying this, I broke free from his hand and walked towards Ali.
Naturally, I linked my arm with his. This relationship needed no further explanation.
Anyone with eyes could see it.
Ada thought helplessly in her heart.
"Your relationships are really messy."
"I predict good luck today."
Liu Shinian guessed as he walked.
Ada asked him in confusion.
"Brother, how do you know?"
"I'm guessing. I guess we'll definitely find Zhang Tianshi tonight."
I turned my face away dismissively.
He said he'd help us find someone, but in the end, he's just having fun himself.
I really don't know if it was good or bad to bring him along.
Then, led by Liu Shinian, we went downstairs.
We searched aimlessly again during the day, but found nothing.
Qianji Hall was too large, and Zhang Tianshi was too good at hiding.
It wasn't until night that we had some clues.
Suddenly, a man in simple attire, wearing a round hat, appeared out of nowhere.
He blocked our way and said respectfully.
"My lords and lady, you are today's fortunate ones.
You are invited to our Hundred-Person Banquet. Here is your invitation, please follow me."
Liu Shinian took the invitation and boasted proudly.
"What did I say? We'd have good luck, right? How am I, impressive?"
"Impressive, impressive, you're the most impressive."
I replied perfunctorily with some dissatisfaction.
Although it felt a bit strange,
We still followed the man, perhaps we might encounter Zhang Tianshi.
The man led us to a pier.
In front of the pier was a vast and boundless ocean.
He took out a bell from his embrace and shook it towards the river.
Making a "ding ding ding" sound.
Just as I was wondering what this was for.
Suddenly, a brightly lit, magnificent passenger ship sailed over the water.
Several people were standing at the bow, chatting and laughing. It was Jin Yulan accompanying some guests.
The ship docked and lowered the gangway for us to board.
Upon boarding, the ship's attendant collected the invitations and then led us inside the ship.
The interior of the ship was much larger than we had imagined.
It was like a grand banquet hall, with round tables of the same size.
Each round table was equipped with eight chairs, and each chair was already occupied by guests.
These were the same people from "Thousand Years of Dance" whom Jin Yulan had accompanied.
Xiao Si led us to the last table, near the stern of the ship, to be seated.
At this moment, the man spoke and respectfully said to Ada.
"Young Master Zhang, you are a VIP. Please follow me."
Ada looked at Liu Shinian, somewhat at a loss.
Liu Shinian saw his reluctance and patted his shoulder comfortingly.
"It's alright, go ahead."
He nodded relaxedly and followed the man.
At this moment, Jin Yulan arrived fashionably late.
He entered from the front door, followed by Zhang Tianshi and a few others.
Jin Yulan invited them to sit at the main table.
He stood up, facing everyone, and said calmly.
"All you righteous individuals are heroes and brave men from all corners of the land.
This time, the city lords have gathered to discuss important matters, and I, Jin Yulan, am honored to host you."
He paused, then changed the subject, continuing.
"I believe you all have some idea of the reason.
That's right, it's about the Myriad Ghost King from a thousand years ago.
According to scouts, recently there has been ghostly energy moving near Myriad Ghost Mountain.
The former subordinates of the Myriad Ghost King have also shown some activity.
Scouts have investigated several times, but to no avail.
It can be confirmed that.
This disturbance is related to Myriad Ghost Mountain, so all righteous individuals are summoned to investigate.
I have prepared a modest banquet as a send-off feast.
Please do not be reserved and enjoy yourselves."
After saying this, he sat down, and the banquet officially began.
As the banquet commenced, rows of maids elegantly served dishes of delicious and exquisite food.
Zhang Tianshi whispered something into Jin Yulan's ear.
Jin Yulan nodded in agreement, then stood up and walked towards us.
Upon reaching us, he smiled.
"You've arrived."
"Tianshi."
Ali and I said in unison.
Zhang Tianshi patted the person beside me, who immediately understood, got up, and went to another table.
He sat down and said to me.
"I can't help you for now. It will likely take some more time."
He took out a bottle of red powder from his embrace and handed it to me.
"If you need to contact me, write your letter, fold it into a paper crane, and sprinkle it with the red powder.
Just tell it to find Zhang Tianshi, and it will automatically come to me."
"Thank you, Tianshi."
I carefully accepted it.
Suddenly, a cold hand lifted my chin and turned my face to the side.
I met a handsome and cold, beautiful face.
It was Jin Yulan. He smiled slightly, like ice and snow blossoms.
He said.
"A beautiful woman worth looking at."
I was startled and moved my face out of his hand.
He held a wine cup in one hand and a fan in the other, smiling slightly.
"You are Liu Muye?"
I was a little surprised. How did he know me? I nodded and replied.
"Yes."
He glanced to the side, his gaze meeting Liu Shinian's, and asked jokingly.
"Isn't this Liu Shinian? Why is he still here?"
Liu Shinian didn't stand on ceremony with him and said directly.
"I'm happy to be."
"Ah, you really are like a persistent ghost."
"The same to you."
They started bickering as soon as they met, and outsiders couldn't easily intervene.
He raised his hand, and immediately someone brought a chair and placed it beside me.