TRWSB – Chapter 121 Guidance From An Acquaintance

Zhuang Hao looked at Yi Fan with an ambiguous expression and said, “How was it?”

Yi Fan glanced at Zhuang Hao, confused, and replied, “How was what?”

“I heard everything, so don’t pretend to be all proper with me,” Zhuang Hao said with a gloomy tone.

“You were eavesdropping?” Yi Fan glared at Zhuang Hao in disgust.

Clearing his throat, Zhuang Hao said, “Don’t make it sound so unpleasant. I just wanted to call you for dinner. But when I came over, I figured you wouldn’t need to eat anymore, so I left. Honestly, you should thank me for not calling you.”

Yi Fan’s face darkened as he shot Zhuang Hao a glance but remained silent.

Judging by your look, could it be you didn’t succeed in… rolling around in bed? Don’t tell me… you couldn’t perform? Oh no, oh no, you surrendered at the last minute? That’s awkward,” Zhuang Hao said, feigning sympathy.

Rolling his eyes, Yi Fan glared fiercely at Zhuang Hao and growled, “You’re the one who couldn’t perform! You’re the one who surrendered!”

Zhuang Hao looked at Yi Fan and said, “No need to get so worked up! The more agitated you are, the guiltier you seem.”

Yi Fan stared at Zhuang Hao and said, “Zhuang Hao, you idiot…”

Zhuang Hao replied, “…That’s because you don’t look particularly happy! If things went well last night, you wouldn’t be making that face.”

Yi Fan took a deep breath and said, “I’m not unhappy. I’m just a little regretful. Tingxuan didn’t accept me because he genuinely likes me. Maybe he was just too lonely or too heartbroken, so he made that decision in a moment of confusion.”

Lowering his head, Yi Fan continued, “Holding the person I love in my arms makes me happy, of course. But this closeness doesn’t feel like we’re truly connected in spirit.”

Rolling his eyes, Zhuang Hao said, “Don’t be so greedy.” He thought to himself how he couldn’t even kiss Shao Rong without getting slapped. Yet Yi Fan had already made it into Tingxuan’s bed. What more could he want?

Nodding, Yi Fan said, “You’re right. I’m being greedy. No matter what, my chances of winning Tingxuan over are way better than your chances with Shao Rong. Don’t you think so, Master Zhuang Hao?”

Zhuang Hao: “…” Damn you!

Tilting his head, Zhuang Hao studied Yi Fan and said, “You just got lucky to have the chance to share half a bed with Mu Tingxuan. Don’t get too carried away.”

Yi Fan: “…I’m not even going to bother talking to you.”

He shot Zhuang Hao a glare before turning and walking away.

Zhuang Hao stared at Yi Fan’s back for a long time, unable to collect his thoughts.

Shen Yuan walked up beside Zhuang Hao, patted him on the shoulder, and said, “Zhuang Hao, what’s wrong with you?”

Zhuang Hao glanced at Shen Yuan and said, “Nothing.”

Shen Yuan looked at Zhuang Hao suspiciously and asked, “Are you sure? Why were you staring at Yi Fan so intently? Don’t tell me you’re into him now?”

Zhuang Hao shot Shen Yuan a look and replied, “What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think I’m crazy enough to fall for Yi Fan?”

With an awkward laugh, Shen Yuan shook his head and said, “Just joking.”

“That guy has it so good. He skipped straight past kissing and went to bed. And even so, he’s still not satisfied. That guy deserves to be struck by lightning!” Zhuang Hao said sourly.

Shen Yuan: “…”

“Why don’t I ever have luck like Yi Fan’s?” Zhuang Hao complained.

Clearing his throat, Shen Yuan looked at Zhuang Hao and said, “Ah Hao, these things can’t be rushed. Haste makes waste. Take it slow, take it slow. Qi Shaorong isn’t some harmless little lamb. If you push too hard, you might end up in a very bad situation.”

Yi Fan walked into the hall and saw Mu Tingxuan arranging the dishes.

“Why are you up?” Yi Fan asked, looking at Mu Tingxuan.

Mu Tingxuan glanced at Yi Fan indifferently and replied, “It’s already quite late. Is there something wrong with me getting up?”

Yi Fan smiled awkwardly and said, “No, nothing’s wrong.”

Zhuang Hao’s eyes darted between Mu Tingxuan and Yi Fan, his thoughts running wild.

Qi Shaorong placed a hand on Zhuang Hao’s shoulder and said, “Why are you gazing at Yi Fan with such deep affection?”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

“I’m not! I’m just observing. Yi Fan’s… abilities don’t seem to be anything special. Look at Mu Tingxuan; he doesn’t seem the least bit affected,” Zhuang Hao remarked.

Qi Shaorong: “…”

“Either his abilities are lacking, or I’ve completely misunderstood. Maybe Yi Fan is actually the submissive one! Honestly, people can’t be judged by appearances. Yi Fan looks so aggressive, yet he’s the one on the bottom.”

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Shen Yuan rubbed his nose, lowering his head. How did I never notice that Zhuang Hao is such a gossip?

Qi Shaorong stared at Zhuang Hao and said, “Alright, whether he’s on top or bottom doesn’t concern you. It’s not like he’s sleeping with you.”

Zhuang Hao chuckled and said, “True, true.”

Qi Shaorong: “…”

“Young master, the meal is ready,” Mu Tingxuan said with his usual composure.

Qi Shaorong glanced at Mu Tingxuan and said, “Tingxuan, several Allure Cosmetics shops are opening in Li Country today. I’m planning to check them out. Would you like to come along?”

Mu Tingxuan nodded and said, “Alright.”

Zhuang Hao rested his chin in his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips. Despite Qi Shaorong’s usual laziness, he often asked Zhuang Hao for help when overwhelmed. While Qi Shaorong didn’t offer any rewards, Zhuang Hao was still happy. At least he wasn’t excluded from Qi Shaorong’s world. Being entrusted with managing some of Allure Cosmetics’ business affairs felt like a sign of acceptance.

Qi Shaorong walked through the bustling streets, feeling rather satisfied with himself.

After visiting three Allure Cosmetics stores, Qi Shaorong saw that their products were selling out almost instantly.

“I didn’t expect the business at Allure Cosmetics to be even better than I imagined!” Qi Shaorong remarked.

Shen Yuan, a bit envious, said, “Qi Shao, your net worth is about to skyrocket again.”

Qi Shaorong laughed and said, “Well, it’s nothing to brag about.”

“Sir, what a surprise to meet you again!” Hua Jinyue ran up to Zhuang Hao, brimming with excitement.

“Sir, you left so suddenly last time without even saying goodbye,” Hua Jinyue said with a hint of reproach.

The girl running toward him was one of the siblings Zhuang Hao had parted ways with on the road earlier.

Qi Shaorong eyed Hua Jinyue and smirked. Last time, Zhuang Hao’s disguise scared her half to death. Now that he’s back to his normal appearance, she’s all over him again.

“What brings you here, miss?” Zhuang Hao asked.

“I’m from Li Country, of course! Aren’t you a foreigner? Are you staying at an inn? Inns are noisy and unsafe. My father gave me a small estate. Though it’s not big, it’s certainly better than an inn. Why not stay there instead?” Hua Jinyue suggested eagerly.

Qi Shaorong glanced at Zhuang Hao. This guy really has the potential to be a kept man. Is this girl trying to support him financially?

Zhuang Hao smiled and said, “No need. We already have an estate—a spacious five-courtyard mansion with lovely scenery.” The place they stayed was a gift from Feng Yuan, who was extravagantly generous.

Hua Jinyue smiled awkwardly. “Ah, I see. A man of your caliber naturally wouldn’t lack a place to stay.”

“He doesn’t lack a place because he’s staying on my property. He’s sold himself to me,” Qi Shaorong interjected.

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Hua Jinyue glared at Qi Shaorong and said, “Sir, you really like to joke around.”

Qi Shaorong smoothed his hair and said, “Tsk, tsk. I’m just telling the truth, but no one believes me. What a tragedy.”

Hua Jinyue straightened her posture and looked expectantly at Zhuang Hao. “Sir, have you had a chance to explore Li Country? If not, I’d be happy to act as your guide.”

Zhuang Hao: “No need.”

Yi Fan: “Sure!”

Zhuang Hao stared at Yi Fan and hissed, “What are you doing?”

Yi Fan shrugged and said, “I want a guide.”

“Can’t you explore on your own? Do you need a guide just because you don’t have eyes or legs?” Zhuang Hao grumbled.

Yi Fan patted Zhuang Hao on the shoulder and said, “A free guide? Why not make use of it?”

Hua Jinyue smiled and began explaining enthusiastically.

“This is the Royal Dragon Pavilion, one of the most famous restaurants in Li Country. The menu is vast, and the dishes are unforgettable. Even the emperor occasionally visits incognito to enjoy the food here. Their Jade Lotus Soup is especially renowned.”

“This is Jinhua Workshop, known for its luxurious clothing favored by nobles. They also produce garments made of shark silk, which is said to be warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s marvelous, though expensive and beyond the reach of ordinary people.”

“This is an Allure Cosmetics store that just opened recently. They say it’s the brainchild of Qi Shaorong. That guy’s been quite the sensation lately. Do you know about him? They say he’s a madman—someone who doesn’t think straight. After receiving a favor from Feng Yuan, he didn’t ask for money or power but instead went to bat for a subordinate. His priorities are all messed up.”

Qi Shaorong looked at Hua Jinyue and said, “Qi Shaorong isn’t that bad, is he? At least he’s good at making money. And I’ve heard he’s quite handsome.”

Shen Yuan: “…” Qi Shao, who told you that?

Hua Jinyue nodded and said, “True, he’s great at making money, but it’s all dirty money. As for whether he’s handsome, I wouldn’t know.”

Shen Yuan rubbed his nose and thought, The public sees everything clearly. I’m not the only one who thinks Qi Shaorong is ruthless.

“What’s going on with that store?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“That’s a Mu family store. It went out of business due to poor management,” Hua Jinyue replied. “With the business alliance suppressing them, the Mu family hasn’t had much luck lately.”

Qi Shaorong crossed his arms and said, “The Mu family has brought it upon themselves. They deserve their current situation.”

Hua Jinyue’s eyes sparkled as she said, “There’s a recent rumor about Mu Huai. People are saying the two wood spirit hearts in his body aren’t his. They claim he took them from others. If that’s true, he’s truly ruthless. Many people once admired him, but now his admirers have dwindled.”

Qi Shaorong: “…” One of the wood spirit hearts in Mu Huai’s body is his own, and the other belonged to Mu Tingxuan. These rumors are outrageous.

But it’s no surprise. A shining star admired by all can be trampled once they fall. Mu Huai was once the pride of Li Country, but now that bad rumors have spread, those jealous of him will only add fuel to the fire.