TRWSB – Chapter 56 Purchasing Scrolls

Zhuang Ling glanced at the tense exchange between Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao and tried to ease the atmosphere. “Alright, alright, you two stop arguing. Ah-Hao, what are you here to buy?”

Zhuang Hao looked at her and replied, “I’m here for some potions.”

Zhuang Ling nodded. “Then go ahead and buy them.”

Zhuang Hao remained silent, while Zhuang Ling secretly thought: These two really are like oil and water.

Turning to Zhuang Qian, Zhuang Ling said, “Ah-Qian, can you come with me to pick out some jewelry?” She figured it would be better to give Zhuang Hao and Qi Shaorong some space, hoping—though with little optimism—that they might improve their relationship.

Zhuang Qian eagerly agreed, “Sure, sure!” He scratched his head, relieved to leave the strange tension between his brother and Qi Shaorong behind.

Zhuang Hao turned back to Qi Shaorong and asked coldly, “You’re really planning to participate in the Hundred School Competition?”

“Of course. We might even end up as opponents,” Qi Shaorong replied with a smile.

“I doubt Principal Hu Feng would make such a foolish decision,” Zhuang Hao said. “But if we do meet in the secret realm, for the sake of Evil Doctor, I’ll personally throw you out. To me, this is not a scene you should be meddling in.”

Qi Shaorong frowned, silently cursing: This brat’s words are as infuriating as ever.

Just then, Shen Yuan walked into the shop and spotted the pair. “Zhuang Hao, Qi Shaorong! You’re both here?”

Qi Shaorong greeted him with a bright smile, “Shen Yuan, long time no see!”

“What are you here for?” Zhuang Hao asked bluntly.

Shen Yuan shrugged. “I’m here for some magic scrolls.”

“You might be a bit late,” Qi Shaorong said with mock sympathy.

Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“The scrolls suitable for someone like you? I think I’ve already bought them all,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Shen Yuan was momentarily speechless. “Qi Shaorong, that’s quite the big spender you are.”

Qi Shaorong waved dismissively. “It’s nothing special.”

Shen Yuan: “…”

The shopkeeper approached Qi Shaorong with a box. “Here are the scrolls you ordered. Please check them.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Alright, I’ll take a look.”

Shen Yuan leaned toward Zhuang Hao and whispered, “Where does Qi Shaorong get so much money? Could it be that Evil Doctor gave him all the gold he earned? Evil Doctor is way too good to him.”

Zhuang Hao shot him a frosty glare. “If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Shen Yuan grimaced. Looks like I struck a nerve.

When Zhuang Ling returned, she saw that Shen Yuan had joined the pair and frowned with disappointment. Shen Yuan was about to greet her but froze when he noticed her disdainful expression, as though he had no right to be there. He rubbed his nose awkwardly, thinking, Ever since I got involved in Zhuang Hao’s marriage annulment, nothing has gone right for me. I should’ve stayed out of it.

Shen Yuan glanced at Zhuang Hao and Qi Shaorong and said half-jokingly, “You two seem like a good match.”

As soon as he said it, he regretted it, wishing he could slap himself. What the hell am I saying?

Qi Shaorong burst into laughter. “Shen Yuan, you really know how to joke.”

Zhuang Hao glared daggers at Shen Yuan. “Are you blind?”

Shen Yuan: “…”

Zhuang Ling lowered her head, musing to herself, Shen Yuan’s eyesight might not be the best, but for once, he’s not entirely wrong. Too bad Zhuang Hao is the blind one here.

Once Qi Shaorong finished his shopping, he returned to the academy, with Zhuang Ling accompanying him. Shen Yuan, watching their retreating figures, nudged Zhuang Hao and asked, “Since when did Zhuang Ling become so close to Qi Shaorong?”

Zhuang Hao shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Shen Yuan: “…”

Zhuang Hao stared after them thoughtfully. “I suppose Sister Zhuang Ling is just kindhearted. Qi Shaorong’s actions are reckless; he’s practically begging for trouble after being expelled from the Qi family. He’s lucky to have Zhuang Ling around to ensure his safety.”

Shen Yuan nodded. “That’s true. With Zhuang Ling by his side, Qi Shaorong is safer. Still, why is she so protective of someone like him?”

As they walked, Zhuang Ling turned to Qi Shaorong with curiosity. “Do cosmetic surgeons really make that much money?”

Qi Shaorong gave her a sideways glance and said, “It’s decent.”

Zhuang Ling frowned. “It seems like you have more money than Evil Doctor.”

Qi Shaorong chuckled inwardly. True, Evil Doctor’s identity alone wouldn’t explain my spending. But with my other identity as the owner of the Flourishing Beauty cosmetics brand, it’s manageable.

Still, Qi Shaorong thought to himself, I should probably tone it down. Zhuang Ling seems suspicious.