"Indeed," Ma Wu gazed at Shen Rongqing with affection.
This situation presented a test for Ma Wu; his natural inclination was to be direct, yet with Shen Rongqing, he found himself needing to adopt a more subtle approach.
The initial pleasantries had been lighthearted banter, but as their eyes met now, a wave of emotion surged within Shen Rongqing, and Ma Wu knew he had to match her cadence.
"Young Master Wu, I prepared some lotus seed soup at home. It feels rather lonely to enjoy it by myself," Shen Rongqing extended an invitation.
Setting down his ledger, Ma Wu replied, "If the lady is amenable, I would be honored to partake in a bowl tonight."
Shen Rongqing gently took Ma Wu's hand.
Ma Wu then accompanied Shen Rongqing away from the Xiaoyao Lodge.
Upon their arrival at Shen Rongqing's dwelling, it was evident that no maids were present. She had indeed prepared the lotus seed soup and generously served Ma Wu a bowl.
Ma Wu savored his first spoonful, finding the flavor exquisite. Just as he was about to take another, Shen Rongqing embraced him from behind, whispering, "Junyang, I desire you."
"Rongqing, my desire for you is equally strong."
As their faces drew near, a blood vessel in Ma Wu's eye became visible.
The emotional root had already begun its descent into the eye, poised for implantation at any moment.
Ma Wu was quick to be captivated but rarely succumbed to being overwhelmed.
His intuition suggested that her sudden intimacy in the dead of night must have an underlying purpose.
"Junyang, after knowing each other for so long, do you place your trust in me?" Shen Rongqing planted a kiss on Ma Wu's cheek.
"I do trust you," Ma Wu confirmed with a slight nod.
Clinging to Ma Wu, Shen Rongqing continued, "Since you trust me, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you."
Ma Wu inclined his head, "Very well, we can discuss it at your leisure."
His gaze then shifted towards the window.
Below the window lay Shen Rongqing's garden.
Zuo Wugang stood silently amidst the garden, his attention fixed on the illuminated second floor.
...
Two days passed. Following dinner, Ma Chunting, having just consumed an elixir and preparing to retire, was interrupted by Ma Junjiang's hurried entrance into his chamber: "Father, something has befallen Old Five; his corpse has been sighted outside the city."
Ma Chunting paused for a moment before responding with indifference, "I had a feeling this day would eventually arrive for him. Is it truly his remains?"
Ma Junjiang replied, "I am on my way to verify."
"Proceed," Ma Chunting settled back onto his bed. "Ensure he receives a proper burial, for he is, after all, a member of the Ma Family."
...
He Yuxiu, who was supervising the clearing of new land, received unexpected news from the accountant, Sheng Shanzhou: "Miss, Ma Wu has passed away."
He Yuxiu expressed her shock, "Who is responsible?"
"The word is that it is connected to Shen Rongqing."
"That vixen must be out of her mind!" He Yuxiu declared, immediately setting course for Greenwater City.
The cook interjected, "Miss He, this land clearing cannot proceed without your guidance!"
"We can put it on hold for now. Something has happened to Old Five, and I cannot simply ignore it! Has Old Qi been notified?"
Sheng Shanzhou responded, "It is not our place to inform Seventh Master, and it is uncertain if the individuals at Xiaoyao Lodge have done so."
...
"Can it truly be Ma Wu?" At the Hundred Joy Gate, Chu Er addressed Yang Yanzheng with evident disbelief.
Yang Yanzheng advised, "Let us await the Ma Family's confirmation of the body; it is unlikely to be mistaken."
"Is Li Qi aware of this development?"
"He is currently in the outer provinces and has likely not yet received the news."
Chu Er rose to his feet, "Gather our people, let us go and investigate."
...
"This cannot be! How could something happen to Young Master Wu!"
"Mother, please wait. We do not yet know the full situation. Allow Brother Xin and me to go and ascertain the facts first."
"I must go. Young Master Wu is a trusted friend! If our benefactor were to find out, what would become of us? Has anyone informed our benefactor?"
...
Li Banfeng was engaged in conversation with Tong Yousan at the Sanyou Bookstore. "Is that contract book genuinely from the Lavsha Nation?"
Tong Yousan maintained his stance, "Indeed, it is from the Lavsha Nation, without question."
"Have you personally visited the Lavsha Nation?"
"I have; I pursued studies there. I am fluent in the Lavsha language. Call a Lavsha native to verify if you doubt me."
Li Banfeng nodded, "I was wondering about your remarkable fluency. Are you a cultivator?"
Just as Tong Yousan's defenses began to waver, the projector discreetly informed Li Banfeng, "That simple phone is ringing."
"We shall continue this discussion later," Li Banfeng excused himself and went outside to answer Luo Zhengnan's call.
"Seventh Master, I have just received word that Master Wu has met with an unfortunate incident; his corpse has been found outside the city."
Li Qi's mind reeled.
He did not return to the Sanyou Bookstore but proceeded directly to Flower Lake Park. Upon reaching the lakeside, Li Banfeng faltered, nearly losing his balance.
Ma Wu had met with an accident.
His body lay discovered beyond the city walls.
Li Banfeng felt as though he had not yet awakened from a terrible nightmare.
Just as he plunged into the lake, the projector announced, "Seventh Guide, that simple phone rang again."
Li Banfeng surfaced from the water and answered the call.
"Old Qi, it's me."
Blinking and wiping his face, Li Banfeng listened to the conversation as he exited Flower Lake Park.
Tong Yousan, thinking the visitor had departed, relaxed briefly only to see the same drenched individual reappear.
"Where did you just go?"
Li Banfeng responded nonchalantly, "It's nothing, I felt a bit sleepy and went to wash my face. Shall we continue? Are you truly not a cultivator?"
"There is no such thing as a 'cultivator' Taoist sect; you must be joking, right?"
"Which Taoist sect do you belong to, then? When did you join? Was it while you were studying abroad in Lavsha Nation? Is Lavsha Nation also referred to as a Taoist sect?"
...
Zhang Gunli arrived at Shen Rongqing's residence, idly rubbing a walnut and glancing at his pocket watch.
Shen Rongqing certainly lacked the funds to settle her debt, and Zhang Gunli had no intention of demanding repayment.
He spoke a candid truth: he held great admiration for Shen Rongqing, valued her talent, and found the idea of having such a woman by his side appealing.
Would Shen Rongqing consent?
Zhang Gunli was unfazed by Shen Rongqing's potential resistance; her defiance only increased his interest. He admired the stubbornness often found in intellectuals.
At precisely 7:11, Zhang Gunli entered the room.
Shen Rongqing sat in the living room, silent and appearing dazed.
Zhang Gunli produced the IOU. "Miss Shen, the appointed time has arrived."
Shen Rongqing simply nodded.
"I heard about the Ma Wu incident. Since you have resolved it, I assume there are no lingering regrets."
"Yes, no regrets," Shen Rongqing replied, looking up at Zhang Gunli.
Zhang Gunli inquired, "You are aware of the amount you owe. Is the money prepared?"
"It is ready," He Jiaqing announced as he descended the stairs from the second floor.
A swirl of mist momentarily filled the hall before coalescing into He Haisheng, who positioned himself to block the doorway.
Zhang Gunli let out a chuckle. "Young Master He, what exactly are you planning to do here?"
To be candid, Zhang Gunli was not entirely prepared; Shen Rongqing's facade had been remarkably convincing.
However, it seemed no particular preparation was necessary.
"To have a discussion," He Jiaqing stated, lighting a cigarette. He took a deep inhale, exhaled a plume of smoke, and continued, "To be clear, I borrowed a life from you back then. I repaid the debt on time as agreed, covering both principal and interest. I didn't fall short, did I?"
Zhang Gunli nodded. "No, there was no shortfall; in fact, a little extra was provided."
He Jiaqing pressed on, "I addressed you as a senior numerous times and conducted our business with proper protocol. I didn't neglect any form of etiquette, did I?"
"Your etiquette was impeccable; you certainly understood the established norms."
He Jiaqing took another drag from his cigarette. "Since I adhered to the rules and owe you absolutely nothing, why did you divulge my information to Mu Yuejuan? What was the point of that?"
Zhang Gunli chuckled again. "That line of reasoning is indeed convoluted, but I am under no obligation to explain myself to you. What right do you and your uncle have to question me?"
"If there is no reasoning to be had, then this matter is quite simple to resolve," Feng Chongli declared, pushing the door open and entering the living room.
Zhang Gunli showed surprise; he had not anticipated Feng Chongli's presence.
He Jiaqing offered a smile. "It is time to settle all accounts, principal and interest combined."
PS: Zhang Gunli crossed paths with the wrong individuals.