Chapter 935, (2): A Day in the Life of a Playboy
Bi Linglong felt relieved and said, âSir Zu really is considerate.â She called over her maid and spoke a few words. Soon afterward, they came out with a large case and a small case.
âI canât accept your gift without giving anything in return.â Bi Linglong said. âWe had to rely on Sir Zu to deal with that Jade Moon Serpent, and its tendons have already served as proof of our success. Thereâs no use for us to keep them, so the treasure belongs to the hero who slayed it. I hope they can be of use in your recovery and cultivation.â
The tendons of the Jade Moon Serpent were an extraordinary treasure on their own, either in medicine or as a weapon material. They werenât something money could easily buy.
Zu An had begun learning how to refine medicine. Together with the way the promotion levels of his valkyries always needed some strange monster parts, the tendons were quite useful for him. He said, âThank you, crown princess.â
He knew that she was using the situation as a pretext to give him some good stuff. This girl really did treat her lover well. That was why he really didnât understand what those simps from his past world had been thinking. Do you really need to guess if a girl likes you or not?
Bi Linglong took out a glass lamp from the other case, saying, âThis jade lamp has gone through careful preparations. When you light it at night, it can make a room as bright as day. Sir Zu needs to practice your handwriting at home as well, but your eyesight might get worse if you practice for too long. Sir Zu wonât have to worry as much with this lampâs help.â
Zu An was speechless. Are you giving me a desk lamp to prevent my eyes from going bad? I mean, I understand the reasoning, but why do I feel as if you want me to keep practicing even when Iâm at homeâŠ
Zu An had already suffered his fair share of practicing Pang Zhonghua, Tian Yingzhang, and Wu Yushengâs stuff[1]⊠Just the thought of having to do it again alone gave him a huge headache. Practice his handwriting? It wouldnât get much better even if he practiced for the rest of his lifeâŠ
Of course, there was no way he was going to grumble, since the other party had good intentions. He even put on a âmovedâ expression as he said, âThank you, crown princess, for your kindness. This subject will definitely strive my utmost to do anything you ask of me!â
He reacted as if he were overwhelmed with favor, but Rong Mo and the others only thought that it was expected. After all, there werenât many who could receive favor from the crown princess.
But in Bi Linglongâs ears, she felt there was something strange about what Zu An had said. She thought of something, and her face turned a bit red.
âŠ
After Zu An left the imperial palace, he thought to himself for a bit. He didnât go home, and instead headed to the western part of the city toward Mount Yuquan.
Regardless of whether it was Jiang Luofuâs map, Xie Daoyunâs Last Breath Talisman, or the sacrificial piece Xie Xiuâs teacher had given him, they were all life-saving treasures. He had to properly thank them.
He sought out Hei Baizi first. Hei Baizi was fiercely training Xie Xiu, but he was overjoyed when he saw Zu Anâs arrival. He pulled him over and insisted on playing a few rounds.
Zu An felt a huge headache. He didnât know how to play Go! He couldnât just let down the other partyâs impression of him.
But fortunately, he had prepared ahead of time. He brought out a Go game chart that was famous in his previous world, called the Blood Vomit Game. In that world, there was a chess master who had suffered such a crushing defeat that he ended up vomiting blood on the spot. Zu An gave the game chart to Hei Baizi as a gift.
The game had been mentioned in Jin Yongâs novels, and he had been curious about the game record, so he had looked it up online.
Thankfully, after his cultivation increased, his memory had improved as well. He could remember almost all of the things he had seen in his previous world.
Sure enough, Hei Baiziâs attention was immediately absorbed by the game. He mumbled to himself, âBrother Zu really is a chess legend⊠You were able to think up such an extraordinary game. I actually overestimated my capabilities and thought I could have a chat with you as equals; how shamefulâŠâ
He took out a chess board and began to fiddle with it by himself afterward. He thought to himself, If even just a partial game record he gave me was something I canât understand, then what right do I have to play a game with him?
Zu An saw Xie Xiu continuously gesture toward him and asked with a smile, âCan I ask for Xie Xiu to have a small vacation? We were friends even back in Brightmoon City, so I wanted to hold a small gathering.â
Hei Baizi said after some hesitation, âI didnât plan to let him have any rest until he finished memorizing the 128 books I gave him, but since Brother Zu is asking for this favor, he should be able to at least pick up some of your brilliance by being with you. Thatâs good in its own way.â He returned to his chess board and focused on his own studies afterward.
Xie Xiu felt as if he had just received a huge pardon. He quickly grabbed Zu An and left.
âŠ
When they were far away from Hei Baiziâs courtyard, Zu An looked at the pretty boy who used to be romantic and frivolous. He couldnât help but ask with a laugh, âBrother Xie, is there a need to be in such a rush?â
âYou have no idea! He doesnât even treat me as a human⊠After following him as his disciple, I donât think there have been many days when I actually had proper sleep⊠Iâm forced to memorize all sorts of chess boards day after day. I want to throw up whenever I see oneâŠâ Xie Xiu seemed as if he had finally found someone who understood him. He poured out his suffering to Zu An.
Zu An asked with a frown, âIf itâs really that hard for you, should I pay the academy a visit and help you change your teacher? I still have some say, so I think I can make it happen.â
âThereâs no need for thatâŠâ Xie Xiu had a look of hesitation on his face. âEven though my teacher is strict, I know heâs doing it for my sake. If I do what he says, my mind will be tempered. How can I be such a fool and seek out another teacher?â
Zu An was speechless. This kid was crying for help, and yet refuses to leave. What was the word for these sorts of people? Oh, right, lowly!
âCome on, letâs go out and drink. I heard Scarlet Invitation in the capital wasnât bad. Iâve been in the capital for so long, but Iâve never had a chance to go there yet. Wasnât there a girl named Nan Xun who was pretty popular recently? I wonder if sheâs better than our Immortal Abodeâs Qiu Honglei was back then. We should go and check that place out.â Xie Xiuâs eyes shone. After all, he had been a regular guest of such places back in Brightmoon City. And yet, after he came to the academy, his teacher kept making him memorize and play Go. He had already almost forgotten the feeling of a girl and the taste of alcohol.
Zu An looked at him sympathetically. Just how little information does this guy have access to? I wonder what kind of reaction heâd have if he knew that I just came from Nan Xunâs room this morning. However, he decided not to stir Xie Xiu too much. He said, âI came to thank some people today, so weâll talk more after I take care of that first.â
They decided to find Jiang Luofu first. However, she wasnât at the academy!
âPrincipal Jiang has always treated you really, really well. I wonder why she likes you so much.â Xie Xiu was used to calling Jiang Luofu principal. Meanwhile, he thought, How is her sight so sharp? She made Zu An a teacher back when his reputation wasnât anything special. Just why did Jiang Luofu favor Zu An so much?
But he quickly stopped trying to figure it out. Zu An is rather decent looking, but of course, still lackluster compared to me. Even if Principal Jiang were looking for a man, she shouldâve chosen me, right?
âWhat are you thinking about?â Zu An smacked Xie Xiuâs head, snapping him out of his narcissistic delusions.
âYou canât touch a manâs head or a womanâs waist, you know? Only lovers can do that!â Xie Xiu was upset that Zu An had messed up his head. Then, he winked at a few female students who were passing by. The female students were surprised and quickly left while giggling. However, they couldnât help but turn around because of how handsome he was.
Zu An was speechless. This guy really is good at this stuff⊠Heâd definitely be popular if he were a gigolo.
âRight, has your sister been busy recently?â Zu An took the chance to ask for some information. The last few times he had come to the academy, Xie Daoyun had been drawing talismans every day under her teacherâs instruction. They hadnât had much time to interact with each other.
âMy sister has it way easier than me! She was good at calligraphy to begin with, and sheâs smart too. Drawing talismans isnât a hard subject for her at all. She was quickly praised by her master and viewed as an excellent disciple. Sheâs allowed to manage her own time however she wants now,â Xie Xiu said enviously. Compared to his sister, he really was miserableâŠ
He suddenly thought of something and shot Zu An a vigilant look. âWhy are you asking about that?â
Zu An said, âYour older sister gave me a Last Breath Talisman before I went into the dungeon, so I wanted to thank her properly.â
âI guess you have some conscience.â Xie Xiu sighed in relief.
The two of them quickly arrived at the first discipleâs residence. As the libationerâs first disciple, his status was exceptional. His residence was larger than his fellow disciplesâ. It was more like an open garden. The pair walked through several long corridors, then finally saw a beautiful figure sitting inside a lake gazebo while writing something.
âBig sis!â Xie Xiu ran over and called out, intending to scare her. But Xie Daoyun wasnât fazed at all. The brush in her hands didnât even stop. Xie Xiu sighed in amazement, saying, âBig sisâ focus is getting better and better.â
âYou always do this kind of stuff. Iâm already used to it,â Xie Daoyun said indifferently. She asked, âBy the way, shouldnât you be memorizing chess matches with fifth master? Did you sneak out?â
âNo way, am I that kind of person?â Xie Xiu immediately said defensively, âBrother Zu came over, so Iâm tagging along.â
The calm Xie Daoyun trembled when she heard the words âbrother Zuâ. Then, she turned around and really saw Zu An there. She said in pleasant surprise, âYouâre here.â
Xie Xiu became jealous. His big sister hadnât reacted at all when he tried to scare her, and yet the ink on her brush had even splashed out when she heard him mention Zu An.
Zu An smiled toward Xie Daoyun and said, âI came to thank you. It was because of your talismans that I was able to stay alive in that dungeon.â
Xie Daoyun smiled, her expression refreshing like willow branches swaying in the wind. She said, âWeâre friends, so of course I donât want to see anything happen to you. As for thanks, thereâs no need. After all, you still owe me that song you promised me.â
Zu An immediately broke out into a sweat. He owed her a favor back then in Brightmoon City, so he had randomly promised her a song. He hadnât expected her to still remember that promise.
Xie Xiu had been feeling a bit bitter to begin with. When he heard that, he immediately took the chance to beat Zu An while he was down. âBrother Zu, youâre being insincere here! You said you were going to thank my big sis, and yet you didnât even bring a single gift. Iâm disappointed in you.â
Xie Daoyun gave her little brother an annoyed look, saying, âThereâs no such thing between friends. Stop saying random things.â
Zu An felt a bit awkward as well. He had been so busy recently; where would he find the time to get something for her?
He suddenly thought of something. He took out a glass lamp and asked, âWho said I didnât bring anything? Once this jade glass lamp is lit, your room will be as bright as day even in the middle of the night. You need to draw a lot of runes, and those runes are extremely detailed. If there isnât enough lighting, you might damage your eyes. But with this lamp, thereâll be no more problems.â
1. This is referring to Chinese calligraphy textbooks. â
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