Perhaps the Zhu Tongjun of the past was a woman who acted without considering the consequences, but since the Phoenix fell on the Cyan Wu, shedding her arrogance, only the girl before her remains, disguising her unease with charm.
The existence of the Flower Moon Building taught her to think about matters from a broader perspective.
Indeed, the present Xu Changâan seems grateful to her and Li Zhibai, and has a gentle disposition.
But who knows whether, after Xu Changâan "recovers," these so-called favors theyâve shown him will merely seem amusing to him, no longer regarded as acts of kindness.
So, she wants a promise.
But Zhu Pingniang is well aware that if indeed one is an Immortal, even if she truly obtains some promise from him now, it would likewise be as ephemeral as flowers in a mirror or the moon in water.
Just like whether those in the Immortal Sect feel obliged to keep a promise to a mortal, such matters, without oversight, depend entirely on the heart.
Zhu Pingniang thinks that not everyone is like her in keeping promises.
She promised Wen Li when she was a child to take her up the mountain, and despite the cost, she adhered to her word and took her to Muyu Peak.
And Wen Li did not disappoint her, securing the position of Senior.
So she, Zhu Tongjun... truly has a knack for picking people up the mountain.
Just like when she and Ah Zi were picked up and brought to the Hehuan Sect back in the day.
Ah Bai always likes to talk about legacy, but I wonder if picking people up and bringing them home counts as a legacy?
Zhu Pingniang tilted her head in thought for a while, thinking it probably does.
Suddenly, she paused, turned her head, and stared at Xu Changâan.
"Changâan, I remember... you said that Miss Yun picked you up?"
"Mm." Xu Changâan nodded, not knowing why Zhu Pingniang mentioned this matter.
"So thatâs how it is."
In Xu Changâanâs confused gaze, Zhu Pingniang hooked a smile, covering her face as she laughed: "Indeed... this also counts as a legacy."
"What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing, just... I now feel uneasy too." Zhu Pingniang shook her head.
In this world, the strong can offer the weak a sense of security.
But now there are fewer people stronger than her, countable on one hand.
"Changâan, tell me, if a woman always lacks a sense of security, should she... get married?" Zhu Pingniang asked.
Xu Changâan: "..."
He listened to Zhu Pingniangâs words, unsure if they were self-pitying, but wisely kept silent.
Such a topic is beyond his right to comment on.
Indeed, Zhu Pingniangâs next sentence made cold sweat appear on his forehead.
"Do you think Ah Bai would be willing to marry a woman? If itâs me, sheâd probably find it troublesome."
"..."
At this moment, Xu Changâan wished to escape from this dangerous place.
Because this topic, frankly, overstepped a boundary.
But Zhu Pingniang didnât mind him knowing her thoughts, she just continued on her own: "Changâan, sister understands, given my relationship with Ah Bai, if there really were a worldly marriage, it would probably be considered a demotion... but sometimes, seeing the girls form bonds, I do feel envious."
At this moment, she didnât know if it was due to Xu Changâanâs presence making her uneasy, or if she was merely using unease as an excuse to entertain thoughts of marriage.
Thinking of this, Zhu Pingniang gave Xu Changâan a resentful glare.
"Itâs all because of you."
If he hadnât been flaunting his affections with Yun Qian in front of her, how would she suddenly think about forming a bond with Li Zhibai?
"Itâs all your fault." Zhu Pingniang was very annoyed.
Xu Changâan: "..."
Dare to speak?
Of course not.
He didnât even know what Zhu Pingniang was talking about... but as a listener, he was always qualified, though at this moment, Xu Changâan wasnât just listening; he rarely took the initiative to speak.
"Ms. Zhu."
"Hmm?"
Zhu Pingniang listened to Xu Changâan call her "sister" without any force, and looked at him unexpectedly.
"What do you want to say to me?" Zhu Pingniang looked at Xu Changâanâs very serious eyes, her gaze evading: "Donât look at me like that."
She was probably the character known for strong offense but weak defense in rumors.
Xu Changâan sighed, then his eyes became firm.
"I, the junior, have many things I donât understand now, but... no matter what, Changâan will not disappoint you or the teacher."
Xu Changâan said, word by word.
"At least in this regard, please be at ease."
How could he go against Li Zhibai and Zhu Pingniang?
Xu Changâan knows his abilities, and now he believes that all the strange things around him are caused by the system, and he has resolved to ignore the system, thinking... such occurrences should become less frequent in the future.
And as long as he is not "controlled" by the system, he will absolutely not betray Muyu Peak.
If you are not unfaithful to me, I will not be unfaithful to you, thatâs the idea.
"..." Zhu Pingniang looked at the young man before her with bright eyes, her fingers gently pinching, after a long while she spat out.
"Ptooey, it sounds nice, but who knows if once you regain your memories, youâll still have this disposition?"
"Regain memories?" Xu Changâan tilted his head.
He had indeed mentioned to Zhu Pingniang in passing that he lost his memory at a young age and was picked up by Miss Yun... but what use would it be if those childhood memories were recovered?
"Donât understand? Then never mind, I donât want to talk to you." Zhu Pingniang waved her hand: "Do as you please, Iâve given up on wanting your promise, do as you wish."
In the end, her unease was of no use.