Although Xiaolun hadnât fought enough, it didnât linger and quickly returned to Yang Ruxinâs wrist, lifting its head and sticking its tongue out in provocation at the little white fox.
Yang Ruxin could only helplessly pat its head.
And the white fox, apparently not satisfied, wanted to chase after the retreating opponent, but the white-haired woman issued a stopping command: "Xiaozi."
The little fox could only whimper twice, then slipped into the courtyard.
"This indeed was where the master stayed before, but he only stayed for a few days, and now heâs gone," Gu Qingheng hurriedly invited them into the courtyard.
"After Changyangzi left, we havenât had a chance to tidy up," Yang Ruxin added, but the woman in white had already vanished.
Yang Ruxin and Gu Qingheng could only hurriedly follow inside.
But upon entering the main hall, they were both startled, as the white-haired woman was clutching a piece of paper, her face streaming with tears.
At this moment, they didnât know whether to go in or retreat, speak or remain silentâeverything felt wrong.
"My name is Nian Qianqian." The white-haired woman suddenly raised her eyes.
Nian Qianqian? Yang Ruxin frowned; she had no recollection of this person.
"So itâs Senior Nian," Gu Qingheng cupped his fists in salute once more, "Could I invite you to sit in the hall? At this time, we probably havenât had dinner yet; if you donât mind..."
"I will stay in this courtyard tonight," Nian Qianqian suddenly said.
Gu Qingheng glanced at Yang Ruxin.
"No problem." Yang Ruxin hastily nodded, "I will have someone tidy it up right away, after all..."
"No need." Nian Qianqian shook her head, "Iâll use what he used, and I donât need anyone to serve me. Just give me a bucket of hot water and a bowl of plain rice."
Yang Ruxin quickly had someone prepare hot water and also prepared clothes. As for dinner, she went to the kitchen herself and cooked a stir-fried dish, as rice was served that night.
When she brought over the fried rice, Nian Qianqian had already washed up, but hadnât changed clothesâit was still the same outfit, seemingly washed and then dried, using Inner Strength to dry it, as there were still some damp spots on the skirt.
Nian Qianqian ate quickly but gracefully, and didnât eat much; she stopped after eating only a third of the fried rice.
"Senior..."
"You can go back." Nian Qianqian waved her hand to interrupt Yang Ruxin, who was about to speak, "I want to rest."
"Alright." Gu Qingheng nodded slightly, then led Yang Ruxin out of the courtyard.
"Do you know this Senior Nian?" Yang Ruxin eagerly asked, "She and your master..."
"Over thirty years ago, Nian Qianqian was the number one beauty in Jianghu," Gu Qingheng laughed, knowing his wife was curious, so he didnât beat around the bush, "It was said that back then, she was truly the match sought by all men in the Wulin..."
"Over thirty years ago?" Yang Ruxinâs eyes widened, "Then Senior must be at least over fifty now, but she really doesnât look it; the title of number one beauty is truly well-deserved... Tell me, whatâs the story between her and your master?"
Gu Qingheng couldnât help but reveal a slightly troubled smile: "Iâve only heard my master mention this person, but I really donât know the specifics of their grievances."
"Thatâs a real pity, but I feel that Senior Nian seems to have deep feelings for your master..."