Handing Zi Ji Over for Free, and Still Not Giving Up?

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing both lowered their heads in silence, unwilling to pay him any attention.

Dan Heng was also of a reserved disposition. He frowned slightly, not even having time to speak.

Zi Ji beside him said, "Who are you? Why are you paying our bill for no reason? Did we ask you to? Unsolicited favors usually hide ulterior motives!"

Zi Ji did not care what kind of noble he was. After giving him a couple of looks, she immediately revealed a disgusted expression.

In truth, as a dragon, she was naturally contemptuous of humans.

Charles looked impeccably dressed, but the darkness and malice in his heart could not escape Zi Ji's keen senses.

Charles froze for a moment, and embarrassment gradually appeared on his face.

As a noble of the Star Luo Empire who held an important post, almost no one dared treat him like this.

But... the one saying it was a peerless beauty, so it felt different.

Charles smiled and said, "This lady must be joking. I came with good intentions. It was merely a small favor, nothing worth mentioning. With beauty like yours, I'm sure you ladies aren't short on Gold Soul Coins."

"Of course not." Zi Ji snorted lightly and looked at Charles with disdain.

Dan Heng frowned slightly. Sure enough, having overly beautiful female companions would inevitably bring trouble.

Someone had probably noticed Gu Yuena when they had been out shopping yesterday.

As a feudal dynasty, the Star Luo Empire had very weak restraints on its nobles.

That was bound to make some people blinded by lust commit malicious acts.

Gu Yuena smiled faintly without saying anything, quietly watching the scene unfold.

She had not expected that before Di Tian could even make a move, merely going on a date with her yesterday had already brought trouble to Husband.

If Husband could not tolerate that man's covetous gaze, that would be perfect!

He could directly display his strength and swallow the entire Star Luo Empire whole!

At that thought, Gu Yuena's gaze toward Dan Heng grew heated.

With a smile on his face, Charles thought, Sure enough, no woman can resist the temptation of money!

Gu Yuena was his target. Seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Zi Ji now was an unexpected bonus.

He had investigated Dan Heng. He was merely an outsider visiting the city, without any power or wealth.

He had not even been capable of repaying the Gold Soul Coins his female companions owed yesterday.

Now, under Gu Yuena's gaze... he must be sweating bullets, right?

He continued, "Here's the thing. I see that all three ladies possess peerless beauty. We happen to be holding a Beauty Pageant to select the most beautiful woman, and I hope the three of you can represent us in the competition."

"If you win the prize, there will be one million Gold Soul Coins!"

Charles held up one finger and looked smugly at Dan Heng.

Hearing that number, his female companions should be unable to sit still, right? Then they would all leave this poor boy!

What was the use of being handsome?

However.

Gu Yuena and the other two acted as though they had not heard him, each continuing with what she was doing.

"..." Charles froze.

The one million Gold Soul Coins he had casually made up was an enormous sum, yet it could not even draw their attention?

"One million Gold Soul Coins! The Beauty Pageant winner will definitely be chosen from among you three. I can take care of all the clothing and makeup you need for the competition..."

Charles continued enthusiastically.

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing ignored him.

Zi Ji had grown tired of listening. Curling her lips, she said, "Are you done being annoying? Get lost, get lost, get lost! Don't disturb me while I'm eating!"

"..."

Charles's mouth twitched. No, what were these three women following Dan Heng for?

"We won't participate. Please leave."

Dan Heng spoke indifferently.

Charles looked even more embarrassed. He stood at the doorway, yet not a single woman's gaze fell on him.

He felt like a clown.

Taking a deep breath, his expression darkened, no longer as mild as before.

A trace of noble bearing emerged from him.

"...This is a rare opportunity. One million Gold Soul Coins, and I, a count, have personally come to support you. Are you really going to refuse?" Charles stared at Dan Heng and the others.

"Mm." Dan Heng nodded.

"If you babble one more word, I'll tear you into eight pieces!" Zi Ji slammed down her chopsticks and shouted.

Charles clenched his fists. He had never been treated like this before!

Dan Heng asked, "Are you going to attack us because we refused?"

"..."

Charles's anger immediately deflated.

No matter what, this was Star Luo City, right under the Star Luo Emperor's nose. Even if he wanted to deal with Dan Heng and the others, he could not make a move now!

So, he had to endure it!

At the very least, he could not show it now!

"No, I would never do such a thing. Since you have no interest, then I was too presumptuous... I'll take my leave. If you change your minds, you may come to my residence anytime."

Charles forced a smile, turned, and left.

Zi Ji curled her lips. "That guy was so annoying. He really never stopped talking!"

"Did you remember the address he gave?"

Gu Yuena suddenly asked.

"Huh...?" Zi Ji froze.

"Did you remember it?"

Gu Yuena pressed.

Zi Ji hurriedly nodded. "I remembered, Elder Sister!"

"Good. Once you finish eating, go find him. See whether that one million Gold Soul Coins is real. Even if it isn't, you can still eat and drink well there. Don't disturb Husband and me."

Gu Yuena instructed.

Zi Ji nodded repeatedly and said with a grin, "I understand, Elder Sister!"

Zhu Zhuqing carefully glanced at Dan Heng, hesitating.

Although she had kept her head lowered the entire time, she was not sure Charles had failed to recognize her.

Zi Ji quickly finished eating. Having finally received a task from Gu Yuena, she was especially motivated!

After the private room's door closed, Gu Yuena suddenly asked, "Husband, if they took me away, what would you do?"

Gu Yuena looked at Dan Heng curiously with her large eyes.

Waiting for his answer.

Zhu Zhuqing also pricked up her ears. She wanted to know as well—if the royal family abducted her, would Teacher save her?

Dan Heng thought for a moment and shook his head.

"I don't know about things that haven't happened."

Gu Yuena looked at Dan Heng resentfully. "Husband, can't you say something I'd like to hear... Cough, cough..."

After coughing lightly twice, Gu Yuena's face turned even paler.

At Charles's residence.

The moment he returned to his estate, he could no longer hold himself back. He smashed vases and other furnishings.

"Bastards! Those filthy women! How dare they reject me! He's nothing but trash! And they dared threaten me?! Damn it! Just wait until I deal with you!"

"That silver-haired woman goes to the First Prince. The other two are both mine!"

"So young, yet with such enormous wickedness! She's obviously a sow, she..."

Charles was about to vent when he suddenly recalled Zhu Zhuqing's appearance.

His expression changed drastically. "Th-That looked like the Third Prince Consort!!!"

Just then, a maid said from outside, "My lord, there's a beautiful woman outside who calls herself Zi Ji. She says you invited her..."