Shao Zi was dressed all in white, a smile on her face. Behind her, the disciples she had brought along after kidnapping them all looked spirited as well. Sandwiched among them was Si Niang, who was gazing around at the surroundings with curiosity, seemingly captivated by the mountains and rivers here and reluctant to leave.
Si Niang was still wearing the same outfit as today—plain, elegant, and natural, leaving a deep impression on anyone who saw her. When she looked at me, the faint smile she wore seemed as though she had been born with it.
I thought for a moment, then spoke before Shao Zi could say anything. "Shao Zi, I've seriously considered some things as well. It's not that I wasn't moved, but I may still need some time to digest it all. During this period, allow me to think it over carefully."
Shao Zi froze for a moment, evidently not expecting me to suddenly lay my cards on the table. She instinctively nodded, and I chuckled inwardly. Hmph. Ginger really is spicier when it's old. How could a little girl like you possibly outmaneuver me? This is called a delaying tactic.
However, Shao Zi quickly realized that she had fallen into my trap and said, "Master, since you need time to consider it, why don't I simply bring my junior sisters and brothers to stay in the guest rooms here for the time being? You don't know this, Master, but last night, when I stayed here with all my junior sisters and brothers, we discovered that the study really is an excellent place for meditation. Especially knowing that Master lives nearby, we didn't dare slack off, so every time we meditated, we gained something... Xiang Ling, Jin Zhao, don't you agree?"
Caught off guard by Shao Zi's