Just Give Me the Cash Instead

Having made his decision, Jiang Yunzhou no longer hesitated.

The moment he picked up the flowerpot beside him, Ah Yin immediately began swaying violently, her leaves rustling.

He had no idea what she was trying to say, so he selectively pretended to be blind.

He took off at full speed again, the howling wind pulling Ah Yin's branches straight back into a rigid "tail."

Whenever he got bored, he would chatter away at the flowerpot.

"Don't worry, I'm not a good person."

"But the place I'm going just so happens to be where your son is."

"Oh, and a reminder—your ex-husband is no good either. I never provoked him, yet he insisted on causing trouble for me."

"So if you want to blame someone, blame him. I was only acting in self-defense."

"And let me tell you a secret. Actually... your son isn't really your 'son,' either."

"Haven't you noticed? Wasn't he absurdly mature from childhood? And didn't he somehow come up with all sorts of strange things without anyone teaching him?"

"Have you really never suspected anything?"

Though Jiang Yunzhou seemed to be talking to himself, he had been watching the flowerpot from the corner of his eye.

Perhaps Ah Yin was still unable to condense a soul form. Otherwise, she would probably have jumped out long ago to demand an explanation.

At that moment, Ah Yin's vines had already wrapped tightly around his arm of their own accord.

He could feel that she had put real strength into it this time, clinging especially tightly.

"What? You don't believe me?"

"With that little strength, you can barely scratch an itch."

"I'm telling you the truth. Your son died long ago. The one occupying that body now is just some old bastard who took over a corpse."

"Hey, hey~~ Why are you wilting?"

"Are you short on water? Perfect timing, I need to pee. I'll fertilize you a little..."

He made as if to stop. Ah Yin, who had been listless just moments ago, instantly became lush and vibrant again, brimming with vitality.

Jiang Yunzhou sneered inwardly. Little thing, you think I can't handle you?

At times, he did reflect on whether bullying a blade of grass like this was a bit excessive.

But when he remembered that there was a mature soul inside, that negligible sense of guilt immediately vanished.

Four days after leaving.

Jiang Yunzhou returned to Supreme Academy, covered in dust from the road.

The moment he approached the academy gates, he sharply sensed two additional powerful presences within.

Neither party had deliberately concealed their aura, clearly having no intention of hiding.

At the same time, he sensed Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing as well. Hearing their usual conversation, he felt somewhat relieved.

He pushed the gate open and walked in.

By the stone table where he usually sat were two uninvited guests.

His eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze swept over Ning Fengzhi. Hmm, refined and elegant.

Then it landed on the tall figure enveloped in jet-black armor, and he had already guessed the man's identity.

Before he could speak, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had already hurried over.

Both of them were drenched in fragrant sweat, their cheeks flushed red. They had clearly been training just moments ago.

"Teacher! You're finally back!"

Ning Rongrong spoke excitedly and instinctively wanted to pounce on him, but when she caught sight of those two pairs of watching eyes, she forcibly stopped herself.

"Didn't you say three days? Why did it turn into four?"

Naturally, Jiang Yunzhou was not about to tell her that he had spent an extra day lying in wait.

"Uh, well, I took care of a little something on the way."

"Teacher, we have guests at home."

Zhu Zhuqing looked him over with concern. "Are you tired? Do you want to rest first?"

"It's nothing."

Jiang Yunzhou handed her the flowerpot in his hand. "Take Ah... ahem, take this Blue Silver Grass and transplant it somewhere. Remember to water it."

As if remembering something, he added, "By the way, did Xiao Wu come by while I was gone?"

Zhu Zhuqing accepted the flowerpot with both hands. Though she was curious why her teacher had specifically brought back a Blue Silver Grass, she obediently did not ask.

At the mention of Xiao Wu, she nodded. "She came once, but she seemed to be in a hurry. I don't know if she was sick, but she quickly ran back."

"Mm, I understand. Go get busy."

Jiang Yunzhou nodded, now having a clear idea of the situation.

He then turned to Ning Rongrong and instructed, "Rongrong, go buy some vegetables. We have guests at home, so make it a good spread."

Ning Rongrong still wanted to ask something, but seeing Jiang Yunzhou's serious expression, she immediately understood that her teacher was deliberately sending her away.

She knew Jiang Yunzhou was nothing like the unreliable person he appeared to be. On the contrary, he was always thoughtful and handled matters properly.

"Okay, Teacher. I'll be right back." She answered obediently and turned to head outside.

Seeing Jiang Yunzhou so naturally giving orders to his daughter, Ning Fengzhi's eyes flashed with surprise, but he said nothing.

The fact that this young man could make his usually spoiled and willful little princess so obedient was enough to pique his intense interest.

Gu Rong, beside him, frowned slightly, seeming to want to say something.

But Ning Fengzhi spoke first. "Uncle Gu, let us talk first."

Having finished his instructions, Jiang Yunzhou wore a casual smile as he walked over to the stone table and naturally sat down across from the two big shots.

After all, Ning Fengzhi was Ning Rongrong's father. He did not find it strange that the man had tracked this place down.

"Sect Master Ning, Bone Douluo, I've heard so much about you both. You've come from afar, yet I failed to welcome you properly. When did you arrive?"

Ning Fengzhi replied calmly, "Dean Jiang, you are too polite. We are the ones intruding. I am merely curious—how did Dean Jiang recognize us?"

Jiang Yunzhou smiled. "Sect Master Ning and Bone Douluo are famous far and wide. There is nothing strange about recognizing you."

"Besides, judging by Rongrong's reaction just now, anyone could have guessed."

Ning Fengzhi nodded at that. "Then perhaps Dean Jiang can guess why we have come?"

"Sect Master Ning surely did not come merely to visit his daughter?"

Ning Fengzhi chuckled, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny. "Dean Jiang appears to be only seventeen or eighteen, yet you possess such composure and bearing. It truly makes Ning view you in a new light."

He continued, "I did indeed hear certain rumors and came to verify them. But my daughter's lips are remarkably tight. No matter how I questioned her, she refused to reveal a single word."

There was some helplessness and teasing in his tone. "It seems this father's words are far less effective than those of her teacher."

Jiang Yunzhou clearly caught the faint jealousy hidden in those words.

He laughed heartily. "Rongrong is actually very sensible. She is simply still young; uncut jade needs polishing. As for what Sect Master Ning wishes to confirm, I can tell you clearly—it is true."

They were both intelligent people. There was no need to spell certain things out.

Having received confirmation firsthand, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong could not hide their excitement.

In that case, the young man before them was Ning Fengzhi's great benefactor.

"Dean Jiang, I thank you on behalf of my daughter for this great kindness." He did not put on any airs and clasped his hands in thanks.

Jiang Yunzhou made a gesture as though helping him up. "Since Rongrong has taken me as her teacher, I regard her as one of my own. There is no need for thanks..."

"Besides, I can guarantee her safety. Sect Master Ning can rest assured leaving her with me."

He was not simply talking nonsense; it also served as a reassurance for them.

"Of course. Ning naturally trusts Dean Jiang."

After their exchange, Ning Fengzhi no longer underestimated Jiang Yunzhou.

Instead, he found the man quite extraordinary.

Observing Jiang Yunzhou's speech and mannerisms, Ning Fengzhi found that though he appeared casual, he possessed his own sense of order and bearing, leaving an excellent impression on him.

Moreover, during these past two days here, he had watched his daughter and Zhu Zhuqing train. Their methods were novel, yet highly effective.

He had even considered imitating them.

He continued, "Ning sees that your academy is rather simple. Does it need renovation or expansion? If it is convenient, Ning is willing to fund the purchase of this place and present it to you, sir, as a token of my regard."

Jiang Yunzhou's eyes lit up at those words. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head. "I appreciate Sect Master Ning's kindness, but I do not intend to stay here for long."

Yet inwardly, he thought, Since I've put it that way, why not just give me the cash instead?