Tianhai Tower

If you were to ask anyone in Changling County where the most vibrant and lively place was, they would surely say 'Tianhai Tower'.

This tower is located in the most prime spot in the county, offering a panoramic view of the flowing canal from afar and the bustling crowds on the main road up close. Its scenery is uniquely beautiful. Moreover, it's frequently visited by wealthy merchants and influential gentry, indulging in fine clothes and exquisite food, surrounded by a feast for the eyes. It can truly be considered a landmark of Changling County.

Especially now, Lin Tianlu had come to a clear understanding of this.

--Inside the VIP private room.

As he watched the various colorful dishes being served one by one onto the table, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

"The standard here is even more exaggerated than I imagined."

He had initially thought it was just a relatively clean restaurant, but he never expected it to be this luxurious.

The surrounding jade carvings were dazzling, and their exquisite craftsmanship was evident at a glance. As these delicate dishes were served, he noticed the porcelain plates had golden rims and fine patterns, suggesting even the tableware was valuable.

This level of extravagance was likely no less than that of high-end hotels in modern society.

"Miss Hua, this meal is truly costing a fortune..."

"As long as Senior enjoys it." Hua Shuya smiled faintly, tucking her hair behind her ear with elegant and gentle movements.

At this moment, she was clearly meticulously dressed. Her delicate face was even more alluring with the touch of makeup, her dark hair adorned with pearl and jade ornaments, and a jade hairpin slanted in her bun. The pearl strands hanging down tinkled with her ear pendants, shimmering with a soft glow.

Her chest-hugging ruqun revealed a full, high, and perky bosom, while the light gauze lightly veiled her exquisite body. The slightly exposed skin was as lustrous and smooth as jade, like a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship that drew admiring glances.

As if sensing the slightly ambiguous atmosphere of their solitude, she pursed her thin lips, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

Lin Tianlu took a sip of his wine and couldn't help but chuckle, "Since arriving in Changling County, I've been under Miss Hua's care. If I continue to shamelessly freeload, I fear even I would feel embarrassed."

"Senior, you really don't have to..."

"It seems I need to find a leisurely job in this county town, at least to earn some living expenses."

"Senior."

But Hua Shuya suddenly interrupted him, her pretty face turning serious, "Could I... formally hire you as my sword-fighting instructor?"

Lin Tianlu almost spilled his wine, his face full of astonishment:

"Me, a sword-fighting instructor?"

"If Senior dislikes that, even if it's not sword fighting, it's fine. A private tutor, a gardening teacher, or even a needlework instructor would do!" Hua Shuya straightened her posture and said with utmost solemnity, "As long as Senior can stay here and allow me to follow you, I will fully cover the cost of your tuition fees as a teacher!"

Lin Tianlu was stunned for a long time.

Looking at the faint glint in the young lady's eyes, his heart stirred.

This girl...

She's quite thoughtful.

With that thought, Lin Tianlu suddenly laughed, "If you don't mind, I can certainly be a tutor. But I must politely decline sword fighting and gardening; I fear I would embarrass myself frequently in front of Miss Hua. As for the Four Books and Five Classics, I might be able to offer some guidance...

...And as for needlework, I'm completely clueless. Miss Hua, please don't tease me."

"S-sorry. I was just too excited and said some nonsense."

Hua Shuya's face flushed, and she lightly covered her lips with her hand, looking a bit shy and inexplicably cute and playful.

A sweet feeling bloomed in her heart, as she felt Senior was truly gentle and considerate, agreeing to so many impolite requests.

Thinking carefully, she made up her mind that from now on, she would ensure Senior had plenty to eat and drink every day, and lived without worry.

"Don't be so reserved. Let's eat some dishes while they're hot." Lin Tianlu said with a smile, picking up a piece of sweet and sour pork and putting it in his mouth.

"The flavors of the dishes in this restaurant are truly excellent!"

"Senior, please eat more."

Hua Shuya smiled faintly and took small, elegant bites.

After chewing for a moment, she seemed to feel his gaze and her pretty face blushed slightly, "S-Senior, is there something strange about me?"

"No, nothing." Lin Tianlu chuckled sheepishly, "It's just... Miss Hua, your figure seems to be a bit fuller than before today."

Hua Shuya instinctively covered her chest but didn't seem to mind, softly saying, "I was just binding my chest with a band before. Senior knows I've been practicing sword fighting for many years, a habit developed since childhood. It's inconvenient to move without the band."

Lin Tianlu suddenly understood.

He found it a bit amusing in his heart.

How many female experts who were skilled in martial arts also wore revealing clothing?

Upon reflection, he realized that the beautiful girls in anime and novels, wielding swords, spears, and halberds, flying through the air and tumbling around. Forget whether loose clothing could contain their voluptuous figures; it's likely their chests would hurt from the bouncing, forcing them to clutch their chests and be unable to fight further.

It's not like they have two steel bars.

Faint sounds of drinking games and laughter could be heard from within the restaurant.

"It's quite lively in this building." Lin Tianlu turned his head and leaned against the nearby railing.

The spiral corridor-like design of the restaurant allowed him to see the guests at the tables below at a glance. However, the thin gauze screens obscured the view, making it not entirely clear, but also preventing the guests in the VIP rooms from disturbing each other and causing trouble.

Hua Shuya frowned slightly and whispered, "Senior, would you like me to ask the restaurant to change to a quieter room?"

"There's no need for that. Experiencing the various aspects of life is also a kind of enjoyment."

"As expected of the renowned Master Lin! Truly cultured and refined!"

A hearty laugh drew Lin Tianlu's gaze back. He saw a middle-aged man in a silk robe push open the door with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting. "Mister Lin, I am the shopkeeper of this Tianhai Tower, Meng Dai."

"Shopkeeper Meng, what brings you here so suddenly?"

Lin Tianlu rose and bowed.

Meng Dai chuckled heartily, "I heard from the young servant downstairs, and I didn't expect Mister Lin to truly come to our Tianhai Tower. As the shopkeeper, I naturally had to come and greet you properly. I just didn't anticipate... that Mister Lin would be accompanied by such a beauty. With such an elegant atmosphere, I feel a bit rude and uncouth."

After noticing the young lady at the other end of the dining table, he quickly bowed and apologized.

"You don't need to mind, Shopkeeper," Hua Shuya said softly, gently putting down her chopsticks.

"Thank you for your understanding, Young Lady."

Meng Dai didn't look up to see her face clearly, quickly shifting his gaze back to Lin Tianlu.

"Mister Lin, if there is anything you need, please feel free to instruct the servants downstairs. Our Tianhai Tower will satisfy all your requests."

"Shopkeeper Meng, I do have a small request right now."

Meng Dai asked curiously, "Mister Lin, please tell me."

"I heard that Steward Cheng from the county is dining with friends at Tianhai Tower. Could you possibly introduce us?" Lin Tianlu chuckled lightly. "I have something I wish to discuss with him."

"Steward Cheng?" Meng Dai's expression flickered slightly, but he soon chuckled, "This is fate arriving just in time. I didn't expect Mister Lin to have the same intention."

"You too?"

Lin Tianlu looked surprised.

As soon as he spoke, the pearl curtain at the hall entrance was quietly lifted, and an elegant, pretty figure strode in with light steps.

This woman was dressed in a simple, elegant light green gauze dress. Her skin was like jade, her figure shapely and graceful. Her willow-like brows and bright eyes seemed to hold a gentle tenderness, and her features were delicate and beautiful.

Meng Dai smiled and spread his hands, introducing, "Mister Lin, this is the Cheng family's daughter, Miss Cheng Yishi. She has come specifically to find you this time."

The dignified young lady called Cheng Yishi gently pursed her lips and curtsied. "I have long heard of Mister Lin's great name. Meeting you today, you truly possess an extraordinary presence as the rumors say."

She tilted her head slightly to look at Lin Tianlu, who was about to cup his hands in greeting. Her watery eyes flickered, and she gave a subtle smile.

Crack!

With a faint crisp sound, Hua Shuya quickly retrieved the chopsticks she had carelessly broken. Seeing that no one in the hall had noticed, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.