Unfortunately, Bai Jun failed to grasp Qing Que's intent. Instead, he inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. "Come to think of it, this is strange. Why do I feel a chill down my back? It feels like Fu Xuan is nearby. How about we stop playing before she catches us?"
"No need. If there is something to say, say it to my face."
A light, pleasant young girl's voice carrying a trace of authority reached his ears. Bai Jun's ahoge instantly stood on end, trembling frantically like a radar.
Purple particles swirling around them suddenly rose, and an arcane formation whipped up a fierce gale in the still space. The wind was so biting that it instantly blew every paper strip off Bai Jun's face. Without the strips concealing her, Fu Xuan appeared squarely in his sight below.
"It seems I am not very welcome, Bai Jun. Considering that I have treated you well, could you perhaps tell me what you meant by 'a little scary'?" Fu Xuan crossed her arms, her soft, slender fingers tapping lightly against her shoulder. Her gloomy expression looked especially dangerous.
"May I refuse to answer?" Bai Jun quietly edged back a few steps and asked tentatively.
"You may. I do not have time to fuss over it with you right now."
The answer caught Bai Jun off guard. Before he could celebrate narrowly escaping disaster, a smile suddenly appeared on Fu Xuan's exquisite face. In a tone that brooked no refusal, she ordered, "Be at my office in the Divination Bureau at four this afternoon. Once I am free, the two of us will have a proper talk."
After saying that, Fu Xuan arrested the speechless Qing Que on the spot and forcibly dragged her away.
Watching Fu Xuan swagger off as though a bandit king carrying away a respectable woman, Bai Jun dearly wanted to shout, "Let go of my meal ticket!" But when he thought of having to face Fu Xuan's fury that afternoon, his surging momentum immediately withered.
His meal ticket had been kidnapped, and he had also given all his candy to Qing Que earlier. In other words, he did not even have a piece of candy left to eat.
Bai Jun suddenly felt a pain in his stomach. Rubbing his forehead, he lamented that he had truly lost both the wife and the soldiers this time.
"How tragic. Looks like I can only gnaw on steamed buns for the next week..."
"Oh my, has our distinguished benefactor fallen to such a pitiful state that he must chew bark and swallow needles? Hoo..." A teasing, flirtatious laugh rang out. A warm, soft body silently pressed against Bai Jun's back, then playfully blew on his completely unguarded ear.
"Wah!?" The scorching, soft sensation at his ear made Bai Jun's pupils widen instantly. His body shuddered violently on instinct as he panicked and covered his ticklish ear, retreating several steps. "Tingyun, why is it you again!"
"Listen to that, benefactor. Could it not simply be a chance encounter?" Tingyun smiled gently as she lightly waved her folding fan. Watching Bai Jun's flustered, bashful expression made her immensely happy.
Bai Jun did not believe her in the slightest. Without hesitation, he pointed behind Tingyun and shouted, "Foxkin win the championship again!"
The moment the words left his mouth, he ran toward the archway. But halfway there, two light cords shot out from behind him and bound his legs, forcefully stopping him in his tracks.
"That will not do, benefactor. The same trick cannot work on this little lady twice, you know?" Tingyun chuckled and shook her head. With this curiosa rope bought for five hundred thousand Credits, there was no way Bai Jun could break free no matter how he struggled.
"Gah! This is not okay! It is working hours, you cannot do this!"
Bai Jun fell to the ground and let out an embarrassing cry. He could only obediently allow the curiosa rope to slowly drag him backward until he finally landed in Tingyun's hands.
PS: Please recommend and vote~ Also, illustrations have been added to the ends of some earlier chapters. If you are interested, you can go back and refresh the chapters to take a look.
Eating My Food Means You're Mine
In the corner by a window of a family restaurant in Exalting Sanctum, Bai Jun and Tingyun sat at a table, each wearing a different expression.
Several freshly baked, soft loaves of bread rested in a basket on the table, giving off faint wisps of steam. On the plates were thick steaks, seared crisp on the outside and tender within, dripping with juices, accompanied by sweet corn and potatoes smothered in cream. A small bowl held a salad made from the freshest vegetables, and even the dressing carried a fresh citrus fragrance. Whether it was the freshness of the ingredients, the chef's skill, or even the presentation, everything showed the restaurant's care.
Looking at the table overflowing with sumptuous food, Bai Jun swallowed greedily, but he still refused to pick up his utensils.
"The dishes have all been served, benefactor. There is no need to stand on ceremony with this little lady. If you do not eat soon, they will grow cold," Tingyun said softly, assuming from Bai Jun's hesitation that the food did not suit his tastes.
"I would like to eat. Before that, could you please untie this first?"
At those words, Bai Jun's expression grew even more conflicted. Seemingly embarrassed to speak, he slowly raised his left hand. More precisely, he raised the rope tied around his left wrist. Its other end was tied to Tingyun's wrist, and as Bai Jun moved slightly, the little bell attached to it chimed softly.
"That will not do. The rope is there to keep benefactor from running away. As long as you do not run, it will not affect you at all." Tingyun gently shook the curiosa rope around her wrist as well. Feeling their close connection, a faint blush quietly appeared on her fair, delicate skin. Even she felt a little shy.
"Besides, does it not look rather nice? It suits benefactor very well."
"Like hell it does..." Bai Jun muttered dejectedly. Noticing the strange looks from the other diners, his shame was about to explode, so he could only tell a small lie. "Ahem, actually, I am left-handed. If you do not untie the rope, I cannot eat."
"So benefactor is left-handed?" Tingyun covered her mouth in mild surprise. Just as Bai Jun thought he had a chance, Tingyun's next move promptly exposed his well-intentioned lie.
"But that is fine. This little lady can feed benefactor instead. Come, open wide, ah~" Tingyun cut a piece from the tender, juicy steak and carefully brought it to Bai Jun's mouth on her fork.
Bai Jun's face froze on the spot. He had not expected Tingyun's offensive power to reach such heights. His thoughts raced as he searched for a way out, but unfortunately, he could not find any excuse to clear himself. Gritting his teeth, he accepted his fate and ate it.
"It is delicious. Thank you." Bai Jun chewed the steak in his mouth and quietly looked away, silently swearing that he would never again put himself in such an impossible position.
Tingyun stared blankly at the fork. She had never expected Bai Jun to truly accept being fed by her. Did that mean he had already acknowledged her in his heart?
At that thought, Tingyun tightened her grip on the fork. Her lowered face suddenly flushed crimson, and her exquisite fox tail quietly swayed behind her with her mood. In a shy voice, she murmured, "Benefactor really is different from before."
"Before?" Bai Jun blinked in confusion.
"Yes. I remember benefactor being very, very fierce back then."
Tingyun recalled scattered fragments of the past. When she had first met Bai Jun on the Yaoqing, he had seemed younger than he was now and had been about the same height as her. But he had been nothing like the lazy, gentle person he was now. Back then, his expression had been so cold that it could be called frightening.
If there was anything unchanged, it was probably his sharp tongue and soft heart. Of course, she was more accustomed to the current Bai Jun.
"Is that so? I cannot believe you still remember..." Bai Jun stuffed another piece of buttered bread into his mouth and vaguely avoided the subject.
"Of course. Come to think of it, benefactor did not only stay on the Yaoqing before, did you? Could you tell me about it in detail?" Tingyun fed Bai Jun another piece of steak, her expectant eyes brimming with intense curiosity. She had wanted to ask this for a long time.
"Uh, before coming to the Yaoqing, I lived on Zhuming for a while. My work was roughly that of an accompanying student. As for why I left... sorry, that is somewhat inconvenient to reveal..." Bai Jun did not eat the steak Tingyun offered. When the matter became specific, he hesitated and shook his head, his disappointment plain to see.
"It is all right. Everyone has secrets they do not wish to share. If it is inconvenient for benefactor to tell me, there is no need to force it." Tingyun promptly cut off the topic. Though she felt a little disappointed inside, she cared more about Bai Jun's feelings than her own.
The atmosphere between them briefly froze. Tingyun pressed her thin lips together and began regretting bringing up the subject.
She opened her mouth, trying to restart the conversation, but this time she could not think of anything appropriate to say.
Fortunately, Bai Jun soon composed himself, sighed as usual, and reopened the conversation for the embarrassed Tingyun. "Do not just focus on me. Hurry and eat too. If you could learn even half of Yukong's skill when it comes to eating speed, you would have long finished and left."
Tingyun burst out laughing, and her earlier nervousness immediately vanished. "Listen to benefactor. Everyone in the Tianbo Division carries themselves with heroic bearing. Lady Yukong in particular is not only an ace pilot, but also a warrior who has fought through mountains of blades and seas of fire. This little lady admires her deeply, but I am still far from her equal. Compared with that esteemed lady, I suppose I am only good at embellishing things and talking my way through matters."
"That is true." Bai Jun nodded and rapidly wiped out the food on the table.
"...Should benefactor not be saying something like, 'Miss Tingyun, do not belittle yourself. The future belongs to you,' at a time like this?" Tingyun's smile stiffened. By all reason, Bai Jun should have recognized her modesty.
"One of my favorite things in life is speaking the truth!" Bai Jun wiped his mouth clean, stood as usual, and offered his thanks. "All right, I am deeply grateful to Miss Tingyun for providing lunch. I will surely repay this kindness generously someday!"
As he spoke, he stood and prepared to leave.
"Eh! Wait, benefactor!"
Tingyun suddenly reached out and grabbed the corner of Bai Jun's clothes. Under his puzzled gaze, she pleaded, "The hot spring eggs at this restaurant are incredibly delicious. You simply must try them. Please leave after you have eaten them!"
Bai Jun considered it for several seconds, then obediently pulled out his chair and sat back down. He was only curious about how hot spring eggs tasted, not because he was craving food, okay?
After they chatted for a while longer, the waiter finally brought over the restaurant's signature hot spring eggs.
Bai Jun wanted to quickly peel them, eat them, and leave, but Tingyun seriously stopped him. "That is not how benefactor peels a hot spring egg," she declared, then demonstrated by slowly peeling the shell bit by bit with careful patience. Bai Jun thought she was being far too slow, but he could not bring himself to say anything.
Only when the waiter brought the bill did Tingyun finally finish peeling the two hot spring eggs and reach for the check.
The moment Bai Jun saw the bill in Tingyun's hand, a powerful sense of unease filled his heart.
"Benefactor's meal cost me 7,642 Interstellar Peace Credits. Considering our relationship, I will round it down and charge benefactor only 642 Credits. Cash or card?" Tingyun smiled sweetly and waved the bill in her hand. The Foxkin's shrewdness was displayed vividly through her.
Sure enough, bad premonitions always came true. Bai Jun's pockets were cleaner than his face. Forget 642 Credits, he could not even produce 42 Credits. His face darkened at once. He swiftly snatched the two hot spring eggs and stuffed them into his mouth, his bulging cheeks making him look like a squirrel from afar. But he had no time to care about that now. He turned and ran for the door.
Unfortunately, Bai Jun seemed to have forgotten about the curiosa rope linking his wrist to Tingyun's, so after only a few steps, he was yanked back again.
"Since benefactor has no money to repay the debt, use yourself as collateral instead!"
"Mmph—!"
Sure enough, this fox had harbored ill intentions from the very beginning!
He Was So Handsome
There was no such thing as a free lunch. This was basic advice everyone heard from childhood. Yet after hearing it for so many years without ever seeing such a thing, the sharp edges of the lesson gradually dulled with time, and it naturally faded from memory.
But what happened today successfully awakened Bai Jun's long-dead memories like raging waves. He had never imagined that, after so many years, something like this would actually land on his head again!
Sighing over the unpredictability of life, the thoroughly schemed-against Bai Jun helplessly sold himself to Tingyun at the exploitative rate of four hundred Credits an hour. She said she needed him to accompany her while she handled some matters, but she did not reveal where they were going or what they were doing, leaving Bai Jun rather uneasy.
They took a courier skiff to the Starcruiser Sea Hub, turned several corners through broad streets, and eventually entered a large market in the southern part of the hub. Ordinary people rarely came here to shop for daily necessities. It generally served as a source of procurement and wholesale market for various merchants below. Even on the Xianzhou, there were only a few markets of this scale, all controlled by the helmmasters of the Tianbo Division. This particular market happened to be under the control of Yukong, the helm mistress of the Luofu Tianbo Division.
When the two arrived at the market gate, several Cloud Cavalry soldiers were stationed there to maintain order. Their captain recognized Tingyun as a Tianbo Division envoy, so he allowed the pair through without further questioning.
Tingyun nodded slightly, then dragged Bai Jun straight into the market. Looking at the ceaseless stream of people within, including major Luofu merchants, compatriots from other Xianzhou Alliance ships, and Outworlders with all manner of strange appearances, Bai Jun rubbed the corner of his lips with his thumb, wondering why Tingyun had brought him here.
Noticing Bai Jun's puzzled gaze, Tingyun smiled and explained softly, "It is said that Qlipoth the Amber Lord is the oldest Aeon. Silent and steadfast, They build barriers around the galaxy in units of light-years. They never interfere in the conflicts and disputes between other forces across the galaxy, nor do They heed the ridicule and mockery of other Aeons. They maintain the balance of the universe, and the rise and fall of every civilization depends on Them."
"Their tireless actions inspired mortals. People gathered of their own accord and began imitating Them, building barriers to protect their planets. The most famous among them is the renowned Interstellar Peace Company. Guided by the Path, they are selfless supporters who devote everything to the Amber Lord."
"I heard that the Company has made another move recently, apparently to support the Lord of Preservation. The price of Sky-Jade Ore has nearly multiplied several times. Our Xianzhou happens to possess abundant mineral resources, including Sky-Jade Ore. The general and Lady Yukong have been discussing whether they can use the ore as leverage to renegotiate and clarify the terms between the Company and the Luofu, securing greater benefits."
"However, as bargaining chips, the Sky-Jade Ore held by the Artisanship Commission alone is far from enough. Most of the ore is concentrated in the hands of the major merchants in this market. They possess mining rights on many planets, so obtaining the ore in their hands is extremely important."
"So you brought me here to purchase ore?"
Bai Jun lazily followed behind Tingyun as she wandered about. After listening to her for a while, he shrugged helplessly.
Imitating Bai Jun, Tingyun gave an adorable shrug. "Yes. Who would have thought that such a troublesome task as purchasing ore would fall upon this little lady?"
"So you know it is troublesome. Then why bring me along? Splitting one person's misery into two does not change the nature of the misery in the slightest!"
"There is no helping it. Who told benefactor not to be more careful? But do not worry. Once this is over, I will treat benefactor to dinner tonight, all right?" Tingyun slowly unfolded her folding fan and revealed a meaningful smile.
"Guh... Do you think I would fall into the same pit twice!"
Hearing Bai Jun's quiet muttering, Tingyun unleashed her trump card. "Then tonight, I will take benefactor to eat your favorite yin-yang hotpot. Afterward, we can visit Meizhan Pavilion and pack up some newly released desserts. What do you think?"
"Deal." Bai Jun perked up and agreed without a moment's hesitation.
This was not surrendering to Tingyun's tyranny. He was merely enduring humiliation for the sake of a greater goal!
Come to think of it, the new cream dumplings from Meizhan Pavilion were supposed to be rather tasty.
Led by Tingyun through twists and turns, they soon entered the depths of the market. The goods sold in the inner market were generally more precious and rare than those outside, and naturally far more expensive. As a result, there were noticeably fewer customers able to shop here.
The roads were no longer crowded, and the surrounding buildings became increasingly extravagant. The two arrived before a classical courtyard and walked up straight, ascending steps until they stopped before a bronze gate guarded by two stone lions.
The attendant at the entrance was quite surprised to see them. He first contacted someone with his Jade Omen, then hurriedly invited Tingyun and Bai Jun inside.
While Tingyun spoke with the attendant, Bai Jun stood idly to one side. Looking at the lavish, imposing interior decor, he could not help clicking his tongue and lamenting the evils of capital.
The pair on the other side exchanged pleasantries for a long while without getting to the point. Just as Bai Jun, growing bored, prepared to move closer and listen to what they were discussing, a gentle laugh suddenly rang out from within the courtyard.
"Come, let me see which distinguished guests have arrived."
Rapid footsteps sounded, and a woman with a somewhat pale complexion hurried over gracefully. She greeted Tingyun, saying, "The famed Miss Tingyun, envoy of the Tianbo Division, has honored this humble place with your presence today. Your arrival has brought glory to my poor dwelling."
"You are too kind, Madam Shen Sha. This little lady has long heard of your great name. Meeting you today is truly an honor." Tingyun lightly pursed her lips and returned the greeting in an even tone.
The woman named Shen Sha looked entirely harmless. A piece of warm green jade hung from her slender waist. Her pretty, gentle face bore an unhealthy pallor, and her thin frame seemed as though a gust of wind could knock her over. Yet her smile was bright and mild. Coupled with her status and wealth, it was difficult to feel any dislike for her.
"And this gentleman beside Miss Tingyun is?"
Shen Sha's gaze shifted slightly. Upon seeing Bai Jun standing beside Tingyun, her eyes uncontrollably lingered blankly on his face for a moment.
She meant nothing by it. She simply thought he was rather handsome.
Noticing the unusual gaze, Bai Jun frowned slightly in displeasure. He gave Shen Sha a brief glance before withdrawing his eyes, then listlessly yawned.
Realizing how badly she had lost her composure, Shen Sha hurriedly shifted her gaze away from Bai Jun's face. Her eyes lowered slightly and caught sight of the thin rope tied around their wrists, and she immediately came to a realization.
Prominent figures in society often brought their spouses to important occasions, generally due to social etiquette and the need to display their status and image. However, Shen Sha felt Tingyun's intentions could not possibly be that shallow.
She had heard that in the ancient Xianzhou states, there had once been a saying: at the negotiating table, men often needed all sorts of negotiations and exchanges. When talks reached an impasse, one could use an outstanding woman to leave a favorable impression on the other party and facilitate the negotiations.
That strategy seemed to be called... a honey trap?
At that thought, Shen Sha secretly glanced again at the gentleman's cool, elegant features. Everything now seemed to make sense.
Hmph, but she was not such a shallow woman. A mere handsome man's scheme was hardly worth mentioning... just one more look.
He was so handsome.
"This is my close friend. Since he was free today, he decided on a whim to serve as this little lady's guard. I hope Madam Shen Sha will not take offense." Tingyun had also noticed Shen Sha staring directly at Bai Jun. Though her expression did not change much, her body quietly moved in front of Bai Jun, while her exquisite fox tail protectively wrapped around his arm as if declaring possession.
"With Miss Tingyun's status, even bringing an entire guard unit would not be excessive. Oh! Todd, you idiot, you born fool! Why are you still standing there? Hurry to the reception hall and make tea for our guests. Remember to bring out my treasured Shouyuan Maofeng!"
Shen Sha gave an awkward laugh, directing a slightly angry glare at the attendant standing foolishly beside them. After briefly scolding him, she regained her smile, stepped aside, and invited them in. "My apologies. It is terribly improper to make guests stand in the courtyard for so long. Please forgive my lack of hospitality. Miss Tingyun and Mister Guard, please take seats in the main hall."
As they entered the reception hall, the coolness around them felt like sinking into a pool of water. The light had been filtered, flowing into a comfortable honeyed hue. The floor of the enormous hall seemed to have been carved from a single boundless slab of moonstone. Even more astonishingly, the truss-like framework forming the ceiling was seamlessly embedded into the roof—as though metal veins had naturally grown from the mineral's texture.
The vast reception hall was so empty that the echoes of their shoes on the moonstone floor could be heard clearly. After crossing the spacious, resplendent hall, they stopped before an extravagant sofa in the center, with a complete tea set laid out before them.
"Please sit. I will make tea for you both." Shen Sha showed no airs at all. Once the two had taken their seats, she rose of her own accord and took over the attendant's task, skillfully brewing tea.
"I did not expect Madam Shen Sha, who gained mining rights to six planets at such a young age, to be so easygoing. If every major merchant possessed Madam Shen Sha's grace, I believe the Tianbo Division's workload would lessen considerably."
This was not merely Tingyun offering insincere flattery. In truth, even with her experience, she had rarely encountered such an immensely wealthy person.
"I only enjoy the glory left by my ancestors. It is hardly anything to call skill. In the past, I only indulged in the benefits my forebears left behind after blazing trails through hardship. But now that this enormous family business has fallen upon my shoulders, I have realized just how far I still have to go..." Shen Sha smiled bitterly and shook her head, handing the freshly brewed tea to the attendant beside her.
Before you continue