Xie Jun watched, her eyes narrowing slightly.
The city lord, however, looked utterly bewildered.
When did I agree to that?
Xie Jun glanced his way with a friendly smile.
The city lord understood instantly. His heart bled, but he played along. "Young Hero Xiao, your refusal to bow for material gain is truly admirable. Since you're unwilling, I can hardly force you..."
I might not bow for a measly sack of rice, but ten thousand taels of gold? I could bend a little for that!
Xiao Qinghe coughed lightly. "The fifteenth is approaching. I'm afraid there won't be time to find another solution. If this plan can fool everyone, lure that demoness into our trap, and rid the people of a scourge, then it may be worth trying."
Xie Jun lowered her eyes and said softly, "Then I'm sorry to put you through this, Senior Brother."
Xiao Qinghe gave an awkward smile. "You're the one being put through this, Junior Disciple. Having to dress as a woman and do the last thing you want to do."
She had once been sold into a brothel in her youth. Dressing as a woman must be extremely painful for her.
Xiao Qinghe immediately felt a surge of tenderness toward her.
Seeing the sympathy in his eyes, Xie Jun slowly curled her lips into a smile.
Xiao Qinghe failed to notice. He merely felt as though he had forgotten something very important.
The city lord knew exactly what to do. With a grand wave of his hand, he ordered, "Servants, prepare dinner for our two guests."
The servants filed in, laid out a tableful of dishes, filled their wine cups, then swiftly withdrew, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.
The two stared at each other.
Xie Jun raised her hand with difficulty. Her fingers