Remember to Treat Me to a Meal Another Day

"Brother Kong, after we finish eating, I'll take you to the library to see something."

Inside the private room, Shen Zhiyi spoke up.

Xiao Ye laughed:

"What is it?"

Shen Zhiyi shook his head:

"You'll see when you see it; it'll definitely be good."

As he spoke, Shen Zhiyi raised his wine glass and gestured to Xiao Ye:

"Come on, again."

Xiao Ye nodded and raised his glass as well.

Under the moonlight, the two drank together.

"Happy."

Shen Zhiyi placed the cup on the table, let out a soft exclamation, and looked at Xiao Ye with great excitement, saying:

"Brother Shen, it's truly a great blessing to have met you."

Xiao Ye nodded and smiled:

I feel the same way.

He wasn't just being polite; he was expressing a genuine feeling.

The two had also talked about other things during their previous meal.

Despite previous disagreements on reading, the two sides appear to be quite in agreement once that point is set aside.

If one had to find a word to describe the feeling when the two were talking, it would probably be "compatible".

Xiao Ye thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.

After that, the two chatted back and forth.

The more she drank, the more she seemed to drink. And this wine was no ordinary wine; judging from Shen Zhiyi's slightly flushed cheeks, she appeared to be somewhat unable to hold her liquor.

"It's getting late, we should head back now."

Xiao Ye spoke up at the opportune moment, stood up to gesture, and said:

"Let's go back to the library."

A short while later, the two reappeared in the library.

"Brother Kong, come with me."

Shen Zhiyi gave a shout and walked towards one of the many bookshelves.

Soon, it stopped on a relatively secluded bookshelf, a place that probably doesn't get many visitors on weekdays, and the books there seemed to have never been there before.

"It's still there."

Shen Zhiyi said something, then took out one of the scrolls and handed it to Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye looked down.

The scroll doesn't look particularly unique. The words "Miscellaneous Discussions" are engraved on its surface. Judging from the handwriting and style, it doesn't seem to have the air of a master; instead, it looks like it was written casually.

Brother Shen, what is this?

Xiao Ye didn't rush to open it, but looked at Shen Zhiyi.

This time, Shen Zhiyi didn't speak, but instead chose to transmit his voice.

"Brother Kong, have you ever learned about the origins of these libraries, and why they were established?"

Xiao Ye thought for a moment and said:

"Besides disseminating knowledge, is it also for this Miscellaneous Discussions?"

"Clever."

Shen Zhiyi:

"As far as I know, this Miscellaneous Discussions was written by the founder of the Myriad Laws Academy, the Myriad Laws Saint Emperor. Furthermore, there are some things in the Enlightenment Grounds within the Myriad Laws Academy that are related to this collection of Miscellaneous Discussions."

A strange light flashed in Xiao Ye's eyes as he glanced at the scroll in his hand and said:

"Since this Miscellaneous Discussions is related to the Myriad Laws Saint Emperor, why has it remained here without attracting much attention? Is it because few people know about it?"

"Certainly."

Shen Zhiyi nodded, as if he had thought of something, and reminded him:

"Brother Kong, I only told you this because I consider you a trustworthy friend. I hope you will keep this a secret for me, otherwise, there might be some trouble, since this is something I never usually discuss with outsiders."

Xiao Ye didn't rush to speak, but instead showed a thoughtful expression between his brows.

A moment later, his pupils twitched slightly, a hint of disbelief flashing across his face.

Then, he looked at Shen Zhiyi and said:

"Brother Shen's actions are so unrestrained; it truly surprises me."

After a pause, Xiao Ye said:

"Don't worry, I won't mention this to anyone else."

Shen Zhiyi looked at them, and their eyes met. After a moment, Shen Zhiyi suddenly said:

"You're a smart person, you should have already guessed what's going on, right?"

Xiao Ye smiled and simply said:

There are indeed speculations, but none of that matters.

"Why isn't it important?" Shen Zhiyi pressed.

Xiao Ye raised his hand, pointed to his heart, and shook his head, saying:

"Outward appearances are easy to change, but inner feelings are hard to alter. Our friendship stems from the heart and is based on wisdom, not external factors, so why bother with such things?"

Shen Zhiyi, looked at Xiao Ye, slightly lost in thought, and said:

"Is everything you're saying true?"

"What you're saying makes me a little uncertain. Are you doubting my guess, or are you doubting what I've said?"

Xiao Ye gently shook his head, paused briefly, and then said:

"Miss Shen, or rather, Senior Sister Shen."

Upon hearing this address, Shen Zhiyi was taken aback at first, then a smile appeared on her face:

"So you already knew."

Xiao Ye smiled:

"It's your concealment skills that were too poor; some details were still too obvious."

Shen Zhiyi shook his head, raised his hand and took out the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion Guest Token, saying:

"It's because of this sign, isn't it? It was indeed my carelessness; I got carried away and forgot about it."

Xiao Ye nodded:

"I don't know much about the things at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. I only know that among the younger generation, only the most outstanding individuals can obtain the Golden Guest Token, which is second only to the Purple-Gold Guest Token. But even that's not enough to confirm anything."

As he spoke, Xiao Ye waved the scroll in his hand and said:

"It's because of this secret; it's probably not something an ordinary person could know."

Shen Zhiyi nodded, looking at the book:

"Actually, the original intention was to make this matter public, but later, it was changed. It was left in the academy for future generations to discover on their own, which can be considered a matter of fate."

Xiao Ye smiled upon hearing this:

"So, it seems I've found my destiny through you."

Shen Zhiyi shook his head:

"Even without me, with your book-eating speed and your obsessive work ethic, you were bound to encounter it eventually. I merely sped things up a bit."

"Take a good look at this. Although time is limited and it may not be of much help to this Dharma Observation, it may be more beneficial to you at the next Law Contemplation Gathering. Of course, the premise is that you can understand this Miscellaneous Discussions."

"However, with your intelligence, this shouldn't be difficult."

Xiao Ye nodded and said:

"In any case, thank you very much, Brother Shen."

"It's nothing."

Shen Zhiyi waved his hand:

"Remember to treat me to dinner another day."

Xiao Ye nodded and smiled:

"Good."

"Today is truly a happy day."

With a soft voice, Shen Zhiyi Xiao Ye and said:

"They're gone."

He then walked out and left the library.

Xiao Ye watched Shen Zhiyi's departing figure and gently shook his head.

"I never expected to run into you in a bookstore like this."

After saying that, he looked down at the book in his hand and thought to himself.

The most outstanding student in the academy's history, known for his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart and ability to inherit the mantle of the Myriad Laws Saint Emperor, and simultaneously mentored by several prominent figures in the academy, was someone he unexpectedly encountered.

It would be a lie to say that he wasn't surprised or moved.

"Is this what people call an opportunity?"

He was certain the other party wasn't lying, but it seemed he'd have to stay here for the foreseeable future.

At that moment, Xiao Ye returned to the spot where he had been sitting.

Just as he was about to read the book, a figure suddenly sat down silently in the seat opposite him.