Chapter 112: Second Aunt, how will you beg me? (Seeking subscriptions)

"Ying~"

As Ning Mu's highly humiliating words landed, Tong Yuyue's face instantly turned beet red.

Her pair of phoenix eyes were filled with an intense, extreme shyness and panic.

She could barely stand, her whole body feeling as if it were placed on a hot pan, or as if thousands of ants were crawling over her.

Especially.

When she felt Ning Mu's hand, which seemed to be filled with magic.

Resting upon her curves.

Accompanied by his rhythmic, light caresses and slow pats, a strong, strange sensation surged into her heart.

That burning heat seemed to strike directly at her soul, washing over her clean and pure spirit.

Ripples spread out in circles.

In this boisterous casino, it spread and raged! Her waist was like a string.

Her buttocks were like drums.

Plucked and beaten, in his hands, they performed a piece of exquisite music.

Even a slightly stronger force would make her let out muffled groans one after another.

She lowered her head and brows, bent her waist to lean in, half-resting on Ning Mu's shoulder, on the verge of tears, her phoenix eyes full of weakness and pleading, as she whispered, "Xiao Mu~ I beg you, don't do this!"

That sentence was like it possessed a powerful magic.

Making her legs lose the ability to support her.

If not for the railing on this second floor.

And Ning Mu's support.

She feared she would have already collapsed onto the ground like mud.

"How are you going to beg me?"

Ning Mu lowered his head, forcibly lifted Tong Yuyue's chin, and teased her in a low voice with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Mm~ what do you want me to do?"

Tong Yuyue's eyes were sorrowful and soft, a trace of timidity lingering, as she spoke in a voice as low as a mosquito's, sounding like a plea mixed with sobs.

If not for Ning Mu's currently formidable Cultivation Points and astonishing hearing.

He likely wouldn't have been able to hear this soft and vulnerable voice at all in this noisy casino.

Her soft gaze stole a glance at Ning Mu, then, due to shyness, she lowered her eyes again, her face red as blood, as brilliant and striking as an azalea.

"Then you kiss me."

"I have a gift for you."

Ning Mu smirked.

"Mm~ h-here?"

Tong Yuyue was instantly shocked, looking around in panic and confusion; although there were few people on this second floor, and only casino staff were allowed up.

But among the dozens or hundreds of gamblers downstairs, if any one of them just happened to look up, they could see the movement here.

To make her take the initiative to kiss Ning Mu in front of so many people.

She still couldn't let go of her inhibitions in her heart.

At this moment, she didn't feel resistance because Ning Mu asked her to kiss him, but only because she couldn't save face in front of people, and was worried about being recognized and having it spread.

Sometimes.

So-called bottom lines are completely different in different environments.

"Of course."

Ning Mu nodded indisputably.

"Mm~"

Tong Yuyue was instantly in a bind.

Seeing that Ning Mu had no room for negotiation, she nervously looked around, and after confirming no one was paying attention, she stood on her tiptoes amidst the noisy atmosphere, pursed her thin lips slightly, and then quickly touched Ning Mu's face like a dragonfly skimming the water before pulling away.

"O-okay, is that enough?"

Tong Yuyue blushed, her eyes filled with shyness and helplessness.

From childhood to now, she had never had such intimate contact with any man! Although she married into Cangjian Villa as a concubine.

Yet for so many years, the number of times she had seen her husband could be counted on one hand, let alone sharing intimacy with him!

And right now.

She was standing on tiptoes to offer a kiss in this fish-and-dragon-mixed place, the casino, in front of dozens or hundreds of gamblers, and even old acquaintances from the Tong Family Stronghold.

This was her first time ever doing something like this with a man!

This action was almost all the courage she could muster! If she delayed any longer, she was truly afraid she would make a fool of herself on the spot and be completely disgraced.

After all.

This boy Ning Mu's hands were like they were enchanted.

Making her unable to restrain herself.

So she had secretly made up her mind that no matter how Ning Mu provoked her later, she would not agree to his actions again! She had to resist!

And just as she was thinking this.

Suddenly.

That warm palm that brought her such immense impulse actually moved away from her.

*Unh~* She let out a subconscious coquettish moan, a trace of loss flashing in her eyes, her round, watery face flushed with color, appearing somewhat unsatisfied.

Was he really that kind? He was letting her go just like that? Tong Yuyue looked up at Ning Mu in astonishment and disbelief.

But before she could speak.

Ning Mu flicked his hand, and with a wave, a deep blue object appeared, suddenly displayed before his own eyes.

"This is?"

Tong Yuyue's eyes brightened slightly as she stared at Ning Mu and asked curiously.

"Second Aunt, this is a neck ring I specially crafted for you. Do you like it?"

Ning Mu smiled and handed the Bihai Huoxin Ring to Tong Yuyue, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Bihai Huoxin Ring: Treasure. Crafted from the hide of a Deep Sea Star Mink Shark and forged by drawing upon Fluorescent Planet Light. Once worn, it can nourish the wearer's Cultivation Points, allowing their cultivation to improve slowly, especially with water-based techniques, which see more significant improvement. Additionally, after wearing this neck ring, it can cause the wearer's favor and loyalty toward the Host to increase day by day, eventually leading to undying devotion.

"Is it for me?"

Tong Yuyue was momentarily incredulous; although she was speaking to Ning Mu, her phoenix eyes were fixed tightly on the neck ring in Ning Mu's palm.

The entire piece was deep blue, with iridescent, butterfly-like patterns appearing and disappearing on the strap, emitting a dazzling yet not overly ostentatious luster. It was decorated with gold studs, and the connection at both ends featured a pure gold clasp, paired with a circular ring.

This circular ring seemed to be for connecting a leash.

Looking closely, there was also a gilded ornament decorating the front.

At first glance, if one ignored the color and luster it emitted and only considered its shape, this neck ring seemed no different from a collar used for keeping pets.

But its strength lay precisely in this color, luster, and the exquisiteness of its style.

This caused Tong Yuyue to instinctively ignore that point.

"Yes, this item is called the Bihai Huoxin Ring. It is made from the hide of a Deep Sea Star Mink Shark and forged using Fluorescent Planet Light. It is also somewhat helpful for cultivation. Do you need me to put it on for you, Second Aunt?"

Ning Mu nodded in agreement, undid the pure gold clasp, and signaled for Tong Yuyue to come closer.

Tong Yuyue looked at Ning Mu with hesitation.

Seeing his firm attitude, she hesitated for a moment before lowering her gaze, actively lifting her long hair, and turning around as instructed to reveal her fair, slender neck.

Especially upon hearing that it was also helpful for her cultivation, she had even less desire to refuse!

Her neck was flushed completely red.

And at the same time.

Downstairs.

Ceng Guangwu, who was in charge of the casino, was patrolling back and forth with his hands behind his back to prevent gamblers from breaking the rules or the staff from slacking off.

Ceng Guangwu was an old hand at Tong Family Stronghold and was now in his early fifties.

He had followed the father and son of the Tong Family back in the day, and now that the Tong Family Stronghold was gone, he remained by the side of the Tong Family members, now responsible for the business of this casino.

Being able to survive in the casino, Ceng Guangwu's martial skills naturally went without saying.

It was just that today, the Young Master said he wanted to give this casino away to Young Master Ning Mu, a Disciple of the legitimate wife of the Young Lady's husband, which made him feel somewhat worried.

After a round of patrolling, Ceng Guangwu prepared to return to his room to prepare the documents.

And he inadvertently looked up.

He happened to see that his own Young Lady was actually standing with her back to Young Master Ning, looking shy and charming with her head lowered.

And Young Master Ning seemed to be holding an object that looked like a necklace, putting it on the Young Lady.

Gasp.

Ceng Guangwu's eyes widened instantly.

Realizing the problem, he immediately withdrew his gaze.

But in his heart, it was already a turbulent sea!

Wasn't the Young Lady a concubine of Villa Master Ye of Cangjian Villa? How could she be so intimate with a Disciple of Villa Master Ye's legitimate wife? Could it be that the Young Lady had fallen in love with this Young Master Ning? Is that why she was giving him this entire casino? That must be it!

It should be that way.

The Young Lady must be feeling guilty toward Young Master Ning due to her status as a concubine of the Ye Family, which is why she was compensating him like this!

Ceng Guangwu let out a sigh of helplessness in his heart.

Then he pretended to have discovered nothing and continued his patrol.

——

After Ning Mu put the Bihai Huoxin Ring on Tong Yuyue, he lightly traced his index finger across her fair nape.

"Ying~"

Tong Yuyue shuddered, and she became visibly even more flushed.

"It looks very good. Especially paired with this outfit of yours, it's a perfect match!"

Ning Mu laughed, gave a thumbs up, and made no effort to hide his appreciative and greedy gaze.

"Mm~ really?"

Tong Yuyue's eyes couldn't help but brighten slightly. For some reason, after putting on this neck ring, she felt that her feelings for Ning Mu had become even closer.

And upon hearing Ning Mu's praise, a sense of surprise instinctively welled up in her heart.

She looked at Ning Mu with expectant eyes, as if she were a cat longing for its master's praise.

"Of course it's true. If you don't believe me, Second Aunt, go back and take a look; I guarantee you'll look as beautiful as a celestial being. This thing cleans itself automatically, so you don't need to take it off to wash it; just wear it often and let me see it more." Ning Mu laughed and reached out to lightly stroke Tong Yuyue's beautiful, delicate face.

"Okay~"

Tong Yuyue's beautiful eyes were shy as she nodded gently in agreement.

But soon.

Tong Yuyue discovered something was wrong.

As her body swayed slightly, she discovered that inside the pendant ornament of the neck ring on her neck, there seemed to be a tiny bell.

It would emit a series of light clinking sounds as she moved.

But the sound was very soft, almost inaudible, and only she could hear it, or perhaps someone very close to her could faintly hear it.

The bell sound was crisp and pleasant, ethereal and clear.

"Mmm~"

Her cheeks turned red instantly.

At this moment, she finally realized.

This so-called Bihai Huoxin Ring, worn on her own body.

Wasn't it just like what Ning Mu put on his pets! "Alright, as for the rest, I'll trouble Second Aunt to handle it for me; I won't disturb you any further."

Ning Mu was satisfied.

Today's harvest was not bad.

Not only had he brought Jinyun Gambling House under the banner of Yichun Courtyard, but he had also teased and played with the proprietress of Jinyun Gambling House to this state.

He couldn't help but look forward to those two tasks from Liu Qingmei.

There was only a little over a day left until the deadline for Liu Qingmei's Task Two and Task Three.

How would she send over this charming, bone-deep, and infinitely alluring Second Aunt?

Slap! He left another palm print on Tong Yuyue's buttocks.

Ning Mu left Jinyun Gambling House, feeling satisfied.

Watching the back of that brat as he went downstairs triumphantly, Tong Yuyue came to her senses. She reached back to cover her slightly aching yet incomparably comfortable curves, her pair of beautiful phoenix eyes filled with deep resentment.

That brat.

And he called that not disturbing her? If he disturbed her any more, would he have stripped her bare in this place?

Tong Yuyue gritted her teeth.

Yet there was little hatred, only endless coquettish resentment and worry.

Yichun Courtyard.

Yingyue Terrace.

Jia-sized Courtyard.

This was a quiet little courtyard near the Qintang River.

In the courtyard, there was an artificial hot spring pool, with dense large trees on both sides, and a small three-story pavilion stood not far from the hot spring pool.

Under the service of Xia Chan, he shed his clothes.

Ning Mu walked barefoot into the hot spring pool, enjoying himself in a relaxed and leisurely manner.

Before long.

Xia Chan approached with light, gentle steps, leaned over by the pool, and while massaging Ning Mu's shoulders and neck, she requested, "Young Master, Jin Xiangyu is here."

"Mm, let her in."

Ning Mu didn't even lift his eyelids.

Xia Chan hesitated as she glanced at the Young Master's sturdy body in the hot spring pool.

Then, with shimmering eyes, she nodded and said, "Very well, Young Master."

This Jin Xiangyu was the head of the Jin Family in Yonghang.

Many years ago, the Jin Family's strength in Yonghang was still very formidable, with a solid foundation and hundreds of servants alone.

But good times did not last; seven years ago, Jin Xiangyu's father offended a martial arts giant.

Under the influence of this martial arts giant, those who had previously been on good terms with the Jin Family turned against them, and business rivals took the opportunity to launch a strike against the Jin Family.

This caused the Jin Family to plummet.

Her grandfather and father died one after another from anger.

Her mother, unable to bear the longing for her father, also passed away a few years ago.

The massive family business fell onto the shoulders of the girl, who was only nineteen at the time.

She took her young brother and struggled to hold on, finally managing to maintain the situation so the Jin Family would not completely wither away.

Now, seven years later, Jin Xiangyu had also leaped to become a mature female head of the house at twenty-six, yet she was still unmarried.

Under her management, the Jin Family abandoned other business ventures and specialized in the grain trade.

Fortunately, that martial arts giant seemed not to have taken the Jin Family to heart.

The current Jin Family was already one of the top grain merchants in this Yonghang City, second only to He Daqian.

This was only because she was a woman and had neglected her Cultivation Points due to being busy year-round.

If she were a man, or if her Cultivation Points had kept up.

I fear that even He Daqian and the Tan Family behind him would have to give way to her.

But the 'threat' of that martial arts giant was like a maggot on a tarsal bone, making her vigilant at every moment.

The person himself might not care, but that did not mean those who followed behind the giant did not care.

This threat was like a sword hanging from a beam; no one knew when it would fall and strike the Jin Family, which was now gradually improving, back down into the dust!

Therefore.

As she was about to hand over power and transfer the Jin Family to her younger brother, Jin Xiangyu desperately hoped that the Jin Family could climb a big tree.

A big tree powerful enough to make that martial arts giant wary, or even afraid!

If she could avenge her parents, that would be even more perfect! Afterward, she kept searching for this big tree.

But there had been no hope.

Liu Qingmei's disaster relief outside the city gave her hope.

A Grandmaster-level martial artist, and one with the two behemoths of Cangjian Villa and the Liu Family behind her, was undoubtedly the best choice!

And as it happened.

Ning Mu had also dug out some secrets from the pile of intelligence left behind by Ji Siniang, which he had learned from the mouth of Jin Yuanbao.

Jin Yuanbao is the younger brother of Jin Xiangyu, eighteen years old this year, the heir to the Jin Family, a younger brother whom Jin Xiangyu has supported in every way, yet who has never been able to make it onto the stage.

Starting three years ago, he has been a regular guest at Hua Man Ge.

Just as He Daqian was going against the grain, Ning Mu cast his gaze toward this pair of siblings from the Jin Family.

Perhaps, it is a decent substitute.

Before long.

Xia Chan was seen leading someone into the small courtyard's moon gate.

The woman behind her wore a long purple dress, her long hair pulled into a bun at the back of her head, with the remaining dark tresses draped over her shoulders and back like a waterfall; her figure was graceful and curvaceous, her egg-shaped face fair and delicate, full of mature charm.

"Young Master, the person has arrived."

Xia Chan reported, then stepped aside, yielding her position to the woman.

"Young Master Ning..."

Looking at Ning Mu, who was lying in the hot spring pool, eyes closed and resting in a carefree manner, Jin Xiangyu walked up close, her face flushing imperceptibly; after bowing in greeting, she kept her eyes on her nose and her nose on her heart.

A meeting scene.

How can Young Master Ning be so dissolute, not even wearing clothes.

Jin Xiangyu frowned, feeling a bit shy and annoyed in her heart.

But she still endured it, not showing it.

Splash~ The water rippled as Ning Mu lifted his arm, causing a large amount of water to splash everywhere.

Many droplets even leaped with his wave, rushing toward the hem of Jin Xiangyu's dress.

"Young Lady Jin, coming here this time, have you agreed to cooperate?"

Ning Mu opened his eyes, looked at Jin Xiangyu, and sized her up with great interest.

They had already met once a few days ago.

But at that time, Jin Xiangyu had not yet relented.

"Mm... Young Master's prediction was correct; grain prices rose again today, and the government has already posted notices about providing work as relief and holding the Great Sage-Sacrifice Festival. Young Master's foresight makes this humble one admire you completely."

Jin Xiangyu nodded, her gaze flickering; she dared not look directly at Ning Mu, but instead looked at a small green blade of grass that had pushed through the soil and rock layer before her, speaking in a melodious voice.

"Then we shall still follow the price I gave; at the previous market price, both I and the government will purchase the grain in your granaries. If you are interested in sponsoring the various competitions at this Great Sage-Sacrifice Festival, I can also help you coordinate and mediate; I dare not promise first place, but the top three are guaranteed."

Ning Mu smiled and said to Jin Xiangyu.

"Young Master, this humble one has a presumptuous request!"

Jin Xiangyu hesitated, finally gathered her courage, looked directly at Ning Mu, and bowed slightly; although she stood on the bank, it still made her status appear low.

"Hm? Young Lady Jin, please speak."

Jin Xiangyu took a deep breath, then stared intently at Ning Mu and said: "This humble one has 300,000 jin of grain on hand, and can allocate at least another 150,000 jin. For these 450,000 jin of grain, I will not take a single cent, and as for how you, Young Master Ning, distribute it with the government, this humble one will not ask."

Giving 450,000 jin of grain in one breath.

Such a grand gesture, the conditions are definitely not simple; Ning Mu could not help but narrow his eyes slightly, then looked at Jin Xiangyu.

"State your requirements."

A flash of helplessness and hatred crossed Jin Xiangyu's eyes as she spoke again: "The Jin Family needs a capable backer. Young Master's teacher is a Grandmaster, and you have the assistance of the Ye and Liu families. This humble one requests to enter under your command, hoping that the Jin Family can receive the protection of your esteemed teacher."

"My Jin Family was originally just a merchant family, and we never coveted anything higher, but unfortunately, in past years, my grandfather and father were targeted by the martial arts tycoon Ji Boduan. This Ji Boduan is the Deputy Sect Master of the Tianying Sect in Mingde Town within Yonghang Prefecture, and he has countless sycophants. The Jin Family lacks the strength to contend with him, hence this request. I hope Young Master will mediate and grant this!"

(End of chapter)