Chapter 104: I Don

It seems doing business really has its nuances—take naming, for example. Qian Qian Dafu is too conservative a name, and his business isn't doing well. Just look at Zhang Wan Bao's father—he went straight for Zhang Zhang Yifu, one step to success.

Hearing their young master had arrived, the cooking speed soared, the ingredients were top-notch, and even the shopkeeper himself came over with a fawning smile to pour the wine.

"So, what's your real relationship with Xiao Xiao Cancan?"

Zhou Qing took just two bites, then couldn't help asking curiously.

After dismissing those around him, Zhang Wan Bao let out a long sigh.

"Arranged since infancy. Xiao Cancan's father—that's Master Xiao, the current governor of Lingyun Prefecture—when he first came here, it was thanks to my father's financial support that he stabilized his position…"

As Zhang Wan Bao spoke, both were stunned again.

That girl disguised as a boy was really the governor's only daughter?

Good thing Zhou Qing treated her to a meal—it counts as a good connection formed.

Zhang Wan Bao and Xiao Xiao Cancan grew up together, so close it was hard to act on feelings, and Xiao Xiao Cancan had no desire to marry Fatty Zhang.

She just wanted to see the outside world, meet people beyond it.

Yet this fatso adored Xiao Xiao Cancan deeply, boasting to everyone she was his fiancée.

Not to mention, both families tacitly accepted it.

In the end, Xiao Xiao Cancan fled by disguising herself as a boy—simple as that.

"I don't lack money. If I truly wanted women, countless would line up to be my cultivation partner. But I only like her—even if she hates me, I still love her!" Zhang Wan Bao said earnestly.

Zhou Qing and Yan Yan Xiaohu exchanged glances, both thinking "love-struck dog" in their minds.

No, that's not fair to describe someone who pursues love with such devotion.

For Zhang Wan Bao, this love was pure, untainted by any ulterior motive.

His inner world was, in fact, the most fulfilled.

"To you, brave warrior fighting for love!" they raised their cups.

Zhang Wan Bao's eyes lit up instantly, beaming with joy.

"Thank you for your blessings—cheers!"

The three clinked cups and drank, their bond deepening in that moment.

"You're both a bit older than me—I'll call you Brother Zhou and Brother Yan."

Zhang Wan Bao showed none of the arrogance or conceit typical of wealthy heirs—he seemed humble and courteous.

Both were happy to accept such a younger brother.

Yan Yan Xiaohu turned to Zhou Qing and said, "Brother Si, you've got a real knack with women—why not help Wan Bao?"

Zhang Wan Bao immediately turned to Zhou Qing, eyes full of hope.

Zhou Qing blinked, waving his hands: "Brother San, don't joke—I'm no good at this."

"Brother Zhou, you're so handsome, you must be adored by girls—please help me," Zhang Wan Bao rose quickly to toast him.

Zhou Qing felt awkward, clinked cups, then glanced at his build: "Have you ever thought about losing some weight?"

Zhang Wan Bao shook his head immediately: "Can't. It's genetic. I'm already slim for my family—you haven't seen my father, he's like a walking meatball. Besides, I've tried many times, nothing works. Even drinking cold water makes me gain two jin."

Zhang Wan Bao sighed heavily—clearly, he'd made many efforts to win Xiao Xiao Cancan.

Zhou Qing nodded, quickly comforting him: "Being a bit plump is fine—it looks soft. Many women actually prefer guys like you."

Zhang Wan Bao brightened again, unconsciously patting his belly.

"If all else fails, we resort to the final tactic: feign disinterest to make her crave you," Zhou Qing said after thinking.

Zhang Wan Bao hurriedly asked: "How do you mean—feign disinterest?"

Zhou Qing organized his thoughts: "Does she hate you? In daily interactions, does she look at you with genuine disgust or contempt?"

Zhang Wan Bao scratched his head, puzzled: "What kind of look counts as disgust or contempt?"

Zhou Qing: "..."

"Fine. Girls love jealousy. For feigning disinterest, you do this, then that, then finally this…"

Listening to Zhou Qing's plan, Yan Yan Xiaohu secretly admired him.

Their little brother had finally grown up—his grasp of human nature was flawless.

Zhang Wan Bao nodded eagerly, then hesitated: "Will this really work? What if I mess it up—we'll be done for good."

"Then what happens if you keep things as they are?" Zhou Qing countered.

Zhang Wan Bao fell silent, then after a brief pause, slammed his fist on the table: "Do it!"

Yan Yan Xiaohu suddenly remembered something: "By the way, since you know Xiao Xiao Cancan so well, do you know where her friend Su Sister Wanli lives?"

Zhang Wan Bao nodded—of course he did.

He knew every food she liked or hated better than anyone, memorized every detail.

"I'll take you there—maybe Xiao Cancan's there too!" Zhang Wan Bao said.

Yan Yan Xiaohu grinned.

Li Li Shitao, you slapped me and swindled me—this isn't over!

After eating, they headed straight for the western side of Lingyun Prefecture.

They arrived at a row of connected courtyards by afternoon.

A servant at late Foundation Establishment stage silently flew inside, then leapt out moments later.

"Young Master, Miss Xiao Cancan and Su Sister Wanli are both inside, along with several hidden guards."

Hearing Xiao Xiao Cancan was indeed there, Zhang Wan Bao beamed.

"Let me handle it!" Yan Yan Xiaohu stepped forward and knocked.

After a few knocks, a spiritual sense probed out, then quickly retracted.

"Hey, Peach, stop pretending—you've got visitors. Aren't you going to treat us properly?" Yan Yan Xiaohu called out.

After a pause, footsteps finally sounded.

The door opened, and Li Li Shitao looked at Yan Yan Xiaohu and smiled.

That smile was utterly enchanting.

"So you recognized me—why not just shout my name?" Li Li Shitao said.

Yan Xiaohu studied her carefully: "You've got a new life—I'm genuinely happy for you. But I need to know: how did you get this body? Who killed her husband and child? Otherwise, I'll regret not chasing you down in Qingmu City."

Hearing Yan Yan Xiaohu's words, Li Li Shitao was stunned—she'd assumed he'd come just to demand money.

But seeing his serious gaze, the joke she'd been about to make died on her lips.

"A bear demon did it. I buried them. This is her repayment—I swear it," Li Li Shitao said.

Yan Yan Xiaohu stared into her eyes—then the sternness vanished, replaced by a smile as he extended his hand.

"I don't hit women—but give me back my money!"

Li Li Shitao rolled her eyes: "Spent it. Consider it a wedding gift. Want to come in?"

Yan Yan Xiaohu shrugged—he knew the money was gone.

"Brother Si, Brother Wan Bao—you can come in!" Yan Yan Xiaohu called to Zhou Qing and Zhang Wan Bao behind him.

Both entered immediately.

There they saw Xiao Xiao Cancan, unmasked, pure and lovely.

"Fatty Zhang, you're so annoying—you found me again? Can't I have any privacy?"

Seeing Zhang Wan Bao enter, Xiao Xiao Cancan stormed over and kicked his backside repeatedly.

Zhang Wan Bao grinned foolishly, dodging—but his build made evasion impossible.

"I was just worried about you…"

"Cough—"

Zhou Qing cleared his throat subtly. Zhang Wan Bao instantly understood, froze in place, watching Xiao Xiao Cancan keep kicking him.

"Xiao Cancan, do you really hate me that much?" Zhang Wan Bao looked at her calmly.

Xiao Xiao Cancan crossed her arms: "Yes! You're unbearable—I wish you'd vanish right now."

"Fine. I'll vanish. I'll never bother you again. I wish you happiness!"

Zhang Wan Bao shouted suddenly, then turned and walked away without hesitation.

That sudden outburst left Xiao Xiao Cancan stunned.

You've never acted like this before—did you eat something weird today?

Watching his retreating back, she huffed, turned, and sat down pouting.

Seeing Xiao Xiao Cancan's expression, Zhou Qing knew—she didn't hate Zhang Wan Bao at all. She was just too familiar with him, bored by his constant presence.

Give each other space—see who misses the other first.

Some things are only appreciated once lost.

Wait—was my idea really that cruel?

"Stop pouting. Sit down. Let me introduce you again—Yan Yan Xiaohu, Zhou Qing—this is Xiao Xiao Cancan," Li Li Shitao said.

Both nodded slightly.

Xiao Xiao Cancan bowed slightly in greeting.

…………

The Wan Xiang Auction was still being prepared in full swing.

Zhang Wan Bao had quietly slipped back, crouching to sneak into his father's room, when a frail voice suddenly spoke behind him.

"Young Master, you're back?" A butler-like figure smiled upon seeing Zhang Wan Bao.

The sudden voice startled Zhang Wan Bao, but his face instantly lit up with a smile.

"Grandpa Fu, you're home today? I thought you'd be with my old man." Zhang Wan Bao turned around awkwardly and smiled.

Fu Kui, the old steward of the Zhang household, had long since reached Soul Transformation realm; his exact level was unknown, but even the lord of the mansion treated him with courtesy.

It seemed the Zhang family had once saved his life, and to repay that debt, he had stayed ever since.

Now, the Zhang household was his home, and he treated youngsters like Zhang Wan Bao as if they were his own grandsons.

At Zhang Wan Bao's question, Fu Kui replied: "The chairman sent me back to fetch something. Are you looking for your father? The auction house has been extremely busy lately—he won't be back for a few days."

"Oh, my dad's not here? Then never mind. I just haven't seen him in a while and suddenly missed him. Alright, Grandpa Fu, you go ahead—I'm off!"

After bowing, Zhang Wan Bao turned and left.

Fu Kui, however, stood frozen, even rubbed his ear, wondering if he'd misheard.

"What did that kid just say? Missed the chairman? Has the sun risen in the west? When your father wanted to see you, weren't you always chasing after Xiao Xiao Cancan—or on your way to her? How could you possibly miss him?"

Fu Kui muttered to himself, then shook his head with a wry smile.

He had watched this boy grow up—he had a feeling the brat wasn't up to anything good.

Far away, after watching Fu Kui depart, Zhang Wan Bao crept back, pulled out a token, dispelled the sealing array around his father's room, and began rummaging through it.

"Found it!" Soon, he pulled a marriage contract from a drawer.

It was written by the lord himself when the two families had arranged the match in infancy.

"Big Brother Zhou, I've gone all in this time—hope your plan works!"

After muttering to himself, Zhang Wan Bao carefully restored everything to its place and slipped away quietly.

"Knew that fat brat was up to something!" Fu Kui stepped out from the shadows, frowned, then vanished.

The next day, Xiao Xiao Cancan, staying at Li Li Shitao's home, yawned as she rose, washed up briefly, redressed as a man, and then heard a knock at the door.

"Who's here so early? Could it be Big Brother Zhou and Yan Da?" Xiao Xiao Cancan wondered.

After all, last night they had become thoroughly acquainted—Sister Wanli sister… no, Sister Tao, who had fully left her past behind, had cooked them a feast herself.

Because of gender differences, they had left after dark.

"Sister Tao, someone's knocking!" Xiao Xiao Cancan called out, but received no reply.

With no choice, she stepped out, crossed the front courtyard, and opened the gate.

Outside stood a servant whose face seemed familiar—she quickly remembered: wasn't this the man who always followed Zhang Wan Bao?

"Miss Xiao, my young master asked me to deliver this to you, and to tell you he will never bother you again!"

The servant bowed and offered a red square box.

Xiao Xiao Cancan frowned, wondering what trick the fat brat was up to now—until she opened it and saw the marriage contract inside, then froze.

"He's insane!" she muttered, yet for some reason, a sudden wave of panic surged in her chest.

"I take my leave!" The servant bowed and turned away.

He walked to an alley, paused briefly, then slipped inside.

Zhang Wan Bao had been waiting long enough.

"Quick, quick—" Zhang Wan Bao reached out anxiously.

The servant hurriedly pulled a memory stone from the bulge on his shoulder.

Zhang Wan Bao took it, infused it with spiritual power, and immediately a scene projected into the air.

It was precisely the moment Xiao Xiao Cancan had received the marriage contract.

"Look! Isn't she utterly stunned? And a little heartbroken?" Zhang Wan Bao beamed at the projected image.

The servant nodded eagerly: "You're absolutely right, Young Master, absolutely right."

"Looks like Big Brother Zhou's plan really works! I'll go tell him the good news right away!"

Saying this, Zhang Wan Bao grabbed the memory stone and rushed excitedly toward the Emerald Jade Pavilion.

"Welcome, sir, what would you like… What are you doing? Shopkeeper! Shopkeeper!"

The shopboy had barely greeted him when Zhang Wan Bao charged inside—terrified, he shouted for the shopkeeper.

Qian Qian Dafu rushed out from the back courtyard, about to speak—then his pupils shrank.

Was this… the young master of the Ten Thousand Images Auction House?

Why is he here?

He immediately waved the shopboy away and bowed with a smile: "My humble shop is honored by the presence of Young Master Zhang. My apologies for the lack of proper reception."

Zhang Wan Bao glanced around frantically: "Where's Big Brother Zhou?"

"Big Brother Zhou?" Qian Qian Dafu blinked.

Then he realized.

My goodness—Zhou Qing was already Zhang Wan Bao's big brother after only a few days in Lingyun City?

"Young Master Zhang, I'm truly sorry, but both of them have already left."

Zhang Wan Bao froze: "Left already? Where to? When will they return? Can you contact them? I really need to speak with them urgently!"

Qian Qian Dafu glanced at the sky.

It was already noon—how early was that?

He forced a smile: "Young Master Zhang may not know—they've been gathering herbs for Nascent Soul Pills lately, coming and going from dawn till dusk. They won't be back until nightfall, and I can't reach them. May I ask what you need them for?"

Qian Qian Dafu decided to probe first.

Zhang Wan Bao blinked: "Nascent Soul Pills?"

Qian Qian Dafu nodded: "Yes, Nascent Soul Pills."

"For such a trivial matter, my two big brothers are working so hard? Wu Shi Chuan! Wu Shi Chuan!" Zhang Wan Bao shouted outside.

The servant from earlier ran in.

Zhang Wan Bao asked: "Did Father's auction have any Nascent Soul Pills?"

Wu Shi Chuan blinked, then shook his head.

He didn't know—his duty was simply to protect the young master.

Seeing Wu Shi Chuan's denial, Zhang Wan Bao decided against making another trip: "Go back and bring me all the Nascent Soul Pills from the auction. Say I asked for them."

Wu Shi Chuan's face paled.

My young master, I don't have that kind of authority!

"What are you waiting for? Go! Oh, and find out who has the auction inventory—get me a copy too, in case my two big brothers need anything else!"

Zhang Wan Bao waved him off.

Wu Shi Chuan grimaced and turned to leave.

Qian Qian Dafu was utterly stunned by the fat boy's actions.

Is this what wealth looks like?

The three of them had scraped together money for days, running around tirelessly—yet to him, it was just one sentence.

But he quickly recovered and hurriedly said: "Young Master Zhang, if you don't mind my humble abode, please come inside and rest—I'll send someone to find them right away."

"Thank you, thank you!" Hearing this, Zhang Wan Bao beamed again, wiped sweat from his brow, and followed him in.

Only by evening did Wu Shi Chuan return.

With a pat of his storage bag, two vials appeared on the table.

"Young Master, there were eight Nascent Soul Pills in this auction. When I tried to take them in your name, Old Fu caught me—he only gave me two, saying you don't know the cost of rice and firewood," Wu Shi Chuan stammered.

Zhang Wan Bao stared, speechless.

"You—you can't even handle this?" Zhang Wan Bao stared at the two pills on the table, unsure if they'd be enough.

Wu Shi Chuan quickly pulled out a booklet: "Here's the auction inventory."

He bowed and hurried out.

Just as he reached the door, he saw Zhou Qing and Yan Yan Xiaohu returning.

Seeing Wu Shi Chuan, both froze, then instinctively peered inside.

"Big Brother Zhou! Big Brother Yan!"

Zhang Wan Bao leapt up at the sight of them, rushing over eagerly.

"Why are you here?" Yan Yan Xiaohu exclaimed.

Right—he'd mentioned this place once before, and the brat had remembered.

Zhou Qing smiled: "You're grinning like this—something good happened?"

Zhang Wan Bao nodded vigorously, hurriedly pouring tea for them—Qian Qian Dafu watched in awe.

Was this really the chairman's son?

So down-to-earth?

What had Zhou Qing and Yan Yan Xiaohu done to earn such warmth?

Qian Qian Dafu was deeply curious.

But then Zhang Wan Bao's next sentence made Qian Qian Dafu's legs go weak.

"Big Brother Zhou, I followed your advice—I stole two marriage contracts from my father last night, and this morning I personally returned them to Xiao Xiao Cancan. How's that?"

Zhang Wan Bao beamed with pride.

Zhou Qing, mid-sip, spat out his tea—Yan Yan Xiaohu froze in shock.

"Marriage contract? I never mentioned marriage contract! I didn't even know what that was!" Zhou Qing stood up quickly.

Zhang Wan Bao wiped the tea off his face: "You didn't say it, but I figured adding a stronger move to your plan would help. Look—this is how she looked when she got the contract this morning."

He projected the memory stone's image, beaming with pride.

Zhou Qing and Yan Yan Xiaohu both grimaced, then stepped aside, heads close together, whispering urgently.

"It's over—this has blown up. If the governor of Lingyun Mansion and the auction house's head find out we gave their son such a stupid idea, they'll never let us off."

"Tell me about it. I just told him to try it out and see how it went—I never expected him to burn his own bridges."

"It's too late to regret now. Let's head back to the sect while we still can."

"I agree. Let's pack up right now."

The two turned around, about to speak, when they saw Zhang Dabao holding two vials, his expression serious.

"Big brothers, I heard the shopkeeper say you're gathering herbs for the Nascent Soul Pill. That stuff's hard to refine—I've got two ready-made ones here. I'm giving them to you as thanks."

Looking at the vials he offered, the two froze again.

Yan Xiao's heart leapt—he snatched them up quickly, and as he opened one, a rich medicinal fragrance surged into his nose.

Immediately, a round, purple pill with natural patterns rolled into his palm.

"It's a Nascent Soul Pill—and it's top-tier quality!" Yan Xiao exclaimed.

Zhou Qing was also deeply stirred.

Zhang Wan Bao sighed: "The auction was preparing eight of these. I originally wanted to give them all to you big brothers, but my authority only lets me take two. If it's not enough, I'll go back tonight and…"

"More than enough—plenty!" Yan Xiao hurriedly said.

Oh my ancestors, this is already an unexpected windfall—please, don't cause any more trouble!

(End of Chapter)