readsfreenovel Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Although Liu Qingxu was complaining in his heart, he did not show it on his face, showing that he was a very cultured person.
"May I ask your surname, young lady?"
“Jingwen.”
Liu Qingxu silently pondered the name, wondering if there were any prominent families or rising stars with the surname Jing around here.
After racking my brains for a while, I still couldn't find any family with that surname in my mind.
Nalan Jing, knowing what she was thinking, said calmly, "I am not from here. I was just passing through this city and stopped to rest. I happened to catch a glimpse of Miss Liu's heroic figure and felt that I got along well with her. I would like to make her my friend."
Liu Qingxu chuckled dryly and awkwardly touched her nose. The other person's praise made her a little embarrassed.
It's nothing more than fighting with someone for a man in the street; what kind of heroic act is that?
"I am over-flattered."
Nalan Jingwen curled her lips into a smile, momentarily stunned by her dazzling smile. Liu Qingxu stared at her blankly, still wearing that silly smile on his face.
"Miss."
Hongyun's voice came from outside the door.
"come in."
The door opened, and a group of people filed in, carrying plates, and placed them on the table one by one. Liu Qingxu quickly wiped the somewhat smirk off his face, coughed twice in a pretentious manner, and put on a serious face.
Once all the dishes were served, Hongyun left and considerately closed the door behind her.
Nalan Jingwen glanced at them without showing any emotion, then turned his gaze back to Liu Qingxu opposite him.
"I've heard that the food at Ruofeng Pavilion is the best in the area. Would I have the honor of inviting Miss Liu to taste it?"
Liu Qingxu pretended to be very reserved and proper, but her eyes were practically popping out of her head. However, as a young lady of the Liu family, she had tasted all kinds of delicious food within her means, so she managed to hold back.
Her face was cold and stern as she looked at the casual and relaxed Nalan Jingwen.
“I cannot accept rewards without merit. I, Liu, am merely the daughter of a merchant and do not understand such intricacies. I wonder what you wish to do, Miss Jing? Please explain.”
Nalan Jingwen remained as casual as ever, seemingly unmoved by her words.
"I simply want to make friends with Miss Liu."
Liu Qingxu stared at her, as if trying to find a trace of lying on her face, but she was wrong. Nalan Jingwen had always been like that, with that indifferent expression.
Nalan Jingwen placed a piece of fish into her bowl.
"Taste it."
Liu Qingxu lowered his eyes to look at the tender white fish in the bowl, without touching his chopsticks.
Born into a merchant family, she was naturally not as ignorant of the intricacies of the business as she claimed; on the contrary, as the world says, "no merchant is without guile."
From a young age, her mother taught her that she would not do anything without a profit. Similarly, she believed that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, and that everything has a purpose. She has always firmly believed and kept this in mind.
You have to pay a price for everything you gain.
So the woman in front of me, though she said she just wanted to befriend me, relied on her family background the most. She was the daughter of the second richest man in the city.
If she didn't have this identity, who would befriend her?
What she couldn't understand was that she wasn't the richest person in the city, and there was the daughter of the richest man ahead of her, who had just been there. Why did this woman specifically approach her?
Normally, any normal person would choose the one ranked first.
Nalan Jing noticed her silence but didn't interrupt her. He quietly ate his meal, which was just ordinary and didn't deserve such a great reputation.
She knew Liu Qingxu was cautious and suspicious, but Liu Qingxu was indeed overthinking things. She had ulterior motives for wanting to befriend her, and she chose her because she suited her taste. A person's character is often revealed in their actions, and perhaps even she herself did not realize it.
I chose her because she was of good character, unlike the other two. One was a villain, and the other was too pretentious, valuing reputation too much and having impure intentions.
Nalan Jingwen was extremely confident in her judgment, but she was not a god. In the end, she could only see the general outline and know what kind of person the other was. She could not accurately guess people's ambition and endless desires, otherwise she would truly be a god.
Humans are extremely complex beings. When driven to the brink, they can do things that no one can imagine. The abyss of desire is endless, and evil and greed arise from it.
That's human nature; otherwise, she wouldn't have died, been betrayed by those around her, and ended up in this place.
However, it is normal for Liu Qingxu to be wary. If it were him, he would also be wary if someone wanted to befriend him for no reason.
"Miss Liu, if you don't eat soon, the food will get cold."
She called out, and Liu Qingxu instantly snapped back to reality.
“Miss Liu, there is no need to be too anxious. When I said I wanted to befriend you, I meant it sincerely. If you are unwilling, I will not force you.”
Although Liu Qingxu still had doubts, it wouldn't be good to refuse now that they had already put it that way.
"Not at all, not at all. It is my honor to befriend Miss Jing."
As she spoke, she picked up her chopsticks and began to pick up food, also putting some in Nalan Jingwen's bowl, and ate with great relish.
Over the course of the meal, they became somewhat acquainted, chatting about trivial matters and enjoying themselves. As long as their own interests weren't involved, the meal was genuine.
After finishing his meal, as dusk approached, Liu Qingxu glanced at the weather outside.
"Miss Liu, would you like to go for a walk together to digest your food? Our city is much more lively than other places."
Nalan Jingwen smiled and nodded.
"It's disrespectful."
Liu Qingxu smiled; she was pretty and had a unique charm.
He slung his arm around Nalan Jingwen's shoulder and said boldly, "Come on, come on, I'll take you to the most bustling place in the city. All your expenses tonight will be paid by me, Liu Qingxu."
Nalan Jingwen glanced at the hand on his shoulder, then looked away without saying anything.
Liu Qingxu seemed to realize something and awkwardly withdrew her hand. Just now, she had gotten close to Nalan Jing and smelled her faint yet alluring fragrance. In a moment of impulse, she had placed her hand on her, and she was still savoring the memory.
"Miss Jing, would you like to change your clothes?"
Her clothes were loose and baggy, revealing glimpses of her fair skin and delicate collarbones, making her incredibly alluring. Liu Qingxu subconsciously swallowed and awkwardly looked away.
It's fine if I see it myself, but if someone sees it outside...
She frowned. No way!
Nalan Jingwen wasn't particular about clothing; the garment covered everything that needed to be covered. Besides, the women here didn't care much about their attire, and even if there were women with bare shoulders on the street, not many people would look.
"No need, let's go, don't waste your time."
Just as Liu Qingxu was about to say it wouldn't delay, she saw her push open the door and step out. Hongyun, who was guarding outside, immediately bowed when she saw her come out.
"Miss."
Nalan Jingwen stopped in his tracks as soon as he stepped out the door, ignoring Hongyun beside him. His face was cold, and his dark eyes were unfathomable.
She stared intently at the man kneeling outside the door, without uttering a word.
Liu Qingxu hurriedly came out, "Oh, Miss Jing, I have plenty of time, you don't need to..."
The words he was about to say were abruptly cut off in his throat.