When encountering someone buying books, most people would assume they are insane, but when an elder with golden eyes like him says so, his credibility increases significantly. Moreover, thinking about his debt of over ten million, this small sum was nothing at all; he might as well consider it a reward for the elder answering his questions.
"One hundred thousand, I think it's worth it just for your experience, Grandpa. Thanks."
Ren Yuanhao transferred 100,000 to the account provided by the other party via his phone, then got up and headed for the exit, showing no intention of taking the book.
"Young man, you're quite generous. Don't forget this book, pick one yourself."
After receiving the payment, the old man's face flushed, reminding Ren Yuanhao of the bars near the western desert and how his face would look after downing a fiery shot. Fengyun Novel Network.
"No need. Since you yourself cannot decipher its mysteries, a foolish and笨 person like me has even less hope. Besides, I always believe that with great power comes great responsibility. As long as I'm alive, my soul will not allow me to live a quiet, comfortable, and peaceful life. My soul would mock me."
The old man remained lying down in his usual lazy posture, showing no hint of guilt on his face. He merely said faintly, "Take the book and go. If we meet by chance, not taking the book is an insult to me."
"Alright, Grandpa, I'll take it."
Ren Yuanhao casually grabbed a copy of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, holding no illusions, and turned to walk towards the exit.
After walking about ten steps, he felt a faint golden aura emanate from behind him. The old man's voice seemed to come from miles away, "Kid, don't be discouraged. Beyond the five senses, there are also the sixth and seventh senses. Breaking through that realm and integrating the five vital energies is not impossible. Take it easy and good luck."
"Thanks, Grandpa."
After Ren Yuanhao finished speaking, his vision suddenly opened up. Streams of cars roared and thundered, the entire city vibrated with the noise of engines and burning tires, and the sky had indeed darkened in an instant.
"It's night?" Ren Yuanhao rubbed his eyes. It was clearly afternoon just moments ago. After a brief conversation, several hours had actually passed.
The more this was the case, the more astonished Ren Yuanhao became, even suspecting he might have dreamt a whole episode in the alley.
But as his hand loosened, an ancient-looking book suddenly fell to the ground.
The gazes of passersby immediately fell upon the cover of the book.
"Wow, Nine Yang Divine Skill!"
"He wants to get himself killed, this idiot."
"Probably escaped from some mental hospital. What a shame, he's so handsome, but his head is messed up. Heaven is truly fair."
Undeterred by the pedestrians' mockery, Ren Yuanhao picked up the ancient scripture with a blank expression. Just as he was about to board a taxi to head back to his lod hotel, someone suddenly patted him on the shoulder from behind.
"Brother Bao? What are you doing here? Why are so many people surrounding you?"
Ren Yuanhao turned his head sharply and found Zhao Yishu, his employer from that morning. She was wearing a pair of cool casual shorts, her face bare of makeup, and she wasn't wearing her sky-high heels. Her entire demeanor had transformed from a cold, queenly aura to that of a sporty queen.
Some of the onlookers, seeing this beautiful woman interacting so familiarly with Ren Yuanhao, began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Yo, this idiot has great luck with women. She calls him Brother Bao."
"Exactly. But it's no wonder, he's handsome, and young girls these days like that."
As they were jeering, Zhao Yishu suddenly turned her head, and her entire person instantly reverted to that of a cold queen, her eyes carrying the sharpness of a blade.
Such a stern gaze was more effective than the finest weapon in the world. The busybodies immediately scattered and ran away.
"Thank you," Ren Yuanhao smiled slightly.
"Why be polite with me? I should be thanking you. How about this, it's past seven now. If Brother Bao doesn't mind, I'll treat you to Haidilao?"
The mention of Haidilao made Ren Yuanhao's stomach rumble. However, he remembered that Mu Ziyue was still locked up in the room. Just as he was about to refuse, a tall figure suddenly loomed over him.
"Yishu? What are you doing here? What a coincidence!"
Ren Yunhao looked closely and saw a man even taller than himself, with an extraordinary demeanor, striking handsomeness, and impeccable taste in clothing. The brands of his attire were quite understated and subtle, but anyone with discerning eyes could tell that such an outfit would cost tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.
"Liu Yu?" Zhao Yishu did not seem overly excited. Although she smiled, it was merely out of courtesy.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Liu Yu suddenly turned to look at Ren Yuanhao, a flicker of hostility flashing across his face. However, he quickly and generously asked, "May I ask who this gentleman is?"
Ren Yuanhao did not answer. To ease the awkwardness, Zhao Yishu replied, "This is my friend."
"Since he's a friend and we've met by chance, why don't we go to Qingyu Pavilion and have their signature all-beef banquet? I heard the chef has changed, and their specialty has become something that diners describe as close to perfect."
"I think that's unnecessary. Brother Bao and I were planning to go to Haidilao. We'll catch up another time?"
Zhao Yishu had intended to politely refuse, but seeing the man beside her becoming somewhat impatient, she directly and decisively declined.
"Haidilao? How unrefined is that? Come on, I'll treat you, and bring your friend along."
The moment the words left his mouth, Liu Yu, realizing his faux pas, immediately extended his hand and slapped himself lightly. "Look at my mouth, Yishu. What I mean is, Haidilao is already packed, and it's so uncomfortable to squeeze in with those guys sweating profusely."
"What do you mean uncomfortable? That's called warmth. I like it."
Zhao Yishu's eyes gradually grew cold.
Liu Yu knew that continuing to talk would only lead to embarrassment. He glanced at Ren Yuanhao with a cold smile, then gave a perfunctory nod to Zhao Yishu and strode away.
"This Liu Yu, he's getting more and more annoying with his words. He's just a celebrity, what's so great about that?"
Zhao Yishu felt indignant, but as soon as she saw Ren Yuanhao, her mood immediately brightened.
"After all, he's a celebrity, it's normal for him to have some airs. And he seemed to look at you with quite some interest. By the way, after you get there, send me the address. I need to pick up my sister. She probably hasn't eaten yet. Is that okay?"
"Of course! We'll meet there then? Also, there's nothing going on between me and him!"
Ren Yuanhao smiled and nodded, then clutching the secret manual, boarded a bus and drove away.
The city's neon lights blinked like stars. Zhao Yishu checked the time. Meeting Ren Yuanhao's sister seemed like a very important matter, and she had to present her best self.
"Yes, this is it!"
Zhao Yishu, with a murderous intent, rushed towards her home.