Hearing Mu Qing’s words, the worry on Fan Luoyu’s face grew heavier.
“I also don’t understand. Someone of his level, how could he be interested in such a small pill shop?” Mu Qing shook her head and said. “There must be something hidden behind this. That might be the breakthrough.”
“Lu Changan,” Xu Zimo whispered the name once, and then the corners of his mouth curved into a smile.
“Can you help me get in touch with him?” Fan Luoyu asked.
“Who?” Mu Qing said.
“Lu Changan.”
“I can’t. I can’t reach someone of that level,” Mu Qing shook her head.
“They already belong to the upper echelon of the Immortal Extinction Sacred Ground. Even my father wouldn’t dare offend him lightly.”
Seeing Fan Luoyu’s mood sinking lower, Mu Qing couldn’t help but say, “Don’t overthink it. If it doesn’t work out, just let it go. Getting tangled with a madman like that, your own safety is the most important, isn’t it?”
“How could I not know that?” Fan Luoyu gave a bitter smile. “But this was what my father left behind. It was his greatest wish before he died. No matter what, I have to try.”
After she finished, Fan Luoyu turned to Xu Zimo, asking with a trace of expectation, “Young Master Xu, do you have any solution?”
“Yes,” Xu Zimo nodded seriously. “Kill Lu Changan, and everything will be over.”
Fan Luoyu: “....”
Mu Qing: “....”
Fan Luoyu had still held some hope, but hearing Xu Zimo’s words, that hope vanished instantly.
Her family did have some influence, but it was limited.
Even if they invited their ancestor, it might not be enough to compete with the other side.
“I’ll go visit the three big suppliers tomorrow. I’ll take it step by step,” Fan Luoyu said. “But I will not give up so easily.”
Mu Qing nodded lightly, then suddenly pointed ahead. “Luoyu, look in front, someone’s releasing lanterns. Let’s release one too. Maybe the wish will come true.”
Fan Luoyu nodded slightly.
Xu Zimo looked up. In front of them stretched a clear river reflecting the moonlight.
The river flowed slowly, reflecting not only the moon but also the colorful fireworks in the night sky.
It was beautiful.
Floating on the water were countless lanterns of different colors, sizes, and shapes.
Looking out toward the far end, the whole river was filled with drifting lanterns.
It was as if each one carried a person’s wish, flowing toward the distant sea before being set free.
“The Seventh Night Festival’s lanterns are all for seeking marriages. Didn’t you already have a betrothal?” Xu Zimo thought of Wang Jun just now and laughed. “What meaning is there in releasing one?”
“Why should Wang Jun be my husband?” Mu Qing snorted coldly. “That was a childhood betrothal arranged by my father and his grandfather. It was between the adults, without my consent. As for my future husband, I don’t ask that he be outstanding, but he must at least be an upright man with ambition. Otherwise, I’d rather die than marry.”
“So that’s how it is,” Xu Zimo nodded slightly.
“And what about you?” Mu Qing turned to Xu Zimo.
“Are you engaged? Or what type of girl do you like?”
“No engagement,” Xu Zimo smiled. “And no particular type I like. After all, I’ve met too many women. Various daughters of imperial lineages threw themselves at me. Even many ancient races were eager for me to be their son-in-law. Life has become boring.”
Hearing this, Mu Qing sized Xu Zimo up and laughed. “You? Keep bragging.”
“You see, sometimes telling the truth still gets mistaken for boasting,” Xu Zimo shook his head helplessly.
“If you’re so amazing, then why don’t you help Luoyu with this trouble?” Mu Qing countered.
“I am helping her,” Xu Zimo said. “Otherwise I would’ve left this city long ago. Why would I still be here?”
“Luoyu, let’s ignore him,” Mu Qing still didn’t believe and snorted.
She pulled Fan Luoyu aside. “Let’s go buy a lantern.”
Fan Luoyu turned back and gave Xu Zimo an apologetic smile.
By the riverside, there were many stalls selling lanterns.
Xu Zimo also wanted to make a wish, though he had no interest in romance.
Aside from Lan Ke’er, few women could move his heart.
But to join in the fun, he still bought a lantern.
Instead of asking for love, he wished for his family and friends’ safety and long life.
Sometimes life is like a rootless drifting boat.
You don’t know where you’re headed, or where the end is.
But everyone keeps moving forward; no one stays in the past.
Once he went to the Outer Heavens, he would part with his parents. At that time, he might not see them for many years.
In this world, the people Xu Zimo truly cared for were only a few.
His lantern was star-shaped, a five-pointed star symbolizing hope.
It floated slowly on the water, joining the countless other lanterns, vanishing into the vast sea of wishes.
Mu Qing, Fan Luoyu, and the maid in blue seemed to take it more seriously.
After releasing their lanterns, they even closed their eyes and prayed sincerely on the bank.
That night, the southern part of the city was bustling.
After releasing lanterns, the group followed the main street of the south city, walking on.
“Let’s ride a flower boat,” Mu Qing suggested.
Fan Luoyu did not object.
They rented a medium-sized flower boat, decorated with lanterns and colorful ornaments, looking festive.
Sitting on the painted barge, they could circle the immortal city and enjoy the sights.
But none of them were in the mood to admire scenery.
Not long after boarding, a few figures emerged from the shadows.
Three in total, led by a middle-aged man in a splendid yellow robe.
“Miss,” the man greeted Mu Qing.
“Uncle Xu,” Mu Qing exclaimed in surprise. She then explained to Xu Zimo and the others, “Don’t be nervous, this is the steward of our City Lord’s Mansion.”
“Uncle Xu, why are you here?”
“The City Lord asked me to bring you back,” Steward Xu said with a smile.
“My father?” Mu Qing asked, puzzled. “What is it?”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Steward Xu pointed at Fan Luoyu. “There are some matters he wishes to discuss with this young lady.”
“Why avoid me for that?” Mu Qing frowned.
“It’s not about avoiding you, but he doesn’t want you involved,” Steward Xu explained.
“I won’t leave,” Mu Qing shook her head. “No matter what it is, I want to know.”
“The Master said if you won’t leave, then we’ll have to take you back by force,” Steward Xu looked at the two men beside him.
They stepped forward, blocking Mu Qing front and back.
“Miss, don’t make it hard for me.”
Mu Qing wanted to protest further, but Fan Luoyu stopped her.
“Qing’er, go back. I’ll be fine.”