"Brother Wan…"
Lu Xiaodie, still in a white martial arts uniform with her black hair tied up in a ponytail that swung behind her, her heroic features drawing admiring glances wherever she went. She was the type of beauty who grew on you, and coupled with the captivating figure she maintained through her training, she quickly ascended to the second floor, approaching Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang. She clapped them both on the shoulders, laughing, "Why didn't you let me know you were coming so I could entertain you?"
Seeing Lu Xiaodie's boisterous demeanor, Wan Yunting chuckled, "We heard you were busy at the martial arts hall, so we didn't want to disturb you. We'd only just started drinking."
"Look at you, acting so formal."
Lu Xiaodie slapped his shoulder firmly. Then, looking at the people gathered around the table, she realized that apart from Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao, she didn't know anyone else. Wan Yunting obligingly introduced everyone to her. Upon learning that his painting was a gift to the owner of this small tavern, Fan Liren exclaimed, "So that's where that calligraphy of Xiao Wan went!"
"Yes, old sir."
Lu Xiaodie had already moved a chair and sat down between Wan Yunting and Fan Liren. Speaking of the calligraphy he had gifted her the previous night, she said excitedly, "Brother Wan, you have no idea. This morning, after I sobered up, I looked at your calligraphy again and realized the sword intent contained within your strokes seemed to be a sword technique. I practiced a few moves and was just thinking, when you have time, could you check if I'm doing it right?"
Wan Yunting first downed a bowl of wine with her. Hearing that she could glean his sword intent from it, he laughed, "Sister Lu, it seems my calligraphy truly became your opportunity to break through to the Martial Dao's Danjin realm!"
"Is that so?"
Lu Xiaodie, excited, asked, "Are you free tomorrow? Come to my martial arts hall, and perhaps give me some pointers?"
Qi Miaomiao chimed in, "Sister Lu, we're returning to Hua Du City tomorrow."
"Ah, leaving tomorrow?"
Lu Xiaodie's eyes widened as she looked at Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang, "Can't you stay a few more days and enjoy yourselves here before you go back?"
Wan Yunting waved his hand and chuckled, "I left last month and was at Wuliang Mountain. I only arrived in Shao Xing City recently. All in all, I've been away from home for over twenty days. If I don't return soon, the hospital will have to fire me. So, I must go back tomorrow."
"Alright."
Hearing this, Lu Xiaodie sighed, then smiled again, "But it's alright. I can accompany you to Hua Du City. I've never been there before."
This statement caused Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao to pause. Lu Xiaodie explained with a smile, "Don't misunderstand, Sister Luotang. I have business in Hua Du City as well. This small tavern I have is a chain brand. I've already opened more than ten in our local area. I'll use this opportunity to explore the market in Hua Du City. If the market is suitable, I'll open a small tavern there."
"So that's how it is."
Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang nodded in understanding and smiled, "Alright, then you can travel with us tomorrow. After all, as the owner, you have freedom and are unrestrained."
"Haha, drink up…"
Lu Xiaodie raised her wine bowl. With her lively and hearty personality, after a bowl of wine, she blended seamlessly into the literary gathering of Fan Liren and the others. She also learned that Elder Fan was a titan in the art and literary world. Lu Xiaodie even preposterously asked Elder Fan to critique her small tavern's decor, wondering if it needed any adjustments to incorporate artistic elements…
This utterly bewildered Elder Fan and Cao, along with the others. They were artists, and design was art, but they weren't artists themselves…
This meal didn't lead to everyone getting drunk. By 9:30 PM, as Elder Fan, Elder Cao, and Elder Wang were older and needed to rest early, after seeing everyone else off, Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao personally escorted Elder Fan home, without needing Fang Guowen and the others to accompany them.
Before leaving, they also confirmed the time with Lu Xiaodie to return to Hua Du City together, as they had already booked their flight for noon the next day.
A taxi slowly pulled over to the side of the road at the entrance to a historic residence. Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang alighted first, then helped Fan Liren out. Qi Miaomiao also followed, and they entered the dim alley together. Elder Fan's face was full of smiles, and he said, "Xiao Wan, we part ways tonight, and I don't know when we'll meet again."
Wan Yunting walked beside him, and the group ambled towards Elder Fan's home. "Elder Fan, when I have time in the future, I'll visit you in the capital."
"Don't go back on your word!" Elder Fan turned and pointed at him.
Wan Yunting smiled and affirmed. Then Elder Fan turned to Gu Luotang and smiled, "Girl, when do you plan to come to the capital to formally pay your respects as a disciple?" After all, as his final disciple, she would need to formally offer him tea.
Gu Luotang's beautiful eyes glanced at Wan Yunting. He understood and smiled, "Elder Fan, when Luotang is free, I will personally accompany her to visit you in the capital."
Elder Fan looked at them both and then smiled, nodding, "Alright, you can come to the capital together then. You've reached home, so you should quickly return to your hotel and get some rest."
Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao nodded as they escorted him to his doorstep, all smiling and saying, "Okay, Elder Fan, get some rest early. We'll talk on the phone later."
"Good, go on back."
Fan Liren, using his key to open the courtyard gate, turned back and waved to them before pushing the door open and entering.
Wan Yunting, Gu Luotang, and Qi Miaomiao bowed slightly to him. After seeing him enter, they turned and headed back towards the road.
Then, Fan Liren slightly opened the gate a crack and watched as Wan Yunting, with Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao, playfully walked along the road. Elder Fan smiled before closing the gate…
Wan Yunting, with Gu Luotang and the others, took a taxi back to the hotel. It was already past eleven o'clock at night.
Fang Guowen and Hu Tianchi had already returned and gone to sleep. So, at their room doors, Wan Yunting pulled Gu Luotang to a stop at his own door…
"Alright, I get it."
Seeing Wan Yunting's roguish expression and Gu Luotang's shy embarrassment, Qi Miaomiao knew what they were about to do. "Just try to keep the noise down, so you don't disturb my sleep."
"Hurry up and go inside."
Wan Yunting waved them away. Qi Miaomiao cast a lingering glance at the pair, pouted, and pushed open her door, closing it with a soft click.
Wan Yunting used his room key to open his door, pulled Gu Luotang inside, locked the door, and they embraced in a passionate kiss…
This was their last night in Shao Xing City. Once they returned to Hua Du City, it would be harder for them to sneak around, making their encounter somewhat intense…
The next morning at 7:30 AM, Gu Luotang, having woken up, whispered a word to the man beside her before sneaking out of the room, like a thief, and returning to the adjacent room…
Just as she closed her door, Fang Guowen's door opened, and he knocked on Wan Yunting's door, calling him to get up and get ready to catch their flight back to Hua Du City. Their boarding time was 10 AM, and they still had to travel to Hang Zhou Airport, which would take about an hour. Naturally, they had to hurry.
By the time Gu Luotang and Qi Miaomiao had packed their belongings and left their room, it was already 8:30 AM.
Wan Yunting had already packed his things. He had also notified Lu Xiaodie in advance and then took Gu Luotang, Qi Miaomiao, Fang Guowen, and Hu Tianchi downstairs to check out of the hotel…
Hu Tianchi was also going to Hua Du City for a few days, so he was returning with everyone.
After a simple breakfast at a breakfast shop next to the hotel, a seven-seater SUV slowly drove over. It was driven by an employee Lu Xiaodie had hired. As she stepped out, she immediately turned heads.
She was wearing a red coat with a white lace blouse underneath, paired with a green fishtail skirt. Her long, slender legs in black stockings were alluring, complemented by a pair of high heels…
Lu Xiaodie's long black hair cascaded freely over her shoulders. Her delicate ears sported exquisite earrings, and she carried a designer handbag. As soon as she got out of the car, she attracted the attention of many men inside the breakfast shop.
Even Wan Yunting's jaw dropped, forgetting to swallow his food, as he looked in disbelief at Lu Xiaodie. Her attire exuded a mature, elegant charm, yet was reminiscent of a professional businesswoman. Her powerful aura was a stark contrast to the spirited, chivalrous demeanor she had shown Wan Yunting the previous few days, making her seem like a different person.
"Wow, Sister Lu, your outfit completely changes your aura."
Qi Miaomiao, snapping out of her daze, widened her eyes in disbelief as she looked at Lu Xiaodie and exclaimed, "If people don't know, they'll think you're some domineering female CEO."
"Haha…"
Lu Xiaodie's facade broke in an instant as Qi Miaomiao's words made her burst into laughter. She couldn't quite shake off her hearty nature. However, seeing Wan Yunting stunned by her appearance filled her with joy and happiness. She said with a smile, "Miaomiao, I am indeed a businesswoman. Although my assets might not compare to those domineering female CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, I'm still a millionaire in my own right."
This statement made Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang laugh. They asked Lu Xiaodie if she had eaten breakfast. She said she hadn't, so she sat down and ordered a meal. After eating, everyone got into her car. Once their luggage was stowed and they were all seated, Lu Xiaodie, sitting in the passenger seat, commanded the company employee driving the car to head straight for Hang Zhou Airport…