Ningguang, who had intended to push further, suddenly heard the soldiers’ shouts. A sense of confusion washed over her. "What happened? Why such panic?"
"Something's wrong, Lady Ningguang! There are monsters, monsters flying towards the Jade Chamber!"
Monsters? What kind of monsters could cause such panic? Why did the air temperature feel like it had dropped? Was it an illusion?
"I understand. Activate the Jade Chamber's attack systems. I'd like to see who this 'sacred being' is!"
Thus, Lu Ze, still in bed, narrowly escaped. However, as time passed, the core in his chest rotated slightly, and the temperature gradually decreased. Honkai energy boiled within him, and soon, steam began to drift upwards.
Outside, a colossal dragon slowly flew towards them. Countless people rode on its back. As it was nighttime, the crowd below couldn't clearly discern what it was, leading to much speculation.
"Ningguang! Give my Lu Ze back, you wicked woman! You're taking so long to eat, it's almost midnight!"
Seele was displeased. She hadn't liked Ningguang much before, and even the fact that Ningguang had gifted her the house couldn't change her perception.
The colossal dragon landed on the platform, folding its wings slightly. Yet, it still stirred up a massive gale, knocking countless soldiers to the ground. They struggled to rise, but the immense pressure pinned them firmly to the floor.
"Are you trying to die, Ningguang! Although we've received your favors, that doesn't give you the right to kidnap my Lu Ze. I know your intentions, but you should at least respect him!"
Bronya's eyes turned cold. Her gun was already itching to be used. She raised it, aiming directly at Ningguang!
"Ah, is there some misunderstanding? Please lower your weapons, let's talk slowly. It's just about a person, you two, hurry and bring Mr. Lu Ze up."
Keqing, who seemed to have appeared from nowhere, stood between the two factions, attempting to mediate. However, the faint smile on her lips betrayed her true thoughts.
"Ningguang, Ningguang, I never expected you to be in this situation! Haste makes waste, don't you even understand this simple truth?"
But Keqing dared not voice her thoughts now. If a fight truly broke out, the civilians below would be the ones suffering. It would be a loss that outweighed any gain, completely unnecessary.
"This doesn't concern you. Get aside."
Just as Ningguang was about to say more, a man slowly walked out from behind. He spoke loudly, "Our Lady Ningguang is truly magnificent! Is this your plan? I can only say you've underestimated me far too much!"
Countless sheets of white paper drifted through the air. Each sheet bore a handprint and identical stipulations.
"You... When did you wake up? You shouldn't have!"
Ningguang collapsed to her knees. This not only ruined her plan for the night but could also tarnish her reputation irreparably. Furthermore... she might even end up in jail.
"When did I wake up? That's none of your business. I only know your plan for tonight has been ruined."
With a crisp snap of his fingers, the numerous sheets of paper on the floor ignited, turning into ash and drifting upwards. No one remembered what had happened here, nor what was written on those papers.
"Since you took care of me, I can refrain from mentioning tonight's events. However, our relationship ends here! I will fulfill what I promised and attend what was agreed upon. After this, we will have no further connection."
After these events, Lu Ze's favorability towards Ningguang had dropped to zero, or perhaps even negative. But it did align with her character. After all, from a barefoot maid to the current Tianquan Star, how could she maintain her position without certain methods, intelligence, and schemes? A merchant's mind always considered their own interests and the interests of others. In her eyes, anything could be a bargaining chip.
If someone else had received that white paper, they might have happily agreed. But this person was Lu Ze. Setting aside those around him, with his current disposition, he would never have signed it.
To put it another way, one sentence could summarize it.
Would you give up a forest for a single tree?
"Let's go. We're going home, back to sleep."
Seeing that the situation was resolved, the group hopped onto the dragon's back and soared away with a whoosh, returning to the shop in no time.
Meanwhile, on the Jade Chamber, Ningguang remained seated on the ground. She wouldn't be disheartened by this single event. She simply hadn't expected to fall by her own hand one day.
"What can I say about you? You often tell me I'm too impatient and that haste makes waste, but what about yourself? You were too hasty! And now what? You gained nothing. What did you get in return? Fend for yourself."
After speaking, Keqing turned and left. She still had a pile of documents to process. Working so hard every day, and then having someone of equal standing cause such trouble... Honestly... It's better to go find Ganyu! Hehe.
Upon returning to the shop, Bella reverted from her dragon form to human form. She yawned wearily and prepared to head upstairs to sleep, as it was already past 10 PM.
"Everyone, go to your rooms and sleep. No one is to speak of this incident, as we keep our word."
The group nodded and returned to their respective rooms. Lu Ze, feeling somewhat drained, opened his door and immediately collapsed onto the bed.
"Still a bit dizzy... I guess I shouldn't drink. When I drink, it causes trouble and might even ruin my health."
Although the Honkai energy had dispersed most of the alcohol, the after-effects were still present. His head felt a little dizzy, but thankfully, it wasn't too bad.
More importantly, that woman Ningguang actually drugged me? How to put it... Alas, I underestimated her. Truly ruthless to achieve her goals.
After a simple shower, he lay on the bed wrapped in a towel. The sound of the hairdryer filled the room. Only after his hair had dried did he feel at ease enough to rest his head on the pillow.
"So much happened in one night... Sigh... Time for a good sleep."
As time ticked by, a shadowy figure stealthily approached the door of his room. With a key, it was slowly unlocked. The figure tiptoed to the bedside.
"Hmph, I've secured the first position. No one can stop me."