Chapter 55: A Battle of Charms
The Ascension Immortal Restaurant lived up to its name. Its multi-tiered structure was adorned with pearls and jade, shimmering with a luxurious brilliance. Beaded curtains and gauzy drapes intertwined, creating the illusion of stepping into a celestial palace.
And it was the second tallest building in Changling County.
Unlike the Tianhai Restaurant, the Ascension Immortal Restaurant was located on the banks of the Ningguan River. It only opened its doors during festivals, offering guests a stunning view of the moonlit river scenery.
Tonight, the restaurant was bustling with activity, countless families from Changling County gathered for the Mid-Autumn Festival, feasting, drinking, and laughing.
But many of the guests were whispering amongst themselves.
“That woman is truly breathtaking. I wonder which family she belongs to?”
“Her aura is so noble and aloof. She must come from a wealthy and powerful family, beyond the reach of ordinary people.”
“But that silver hair…”
Many eyes lingered on the upper floors of the restaurant, hoping to catch another glimpse of the beautiful figure hidden within. But recalling the chilling aura she had exuded with a single glance, they shook their heads and sighed, lacking the courage to approach her.
…
Inside a private room on the top floor…
A solitary figure sat by the window, her gaze distant.
She was dressed in an elegant jade-green robe, her slender figure accentuated by the flowing fabric. Her face was flawless, her lips painted a vibrant red. Her snow-white hair was styled in a bun with a golden hairpin, a few strands adorned with crimson tassels. A silk shawl draped over her shoulders and wrapped around her waist, enhancing her graceful charm.
But a moment later, a bright smile appeared on her face, as radiant as a snow lotus. She stood up and hurried out of the room, her steps light and eager, as if she couldn’t wait any longer. She reached the top of the stairs.
“Mr…. Lin!”
Cheng Yishi smiled sweetly as she saw the three of them arriving. She curtsied gracefully. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Madam Mao returned the gesture, a gentle smile on her face. “Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Cheng. You’ve gone through so much trouble.”
Their eyes met, and despite the smiles on their faces, their gazes hardened.
‘That silver hair, that cold aura, it’s definitely Cheng Yishi!’
‘That seductive figure, those alluring curves, it’s definitely Mao Ruoyu!’
The initially warm atmosphere turned icy.
“…”
Neither of them spoke, their gazes clashing like swords. Neither wanted to be the first to look away, to show weakness.
Hua Shuya, who was about to greet them, tilted her head in confusion, seeing the strange tension between them.
Why were Miss Cheng and Madam Mao acting so strangely today?
Lin Tianlu was the most awkward of them all.
They were practically frozen in place, like statues…
“Ahem!”
He coughed lightly, stepping between them. “Miss Cheng, Madam Mao, let’s go inside first. It’s not appropriate to stand outside the door.”
Cheng Yishi quickly regained her composure, her elegant smile returning. “You’re right, Sir. Please follow me. The restaurant has already prepared the food and drinks.”
They followed her inside.
“Miss Hua, Madam Mao, you both look stunning tonight. Master Lin is a lucky man.”
“N-not at all.”
Hua Shuya blushed. “It was just Madam Mao who helped me dress up. Even these new clothes are hers. I’m not that beautiful.”
“There’s no need to be modest, Miss Hua. It’s obvious to everyone.” Cheng Yishi’s tone was gentle.
But her eyes darted towards Mao Ruoyu, a playful smile on her lips. “Madam Mao is truly kind and thoughtful. I didn’t realize that before.”
“It’s just that I’m a bit older and have more experience.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly.
Just a few words exchanged, yet the tension between them was palpable.
They reached the private room, and a large round table, laden with cold dishes, fruits, and pastries, greeted them.
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is quite a feast.”
“It’s a special occasion, Sir. There’s no harm in indulging a little.” Cheng Yishi said softly. “Please, everyone, take a seat. You must be hungry after walking all this way.”
They sat down and began to enjoy the food and drinks.
…
“Sir, try this.”
Mao Ruoyu carefully removed the bones from a piece of fish and placed it in Lin Tianlu’s bowl with a gentle smile.
“Thank you, Madam Mao…”
Cheng Yishi, sitting beside them, watched with wide eyes.
Then, she gritted her teeth and quickly scooped a bowl of pork rib soup, offering it to him. “Sir, have some soup. You must be tired after last night… Ugh!”
But as she leaned forward, her face paled, and she sat back down stiffly.
Lin Tianlu chuckled and handed the soup back to her. “You should take care of yourself first, Miss Cheng. There’s no need to worry about me. If you’re feeling unwell, I can bring you some food. There’s no need to get up.”
“Then… I’ll trouble you, Sir.”
Cheng Yishi blushed and replied softly.
She glanced at Mao Ruoyu, who was sitting across from her, and their eyes met, sparks flying between them…
Lin Tianlu felt a headache coming on.
Were they flirting with each other through their gazes?
He was about to try and ease the tension, but Cheng Yishi and Mao Ruoyu both spoke at the same time.
“Sir, I’m going to buy some flatbread outside.”
“Sir, I saw a beautiful pair of jade bracelets at the market earlier.”
They looked at each other, then said in unison, “May we be excused for a moment?”
Lin Tianlu’s smile froze. “You… come back soon.”
Watching the two women leave the room, their expressions determined, Hua Shuya blinked her eyes in confusion.
But she quickly realized that she and Lin Tianlu were now alone in the spacious room.
“…”
The sudden change in atmosphere made her blush.
She hesitated for a moment, then picked up her chopsticks and said softly, “Senior, should I… also feed you…”
Lin Tianlu quickly waved his hand. “Don’t follow their example, Miss Hua. My bowl is already overflowing with food. Let me finish eating first.”
Looking at his full bowl, Hua Shuya chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand.
“You’re quite popular with women, Senior.”
Lin Tianlu shook his head with a wry smile. “This… I’ve made a mistake.”
It seemed something had happened.
Hua Shuya pondered inwardly, but she didn’t pry. She poured two cups of wine and walked over to Lin Tianlu, a playful smile on her face.
“Don’t worry about it, Senior. Let’s have a drink to ease your troubles.”
Lin Tianlu took the cup and stood up, smiling. “Don’t drink too much, Miss Hua. You’ll get drunk.”
“Of course not.” Hua Shuya’s eyelashes fluttered as she curtsied gracefully, raising her cup to meet his.
They both drained their cups in one gulp. As they set their cups down, their eyes met, and they couldn’t help but smile at each other.
…
On the arched bridge outside the Ascension Immortal Restaurant…
Cheng Yishi gathered her hair, which was being blown by the night wind, and glanced sideways. She saw a couple embracing under a tree, whispering sweet nothings to each other, seemingly engaged in a secret affair.
“Yang Gege~ Why do you still make me serve that disgusting man from the Wang family?” The young woman pulled away from the man’s embrace, her face flushed, her voice a mixture of shyness and resentment. “I’m devoted to you, Yang Gege. You’ve even taken my innocence. And yet I have to pretend to be happy, listen to Wang Qiu’s repulsive words, and look at his ugly face. It makes me want to vomit.”
“Aiya! You don’t understand, Lian’er! That old Master Wang is sick and won’t live much longer! Once he dies, that foolish Wang Qiu will inherit his fortune. If you can win his favor… you’ll live a life of luxury!”
“Is Master Wang really dying?”
“He is! He won’t live past the end of the year!”
The young woman blushed deeply and moaned softly. “T-then I’ll do as you wish, Yang Gege. I’ll seduce that Wang Qiu for a while. But once I become the young mistress of the Wang family, I’ll wear my wedding dress and have my first night with you, Yang Gege, in the bridal chamber. Let that Wang Qiu be a cuckold without even knowing it! Hehehe~”
…
“Disgusting adulterers!”
Cheng Yishi frowned, disgusted.
With her half-human, half-ghost body, she could easily overhear their conversation.
To engage in such a despicable act for money, betraying her fiancé and deceiving him… This woman deserved to be punished!
“I truly misjudged her.”
A cold voice suddenly spoke beside her.
Cheng Yishi turned around and saw Mao Ruoyu approaching, carrying a basket of warm flatbread, her gaze fixed on the couple under the tree.
“Do you know that woman, Madam Mao?”
“I’ve seen her at the market. We occasionally greet each other.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed softly. “She seemed so gentle and refined, like a proper young lady from a good family. I never imagined… she would be so shameless.”
Cheng Yishi pondered for a moment, a sly smile appearing on her lips.
“—Madam Mao.”
She narrowed her eyes and said playfully, “Let’s be honest. As far as I know, you’re already married. So why are you always at Mr. Lin’s house?”
“I…”
Mao Ruoyu stammered, speechless.
But Cheng Yishi quickly continued, “Because you’re not actually married. This ‘Madam’ title is just a facade!”
Her red eyes gleamed with a cold light. “What are your true intentions towards Mr. Lin?”
“Although my initial motives weren’t pure, my heart now belongs to Mr. Lin.” Mao Ruoyu’s expression turned serious. “There’s no need for such accusations, Miss Cheng. Or should I point out your own promiscuous behavior?”
Cheng Yishi tilted her head, a mischievous smile on her lips. “I live only for Sir. What I do is none of your concern, Madam Mao.”
“You… you’re being reckless!”
“Madam Mao, do you envy me?”
Mao Ruoyu retorted angrily, “Why would I envy you?! I also share intimate moments with Sir, playing music together, discussing life!”
“What—” Cheng Yishi gasped in surprise, then frowned, her voice filled with displeasure. “You seductive woman, you’re actually that close to Sir?!”
“How dare you call me seductive, Miss Cheng!”
They bickered back and forth, their voices rising, their bodies inching closer, as if trying to intimidate each other.
“You— Hmm?!”
But Mao Ruoyu’s expression suddenly changed as she turned towards the bridge.
Cheng Yishi also sensed something and looked in the same direction.
Because…
A man was walking towards them.
He was discreetly holding a weapon in his sleeve, a chilling aura of… Yin energy emanating from it.
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