"This is the fourth day I’ve been locked up in this cell..." "On the first day, Zhou Xingcai just came and said two casual words to me. She mentioned waiting for the sect’s people to arrive." "In the afternoon of the second day, she came to check on me again." "It’s not because she loves me or cares about me in any romantic way; she’s simply afraid I’ll die. She even warmed up a pot of wine for me." "This wine is rather awful. I could only pretend to drink a couple of sips and had to act grateful." "Also, I had to make her feel at ease without any concerns." "On the evening of the third day, I could tell she was terribly lonely. She looked somewhat disheveled when she appeared outside the cell." "Honestly, if I weren’t currently a prisoner, she would have forcibly dragged me to pound garlic." "The smell of garlic is really pungent, and it easily makes my eyes water." "Then she gave me a resentful look. Originally, I thought of trying to see if I could get any news out of her." "She told me not to interrupt her and to listen to her speak." "I did as she asked, thinking she might have suddenly changed, unwilling for this fair-skinned scholar to be harmed by the sect." "But in the end, she fetched a basin of cold water and poured it right over me." "Seeing me shiver and continuously plead, a pathological blush appeared on her face." "She was entertaining herself in front of me." "Now thinking back to that scene, I have psychological trauma. I need the intervention of a psychologist." "Is this really Zhou Xingcai? To think behind is such a person; does everyone harbor a devil inside?" "Now, it’s noon on the fourth day." "Judging by the current situation, the people from the Cloud Mountain Sect should be arriving soon." Yuchi squinted at a mouse in the cell. This mouse is very human-like. In these past two or three days, it has frequently asserted its presence. With nothing else to do, Yuchi amused himself by teasing the mouse with a straw stick. This mouse, as big as his forearm, was practically like a cat. Wherever the straw stick went, it followed. Yuchi even managed to teach this big rat to play dead using food, and it could roll over and spin in circles. Truly, it was incredibly smart. If things go south, he could even go out and perform with this mouse companion. "I wonder how Qingzhu is doing." "It’s been a few days without seeing her, and I miss her greatly." "However, she should be fine, as Xun Xian is a reliable person." "Or if Qingzhu has encountered trouble, even if it’s just a minor issue, I won’t pretend anymore." "I may not be able to fight, but that doesn’t mean my apprentice can’t. I’ll have Shanlan wreak havoc in Jiangzhou City." "To slaughter those who harmed Qingzhu." Yuchi displayed a naive smile, like a pure-hearted boy. Four days, four days of Yuchi’s disappearance, and as he predicted, it was already noon outside. However, the weather didn’t seem as good as the previous days. Clouds were beginning to gather, indicating a change in weather. An autumn rain brings a chill. Winter has come and gone, yet the matters in Xufu Town have been settled, more or less without issues. Meanwhile, Yuchi was playing with the rat, and Xun Xian felt like she was dying of frustration. She truly couldn’t find him! Xun Xian went to several brothels and other places where courtesans frequent to ask, but there was no trace of Yuchi. She even glanced into the nearest toilets to see if Yuchi had fallen into a pit. He seemed to have suddenly vanished from this world. Right now, it appears that aside from herself and Qingzhu, no one else remembers him. The world’s thread has collapsed. Xun Xian, together with Qingzhu, went to the Celestial Capital Department and other agencies to inquire. The people at the Celestial Capital Department expressed confusion but made no constructive suggestions. The Defense Department might as well have left it alone, as Xun Yu had clearly shown no interest in handling this matter. The Demon-slaying Bureau’s people were simply idiots; they still wanted her Xun Xian to eat demon meat at a time . The Imperial Decree Department... "Ugh, a wretched place full of indulgence and debauchery." "These gluttonous pigs eat even more than I do and still refuse to work." "Completely dependent on the opinions of other agencies." Xun Xian took her frustration out on some pork, gobbling it down in large portions. Wei Qingzhu was examining a piece of cloth in her hand, a purchase from the Treasure House. It seemed to be made of some special material, feeling cool and silky to the touch, with a light blue color. She thought it would be great to take this fabric back and make a shirt for Brother Yuchi. "Qingzhu, how about I send you back to Xufu Town first?" Wiping the corners of her mouth clean of oil, she took a few gulps of milk wine. "I’ll wait for Brother Yuchi," Wei Qingzhu replied, unwilling to leave, obediently waiting for Yuchi’s word. "I know you trust your Brother Yuchi, but the fact is we can’t find him." "If I send you back, you’ll surely be safe in Xufu Town." "The Celestial Capital Department also protects Xufu Town." "Your Brother Yuchi is on good terms with Chen Guangsheng, who will definitely ensure the town’s safety." "The crucial thing is that the guilds have contracts with them." "I’ll send you back, and then I’ll come back to Jiangzhou City to investigate this matter slowly, alive or dead." Xun Xian spoke at length, but Wei Qingzhu just looked at her, hugging the cloth, without saying a word. Are you reading my expression...? What do you mean by looking at me like that...? Xun Xian’s mouth twitched, "Fine, let’s pretend I didn’t mention it. After we finish eating, we’ll search again." Wei Qingzhu, for the first time, smiled, "Thank you, Miss Xun, for caring about Brother Yuchi. It’s really nice." "Oh, look at what you’re saying. That’s really nicely put." Xun Xian, laughing, added, "But with your Brother Yuchi’s fate unknown, you sure have a good heart." "Still thinking of making clothes for him." "Also, you look beautiful when you smile. You should smile more often instead of looking like I’ve been bullying you." "This is the first time I’ve seen you smile." At the Zhou Family, Zhou Xingcai had already welcomed two guests. The three of them swiftly moved through the residence, inquiring as they went. "Yuchi is still alive?" the elder asked. "Yes, yesterday I performed a little show for him, and he was very touched," Zhou Xingcai replied. "What kind of show?" the elder asked, puzzled. "With all my courage, I entertained myself, talking to myself, directing and acting my own play," Zhou Xingcai said with a skip. Handsome Yun Chun immediately showed disdain, but the elder remained calm, "As long as he’s alive, take me to him." Zhou Xingcai laughed, "He’s right below here." The three arrived at a seemingly ordinary courtyard in the Zhou family residence. A room in the courtyard opened, revealing a large wooden board in the corner. Finally, a small path was revealed. Following the stairs down, they saw guards wrapped in blankets drinking wine. When the guards saw Zhou Xingcai and the others approaching, they promptly removed their blankets and greeted them respectfully. The elder glanced with disdain but said nothing. Zhou Xingcai, understanding, instructed the two guards, "Open the door. The elder wishes to see Yuchi." The two hurriedly opened the door. Once the door was opened, they shivered in the cold as they watched the three enter the cell. They exchanged glances. "What’s with the pretense." "As for Yuchi, he’s likely done for, you know?" "Right, a once esteemed president has fallen to this, tsk tsk." "Haha, stop. Just wait around to collect his body." Inside the cell, the elder, whose name remained unknown, took note of Yuchi, curled up pathetically in a corner of hay. This is the president? More wretched than a dog, yet Zhou Xingcai’s taste is indeed peculiar, not even sparing such a young man.