r18novel Page 105
Page 105
This caused a stir in China.
She turned around and walked back to the fourth floor with light and steady steps.
As soon as she returned to Su Mu's side, her aloof and refined temperament instantly melted away, and she transformed back into the cheerful and lively girl she once was.
She practically skipped over to Su Mu, naturally taking his other arm from his hip, tilting her pretty face up, her eyes sparkling.
His eyes gleamed with eager anticipation, and he asked with delight:
"Boss Su! How was it? Did Qingyue win beautifully just now? She didn't disappoint you, did she?"
Su Mu looked down at the undisguised expectation in her eyes, smiled gently, and sincerely praised her:
"Miss Qingyue deliberately suppressed her cultivation, refusing to bully the weak, and her swordsmanship was exquisite, her responses composed. Her victory was naturally extremely beautiful and admirable."
It's pleasing to the eye.
"Hehe~ That's good!" Receiving such clear affirmation from Su Mu, Lin Qingyue felt as sweet as honey, her heart instantly filled with joy, and her smile was radiant.
The flowers made no attempt to hide their joy.
"Hmm," Su Zhixiao, who was tightly holding Su Mu's arm, couldn't help but pout her rosy lips upon seeing this. Although she didn't say anything,
That little expression clearly showed a hint of resentment.
Although I haven't broken through to the Golden Core stage yet, I'm not necessarily going to lose to her! I can't easily let someone else have my brother's praise!
In an instant, two beautiful young women nestled on either side of Su Mu. Though they didn't exchange a word, an unspoken competition was palpable.
A powerful atmosphere, however, quietly spread.
The seats on the fourth floor were separated by elegant screens, ensuring privacy for everyone except for Su Mu, Ling Suxin, and the others who were also behind the screens.
Only Li Zhaoning, who sat in the highest position with an excellent view, could clearly see this scene of "embracing women on both sides".
Looking at the two outstanding young women surrounding Su Mu, especially Lin Qingyue's natural and intimate demeanor with Su Mu, Li Zhaoning felt...
It's complicated and hard to explain.
If it were in the past, when she hadn't faced her own heart and was constantly running away, she might have been happy to see this scene, and might even have thought...
With a sigh of relief.
After all, there is still a marriage contract between Su Mu and Qing Yue.
This was the secret weapon Lin Qingyue had been hiding, and it was also the weapon that Li Zhaoning had been tormenting, trying to completely sever her "improper" feelings for Su Mu.
The decision was made when the feelings of "law" were involved.
At that time, Lin Qingyue and Su Mu returned from their travels together. In the talisman books she sent home every day, Su Mu's figure and deeds were written in between the lines.
When Lin Qingyue's grandmother half-jokingly and half-probingly mentioned this matter to her, Su Mu's "father," she almost felt a sense of "self-importance."
With a resolute determination akin to punishment, she took the initiative to propose and facilitate this marriage, intending to use it to completely sever her own hopes.
But now, all her supposedly strong pretense and futile escapes have crumbled under Su Mu's gentle yet forceful influence.
A is not retained.
Her heart was already firmly tied to "Mu'er," the girl she had watched grow up and who was now hopelessly infatuated with.
Li Zhaoning sighed softly to herself, a bittersweet feeling quietly creeping over her.
Now, Mu'er not only has Xiaoxiao as her Daoist partner, but also Lin Qingyue as her fiancée.
Thinking about it this way, my current situation is more like... like a "bad aunt" seducing a married young man?
Even during his first time with Mu'er, when he was so lost in passion, he couldn't resist and ended up sleeping right next to Xiaoxiao...
In any case, this marriage agreement with Lin Qingyue must be discussed openly and frankly with Mu'er as soon as possible.
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Chapter 136 Su Mu's Engagement
The morning's competition has come to a temporary end. Both Su Zhixiao and Lin Qingyue have successfully advanced to the next round thanks to their outstanding performances.
Inside the Prince Ning's residence, the dining hall was filled with the enticing aroma of food. Su Mu, wearing an apron, placed the last dish on the table, her gaze gently falling upon it.
On Su Zhixiao, who was enjoying her meal.
"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you." Seeing Xiaoxiao's cheeks bulging from eating, Su Mu couldn't help but chuckle, and casually ladled a bowl of soup and handed it to her.
His tone was full of doting.
While taking care of Xiaoxiao, he smiled and recounted the exciting moments from the morning's martial arts competition to Hu Chanyuan and Li Qinghan, especially Xiaoxiao's...
A stunning sword strike.
"Sister Xiaoxiao is getting more and more amazing!" Qinghan said admiringly. If she had the chance, she also wanted to be like Xiaoxiao in the martial arts arena.
He defeated his opponent at the wine shop and won Mu Gege's praise.
"Ugh! It's still...it's far from enough!" Su Zhixiao swallowed the food in her mouth with difficulty, her face slightly flushed with anxiety, and said indistinctly.
Xiaoxiao needs to work even harder to defeat Lin Qingyue!
"Lin Qingyue?" Hu Chanyuan frowned slightly, as if recalling something. "But when she came to the Prince's Mansion with her grandmother back then, she always liked to follow behind Mu'er."
"That little girl wandering around?"
"It's her!" Su Zhixiao nodded vigorously, a hint of defiance showing on her small face.
"Oh? So it's her." Hu Chanyuan suddenly realized, noticing Xiaoxiao's tense expression and the barely perceptible jealousy in her tone.
He immediately understood.
It seems that Elder Ling's disciple has long harbored ill intentions towards my Mu'er, having pursued her since childhood.
She couldn't help but smile, her gaze towards Su Mu carrying a hint of teasing and understanding, "Our Mu'er is really popular."
"Aunt Hu! If you have some free time this afternoon, could you please give Xiaoxiao some pointers on the art of array formations?" Su Zhixiao put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.
Jiao's expression suddenly turned serious.
Having witnessed Lin Qingyue's skills that morning, she secretly pondered that she might not be able to gain the upper hand relying solely on swordsmanship; she needed to develop another strength.
Only by playing to the fullest can one have a chance of winning.
“Okay,” Hu Chanyuan readily agreed. “Qinghan and I will spar with you this afternoon, and we’ll make sure Xiaoxiao performs even better tomorrow!”
As she spoke, she turned to Su Mu and said considerately, "Mu'er, you'll be accompanying His Highness to inspect the martial arts arena this afternoon and arrange the follow-up matters, right?"
"Leave Xiao to me and Qinghan; you can go and do your work without worry."
"With Aunt Hu and Qinghan here, I'm naturally at ease," Su Mu replied with a smile, secretly reaching under the table to gently squeeze Hu Chanyuan's hand.
He lightly scratched her palm with his fingertips.
Two blushes rose on Hu Chanyuan's cheeks, but a sweet feeling welled up in her heart at being able to share his burdens. She whispered, "It's all what I should do..."
“Then Xiaoxiao should practice diligently with Aunt Hu and Qinghan,” Su Mu stood up, picking up a delicate food box that had been prepared beforehand. “I’ll go find it first.”
Aunt Ning, I'll bring her lunch while I'm at it.
"Yes! Don't worry, brother!" Su Zhixiao clenched her little fist, her eyes resolute. "Xiaoxiao will definitely study hard and will never lose to that Lin Qingyue."
of!"
Outside the council hall in Qingzhou, the female guards on duty greeted Su Mu familiarly upon seeing him:
"Xiao Mu is here? His Highness is discussing important matters inside. He has given instructions that you can go in directly."
"Thank you for informing us, sister." Su Mu smiled gently, thanked the female guard, and strode into the council hall.
The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn. Officials from Qingzhou City sat on either side, while Li Zhaoning, dressed in a black python robe and wearing a mask, sat at the head of the table, exuding an aura of...
He exuded an unquestionable princely aura.
"Your Highness." Su Mu stepped forward calmly and bowed respectfully to Li Zhaoning, following proper etiquette. In front of outsiders, proper manners must be observed.
of.
"Su Mu is here," Li Zhaoning's gaze fell on Su Mu through the mask, and his authoritative voice softened imperceptibly.
"No need for formalities, please sit next to me." She gestured to the empty seat that had already been prepared beside her.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Su Mu calmly replied, walking towards the main seat, not forgetting to smile and nod to the officials he knew on either side. His demeanor was impeccable, earning...
People feel as if they are bathed in a spring breeze.
“Su Mu’s arrival is just in time,” Li Zhaoning said, smoothly steering the conversation toward him. “We are currently discussing the defenses and contingency plans for the martial arts arena in the coming days.”
You are known for your meticulous thinking; do you have any insightful suggestions?
"Your Highness flatters me. I, Su Mu, will humbly offer my thoughts." Su Mu did not refuse. After a moment's thought, he clearly and logically explained his insights.
Come.
The discussion, which had been somewhat sluggish, became much smoother with his addition, and many problems were easily solved, significantly improving the efficiency of the meeting.
"Mr. Su's words were truly enlightening!" an official exclaimed.
"Indeed, Mr. Su, though young, possesses exceptional insight and seasoned experience. He is truly a blessing to Qingzhou, and even to Dazhao!" Another official echoed.
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To wholeheartedly agree.
"You seniors are too kind. Su Mu has only done what little he could." Su Mu humbly returned the greeting with a cupped hand.
Li Zhaoning's lips curled slightly beneath the mask, feeling proud of Su Mu.
"In that case, we shall proceed according to the plan that Su Mu just adjusted," Li Zhaoning declared decisively. "The final arrangement of several core array points and key areas..."
The investigation will be personally overseen by me and Su Mu. Everyone, please fulfill your duties and ensure absolute success!
"Your Majesty, we obey!" the officials replied in unison, then withdrew in an orderly fashion to attend to their respective duties.
In the blink of an eye, only Su Mu and Li Zhaoning remained in the huge council hall.
"Aunt Ning, you've been busy all morning, please have lunch first." Su Mu switched back to her usual affectionate address and gently handed the food box she had brought to Li Zhao.
Ning in front of him.
"Mu'er is so thoughtful." Li Zhaoning opened the food box, and a familiar aroma wafted out, immediately recognizable as Su Mu's cooking.
However, when she reached for the chopsticks, Su Mu grabbed them first.
"Mu'er?" Li Zhaoning was slightly taken aback, her face showing confusion.
Su Mu smiled gently, a hint of mischief in her eyes, and said softly, "Aunt Ning has been working hard all day; she must be tired. Perhaps… let Mu…"
"Would you mind serving Aunt Ning her meals, son?"
As he spoke, he reached out and removed her mask, revealing her stunningly beautiful face, which was now flushed with rosy cheeks.
Being...fed by Mu'er?! Li Zhaoning felt her face suddenly burn, and her heart raced.
She's his aunt! His nominal "father"! What kind of behavior is this? She should be the one taking care of him…
However, when Su Mu picked up a piece of her favorite, perfectly cooked bamboo shoot, patiently blew on it, and brought it to her lips,
Some of their shyness and reserve crumbled under that gentle gaze.
She slightly opened her mouth and obediently put the bamboo shoot slice inside. As she chewed slowly, the delicious flavor melted in her mouth, but it was nothing compared to the feeling in her heart.
That sweet, fluttering feeling.
"Aunt Ning is so good." Su Mu looked at her obedient appearance, her smile deepening, her tone carrying a hint of coaxing, "You should eat slowly and carefully."
it is good. "
Li Zhaoning's cheeks turned even redder, and she was so embarrassed that she almost buried her face in her collar.
"Here, Aunt Ning, try another piece of this." Su Mu picked up another piece of tender fish and held it to her mouth again.
This time, Li Zhaoning did not eat it immediately.
She raised her watery eyes and gazed deeply at Su Mu. Suddenly, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his face closer with a slight force.