Sometimes, not knowing the truth is better.
Once you find out, it could almost make you laugh in anger.
Why was he calling her ‘mom’? It's something she's remembered all too well.
She recalls the time when she was shamelessly buttering up to herself, praising her own beauty.
Not having much education, he kept repeating the same few compliments.
Annoyed by hearing it so often, she told the big guy to stop, joking that she could be his mother.
Before she even finished speaking, the big guy kneeled down with a thud and called her ‘mom’ in a crisp and clear voice.
It was quite frightening; it made her freeze on the spot.
Her intention was to make him watch his mouth, not to adopt a son.
She quickly clarified that she didn’t mean it seriously and asked him to stop calling her that.
However, every time they met afterward, he stuck to it anyway.
Every meeting ended with him calling her ‘mom’ and her telling him to stop.
Were it not for the strict rules in the Exile Lands and the laws of Eternal Dawn City, where one couldn’t easily lay a hand on another, she felt she would have either killed this cheeky son or at least torn his tongue out already.
What she couldn’t understand was why he insisted on such a fake relationship when it was clear as day that he was trying to get closer to her.
Recently, word reached her, though she wasn't sure what idle curiosity made her underlings report it.
They informed her about Shi Chun and his group's situation on the outside.
They mentioned how the Eastern Nine Plains gang managed to gather a significant amount of resources, earning the right to leave for a hundred or so people.
In the Exile Lands, that was no small feat but a massive one, which sparked her curiosity—what had happened?
So, she summoned two sharp individuals from those who left the Eastern Nine Plains, suggesting they could work for the Bowang Pavilion outside and asked if they were willing.
For those just freed from the Exile Lands, entering the Bowang Pavilion was a golden opportunity.
They were more than happy, jumping at the chance.
Naturally, no good deed goes unconditioned.
The two instantly sold Shi Chun out, recounting how they acquired the resources, spilling details both near and far just to cozy up to her.
Among the stories, they exposed how Wu Jinliang called many women ‘mom.’
Calling someone mom was one thing, but the real issue was how most women Wu Jinliang addressed that way ended up meeting horrible fates, some even at his own hands.
To call someone ‘mom’ to their face while stabbing them in the back—how could this be the act of a human?
The fact that he still dared to approach calling her ‘mom’ made her furious.
She kept reminding herself that in Eternal Dawn City, it wasn’t appropriate to take action.
Fortunately, she seemed capable of patience.
After giving Wu Jinliang a cold glare and making him feel confused, her gaze fixed on Shi Chun, her tone returned to somewhat normal.
"Are you leaving?"
She noticed something was unusual.
Wu Jinliang appeared to be carrying luggage.
Shi Chun gently nodded, trying to appear cultured and elegant as he replied, "Indeed."
Lan Qiaoyan's smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Having often been intertwined with her daughter, she couldn’t disregard investigating this Eastern Nine Plains leader.
Since he took over, his notorious and fearsome reputation in the area wasn’t earned through acting gentlemanly but through ruthless bloodshed.
She still leaned on appearing nonchalant as she said, "It’s good to be leaving. But remember, the outside rules differ from the free-for-all here. Be cautious."
"Understood," Shi Chun gestured in gratitude, taking the chance to ask, "Madam, where is Miss Miao?"
Lan Qiaoyan was somewhat speechless at his inquiry.
Could this be fate?
She’d put her daughter to work in the twelve cities around Exile to learn accounting, so she’d be prepared for the future, hoping for a better role at Bowang Pavilion.
She hadn't intended for her daughter to stay forever in these desolate lands.
Considering this young man’s relentless pursuit with his many tricks, she worried her daughter might eventually yield.
It wasn't a matter of regard but a vast difference between their status, making them mismatched.
Three months ago, after her daughter's last visit for accounting, she sent her daughter out, arranging for her to work at a Bowang Pavilion location in the outside world.
Yet, conveniently enough, this guy managed to handle the departure for the whole Eastern Nine Plains crew right after.
Now he was leaving too.
Wasn't this just perfectly aligned? It almost seemed like she was paving the way in advance for the two youngsters.
The Bowang Pavilion isn’t just any place.
Swapping her daughter's role indiscriminately wouldn’t pose a problem per se, but constantly adjusting positions isn’t a good way to conduct affairs.
The Pavilion didn’t operate solely at her discretion.
Thus, she chose not to disclose her daughter’s whereabouts to Shi Chun.
Instead, she dodged, "She had matters to handle, so she didn’t come for accounting this time."
The elderly assistant, a shrewd yet kindly-faced man called Old Tan, usually steady and Lan Qiaoyan's reliable helper, found himself unable to suppress a chuckle upon hearing her words.
He seemed to catch onto his mistress’s intentions, a knowing smile spreading on his face.
He knew the madam disapproved of the two kids but found a certain respect for them.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t even be here having this conversation, let alone have so many chances to be around Miss Miao.
Some things are clearer to an outsider.
Not here? Shi Chun was slightly taken aback.
He had intended to bid farewell specifically to Miss Miao.
Even though they wouldn't need to continue their act of pursuit after leaving, it wouldn’t have been wise to let all they had built unravel.
How would they be perceived?
Had they only flirted with her daughter for amusement? Was Bowang Pavilion such an easy target? Moreover, he planned on asking Miss Miao to help them tag along with the Bowang Pavilion’s transport team to leave.
Given her kind nature, she’d likely agree.
Without her, things just got complicated.
Now what? Shi Chun's calculative gaze fixated on Lan Qiaoyan.
He sighed, "It’s a pity, leaving without seeing Miss Miao for a final farewell—such disappointment, my heart aches with solemn regret."
He then cupped his hands, "When Madam meets Miss Miao again, please tell her Shi Chun has left and hopes to meet again if fate allows."
"Noted," Lan Qiaoyan nodded, fanning her fingers jokingly, "Go on, then, and have a safe journey."
Wu Jinliang, who had been exposed, lost his swagger and remained silent, his large eyes darting between them.
Achieving partial success, Shi Chun wasn’t ready to give up.
He continued on, projecting unease as he added, "Madam has sharp eyes, having seen we can’t set off peacefully."
Did I say that? Lan Qiaoyan mentally questioned, momentarily bewildered if she’d signaled something unfamiliar.
Finding her prior words straightforward, she grew curious, "Why can’t you go at ease? What did you do?"
Shi Chun displayed sincere worry, "The outside world is unknown territory. Venturing into an unfamiliar place surely causes anxiety and fear."
"Ha!" Lan Qiaoyan laughed, "Isn’t that peculiar? I can’t believe you’d be scared. You’ve got moments of fear?"
Being well-informed, she was fully aware of his bold and reckless exploits in the Exile Lands.
"Different rules outside, I’ve heard, so there’s real concern," Shi Chun slightly explained before bowing again, requesting, "Madam, please be kind. If possible, could you let us tag along with the supply team departing soon? We’d be grateful for just a lift, promise we'll not overstep."
Such a minor request, Lian Qiaoyan didn’t fuss and easily agreed, "Ask Old Tan on when you’ll leave."
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, filled with elation, prepared to express their gratitude.
But Lan Qiaoyan, about to walk away, paused with a curious glance back, "Worried about someone laying in wait for you outside?"
Suddenly, with a calm demeanor, Shi Chun drew a blade from Wu Jinliang’s back.
"Though a scholar, raising a blade is my forte. I'm afraid of nothing but the chance for a fight. Why fear the blood on the edge? Don’t underestimate Shi Chun with this blade in hand!"
"Me too!" Wu Jinliang enthusiastically brandished his great blade in support.
Lan Qiaoyan cast a cold glare, dismissing Wu Jinliang’s attempt as inconsequential.
Awkwardly, the big knife drooped down once more.
Still, Lian Qiaoyan believed Shi Chun's bold claim, trusting that he truly feared not the fight.
She offered with jest, "A scholar, have you even seen a book?"
Shi Chun replied, "At Miss Miao’s place, I did."
Bringing her daughter into the conversation again, Lan Qiaoyan felt speechless.
She turned to leave without further word, signaling Old Tan with a nod.
Old Tan immediately acknowledged, signaling assurance of handling the arrangements.
As Lan Qiaoyan gracefully stepped away, she cast one last disdainful look at Wu Jinliang.
She didn’t understand how such a bold-looking, big fellow with thick eyebrows and large eyes, embodying a good man’s image, could indulge in something as wreathing as kneeling and calling someone ‘mom.'
Knowing the truth, she found it hard to digest—utterly disgusting.
Realizing she resented his ‘mom-calling’ habit, Wu Jinliang looked disheartened.
Initially, he protested against it, but once circumstances forced him and Shi Chun convinced him, he tasted benefits, leading to the habit.
Shi Chun had no knowledge of his thoughts, only striding swiftly to catch up with Old Tan to inquire about their exact departure time.