The clerk casually tossed another book, showing the same disinterested attitude.
Shi Chun turned to the accompanying Big Stone and said, "You pay."
Big Stone glanced at Wu Jinliang with a feeling of helplessness.
He had promised Wu Jinliang earlier to treat him, and treating him was no problem, but buying two identical books was a bit strange.
He guessed that one was for the big guy.
Wu Jinliang chuckled, assuming he'd get one too.
To his surprise, Shi Chun took both books and left, leaving Wu Jinliang and Big Stone speechlessly following behind, with one going along and the other settling the bill.
Not long after, they encountered Old Dong, who returned after delivering a message.
Old Dong informed Shi Chun that Miss Miao had agreed to meet him.
Shi Chun replied that there was no rush and he needed to change his outfit first.
Every time he went to the Exile Lands, he met Miss Miao fully dressed, so he couldn't appear shabby here.
Old Dong urged him to hurry, suggesting it wasn't good to keep Miss Miao waiting.
They headed straight to the clothing area, where Shi Chun picked out a pair of black shoes, randomly selected some inner clothes, and finally chose a blue outer robe.
Initially, he thought about getting a white robe, thinking it would make him appear more refined, but seeing how poorly white clothes suited Wu Jinliang, he dismissed the idea.
Dressed in his new attire, with his hair neatly pinned, he did cut quite a striking figure.
However, the dark, cracked skin on his hands, lips, and cheekbones was not easily fixed.
When they went upstairs, Shi Chun handed a book to Wu Jinliang and carried the other himself.
They were stopped and questioned several times before they finally reached Miao Yilan's office door.
As Che Si greeted them at the door, Miao Yilan put down her pen the moment they entered.
The beautiful feather on the desk disappeared, stashed away quickly.
It simply meant she didn't want Shi Chun to get the wrong idea.
She purely appreciated the feather's beauty with no other intentions.
Shi Chun stopped and leaned against the shelf, arms folded across his chest with the book, legs crossed, striking a pose he thought was cool.
He exchanged glances with Miao Yilan, and they both burst out laughing simultaneously.
Miao Yilan appraised Shi Chun's outfit from top to bottom—it was the first time she saw him dressed so decently.
Indeed, he looked more refined, but she knew well that his refinement was a facade.
It wasn't her keen insight that told her, but rather her mother's accounts of his fighting spirit and many battles left a lasting impression.
Seeing her scrutinizing gaze, Shi Chun stood up straight and twirled around, presenting himself for admiration, asking, "How is it? Not so rustic anymore, right?"
He finally acknowledged his rustic appearance before, demonstrating rare self-awareness before Miao Yilan.
"Very dashing," she complimented, even raising her hand to acknowledge Wu Jinliang, greeting him gently, "Big guy."
Her gentle and refreshing demeanor made everyone feel at ease.
Wu Jinliang grinned and nodded, "Hello, Miss Miao."
Shi Chun stepped forward, presenting the book with both hands, "I'm not sure if you've read this one. I just bought it. It's the first book I've ever bought in my life, and it's for you."
Standing at the back, Big Stone felt an instant toothache, wanting to say, “Hey, I paid for that!”
He was truly at a loss, buying something to gift and not spending a single cent himself.
Wu Jinliang laughed again, amused by the scene.
He had already gathered that Shi Chun's interactions with Miss Miao were mostly playful.
Even the usually reserved Che Si found his eyes opened, finally witnessing the rumored antics firsthand.
Miao Yilan stood, took the book, lightly tapping it with a smile, "This is a generous gift right off the bat, well then, since it's already bought, I'll accept it."
Shi Chun, hands now free, tucked them behind his back, pacing around while observing the office environment.
Upon reaching the balcony and witnessing the outside beauty of lake and mountains, he exclaimed, "This is indeed much nicer than inside the Exile Lands."
Miao Yilan joined him at the balcony, looked around, and nodded, "It's alright."
She had evidently seen better, and what lay before her barely made an impression.
Shi Chun, wearing a look of great envy, laid his hand on the railing, softly saying, “Truly wonderful.”
Miao Yilan also rested her hands on the railing, asking, "Do you have plans now that you're out?"
Shi Chun admired the view, "I’ll take it step by step. As for the forty thousand sandalwood gold I borrowed, I'll repay you as soon as possible."
Miao Yilan offered, "How about joining Bowang Pavilion? I can put in a word for both of you, should be no problem."
Wu Jinliang's eyes gleamed at the prospect.
Old Dong and Big Stone shared knowing smiles, thinking it would be great for the group to stay together.
Che Si, on the other hand, harbored doubts—did Miss Miao really harbor feelings for that fellow?
"Thank you," Shi Chun declined politely, "I'd like to find something on my own."
Everyone was taken aback by this sudden twist.
Wu Jinliang especially, looked anxious.
After all, earning a fortune while joining Bowang Pavilion sounded great, something many sought but couldn’t attain, so why refuse?
Miao Yilan expressed her confusion, "Isn't Bowang Pavilion good?"
Shi Chun replied, "It's not about Bowang Pavilion being bad; it's just that what others can give is limited, and I desire much more."
Miao Yilan turned her head, fixing her gaze on his profile, then chuckled, shaking her head, "Seems like you're out now; no longer need to pretend like in the Exile Lands."
Before, all she had to do was imply something, and he'd jump to pledge his undying devotion with dramatic proclamations—no way to refuse.
Each meeting was full of his over-the-top compliments, now he had abruptly stopped, and she had to admit, she felt a slight discomfort at the change.
"It's not pretending. You're beautiful and kind, and I genuinely like you. But I am unworthy."
Shi Chun admitted, gesturing his hand beside Miao Yilan’s on the railing.
One large and rough, the other dainty and white, both reflecting vastly different lives.
He asked, "Do you think we're a match? If you can say we are, I'll give up everything, and stay by your side, going nowhere—would that work?"
Facing her, he awaited her response.
The others inside also listened in anticipation for Miao Yilan's answer.
Strangely, when the topic revolves around romance, the silhouettes of the two on the balcony seemed picturesque.
With the wind teasing the hems of her dress, Miao Yilan met his eyes momentarily before looking away.
She gazed into the distance, playfully refusing to respond, "There you go again. I'll remind you, teasing like this in Eternal Dawn City had its rules to keep you safe, but here, there's no such thing—you could get beaten."
Shi Chun wisely shifted the topic, retracting his hand as if nothing happened, stating, "I wonder whether the things I've given you over time were to your liking, Yilan. Is there anything you fancy or need? Perhaps I can work on procuring it for you."
He genuinely didn’t know how to repay her with other means.
If it weren't for Lan Qiaoyan’s intervention at Eternal Dawn City, he and Wu Jinliang might never have left with their lives.
And without ever meeting, Miao Yilan lent him thirty thousand, which felt like an enormous debt to both mother and daughter.
Yet, he currently lacked the means to repay such large debts, desperately hoping to do something to show his gratitude.
Miao Yilan softly laughed, shaking her head, "Thanks, but there's nothing I need."
With such words, Shi Chun accepted them, though mildly disappointed.
He didn’t dwell on the subject further, stepping away from the railing, "Yilan, I noticed you were busy earlier and I have some matters to attend to. I won't disturb you longer. I'll visit you again another time. Rest assured, I’ll repay you swiftly."
His intent was to address money matters, disposing of some goods he possessed.
Miao Yilan didn’t detain him and avoided discussing money, adding another caution, "Lu Taizhen holds power in Sky-Illuminating City; considerations needed, faced with consequences?"
"I'm aware. It’s fine," Shi Chun answered with resolve, saluting before leaving.
As he passed Wu Jinliang, he paused, lightly striking his colleague's chest with the back of his hand, "Miss Miao graciously offered, will you stay at Bowang Pavilion?"
The question left Wu Jinliang scratching his head without an immediate answer.
Shi Chun left him to ponder, taking his leave alone.
Old Dong and Big Stone promptly followed the exit.
Still in a flurry, Wu Jinliang finally made up his mind, stomping a foot heavily with determination and bowing to bid Miao Yilan farewell, stating, "Miss Miao, I'll visit you again with Shi Chun."
He burst outside, clutching his blade, rushing to catch up.
Miao Yilan stood silent for a moment post departure, then instructed Che Si, "Can’t simply stand by if something happens. Hold off your current tasks; shadow them closely. If Lu Taizhen indeed takes action, stepping in could be crucial. At worst, invoke my mother’s name—declare them under her protection if necessary."
(End of Chapter)