Compared to the famous branches of the "Three Fragrances Pavilion" found in major cities of great nations, this branch in Maple Forest City seemed hardly worth mentioning. But anyone who had met Miao Yu would never say so.
Fang Zehou, one of the current heads of the Fang family—also Fang Hèling's biological father and Fang Pengju's uncle—was a man of broad experience and significant influence. He had singlehandedly opened up trade routes in the Yun Kingdom, earning both capability and prestige. He was widely considered the next patriarch of the Fang clan. Yet even someone of his caliber was utterly infatuated with Miss Miao Yu. Every time he returned from a business trip, his first stop was always the Three Fragrances Pavilion for leisure.
And Fang Zehou was just one among many. He wasn't the first powerful man to fall for Miao Yu, nor would he be the last.
Zhao Rucheng, a man known for his indulgences, was no exception. Ever since hearing of Miao Yu's renowned beauty, he had spent a fortune practically living at the Three Fragrances Pavilion, clearly determined not to rest until he won her over.
"There's no such possibility," Zhao Rucheng said calmly. "A woman who doesn't want to see me hasn't been born yet."
He added silently in his heart: Jiang An'an doesn't count—she's just a little brat.
Miao Yu nodded ever so slightly, as if agreeing. "Indeed, Young Master Zhao is exceptionally handsome, exceedingly generous, capable, from a noble background, with a promising future. Your heart is clever, your words as sweet as honey—what woman could possibly resist you?"
"But," she added, her brows tightening with a trace of sorrow so palpable it made one want to soothe her at once, "you don't truly like me..."
It was as if Zhao Rucheng's lack of genuine affection brought her grief.
"Hehehe…"
A lewd and abrupt laugh shattered the mood in the room.
It was Huang A-Zhan, who had somehow woken up but was still quite drunk. He rested his chin on his hand and stared at Miao Yu with a dazed grin. "Hehehe…"
There was no doubt what he was thinking.
Jiang Wang covered his face in silence. He recognized Miao Yu as the woman in red he had bumped into earlier, but in this setting, he had no right to speak.
Du Yèhu was already considering dragging Huang A-Zhan out back and killing him to avoid further embarrassment—though he hesitated, unsure whether it was worth starting a murder record before enlisting.
"How can you say I don't like you enough?" Zhao Rucheng, unphased, maintained his composure like a seasoned player. "I've never chased any woman this long. Since I met Miss Miao Yu, I've spent more time at the Three Fragrances Pavilion than at the Dao Institute. My affection is overflowing—it's about to drown this place."
He stood and walked toward Miao Yu with an air of grace.
"Here," he said, pressing a hand to his chest.
It must be said, given the setting, the atmosphere, and his charm—even the madam, despite a lifetime of hardened experience, appeared momentarily flustered.
But Miao Yu stopped him with a single line:
"You don't truly like me. You're just too bored."
The charming smile on Zhao Rucheng's face faded. He stopped in his tracks and didn't move forward again.
"Well, now I definitely don't like you anymore," he said. "I hate women who are too clever."
Jiang Wang had always known that Zhao Rucheng disliked complications and didn't care much about anything. "Go with the flow" could have been his life motto.
He squandered wealth like water, wasted time as easily as talent—but that was his own business. No one had the right to interfere.
So he understood Zhao Rucheng's flippant talk of liking or not liking someone.
But honestly, discussing love in a brothel was itself kind of a joke.
"Let's go, let's go home—I have to cook for An'an," Jiang Wang said, standing up.
"Third Brother," Zhao Rucheng looked at him sincerely, "can we just pack up some food instead? Don't cook yourself."
Du Yèhu nodded solemnly, a shadow of trauma on his face. "An'an is still a child."
"…Are we leaving or not?" Jiang Wang's face darkened.
"Leaving, leaving!"
Du Yèhu hoisted the still-grinning Huang A-Zhan and ignored his resistance. The group quickly dispersed.
Miao Yu simply watched them go with a soft smile, saying nothing.
But as they walked away, her fingers made a subtle motion, and a small white pellet—long prepared—quietly landed on Jiang Wang's back.
And it began to seep in.
…
After dropping off his drunk friend and seeing Zhao Rucheng safely home, Jiang Wang went alone to the Dao Institute dormitory to pick up An'an.
When he arrived, Jiang An'an was clearly upset, her lips pouting as she stewed in silent anger.
"What's wrong, my little An'an?" Jiang Wang asked cheerfully.
"Nothing," she pouted.
"Good then," he waved. "Let's go home."
"…!" Jiang An'an was stunned. He's not even going to ask again? Not even show a bit more concern?
Ling He didn't try to stop them either. He simply waved. "Bye, An'an."
Jiang Wang understood. This big brother had probably long wanted to immerse himself in cultivation but had been delayed by needing to watch over An'an. Though his talent wasn't exceptional, he was definitely hardworking.
"Bye, Brother Ling He." Though unhappy, An'an still remembered her manners.
"Oh, right," Jiang Wang casually added before leaving, "we all transferred our Dao Merits to you. You should be pretty close to affording the Vein-Opening Pill. Work hard and go claim it soon."
Ling He was quiet for a moment before saying, "It should've gone to Rucheng. He's the youngest and most talented—it shouldn't be wasted."
"He's not interested," Jiang Wang explained straightforwardly. "And Tiger Bro's joining the Nine Rivers Ironclads, following the ancient martial path of blood and sinew."
Ling He didn't protest further. He only said, "Alright."
He knew Zhao Rucheng's disinterest was genuine, and Du Yèhu's decision was final. There wasn't much he could do. All he could hope was not to waste this Dao Merit and the friendship behind it.
"Home time!" Jiang Wang lifted An'an onto his right shoulder and began walking steadily.
An'an suddenly brightened up. She gave a cheerful "Giddy-up!" and kicked her legs in front of him.
Along the way out of the Dao Institute, she eagerly took over conversation duties. Whenever someone greeted "Hello, Brother Jiang," she would chirp back, "Hello to you too!"
Jiang Wang just nodded in response each time.
"Is Brother Ling He really boring?" he asked casually on the way home.
"He was waiting at the gate before class even ended! I had stuff to do after school, but he wouldn't let me go, just kept following me," An'an grumbled, chewing on her finger.
Ling He's dependable nature made him the safest choice to watch over An'an. Being glued to her side was his standard practice.
"What stuff do you have to do?" Jiang Wang tugged her hand out of her mouth. "Don't bite your nails."
"Bleh!" An'an huffed and almost jumped off his shoulder—but seeing they weren't home yet, she let it go. "I'm very busy. I just don't feel like telling you."
Jiang Wang didn't press. "Brother Ling He's a good person. Be polite to him."
"No attitude."
"And stop biting your nails."
Their voices faded into the distance.
"I KNOW ALREADY!" came the shout.