To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 35-2: Money Talks

Luo Sheng observed the ever-changing expressions on Xiuyue's face and smiled subtly. "You see, you can't explain why you're willing to follow me, so why should you ask who I am? All I can say is that you may find the answers you've been searching for by following me."

Reflecting on the situation, Luo Sheng realized that immediately disclosing her true identity to Xiuyue wouldn't be wise. People tend to be skeptical, and if she were to approach Xiuyue with such absurd claims, it would only arouse suspicion. Instead of forcefully trying to make Xiuyue accept her as Princess Qingyang, it would be better to let Xiuyue seek the truth on her own. When the time was right, she would reveal her true identity, and everything would fall into place naturally.

After a brief silence, Xiuyue asked, "Where are you taking me?" Luo Sheng turned her gaze toward the window. The sprawling plantations stretched out like vibrant emerald gems, seemingly endless.

"We're heading to the Capital," Luo Sheng replied.

As the entourage moved further away from Nanyang City, Sheng Sanlang, riding on his horse, looked up at the scorching sky and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Despite being only the third month of the year, the sun's heat was unbearable on this sunny day.

Feeling his parched throat, Sheng Sanlang spotted a tea shed by the roadside. He pulled on the reins and approached the carriage. "Biaomei, there's a tea shed ahead. How about we take a break and enjoy some refreshing tea before we continue our journey?"

From inside the carriage, Luo Sheng responded promptly: "Okay."

The entourage stopped in front of the tea shed, and Luo Sheng and her companions, along with their guards, occupied all the available benches. The tea shed waiter swiftly wiped the table and poured tea for Luo Sheng and her companions using a long-mouthed copper teapot.

The tea cups were made of rough porcelain, and the tea served was coarse, but Sheng Sanlang didn't mind. He picked up the cup and drank it, feeling relieved as his parched throat finally found comfort.

"Why aren't you drinking your tea?" Sheng Sanlang couldn't help but ask, noticing that Luo Sheng held the rough porcelain cup without taking a sip. However, at that moment, Luo Sheng seemed completely oblivious to the tea, her gaze fixed on the person approaching the tea shed.

The person approaching was a young man, exuding a calm and indifferent aura of youth while still emanating vibrant energy. His face showcased a pair of black jade-like eyes that contrasted against his slightly pale complexion, creating an aura of coldness and intimidation.

As Sheng Sanlang followed Luo Sheng's line of sight, he was shocked. This man was incredibly handsome, not inferior to Su Yao. Oh no, Luo Biaomei had taken notice of him!

"Ahem!" Sheng Sanlang coughed, hoping the approaching young man would take the hint and leave swiftly. However, his hopes were dashed as the young man glanced in their direction upon hearing his cough and proceeded to make his way over to their table.

"Is there a problem?" Sheng Sanlang looked at the young man with a twinge of guilt, realizing his good intentions might have caused an unexpected situation.

"There's no more seating available. Would you mind sharing a table with me?" The young man sat across from Luo Sheng without waiting for Sheng Sanlang's response. Behind him, his servant discreetly lowered his gaze, trying to hide his surprise.

Luo Sheng couldn't remain calm. This man was the man in black who had intruded into the palace the previous night, the one she had attacked with a stone and doused with chili powder!

Why was he sitting across from her now? Could it be that he had recognized her?

Although the night was neither dark nor windy, she still had her face veiled, and only her eyes were visible to the man. Luo Sheng thought of the dagger in her arms, the long whip around her waist, and the chili powder in her sleeve, but finally, she had no choice but to put out the idea of killing this man immediately.

It can't be helped. Committing murder in broad daylight, in a public space, was far from easy.

"Miss Luo, I trust you have been well since we last met," the man suddenly remarked.