Chapter 68: How Is That Different from Buying Meat?

“Indeed, indeed,” Zhu An nodded, especially since Shen Shilang’s results were so exceptional – he was clearly aiming for the top scholar position and couldn’t afford to relax this early.

After chatting for a while, Shen Shilang finally excused himself and returned to his small room.

“Shen Shilang, shouldn’t you write to Wei Zhaoxian and tell him you passed the exam?” Su Jinshi asked when they got home.

Shen Shilang shook his head. “Since I’ve decided to break ties, I can’t write to him. It would be troublesome if it was discovered later.”

“General Wei has been keeping an eye on me; even if I don’t write, he’ll know I placed first,” Shen Shilang explained.

“That’s true,” Su Jinshi said cheerfully. “But since you placed first, it’s a cause for celebration! I’ll treat you to a feast tonight.”

“Jinshi, I’ve never asked before – do the things you’ve bought for me cost a lot?” Shen Shilang inquired.

“It’s not that much, really. For me, it’s completely manageable,” Su Jinshi replied. “Didn’t I tell you? In my world, I earn quite a bit, equivalent to that of a wealthy family.”

“Well, I guess you could say my lifestyle is on par with wealthy families,” she smiled. “So you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Even so, you don’t need to spend so much on me,” Shen Shilang said gently, shaking his head. “I have the means to earn my own money. Once I hold an official position with a salary, things will only get better.”

“Earning money is your concern, but I want to spend on you,” Su Jinshi insisted. “And honestly, I haven’t bought you that much.”

“Just a few clothes and a couple of meals. Most of the time, you’re the one earning and spending your own money,” she grinned, resting her chin on her hands. For Shen Shilang’s face alone, she was willing to splurge!

“Then let me buy you something as well,” Shen Shilang said softly.

“But you won’t be able to give it to me anyway,” Su Jinshi replied without much thought.

Shen Shilang lowered his eyelashes slightly, concealing the faint disappointment in his eyes, but a gentle smile graced his lips. “We can keep it until we’re able to meet.”

“Aiya, Shen Shilang, don’t waste money on me like that,” Su Jinshi thought, knowing the chances of them meeting were slim. Wouldn’t that just be a pointless expense?

“We will meet,” Shen Shilang suddenly looked up, his gaze resolute. “If we can communicate like this now, and you can even send things to me, then surely there must be a way to truly connect our worlds.”

Su Jinshi felt a lump in her throat, holding back tears. She longed to hug Shen Shilang, to be near him, not just like this, but really in front of him, to hold him close.

She pouted and poked his chest. “Shen Shilang…”

Hearing the tremble in her voice, Shen Shilang quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Why don’t… why don’t you let me touch your abs?” Su Jinshi pleaded, eyes wide with feigned innocence. “And maybe, if you could be a little more generous, that would be the best gift for me.”

Shen Shilang: “…”

He had just been worried she might be crying, and now Su Jinshi had left him completely speechless.

With a sudden cold laugh, Shen Shilang remarked, “How is that any different from paying for meat?”

Su Jinshi: “…”

As expected of a scholar, he truly knew how to turn a phrase.

Shen Shilang raised an eyebrow. “One day, if you can stand before me, I’ll grant your wish.”

As he spoke, his ears flushed red.

Su Jinshi poked his warm ears and sighed softly.

That evening, Su Jinshi still prepared a grand feast to celebrate Shen Shilang’s success. All the dishes had been bought from the game store, and she even selected a mild rice wine with minimal alcohol content, so Shen Shilang wouldn’t get drunk.

Soon, Shen Shilang would have to face the Emperor during the final imperial examination.

Su Jinshi couldn’t help but wonder how much rage and anguish he would feel when confronting the man responsible for massacring his entire family. Yet Shen Shilang would still have to kneel and show respect before Emperor Jiacheng.

On the day of the imperial exam, Shen Shilang rose before dawn to prepare. Since his residence was far from the palace, the journey would take considerable time.

Su Jinshi, knowing the significance of this day, had stayed awake all night, fearful of oversleeping and leaving Shen Shilang to face it alone.

The room remained cloaked in darkness, the moonlight unable to penetrate the paper-covered windows. The stillness, combined with the biting cold of night, created a heavy, somber atmosphere.

“Shen Shilang,” Su Jinshi whispered, not wanting to startle him.

“Jinshi?” Shen Shilang sounded surprised. “Why are you up so early?”

Su Jinshi didn’t mention that she hadn’t slept at all.

“Today is an important day for you. How could I let you go to the palace alone?” she said. “Of course, I’m going with you.”

Her soft voice resonated in the still, dark room, calming Shen Shilang’s heart. He smiled faintly in the shadows.

Su Jinshi noticed how, in the dim light, Shen Shilang’s face seemed more profound and sharper than usual. During the day, his serene expression carried a gentle warmth, but now, in the darkness,

there was a cold, deadly aura surrounding him.

Su Jinshi took a deep breath—this side of Shen Shilang stirred something deep inside her.

She gently traced her fingers along his brow.

Though Shen Shilang couldn’t see her, he instinctively looked in her direction.

Su Jinshi caught his intense gaze piercing through the darkness. Her fingers lightly followed the curve of his brow as she spoke softly, “Shen Shilang, even though I can’t appear before you now, I’m always by your side.”

“No matter what you face, I’ll be there to help you,” she continued. “At any time, I’m here for you.”

Whatever dangers might come, she was confident she could find a way to save him.

Shen Shilang raised his hand, instinctively trying to grasp hers. The sensation of her touch had felt so real, as if she were standing right in front of him, perhaps even in his arms.

But when he reached out, there was only emptiness. His fingers touched nothing but the cold of his own palm.

Lowering his gaze to conceal his disappointment, Shen Shilang whispered, “Alright.”

He opened his hand, staring at the empty palm.

Somehow, Su Jinshi understood. Gently, she placed her finger in the center of his upturned palm.

…