Chapter 33: You Scoundrel

No one knew what exactly Zhao Yu and Cui Yao had discussed, but ultimately, Zhao Yu agreed to let Cui Yao stay.

Claiming to have previously worked for Shen Tuo Feng, Cui Yao’s abilities were undeniable.

Regarding the Wudong land, Cui Yao had even participated in project discussions before. Learning that Zhao Yu planned to visit the site, he proposed accompanying them, thinking he might be of help. More importantly, he preferred Zhao Yu and Lan Rongrong to acquire the land over Shen Tuo Feng.

Wudong, surrounded by water on all sides, was best accessed via waterways. It required a day and night by boat to cross the river.

Dai Ning had her own plans and decided to join the trip. Since Zhao Yu saw this visit as merely an inspection with no imminent danger, he didn’t force her to stay behind.

The lake at Wudong was reportedly beautiful, and he figured it wouldn’t hurt to let her have a look.

Thanks to Dai Ning’s participation, Zhao Yu’s luggage tripled in volume.

Early the next morning, the group gathered at the dock, where Du Tian immediately spotted Dai Ning.

In October, the weather was already quite cool, and only faint sunlight graced the ground. Yet, Ji Dai Ning was still carrying an exquisite oil-paper parasol to shield herself from the sun.

She wore a creamy white bodice paired with a skirt that faded into a soft lake-blue gradient. The skirt’s ribbons crisscrossed her back, winding up to her neck to form a vivid blue rose.

Her beauty was always unrestrained. Of the ten men present, nine couldn’t take their eyes off her. The only exception was Cui Yao, standing next to Du Tian.

Du Tian felt annoyed. They were supposed to be there on business, yet Ji Dai Ning looked as if she were on a leisurely outing. Before transmigrating into this story, Du Tian had been a shrewd white-collar worker, adept in business dealings.

The boat couldn’t accommodate too many people, so Dai Ning only brought two bodyguards, leaving Uncle Qian behind. Once everyone was gathered, Zhao Yu said, “Let’s go.”

After a short while, Zhao Yu paused and took the parasol from her hands, holding it over her himself.

Dai Ning, knowing Du Tian was watching from behind, felt delighted. Zhao Yu was becoming more attentive.

Though Dai Ning had been on luxury cruises before, this smaller boat was a first for her. By “small,” it wasn’t small-small—it still had cabins for resting and a deck for enjoying the view.

Onboard, they discovered the Lan siblings were also present.

Lan Rongrong greeted them enthusiastically, but her smile froze momentarily upon seeing Dai Ning and Du Tian. She quickly recovered, being no fool, and invited everyone aboard.

Including Dai Ning’s bodyguards and the Lan family’s entourage, the group totaled twenty.

Seeing a few unfamiliar faces, Dai Ning asked Zhao Yu, “Who are they?”

Zhao Yu glanced briefly, “My people.”

“Your people?” she repeated, blinking.

“Mm.”

Realization dawned on her, and she grinned mischievously. “So, while helping Lan Rongrong, you’ve been secretly pocketing benefits for yourself?”

Zhao Yu didn’t deny it. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Of course, the male lead couldn’t be a straightforwardly honest person. He wasn’t Lan Rongrong’s lackey. Odds were, the benefits Lan Rongrong openly gained paled in comparison to what Zhao Yu was quietly amassing.

His prowess was remarkable. With just a few people loaned to him by Lan Rongrong, he had managed to establish his own team. If not for this trip to Wudong, no one would have known.

Dai Ning thought to herself, with the protagonist’s luck divided among three, any extraordinary accomplishment was possible.

She even suspected that if they acquired the Wudong land, Zhao Yu wouldn’t give it to Lan Rongrong. He might be a good person, but he was no saint. Doing all the work just to let others reap the benefits was foolish.

The group of three men and three women formed an odd dynamic: Dai Ning sat beside Zhao Yu, the Lan siblings stayed together, and Cui Yao talked with Du Tian.

Dai Ning whispered to Zhao Yu, “That Cui Yao—are you sure he’s trustworthy?”

Instead of answering directly, Zhao Yu asked, “Want an orange?”

She nodded.

While peeling the orange, Zhao Yu replied, “Cui Yao likely has genuine animosity toward Shen Tuo Feng, but I don’t fully trust him.”

“Then why bring him along?”

“He’s useful.”

Having someone offer their service for free was an opportunity Zhao Yu wasn’t about to pass up. Cui Yao had already provided valuable information; the rest could be managed with caution.

Lan Rongrong, unfamiliar with Cui Yao, approached to inquire about him.

Du Tian, alarmed by potential competition for the male lead, immediately joined the conversation. Though each had their own agenda, they all discussed Wudong’s prospects.

Dai Ning wasn’t interested in the talk. She took the orange Zhao Yu peeled for her and headed outside.

Watching her leave, Zhao Yu heard her cheerful voice drift back. “Captain, can you get me a fishing rod? I want to fish!”

Knowing she’d entertain herself, Zhao Yu turned his attention back to the discussion.

When Cui Yao produced a map of Wudong’s mineral distribution, everyone was stunned. Du Tian felt a surge of pride—this was her contribution.

Zhao Yu glanced at Cui Yao, silently calculating.

Meanwhile, Lan Lingyun grew bored of the business talk. For him, acquiring the land would mean more money, but losing it wouldn’t leave him destitute. Why fight so hard? His eyes drifted to the deck, where Dai Ning’s striking figure caught his attention.

The lake’s shimmering surface reflected her lake-blue dress. Her white, slender neck adorned with the vibrant blue rose added to her ethereal allure. Sitting barefoot with her feet submerged in the water, she looked like a living painting.

Lan Lingyun stared, captivated, prompting Zhao Yu to glance outside. After a brief look, Zhao Yu calmly shut the window.

“It’s windy out there,” he said flatly. “Miss Lan, please continue.”

Lan Lingyun was left frustrated, his gaze yearning to pierce through the closed window.

Outside, Dai Ning remained unaffected by the strange tension indoors. Besides flying kites, she was surprisingly skilled at fishing. Without even watching the lake, she could tell by the feel of the rod when a fish had taken the bait.

“Pull it in! Pull it in!” Qingtuan urged excitedly.

Dai Ning reeled in the line unhurriedly, revealing another fish caught. Disliking the fishy smell, she called out, “Hey, can someone help me?”

A young crew member blushed, unsure. “Me?”

“Yes.” She smiled sweetly. “Help me take it off the hook and put on new bait, would you?”

The young man nodded eagerly.

While Zhao Yu’s group strategized, Dai Ning enjoyed her fishing spree. By sunset, she’d filled half a bucket.

Golden clouds reflected on the tranquil river as Zhao Yu emerged to find her.

A young fisherman was attentively changing her bait. Luckily, the young lady had put her shoes back on, sitting quietly for once.

“Thank you. I’ll take over now,” Zhao Yu told the fisherman.

The young man glanced at Dai Ning, then at Zhao Yu, and left, dejected.

The river was calm, and the evening breeze swept across the deck. Zhao Yu sat beside her, and she instinctively leaned against him.

This time, Zhao Yu didn’t push her away. Instead, he adjusted his position, letting her rest more comfortably.

“Did you catch so many? Do you want me to grill them for you tonight?”

Upon hearing this, Dai Ning perked up. “Yes! Does the boat have a grill?”

“It should. I’ll go borrow one.”

Lan Lingyun stepped out just a moment later and saw this heartbreaking scene. He wasn’t an idiot; anyone would believe there was something between those two. Young Master Lan felt as if his heart were shattering. Was it because he hadn’t protected Ning Ning properly that night at the ‘Nevernight City’? Did Ning Ning now have feelings for someone else?

It wasn’t just his expression that darkened—Lan Rongrong and Du Tian also looked displeased.

Only Cui Yao seemed unaffected. His gaze swept over everyone, quickly calculating the dynamics. Among the six people present, there might very well be more than a dozen one-sided infatuations interwoven among them.

Zhao Yu said he’d borrow a grill—and he really managed to get one.

He was incredibly capable, cleaning and scaling the fish with swift efficiency, while beside him squatted Dai Ning, her eyes shining as she watched him brush on the marinade.

“A bit more spice,” she requested.

Lan Lingyun, unwilling to give up, approached them and said, “Ning Ning, I brought you some chocolates and fried milk snacks. Want to try them?”

Dai Ning had eyes only for her grilled fish and shook her head without hesitation.

Lan Lingyun refused to leave. He glanced at Zhao Yu, then finally gathered his courage to ask the question weighing on his mind. Clenching his teeth, he asked, “Ning Ning, what’s your relationship with him? Don’t tell me you like him?”

As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere grew tense.

Lan Rongrong and Du Tian perked up their ears, while even Zhao Yu, who was grilling fish, raised his gaze to look at Dai Ning.

Without even thinking, Dai Ning nodded. “Yes, I do.”

Lan Lingyun couldn’t handle the answer. Furious, he got up and left. Lan Rongrong ground her teeth, glaring at Dai Ning.

Du Tian, however, maintained a composed expression, though her eyes betrayed her sharp judgment.

Of everyone, Zhao Yu seemed the most surprised by her response.

He paused briefly, looking at Dai Ning. She urged him, “Flip the fish—it’s about to burn.”

Zhao Yu turned the fish over. He didn’t grill extras, nor did he bother to ask if Lan Rongrong or the others wanted any. When the fish was ready, he handed it to Dai Ning.

Dai Ning, ever particular about the quality of life, didn’t eat much. Two small fish were enough for her.

The moon had begun to rise, its pale silhouette appearing in the sky.

Meanwhile, Qingtuan sat in a corner, grumbling in hunger. It hadn’t eaten in ages, and its spectral body could only survive on consuming souls. Its stomach growled pitifully.

After finishing her meal and washing her hands, Dai Ning prepared to head to her room. On this trip, there were enough cabins for everyone, avoiding the awkward situation that had occurred in Huan County.

As everyone retired to their own rooms, Zhao Yu noticed Dai Ning leaving and grabbed her hand.

Puzzled, Dai Ning turned back. “What is it?”

Using his thumb, Zhao Yu wiped a smudge of ash from her cheek. Looking down at her, he asked in a low voice, “Will you sleep with me tonight?”

Dai Ning nearly choked on her breath. Qingtuan, too, was so startled it dared not utter a word.

Seeing her reaction, Zhao Yu calmly added, “Just kidding.”

But Dai Ning understood what this meant—Zhao Yu was testing her. He clearly wanted to know if her earlier declaration of “liking him” was genuine, but being astute as always, he no longer asked directly about her feelings. Instead, he relied on observing her reactions to infer her true thoughts.

Given Zhao Yu’s cunning mind—evident from how he secretly profited while collaborating with Lan Rongrong—it was clear he was meticulous and calculating. If he ever figured out that the infamous “nighttime incident” was staged, and nothing had truly happened between them, it could jeopardize their budding connection.

Realizing this, Dai Ning didn’t feel the slightest guilt. She shook her head, then nodded, leaning close to whisper something in Zhao Yu’s ear.

His composed expression faltered ever so slightly.

He cleared his throat, his voice dropping. “Where am I supposed to find that?”

Dai Ning glanced toward the ship interior and mischievously suggested, “Why don’t you ask Lan Rongrong or Du Tian?”

Zhao Yu frowned.

Dai Ning, unfazed by his discomfort, gleefully skipped away. “I’ll wait for you in my room.”

—

Lan Rongrong’s door was knocked upon. When she opened it to find Zhao Yu, her eyes lit up with joy. Smiling, she asked, “It’s so late, Zhao Yu. Do you need something?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Yu, his expression cold and serious, asked, “Do you have any sanitary pads?”

Lan Rongrong was taken aback. “What?”

She thought she had misheard him. But Zhao Yu’s serious demeanor made it clear she hadn’t. For the first time in her life, Lan Rongrong found herself asked such a question by a man. Awkwardly, she replied, “No, I don’t.”

Zhao Yu nodded, said nothing more, and went to knock on Du Tian’s door.

He posed the same question, and Du Tian instinctively answered, “I do.”

She was nearing her own cycle and had come prepared.

However, just as she was about to hand them over, Du Tian hesitated. Her expression shifted as the realization struck—these were for Dai Ning, weren’t they?

The thought made Du Tian’s mood sour.

Zhao Yu accepted the item with a curt “thank you.”

Unable to hold back, Du Tian blurted, “You and Dai Ning…”

Zhao Yu gave her a calm glance, inviting her to speak her mind.

But Du Tian lacked the courage to continue. A creeping sense of unease took hold of her. Was the storyline she knew derailing? If so, why had Zhao Yu and Dai Ning become so close?

Since she didn’t press further, Zhao Yu naturally didn’t explain. Returning to Dai Ning’s room, he found her lying on the bed, idly fiddling with a puzzle she’d somehow found on the ship.

Qingtuan huddled in despair. It knew that sending Zhao Yu to ask the other girls for this favor would surely keep them up all night, overthinking what it meant.

Zhao Yu, expressionless, tapped her. “Get up and change.”

Dai Ning rested her chin on his shoulder and coyly said, “You do it for me. We’re already that close. If you won’t even help with this, do you really love me?”

Zhao Yu pressed his temples. “I don’t know how.”

“I’ll teach you,” she said, her tone teasing.

“Do it yourself,” he muttered, exasperated.

“Nope.” She pouted. “Fine, I’ll just go find Lan Lingyun.”

Scooping her up, Zhao Yu snapped, “Stop talking nonsense!”

“Then will you do it or not?”

Qingtuan, shoved metaphorically into a dark corner, despaired at the unfolding absurdity.

In those few minutes, Zhao Yu experienced the most mortifying moments of his life. By the time he returned Dai Ning to her bed, he felt as though his endurance had reached its peak, honed by her relentless antics.

Dai Ning, however, looked completely unbothered, grinning mischievously. Why should she feel embarrassed? Zhao Yu hadn’t dared to look directly at her once.

After this incident, Zhao Yu no longer doubted the veracity of what happened that night. With everything he had done for her—even this—he would remain by her side, regardless of her feelings.

He had become deeply entangled with her, unable to sever their connection.

As she curled up in her blanket, she playfully reached out to touch his Adam’s apple.

Looking at her, Zhao Yu felt utterly powerless. Only one thought remained in his mind: If he couldn’t make this little troublemaker fall in love with him, then he simply had to outlive her.

Because if he died first, this scoundrel would be off finding a new love the very next day.