Unable to write her manuscript and with her mind filled with thoughts of Helian Duo, she constantly reminded herself that she was going to find Helian Duo for Mu Li's sake. With this rather ambiguous thought in mind, she made her way alone to the prince's mansion.
Today, the area outside the prince's mansion was still blocked up tightly. Although Helian Duo could use his power, it was really inappropriate for him to intervene in such trifling matters, so as not to shake the people's confidence.
Mu Li beside her saw this and said softly, "I know light - body kung fu. I just wonder if the young lady will be afraid."
Light - body kung fu... was it like what was shown on TV, where one could fly through the air gracefully?
"Sure, I've never experienced such a wonderful feeling..."
Before she could finish her words, she suddenly felt herself floating in the air. The weightless feeling of not touching the ground made her cry out involuntarily. She only felt her body being lifted by Mu Li, and in an instant, they were safely on the eaves of the prince's mansion.
She tried hard to stand still, and in fact, a thin layer of sweat had already appeared on her forehead.
Seeing Mu Li's expressionless face, a sense of awe suddenly rose in her heart. Just as she was about to ask, she suddenly felt as if she was falling. In a flurry, she landed on a pebble - paved path in the courtyard. If it weren't for Mu Li holding her up, she would probably have fallen.
"A Li, how long did it take you to learn this light - body kung fu?"
After her emotions had calmed down, she finally asked.
"More than a decade."
Mu Li's face was calm, as if she was just chatting about daily life.
Cheng Xiran couldn't help swallowing hard. She pursed her red lips slightly and then forced a smile at Mu Li. "You're really amazing."
Just as she was speaking, she saw Zuo Yan running out from the front hall. "Greetings to Miss Cheng."
Cheng Xiran waved her hand. "Where's the prince? Is he in the mansion?"
"Yes..." Zuo Yan led her towards the study at the back. "Didn't the prince tell the young lady to rest? Could it be that the steward hasn't had the time to tell you?"
Cheng Xiran forced a laugh. "I... have something I'd like to ask the prince about, so I came."
She tried her best to make her expression look cold.
Zuo Yan didn't ask any more questions. Instead, he started chatting with Mu Li behind her. Since they came from the same sect, they naturally had things to talk about. Cheng Xiran didn't listen too much. She just felt that the closer she got to the study, the more indescribably wonderful she felt.
But all this wonderful feeling dissipated completely after she saw Helian Duo's gloomy face.
But she wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she suddenly noticed that his originally unpleasant expression softened a bit.
But it was still gloomy.
"Aren't you supposed to be resting? Why did you suddenly come?"
Helian Duo calmly put down the document in his hand.
After Cheng Xiran paid her respects, she naturally sat down beside him and said, "I just wanted to come and ask about A Li's situation. I can teach her some things about how to conduct herself in the world."
Helian Duo's voice was still deep, mellow, and magnetic, with an undeniable tone. "She used to be a killer, born for the darkness. All she faced every day were lists of people to be killed. She's already used to a dull life. And you suddenly say you want to teach her about the warmth and coldness of human relationships. Do you think it's possible?"
Sadness welled up in Cheng Xiran's heart, and she inexplicably began to feel sorry for Mu Li. Helian Duo only glanced at her and knew what she was thinking. He couldn't help but retort, "This was the path she chose for herself back then. She doesn't need your pity."
Cheng Xiran pouted and wrinkled her nose slightly, ignoring him.
After they stared at each other for a while, Cheng Xiran suddenly realized that she didn't really have anything to ask. Afraid that the longer she stayed, the more likely she would expose her true feelings, she took the initiative to bid farewell. "If there's nothing else, I'll go back first."
"Before you leave, go to the steward and settle your labor fee..." Helian Duo deliberately paused for a moment and then continued, "If you're willing to act as a female spy for a day, I can give you an extra 100 taels of silver."
Seeing Cheng Xiran's eyes light up, he deliberately looked away and added ambiguously, "Anyway, it's all for the newspaper office. Besides, I'm really tired of those people outside. I've had to go out through the back door these two days."
Cheng Xiran asked eagerly, "So, are you going to be with this female spy to fulfill their fantasies or clarify your relationship?"
"Of course, it's to clarify the relationship. Being with such a female spy would damage my reputation."
Although this was the answer that Cheng Xiran had been longing to hear, now that she really heard him say it with his own mouth, she felt a bit sad.
Who would have thought that this female spy was herself?
"Okay, then we'll act according to the situation later. No matter what I say, you just need to reject me."
A whole 100 taels of silver! She was short of money right now.
She put on the special makeup of the female spy from a few days ago and picked out a black dress of Mu Li's to change into.
Helian Duo saw this, shook his head in disgust, and complained, "You look really ugly. I don't know what they were thinking. How could I, the regent, possibly fall in love with a woman of such looks?"
Cheng Xiran rolled her eyes at him. "This is exactly why you're so annoying."
The two had pre - arranged a play: Helian Duo would leave the mansion first, and Cheng Xiran would follow closely behind, pestering him relentlessly. Helian Duo would reject her in public, and Cheng Xiran would leave heartbroken. And that would be the end of it. Hooray!
When Helian Duo left the mansion, there were screams from the people outside, but no one dared to get close, after all, his status was well - known.
When he reached the long street and there were quite a few people following him, Cheng Xiran was seen running out of the mansion with a sad face. She pinched her throat and cried out to his departing back, "My Lord, do you really not want me anymore?"