Chapter 009: A new ally

Yao Yuan remained a silent observer for the remainder of the auction, her attention unwavering yet unfulfilled. There was nothing she required, for Luo had meticulously prepared ample necessities to support her cultivation journey. She couldn't help but inwardly acknowledge that Luo would make an impeccable housewife, attending to every minute detail with utmost care and consideration. If he ever chose that path, she would gladly welcome him as a sworn sister.

As the final gavel fell, signalling the auction's conclusion, Zhu Bu Xi turned to Yao Yuan with a cordial invitation. "Why don't you join me for a meal?" He gestured towards the waning sun, its golden rays casting long shadows across the city, heralding the impending arrival of dinnertime.

"Certainly, I'd be delighted," Yao Yuan accepted readily, her curiosity piqued by this newfound acquaintance who seemed to possess an air of intrigue. She sensed that Zhu Bu Xi could become a valuable friend, and she was eager to learn more about him.

Zhu Bu Xi led the way to a nearby restaurant, its elegantly understated facade belying the exquisite refinement within. The interior was a masterful fusion of simplicity and sophistication, each element carefully curated to create an ambiance of tranquil luxury.

Qiao'er, the attentive maid, awaited their arrival at the entrance, swiftly ushering them into a private VIP room. As they took their seats, a sumptuous array of dishes was promptly served, a testament to Qiao'er's meticulous preparation, having anticipated their arrival.

"Please, help yourself," Zhu Bu Xi gestured invitingly as he settled across from Yao Yuan at the round table, with Qiao'er standing silently behind him.

"Many thanks, I won't hold back then," Yao Yuan replied, her hunger awakened by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the exquisite spread before her. She deftly picked up her chopsticks and dug in with relish.

"Miss Yao, would it be acceptable if I addressed you as Sister Yuan?" Zhu Bu Xi inquired politely, his tone measured.

"As you please, although I would prefer to be called Brother Yuan," Yao Yuan responded, her candour catching Zhu Bu Xi off guard.

For a brief moment, he was taken aback, quickly recovering his composure. "Brother Yuan? Are you jesting with me?" A curious smile played upon his lips as he mused inwardly, 'Surely, there must be an intriguing tale behind this.'

"Not at all, I'm quite serious. I do prefer that," Yao Yuan affirmed, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Very well, I understand. Then Brother Yuan it shall be," Zhu Bu Xi acquiesced, his mind racing to connect the dots. A transcendent being himself, he was no stranger to the complexities of identity and self-expression. In his former life on Earth, he had encountered the LGBTQ community, and he wondered if perhaps Yao Yuan was a woman who identified as a man. (Author's note: Zhu Bu Xi was a protagonist from another book. If you're interested in learning more about his backstory, please leave a comment.)

"I appreciate your understanding, from the depths of my heart. To commemorate this moment, allow me to propose a toast, Brother Bu Xi." Yao Yuan raised a glass of wine, her eyes twinkling with mirth as she awaited Zhu Bu Xi's response.

Mirroring her gesture, Zhu Bu Xi grasped his jade cup and gently clinked it against Yao Yuan's glass. Without hesitation, he drained the contents in a single gulp.

"Exquisite vintage," Yao Yuan exclaimed after savouring the rich bouquet, her lips curling into a wistful smile. For a fleeting moment, she was transported back to a time when she had embarked on countless journeys, meeting individuals from all walks of life, sharing tales over glasses of wine and laughter. A life once filled with carefree wanderlust, shattered by the brutal massacre of her family.

"Are you alright?" Zhu Bu Xi inquired gently, his perceptive gaze noting the subtle shift in Yao Yuan's demeanour, a melancholic shadow passing over her features.

Yao Yuan hastily brushed away a stray tear, grumbling inwardly at her uncharacteristic display of emotion. "I'm fine, just reminiscing about the past."

"It would seem that Brother Yao has lived a life rich with stories," Zhu Bu Xi observed, his curiosity piqued.

"You could say that," Yao Yuan conceded with a rueful chuckle. "But I wouldn't want to bore you with the details of my history."

"On the contrary, my ears are open and eager to listen," Zhu Bu Xi countered, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Nah, I'm a wanted person," Yao Yuan deflected, unwilling to divulge too much. "Knowing my past would only drag you into the ordeal as well. I'll tell you everything once I've exacted my revenge."

Sensing her reluctance, Zhu Bu Xi refrained from pressing further, content with the breadcrumbs of information she had provided – 'wanted,' 'revenge,' and the surname 'Yao.' He would bide his time, allowing her to reveal her secrets at her own pace.

After a momentary lull in the conversation, Yao Yuan seized the opportunity to shift the focus. "Brother Bu Xi, you haven't told me much about yourself."

"Ah, my apologies," Zhu Bu Xi replied, his tone tinged with contrition. "I keep forgetting that you're unfamiliar with my reputation. I'm a businessman, primarily dealing in information."

"What sort of business?" Yao Yuan probed, her interest piqued.

"On the surface, I buy and sell information," Zhu Bu Xi began, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But beneath that veneer, I provide a more specialized service – helping people remove... trash."

"Remove trash?" Yao Yuan echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Zhu Bu Xi raised his right hand, slicing the air with his palm in a chilling gesture, mimicking the slitting of a throat.

Comprehension dawned on Yao Yuan's features. "I see, assassination."

"Such crass terminology," Zhu Bu Xi chided gently. "I prefer to call it 'trash removal.' We only accept contracts on the heads of the most vile criminals."

"Ah, now I truly understand the meaning of 'trash removal,'" Yao Yuan nodded sagely. "When I've attained sufficient strength, I shall join you and help you to remove a few... pieces of trash."

"I eagerly await that day," Zhu Bu Xi replied, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "With a few more days until the entrance examination, what are your plans?"

"I suppose I'll continue my cultivation at the inn where I'm staying," Yao Yuan responded nonchalantly, her tone betraying the monotony of a cultivator's life.

"May I offer you a room at my residence instead?" Zhu Bu Xi proposed. "It's equipped with a high-grade spirit-gathering array that would undoubtedly aid your cultivation."

Yao Yuan hesitated, keenly aware of the imposition. "Isn't that too great an intrusion, given that we've only just met?"

"Nonsense," Zhu Bu Xi dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand. "I relish the opportunity to make new friends, and Brother Yao is someone with whom I can truly connect."

Touched by his sincerity, Yao Yuan felt a warmth bloom within her chest. "I share that sentiment as well. In that case, I gratefully accept your generous offer." She raised her glass once more, a twinkle in her eye. "To friendship."

Zhu Bu Xi mirrored her gesture, his cup aloft. "To friendship," he echoed, their glasses chiming in a toast to their newfound bond.

As they savoured the rich vintage, Yao Yuan couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism, a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of her past. Perhaps, in this city of swords and secrets, she had found an ally, a kindred spirit who could walk alongside her on the path to reclaiming her life and seeking the elusive justice she so desperately craved.

**To be continued