Chapter 324: Xue Meng's Blind Date: Mystery Matron 3

Xue Meng waited impatiently until he finally heard the waiter's announcement outside the private room: "This way to Wind Pavilion, please."

The woman had finally arrived.

Scouring away the impatience from his expression, Xue Meng straightened his back and adopted a composed demeanor, just like his father, as he looked outwards.

He could hear footsteps approaching steadily, not too fast or too slow. A blurred figure passed behind the bamboo curtains and floral patterns, revealing a silver dragon-embroidered water pipe. The pipe was attached to a light green tobacco pouch embroidered with Duorou flowers. The hand holding the pipe was slender and elegant, with a delicate radiale bone and a small vermilion mole on the side of the wrist.

Xue Meng felt like he had seen such a hand before, but the memory was hazy, like trying to see through mist. As he pondered, the person entered the room.

According to the Scroll of Worry-Free, after wearing the matchmaking pouch, an illusion would wrap around the wearer, making them appear as they truly were, while also incorporating the preferences and imagination of the other party.

In simpler terms, Ruo Ying did not actually look like this. Whatever image Xue Meng had of her in his mind would influence her appearance when she appeared, though there would still be traces of her true self.

Given that Xue Meng previously imagined Ruo Ying resembled his mother, the girl who emerged from behind the bamboo curtains indeed bore a vague resemblance to Madame Wang.

Her skin was fair, exuding an air of serene elegance. Her slightly furrowed brows lent her a hint of frailty.

Xue Meng felt as if a boulder had struck his chest, causing him to jolt upright. It was no wonder he was agitated; anyone who saw someone bearing a three-point resemblance to their dearly departed mother would be stirred, even if they knew the appearance was fake. They couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

He opened his mouth, almost calling out "Mother," but thankfully, the waiter entered the private room at that moment, snapping Xue Meng back to reality. Swallowing his words, he changed "Mother" to "You."

"You..."

"Are you Wang Xiaoxue?" Ruo Ying spoke up, her voice cool and clear like running water. Although it was also distorted by illusion magic, it bore no resemblance to Madame Wang's voice.

"Yes, yes."

Ruo Ying's amethyst eyes scanned him from head to toe.

In that instant, Xue Meng had an odd sensation. He felt that Ruo Ying's gaze carried an innate sense of refinement and detachment, even a hint of impatience.

"I don't have the best memory and might easily call you the wrong name," Ruo Ying said. "How about I just address you as Immortal Master Wang? Would that be alright?"

Despite the question form, there was no trace of uncertainty in her tone.

It was rather decisive, in fact.

Xue Meng began to ponder, how could he find such a person reminiscent of his mother?

But regardless of his doubts, Sect Leader Xue was, after all, the sect leader. Under Elder Xuan Ji's careful guidance, Xue Ziming's social skills had vastly improved. Thus, he still maintained the demeanor of a sect leader, clearing his throat and saying, "Very well. Nice to meet you, Ruo—"

He had intended to address her as Miss Ruo, but Lord Ma, with his unconventional thinking, had added various spells to the soulmate pouches to ensure everyone could find their soulmate without any distractions. Apart from seeing an illusory appearance after wearing the pouch, one couldn't even inquire about the other person's age, height, weight, or... gender.

Thus, before Xue Meng could say "Miss," the pouch at his waist silenced him with a silencing charm.

It was as if Lord Uncle Ma was shouting out loud—age, height, weight, beauty, and gender—none of these were crucial in finding a companion!

Please, esteemed immortals, pay more attention to the soul beneath the skin!

However, Xue Meng was still unaware of Lord Ma's intentions behind this design. He merely thought that there must be something wrong with Peach Bud Manor's product, so he frowned and corrected himself, "Immortal Ruo."

"Mm." Ruo Ying accepted this address without any qualms and then sat down across from Xue Meng with the air of a big shot.

Xue Meng: "…"

Wait, sister, aren't you supposed to bow and express your gratitude?

With an indifferent glance, the wealthy woman nodded slightly. "Take a seat, there's no need to stand."

Xue Meng: "???"

What kind of tone was that?

If this had happened in the past, Xue Meng would have likely jumped up and loudly argued with the person. But now, he held back.

He was already the most dazzling young master in the Lower Realm, a revered lord who owned several mountain peaks, and a mature man who aimed to glorify the Peak of Life and Death for his father.

Yes, he didn't argue with girls.

With this thought in mind, Xue Meng sat down in front of Ruo Ying. He straightened his back and extended two fingers, pushing the menu of Xi Hua Pavilion's tea and snacks towards her. "What would you like to drink?"

Ruo Ying seemed uninterested in choosing specific teas or pastries. "Just decide for me," she said. After speaking, she leaned back in her small-leaf purple sandalwood dragon-patterned official hat chair and added some dried herb tobacco into her water pipe.

Xue Meng: "...Do you smoke marijuana?"

"A revised formula," Ruo Ying said, not even bothering to lift an eyelid. "It won't affect you."

"Not that, but you're still young—"

"Who told you I'm young?"

Xue Meng's eyes widened. "Then how old are you?"

Ruo Ying leaned against the window, a flame igniting at the tip of their finger as they lit the water pipe. With an indifferent expression, they took a puff and exhaled the smoke in slow, measured puffs.

"What does it have to do with you?"

"..."

"Moreover," Ruo Ying lifted her slender chin and gestured toward the silk pouch hanging at Xue Meng's waist, "That man named Ma has set numerous prohibitions. Until I remove this sachet, I won't be able to answer your question."

"Feel free to sit. To be honest, my visit isn't aimed at forging a Daoist partnership with you."

Xue Meng was stunned. Damn, how could this woman steal his lines?!

In the realm of matchmaking, if both parties were uninterested, it was crucial for one to seize the initiative to speak up first, for the other would end up losing face significantly.

At this moment, Xue Meng felt utterly humiliated.

Not only did he feel embarrassed, but he also assumed that the other party must be an experienced dater – how else could she have known to take the lead so swiftly?!!

She must have been dragged by matchmakers to a thousand blind dates, only to be rejected a thousand and one times due to her extravagant demeanor!

That had to be it!

Xue Meng's handsome face turned slightly green as he gritted his back teeth. "Do you really think I'm here for a matchmaking session? Let me... let me tell you the truth! I come from a prosperous family; people lining up to marry into it can stretch from Yangzhou all the way to Shu!'

Ruo Ying looked at him indifferently.

Before speaking, Xue Meng felt like a king.

After saying his piece and basking in her gaze for a moment, he suddenly felt like a fool.

Ruo Ying's casual tone only further solidified in Xue Meng's mind the notion that he was acting like an idiot.

Ruo Ying took another puff of her water pipe and slightly turned her face to address the shop waiter, who stood by with a familiar expression. "A set of YaoTai Cold Plums for this Immortal Master, please."

Xue Meng's eyes widened. "Didn't I say I'd order?!"

"I'm a regular here," Ruo Ying said unperturbed. "YaoTai Cold Plums have a sweet aftertaste, perfect for young novices like you."

Xue Meng grew even more agitated.

By the time the tea and snacks arrived, he had no intention of touching them at all. Despite the inviting appearance of the clear tea and delicate pastries, they failed to entice him.

Ruo Ying asked, "You're not going to eat?"

Xue Meng huffed. "I have money, and I like to splurge. Mind your own business."

Upon hearing this, Ruo Ying glanced at him through narrowed almond-shaped eyes, her gaze soft in the haze of the pale blue smoke. After a moment, she inquired, "Is Immortal Master Wang from West Lake Peach Bud Manor?"

"No," Xue Meng replied.

"A wealthy merchant from Lin Yi?"

"Not quite."

"... An apprentice of Solitary Moon Night from Yangzhou?"

"Solitary Moon Night? What's so impressive about that?" Xue Meng scoffed. "Forget about their disciples, even their Sect Leader, Jiang Xi, ha ha, I wouldn't accept gifts if they were offered to me!"

Upon hearing his words, Ruo Ying's eyebrows lifted slightly for an unknown reason.

Xue Meng asked, "What's that look? Don't believe me?"

Ruo Ying let out a cold laugh but didn't respond, continuing to enjoy her water pipe instead. After a while, she suddenly said, "If you're so remarkable, order more then. I haven't had breakfast yet."

Although Xue Meng was already annoyed with her, he wasn't one to refuse a lady's request. As he picked up the menu from the table, he inquired, "What would you like?"

"The Delicate Eighteen Dishes. I always order this when I come here."

Xue Meng shrugged indifferently. "Fine, I'll order it—cough, cough, cough!!"

Glancing at the menu's prices, he nearly popped his eyeballs out of their sockets!

"You always order this... every time you come?!"

Ruo Ying replied nonchalantly, "Add one more pot of the finest Golden Spring Dew."

Xue Meng felt a mouthful of old blood stagnate in his chest; even a gentle pat from a kitten at this moment would send him into a fit of coughing, spewing blood for what seemed like miles.

If it weren't for the fact that he himself had chosen this location for their meeting, he would have suspected that Ruo Ying was actually an undercover teahouse maiden from Xi Hua Pavilion, trying to scam him! Playing the immortal trap game with him!!!

The meal left Sect Leader Xue's heart aching and his purse nearly empty. As they emerged from the Xi Hua Pavilion, Xue Meng's steps felt unsteady.

"Are you unwell?" Ruo Ying asked with a slightly furrowed brow.

Sect Leader Xue, too prideful to admit any weakness, mustered up his energy to refute, "Unwell? No, no, no, I'm not unwell at all. I'm feeling great."

"One should not hide illnesses or avoid seeking treatment when needed," Ruo Ying reminded him.

Xue Meng's eyes widened in indignation. "You're the one who's sick! I'm perfectly healthy!"

"Is that so?" Ruo Ying's voice seemed to have been steeped in herbal medicine, exuding a subtle medicinal aroma with each word. He casually remarked, "Your lower abdomen is weak, your knees feel unsteady, and you're plagued by heat in your palms and soles." Those almond-shaped eyes scanned Xue Meng from head to toe, leaving Xue Meng with the surreal sensation of being dissected layer by layer. "You suffer from kidney deficiency, sir."

Xue Meng erupted in anger, yelling, "Shut up! You quack!"

The quack coolly added, "And you also have excessive liver fire."

Xue Meng was speechless.

It appeared that his previous assumptions were entirely wrong. Not all women who enjoyed the art of medicine were as warm and comforting as his mother; there were also those who could make one feel as uncomfortable as sitting on needles!

But what truly pushed Xue Meng to the brink was the rule of the Jade Slip of Worry Dissipation: According to its stipulations, both parties had to spend at least three hours together for their meeting to count towards their positive interaction score.

Well, he had come this far and spent the money. If it didn't count, he would be at a huge loss.

Determined not to lose out, Xue Meng resolved to endure, no matter what!

Moreover, this woman had already shown her blatant lack of interest in him right from the start, which greatly bruised Xue Meng's ego. Thus, he secretly vowed:

Not only would he endure, but he would also project the aura of an enigmatic tycoon during the remaining two and a half hours! Yes, that kind of demeanor where pearls were as common as dirt and gold as cheap as iron!

He was determined to make that snobbish heiress regret her actions to the core, to make her bitterly remorseful. At the very least, he would leave an indelible mark on her string of failed relationships!

Yet, even bringing her to Yangzhou's most luxurious Xihua Tower hadn't stirred any emotions in her. Where else could he possibly take her to impress her?

After much contemplation, a brilliant idea struck him.

Revitalized by his indignation, Sect Leader Xue raised his head with the air of a wealthy patron and said in a deep voice, "Since we're mere acquaintances, there's no need for Immortal Ruo to worry about my body. We still have half a day to kill, and standing here like fools isn't a solution. Why don't I show you an interesting place instead?"

Ruo Ying fell silent for a moment before asking, "Where do you plan to take me?"

Xue Meng eventually led the person to the Long Night Gathering.

It was a three-story wooden structure with deep eaves and interconnected roof ridges, standing near Yangzhou's harbor. It was a well-known marketplace for illicit goods in the city. Rumor had it that a large portion of the underworld items from the cultivation world eventually ended up in this magnificent building, and a significant reason behind the black market guild's dominance was its association with Solitary Moon Night.

Back when Xue Meng was young and wanted to play in Jiangnan, Madame Wang had summoned him, held his hand, and repeatedly warned him with various precautions. She gave him a list of dos and don'ts, finally emphasizing, "Meng-er, the Long Night Gathering in Yangzhou City is no place for you. Not only are the prices exorbitant, but the goods they sell are... somewhat..."

She seemed to find it difficult to put into words, her snowy cheeks turning slightly red. She finally cleared her throat and said, "In short, with not much money on you, you'd surely leave there broke. So, if you see the Long Night Gathering, just avoid it, do you understand?"

Xue Meng, an obedient son who was also incredibly innocent, didn't pick up on his mother's hidden meaning. Instead, he curiously asked, "Is the Long Night Gathering a place for fools with too much money to spend?"

Xue Zhengyong chuckled from the side, addressing his son who had just come of age, "Oh, actually, it's not like that. Your mother always sees you as a little child and feels awkward telling you certain things. But your father is different. There are some matters—" His words were interrupted when Madame Wang nudged him with her elbow.

"Cough, cough, cough!" Xue Zhengyong covered his chest, which had been hit, and quickly corrected himself, "There are indeed some things you shouldn't know!"

Confused, Xue Meng glanced at them, while his parents smiled awkwardly at him. The naive boy was utterly perplexed. Just then, Shi Mo came looking for him to go to the back mountain to gather herbs for their master. Dazed, Xue Meng left with him.

From that day on, Xue Meng had learned his lesson. He knew he should avoid the "Long Night Gathering" because it was expensive, a place only the wealthy would visit. Today, to reclaim his dignity and also because he felt like a sect leader who should broaden his horizons, he brought Ruo Ying to this magnificent golden-red building. Along the way, Ruo Ying repeatedly asked if they were really only going to the Long Night Gathering. To hide his unease, Xue Meng waved his hand, raising his chin proudly, his posture resembling a peacock displaying its feathers.

"You're a regular at Xi Hua Pavilion, and I'm a distinguished guest at the Long Night Gathering. I'll take you there."

Ruo Ying's expression was somewhat subtle.

At this moment, Xue Meng stood in front of the old manager of Xi Hua Pavilion, struck dumb as if by a bolt of lightning. He was so embarrassed that he turned red from the tips of his toes to the roots of his hair.

"W-What distinguished guest pendant? M-My mother never mentioned it to me! She said anyone could enter!"

The old manager looked at him through narrowed eyes, "Your mother hasn't been to Yangzhou in over a decade, has she? The rules of the Long Night Gathering have changed. We only welcome gentlemen and ladies with the distinguished jade pendant for transactions. If you don't have one, please leave."

"I-I-I-" Xue Meng wished he could find a block of tofu to bash his head against. After bragging to others, how could he admit now that he didn't have it without losing face?

Stuttering for a while, he blushed and stubbornly declared, "O-Oh! My memory is terrible! I just remembered! There is such a thing!"

The old butler, with his hands folded in his sleeves, had seen countless people, and Xue Meng was too innocent and naive. The poor excuse made him chuckle inwardly.

"But b-b-b-but, I was in such a rush this time that I left the pendant at home!"

"Aww, what bad luck. In that case, please return another day, sirs."

Xue Meng was seething with displeasure at the condescending old turtle when, amidst his awkwardness, distress, and helplessness, a hand reached out from beside him.

- A slender wrist, as delicate as porcelain, adorned with a pendant warm like jade and adorned with golden beads. The white jade accentuated the bright red mole on the arm.

"I have it."

Upon seeing the pendant, the old caretaker jolted, his wrinkles nearly disappearing under the shock, fear, and fawning on his face. "A-A-Heaven Rank Guest Pendant?!"

Ruo Ying said coldly, "Open the door."

"Indeed, indeed, indeed it is!"

The massive doors, carved with exquisite purple sandalwood patterns, swung wide open promptly. The elderly manager bowed and greeted, almost to the point of prostrating himself in apology to the lady. Ruo Ying's broad silver-blue sleeves brushed aside as he turned back with a hint of weary sarcasm in his gaze, looking at the stunned Xue Meng.

Then, with a faint tone of mockery, he said, "Venerable Master Wang is well-traveled and experienced. Would you kindly lead the way?"

Xue Meng: "..................."