21. Su ling and Jinglin

Spring City, Golden Lotus Diner.

Golden Lotus Diner bustled with activity, especially under the evening glow. It was renowned across Spring City, drawing in crowds eager for its exquisite dishes. Tonight was no different; the restaurant hummed with conversations and the clinking of utensils.

A group of young women entered, their presence adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Among them was Su Ling, dressed in a striking pink gown that complemented her beauty. She was accompanied by her friend Jingling, whose demeanor exuded both mystery and charm.

Seated comfortably, Su Ling and Jingling engaged in light banter while the waiter, familiar with their preferences, swiftly placed their order in the kitchen.

"So, Jingling, how was your journey from Eastwood City to Spring City?" Su Ling inquired with genuine interest, knowing her friend's affinity for embellishment.

Jingling sighed dramatically, "It was a tedious journey as usual. My father's insistence on constant travel is quite exhausting. The life of a merchant isn't as glamorous as it seems."

Su Ling smiled knowingly, accustomed to Jingling's penchant for embellishing her tales. Despite being best friends, they both held secrets close, rarely delving into their deeper concerns.

"Forget about me, tell me, have you found anyone yet or are you still looking for the perfect one?" Su Ling replied to Jingling's question about her romantic endeavors.

Before Su Ling could respond, their conversation was interrupted by a snippet of intriguing gossip.

"Did you hear? Young Master Yu Zhou wiped out the entire Bloody Sword Bandits last night," a rogue cultivator exclaimed animatedly to his companion.

Su Ling's ears perked up at the mention of Yu Zhou's name. He was known throughout the city for his martial prowess and enigmatic demeanor.

Jingling, momentarily distracted, turned her attention to the gossip. "Interesting," she murmured, feigning nonchalance. "But why did he do it?"

The rogue cultivator smirked knowingly, "Ah, that's the real question, isn't it? Rumors are swirling, but who truly knows the motives of someone like Young Master Yu Zhou?"

Their conversation swirled with speculation as the evening progressed, the air thick with anticipation and unanswered questions. Su Ling couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of Yu Zhou's actions and what secrets lay beneath the surface of his stoic facade.

Meanwhile, Jingling's gaze wandered, her thoughts drifting to matters beyond mere gossip.

As the evening at the Golden Lotus Diner wound down, Su Ling couldn't shake off the intrigue surrounding Young Master Yu Zhou's recent exploits. Her curiosity gnawed at her, urging her to seek answers beyond the hearsay. Determined to satisfy her curiosity, she decided to visit Yu Zhou's residence, situated in the quieter outskirts of Spring City.

Under the cover of night, Su Ling slipped out of the diner like a whisper, her steps light and deliberate. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she navigated through the labyrinthine streets, her destination clear in her mind.

Unbeknownst to Su Ling, Jingling had noticed her friend's sudden departure and, driven by a mixture of concern and curiosity of her own, quietly trailed behind. Jingling, adept at blending into shadows, kept a safe distance, her keen eyes trained on Su Ling's determined figure.

Su Ling approached the imposing gates of Yu Zhou's clan with caution, her senses sharp and alert. She paused briefly, weighing her options before slipping through a gap in the hedge and onto the expansive grounds beyond. The clan was eerily quiet under the moonlit sky, adding an air of mystery to her clandestine mission.

Meanwhile, Jingling stealthily maneuvered through the shadows, careful not to alert anyone to her presence. Her loyalty to Su Ling drove her forward, her steps steady and silent as she followed the trail left by her friend.

Inside the clan, Su Ling moved like a wisp of silk, darting from shadow to shadow, her senses attuned to any sign of movement or sound. She approached the main house cautiously, her curiosity intensifying with each step closer to unraveling the enigma of Yu Zhou.

Just as Su Ling reached the veranda, her breath caught in her throat as she heard voices approaching from within. She pressed herself against the wall, heart racing, as two figures emerged into view. It was Yu Zhou, the clan patriarch, accompanied by a trusted elder, discussing matters of great importance.

Meanwhile, Jingling, hidden in the foliage nearby, strained to catch a glimpse of what lay ahead. Her concern for Su Ling grew with each passing moment, but she remained steadfast in her resolve to ensure her friend's safety.

As Su Ling listened intently to their conversation, fragments of the truth began to emerge. Her mind raced with implications and possibilities, her thirst for knowledge driving her to uncover the motivations behind Yu Zhou's actions.

Unknown to both Su Ling and Yu Zhou, Jingling watched from her hidden vantage point, her presence unnoticed but her concern for Su Ling burning brighter than ever. She silently prayed that her friend would emerge unscathed from this clandestine encounter, even as the night held its breath in anticipation of what would unfold next.

When Yu Zhou and the elder left, Su Ling remained behind, her face incredulous.

She couldn't believe that a person could do such a thing for a maid. From their conversation, she came to know that it was Yu Zhou's first time killing.

Su Ling stood there, lost in thought. After contemplating to herself, she made a decision and walked towards Yu Zhou's house, which was just around the corner from where Yu Zhou and the elder had come.

As for Jingling, she felt helpless but still followed behind.

Standing on the roof of the house, Su Ling could see Yu Zhou standing at the edge of a small pond, lost in thought.

Su Ling could guess what was going on with him. Unsure of what to do, she thought, "Should I help him? But if I want to get that thing, his help is necessary. And telling others about it would be dangerous."

After a while of intense thinking, she made a decision to help him. "Maybe this way, he would help me wholeheartedly," Su Ling thought.