Chapter 7: Paying a High Price for a Child

As Song Yue walked towards the Fengqi Inn, the mechanical voice of the system echoed in her mind.

[I really don't understand you humans... Why... The host clearly asked Xuan Sibei to wait at the Yuelai Inn, and Xuan Sibei didn't object. But why is it now the Fengqi Inn... The host even seems certain he's inside... Could it be that the fusion with the body hasn't reached 100% yet, causing memory confusion?]

Song Yue: I'm wide awake!

Song Yue: The entire Jiulong Bay is not that big, and hardly anyone dares to enter. There are only two inns, Fengqi and Yuelai. That kid kept making excuses earlier, obviously not wanting to be my son. I told him to wait for me at the Yuelai Inn, but even if he booked a room there, he'd choose the Fengqi Inn to avoid me.

[66666... So it's all been carefully thought out! Did you even calculate this part?] The system's voice carried a hint of surprise, but soon fell again. [But what if he's not at the Fengqi Inn? Jiulong Bay is so big, how will we find him?]

Song Yue: He will definitely be at Fengqi. Because Xuan Sibei is from the royal family of Chu, just like this king, he wouldn't be involved with these commoners. He wouldn't stay in a civilian home. If he's planning to settle down, he must buy a property, and based on his usual style, it has to be the best, the largest, and the most comfortable place. Otherwise, how could he stay there? His subordinates would not be able to find such a suitable property in a day or two, let alone decorate it to his taste. It would take at least ten or eight days. So—he must currently be staying at an inn.

[But there's always a chance, right? What if he happens to come across someone selling their mansion cheaply on the road?] The system wouldn't give up.

Song Yue smirked: I thought of that possibility too. So, to eliminate this terrifying possibility from the start, I secretly looked through Old Kui's notebook just now—my guess was right. A nameless big buyer did ask about it, but Old Kui didn't have a suitable property to offer.

[Host, impressive!]

Song Yue tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, double-checking her attire, wondering if she should add a subtle wrinkle to her face. After a moment's thought, she decided against it, not wanting her future adopted son to fail to recognize her.

Once she was ready, she took a few light steps, looking up at the sign above the door that read "Fengqi," pretending this was her first time here. She muttered to herself, "Finally found it... but it's quite far off, isn't it?"

The innkeeper had heard this line countless times and had grown used to it: "Guest, are you here to have a meal or stay overnight?"

"I won't need a room, just fry me two light dishes, something simple," Song Yue replied as she entered. Immediately, she sensed an unfriendly gaze directed at her, likely from Xuan Sibei's subordinates. She lowered her gaze slightly, pretending not to notice, and deliberately blushed, timidly asking in a soft voice, "By the way, you don't charge extra for the tea, right? Can I go upstairs?"

Quite vigilant...

The innkeeper sized up her outfit, nodded, and pointed to an empty spot on the second floor. "Feel free to sit." Then, he muttered to himself as he walked away, "Dressed quite luxuriously, but turns out to be a poor fool, trying to act rich... If you can't afford it, don't come... Probably kicked out from the Yuelai Inn next door. Are we a shelter?"

Though it wasn't mealtime when Song Yue arrived, she had already decided to wait here until she saw Xuan Sibei. She could munch on cold dishes for an hour and had tea brought to her, taking up the seat for as long as necessary. The innkeeper, though slightly dissatisfied, didn't make things difficult for her.

As she leisurely sipped her afternoon tea, watching the scenery outside, she finished the last cold dish. Finally, a carriage appeared down the street, pulling up at the inn's entrance. A bodyguard in black was standing in front of the carriage. When the curtain was lifted, Song Yue even caught a glimpse of a familiar white sleeve.

It was Xuan Sibei. She was certain of it.

At that moment, Song Yue set down her teacup, walked to the counter to settle her bill. She intentionally took slow, deliberate steps down the stairs, creating an accidental but perfect encounter.

At this moment, Xuan Sibei was entirely different from the beggar she had seen that day. His pure, untainted eyes, paired with his casually tied black hair, exuded an aura of nobility, despite his simple white clothes. The elegance and aristocratic air of this young master could not be hidden. He walked through the hall with his subordinates.

Song Yue had already calculated the timing perfectly and slowly walked down the stairs, just in time to "accidentally" run into him.

At this point, Xuan Sibei was no longer the beggar from that day. If she had recognized him immediately, it might have aroused his suspicion. So, she had to create an opportunity for him to recognize her first.

[What if he doesn't recognize her? Wouldn't that be awkward?]

Song Yue: …Huh? What kind of son doesn't recognize their mother!

Unexpectedly, the system's ominous prediction came true. She paused for a moment in front of Xuan Sibei and could already guess that he had recognized her. However, the difficult young master merely glanced at her indifferently and continued walking without pausing, brushing past her.

Song Yue forced herself to maintain a calm expression. She pretended not to know him and continued walking slowly, putting more distance between them with each step, while silently shouting in her mind.

Didn't expect this little brat to get so... cocky! Calling her benefactor one minute, and now, just days later, avoiding her and pretending not to know her! She'd like her two coins back!

[Host, stay calm, the road ahead is still long, and there may be more troublesome things to come.]

Song Yue: …I don't care, this son is mine now, no turning back!

Her mind raced, and she quickly changed her plan. She slowly took out a coin, weakly asking in a soft voice, "Is this enough?"

As expected, the innkeeper's face showed a clear expression of disdain. Like everyone else, he had been deceived by her rich appearance, only to realize she seemed reluctant to pay, which caused some disappointment. "The tea isn't free, and you've been occupying the window seat for so long. You should pay more. How about a full tael?"

"What... a tael?" Are you robbing me?!

Song Yue put on an exaggerated look of surprise and deliberately clutched her purse, secretly complaining.

As expected, there are no good people in Jiulong Bay. They all follow the rule of bullying the weak and prioritizing their own interests. Are all the shops here like this? But, this can be used to her advantage.

Seeing her tightly clutching her purse, as if hiding something, the innkeeper was certain she had more silver. He deliberately raised his voice so everyone in the inn could hear: "Miss, are you trying to eat for free? You clearly have silver, so why aren't you paying?"

His loud shout caught the attention of all the guests in the two-story inn. People were naturally drawn to gossip, especially since Jiulong Bay didn't have any officials, so people did whatever they wanted, often coming up with all sorts of new tricks.

Xuan Sibei, halfway up the stairs, lightly furrowed his brow. He didn't speak but seemed to remember something and continued to walk upstairs.

"I..." Compared to the innkeeper's loud voice, the young woman in front of him seemed somewhat weak and timid. "I already paid. I ordered a stir-fry and a cold dish earlier. How could it be a full tael?"

"Are you the one setting the prices or am I? I said those two dishes cost a tael, so pay up. With your clothes, it's obviously more than a tael... Don't tell me you're from out of town and don't know the rules of Jiulong Bay?"

"But... but I really have no money." Song Yue shivered, hugging her arms, as if frightened. "I used to be a businesswoman, but my last deal made me lose all my capital, leaving me with only enough money to eat. Don't be fooled by my clothes; this is the only decent outfit I have left. I had to sell everything else... I really don't have that much money. Boss, would you like me to wash some dishes?"

Her plan was to first stay in the inn, preferably as some kind of servant, and take advantage of the opportunity while doing chores to "accidentally" run into Xuan Sibei again. This time, she would have to take the initiative. As long as he spoke first, she could use the excuse that his voice sounded familiar and reveal his true identity.

Xuan Sibei's thin lips slowly pressed into a line, and his steps slightly paused. Someone behind him immediately asked what was wrong, but he didn't answer. Instead, he lowered his eyes, silently observing the situation downstairs.

So, she really came to Jiulong Bay…

He had heard her confidently say she wanted to do business, but it seemed she had lost money? Judging by her weary expression and the sadness in her eyes, it appeared she had suffered a significant blow. It seemed that she really didn't have any money in her purse, or she wouldn't be so frugal.

With the reputation of Jiulong Bay's people… she had probably gotten herself into serious trouble. Those people wouldn't let this slide. Seeing her alone, a woman without anyone by her side, they might even resort to violence.

Though it wasn't his concern, she had helped him before, even if he didn't need her help now.

"Qian Jiang," Xuan Sibei gave a subtle signal, sending a short man behind him to intervene.

Song Yue had already wrapped her arms around her head and squatted down, trembling with fear, secretly positioning her gold ring to face the people above, waiting for the thugs' fists to come down.

At the same time, she secretly felt a bit of satisfaction: gathering energy would make this trip worthwhile. A few punches in exchange for a golden pill without lifting a finger—what a bargain.

[Host, don't you have any other ambitions?]

Song Yue: Nope.

Just then, someone suddenly shouted, "Stop!" causing the thugs to pause mid-action. But it was only for a moment, before they clenched their fists again.

The short man was a stranger to her—he was probably just some random person, likely insignificant in Jiulong Bay. Jiulong Bay was no place for amateurs to play the hero.

The innkeeper, however, had seen Qian Jiang before. A few days ago, several mysterious outsiders had arrived in Jiulong Bay, likely not people to be trifled with. Just by looking at their carriages, one could tell they came from wealthy families. However, despite being such a big spender, Qian Jiang had chosen to stay at their modest inn instead of the better-conditions Yuelai Inn next door. The only one who had shown his face was this short man, who had been seen driving the carriage outside.

Behind him, it represented that person...

"Don't act yet," the innkeeper waved his hand, signaling others to disperse. Then, he changed his expression and turned to Qian Jiang, smiling as he asked, "But what about this young lady's meal?"

"One tael of silver, I'll pay," Qian Jiang said decisively.

Song Yue, who had been squatting on the ground waiting to be beaten, slowly moved her fingers apart. Upon seeing the man who had been following behind Xuan Sibei earlier, she was startled.

She had originally thought she would have to beg and wash dishes here, searching for an opportunity, but unexpectedly... he had secretly stepped in to help her!

It was the perfect chance to recognize him as her benefactor!

"Benefactor!" she shouted, as if afraid Qian Jiang would escape. She grabbed a corner of his clothes and continued, "Thank you so much for saving me. I have no way to repay you, only..." Only in the next life, I will serve you like a cow or a horse!

When Qian Jiang had come downstairs earlier, he had thought to himself, Could the Lord be interested in this woman? But now, seeing her clutching at him, panicked that she might say something like "I owe you my life," he quickly replied, "Don't say that... Saving you wasn't my intention!"

"Are you saying that someone else saved me?" Song Yue asked, feigning surprise. Seeing him say that, she quickly stood up and said, "Please, lead the way. I would like to personally thank my benefactor." She then bowed politely.

"Well..." Qian Jiang was momentarily at a loss for words. He involuntarily looked up, only to find that Xuan Sibei had disappeared without a trace. Feeling helpless, he had no choice but to lead her upstairs.

Xuan Sibei's door was half-open. As they reached the entrance, they suddenly heard his voice, faint and calm: "Qian Jiang." The short man, in perfect sync, immediately stopped and motioned for her to enter alone.

His voice was entirely different from the hoarse tone she had heard the first time. Song Yue felt a sense of unease in her heart. Based on his voice alone, it seemed unrealistic to recognize him now, and the initiative was no longer in her hands... Was his sudden act of saving her out of conscience, or was there another motive?

She slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. Contrary to her expectations of a cold, mysterious underworld boss, Xuan Sibei was alone in the room, with no attendants. He was dressed in simple white clothes, walking casually toward her. His eyes were as clear as ever, and when he spoke, his voice was still the crisp, magnetic tone of a young man. "You don't remember me, do you?"

He now looked just like someone his age should—his exquisite features even carried a warm, harmless smile. But knowing what he was like on the inside, the more she saw him like this, the more unsettled she felt.

Song Yue stiffly watched the young man in white walk toward her, unable to process what she was seeing.

When he entered just now, this man had been wearing an aloof expression as if someone owed him millions, standing among several tall men with the air of a young noble... Yet now, he suddenly switched to the persona of an innocent, gentle youth?

"Huh? You..." She suddenly clenched her fist and, mimicking a typical manga girl's gesture, took a small step back to express her surprise.

[Host, you seem super nervous...]

Song Yue: No, I'm just afraid I can't control my raw power... But right now, I'm a clueless widow, so I need to cooperate with his performance and not appear too clever.

"You really don't remember?" He narrowed his eyes, which were full of amusement, and smiled, his eyes curving into crescent shapes. "I'm the beggar you picked up that day. I took your two taels of silver and stayed here... I couldn't afford the Yuelai Inn, it was too expensive."

"..." What a load of nonsense!

If she hadn't already known his identity and secretly observed him at the Fengqi Inn's second-floor teahouse, where she had seen his expensive carriage, she might have believed his lies!

Song Yue's lips twitched slightly, pretending to be confused as she ate her meal with her back to the window. "Then what about the person who came in with you just now? Why does he look like a bodyguard from a big family? And your clothes are different, and that Qian Jiang... one full tael of silver, how did you manage to come up with that?"

"That's right, Qian Jiang is a brother I made acquaintance with, from a wealthy family. The bodyguards are all hired by him," Xuan Sibei replied calmly, telling his lie with a face as unchanged as ever, showing no sign of awkwardness. "You saved me once, and now I'm helping you. It's only fair, the debt has been repaid..."

Here it comes! In the end, he just didn't want to be a son!

Song Yue, afraid he would continue, quickly interrupted him, taking out a silver longevity lock from her waist pouch that she had already prepared. "Since you've already found me, how could I trouble your brother whom you just met halfway? I've just spent the rest of my money to buy a house in Jiulong Bay, and was worried I wouldn't have anyone to inherit it after my death. Here, take this longevity lock… I'll recognize you as my godmother, and from now on, your money will be mine. With a house, you'll be able to marry a beautiful wife!"

She mimicked the advertisements she'd seen on electric poles in her memory that read "offering a large sum for a son" and went on about all the benefits. In ancient times, many people still didn't have a home, and even some officials couldn't afford to buy one. While she might look poor, she had a house!