Chapter 225: Who Knocks on Doors Late at Night, Just to Make Friends…

It seemed Gu Yuena was insatiable. Li Si thought for a moment, then let it go with a chuckle.

Considering her true form, he could hardly blame her.

He wasn't worried about the money, but at this rate, the gold soul coins he "earned" from Ning Rongrong wouldn't last.

"I really need to start making some serious money," Li Si mused.

And he already had a plan: Ning Rongrong.

If he could con her once, he could do it again. Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had money to spare, and he felt no guilt about his schemes.

The only question was where Ning Rongrong might be—and if she had enough coins for him to "borrow."

He dismissed the thought with a shrug, focusing instead on enjoying his time with Gu Yuena and Xiao Wu.

Time passed. Night fell.

In the quiet of their inn room, the trio waited.

Sure enough, after about half an hour, a soft knock came at the door.

"Knock… Knock… Knock…"

Three firm taps—precise and deliberate.

Li Si and Gu Yuena exchanged a knowing glance.

"The door isn't locked. Come in, Your Highness," Li Si called lazily.

Outside, Qian Renxue, still disguised as Xue Qinghe, froze for a moment, surprised.

She hadn't expected this level of nonchalance.

After a pause, she pushed the door open, stepping inside with her usual poised elegance.

Her smile was refined, her demeanor exuding a calm and regal air.

The sight that greeted her left her slightly stunned.

Inside, the three sat fully dressed, gathered around a table as if they'd been expecting her.

They didn't look the least bit surprised.

"Not only did they know who I am, they even anticipated my visit?"

A ripple of unease flickered through Qian Renxue's mind.

Were they aware of her true identity?

"Could they know I'm not really Xue Qinghe? That a Titled Douluo is shadowing me?"

Her thoughts raced, but her face betrayed none of it.

"Xue Qinghe greets you," she said smoothly, inclining her head.

Her tone was humble, her manners impeccable—befitting the persona of a benevolent crown prince.

Li Si gestured for her to sit.

"Please, have a seat, Your Highness," he said with a warm smile.

Once Qian Renxue took her place, he leaned back casually, his demeanor calm yet sharp.

"It's been, what, two years? Surely you haven't forgotten me."

He grinned.

"After all, I once treated you to roasted blue silver grass."

The smile froze on Qian Renxue's face.

The memories came rushing back, unbidden and vivid.

How could she forget that infuriating encounter?

The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning.

"So it is him!"

All her earlier suspicions were confirmed.

Her initial wariness gave way to astonishment—and no small amount of annoyance.

She forced a smile.

"It seems fate keeps pulling us together."

Her words were polite, but her thoughts were a chaotic swirl.

Two years ago, this man had directly—or indirectly—refused her invitations multiple times.

And now, here he was, sitting before her, even more enigmatic than before.

"To think… In just two years, his strength has grown so terrifyingly fast."

Her mind reeled.

The young man who had casually brushed her off back then was now someone capable of effortlessly defeating a Soul Saint—and detecting a Titled Douluo.

Such rapid growth was nothing short of monstrous.

Li Si's nonchalant grin didn't help matters.

"Your Highness, if this is about your offer from two years ago, let me save us both some time."

He waved a hand dismissively.

"I have no interest in serving anyone. I value my freedom too much."

Qian Renxue blinked, momentarily taken aback.

"You've already made up your mind before I even said anything?"

Her thoughts turned inward again.

"Does he know? No, impossible. He likely just remembers that night and assumes I'm here to repeat my invitation."

Her gaze swept across the trio.

The silver-haired woman exuded a quiet but overwhelming presence, while the young girl seemed oddly familiar.

Suppressing a sigh, Qian Renxue adopted a regretful expression.

"I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I respect your decision."

In truth, she felt an odd sense of relief.

Li Si's refusal confirmed that he wasn't here as part of some calculated plot against her.

But it also raised new questions.

His immense talent—and apparent refusal to align with any power—made him both a potential ally and a latent threat.

She decided then and there:

"I need to learn more about him. If he won't serve me as Xue Qinghe, perhaps he will under my true identity."

Unaware of her inner turmoil, Li Si continued his casual demeanor.

"Oh, don't look so glum, Your Highness. I'm sure you'll find plenty of eager followers elsewhere."

Qian Renxue gave a light laugh, though it sounded hollow even to her.

"One doesn't meet someone like you every day, Li Si. It's hard not to feel a sense of loss."

Inwardly, however, she was already forming a new plan.

Her gaze lingered on him a moment longer.

"This isn't over, Li Si. I'll find a way to bring you into my fold."

"If nothing else, I'll uncover all your secrets…"

(End of Chapter)

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