Chapter 11: Classic Dual-Thread Operation

Chapter 11: Classic Dual-Thread Operation

 Author : ccc

Read the raw novel at fanmtl.com 

Mu Zhian sat in the tea room, gently squeezing Bai Ruoxi's cool, slender hands while contemplating something with a teacup in his other hand. Beside him, Bai Ruoxi bit her lower lip, her demeanor markedly different from the arrogance she had displayed just two days prior. Instead of pulling away from Mu Zhian, she stole a furtive glance at him and gradually relaxed.

After a prolonged silence, Bai Ruoxi lifted her gaze slightly and spoke softly, "Master Mu, have you given any thought to the Bai family's affairs?" 

Mu Zhian, lost in thought while enjoying the delicate touch of her hands, snapped back to reality. He pondered for a moment before replying with a smile, "I need to think about it some more."

Uncharacteristically, Bai Ruoxi simply responded with a soft "Yes," refraining from her usual persistent requests. Mu Zhian noticed the change in her behavior and glanced at her again. She sat there, her lips slightly pursed, her delicate frame resting on the table as she absentmindedly twirled a teacup between her fingers. Two strands of fine hair fell across her flawless face, accentuating her beauty, yet a hint of sadness lingered in her expressive eyes—something he had never seen before.

Mu Zhian reached out, brushing her hair back from her forehead with a gentle smile. "Miss Bai, is something troubling you?"

Bai Ruoxi met his gaze quietly but remained silent. "Oh... is it about the Bai family's situation?" he asked, chuckling to himself, realizing the question might be futile. 

It was evident that her primary concern was indeed the Bai family's precarious situation. Bai Ruoxi shook her head gently, setting down her teacup. "While Ruoxi's troubles are related to the Bai family, I'm afraid they differ from what Master Mu thinks."

She reflected on the past two days when her mother had tested her resolve. Each night, her mother lamented the family's decline and subtly urged her to inquire about Mu Zhian's thoughts sooner. This persistent prodding had compelled Bai Ruoxi to visit the Bai family again that very morning, leaving her anxious and conflicted.

Mu Zhian observed her closely, noting her reluctance to share her troubles. "It seems Miss Bai prefers to keep her worries to herself for now, and that's perfectly fine. We can discuss it whenever you're ready."

Bai Ruoxi looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Master Mu, is there truly no way to assist the Bai family?"

"I've already mentioned the bargaining chip that could help," Mu Zhian replied with a smile.

"Tongmai Pill...?" she echoed, her gaze dropping as her expression dimmed. Suddenly, she raised her head and whispered, "Can't I—"

Mu Zhian gently placed a finger on her lips, causing her to widen her beautiful eyes in surprise. He shook his head with a smile. "Miss Ruoxi, you are a person, not a bargaining chip in a transaction."

If Wei Mengrou, his maid who knew him well, were present, she might have smirked at his grandiose statement, thinking he was simply after the Tongmai Pills and Bai Ruoxi without any sincerity. However, Bai Ruoxi was momentarily taken aback. She recalled her mother's words from the past few days and then considered Mu Zhian's current stance. 

Tears threatened to well up in her eyes as she realized the contrast between the two men in her life: one being her mother's manipulative urging and the other, Mu Zhian, who treated her as a person rather than an object for trade. This revelation made her feel choked up.

She sighed inwardly, lowering her gaze. Just half a month ago, she had been repulsed by Mu Zhian's advances, particularly his flattering demeanor. Yet now, for reasons she couldn't quite understand, her feelings had shifted. 

Mu Zhian, oblivious to her internal struggle, glanced out the curtain and then turned back to her. "Miss Bai, could you find the waiter to bring us some more tea? I'd like something different."

Bai Ruoxi snapped back to reality, nodded demurely, and stood to leave the tea room. Once she was gone, silence enveloped the space, and Mu Zhian busied himself with preparing tea. He poured a third cup and set it on the table, smiling as he spoke softly to the empty room, "Why not come out and have a cup of tea? You must have something important to discuss, right?"

Moments later, the curtain parted, and a man in a black robe entered, his gaze locking onto Mu Zhian. He approached and sat across from him at Mu Zhian's invitation.

"Young Master Mu is quite the charmer," the man remarked, a blend of admiration and sarcasm lacing his tone. "First, you visit the Jiaofang Bureau, and now you've caught the attention of the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City. Such skills are enviable."

Mu Zhian set down his teacup, maintaining his composure. "If you have something important to discuss, please get to the point. Bai Ruoxi will be back soon."

The black-robed man nodded, his expression serious. "In two days, please find a way to lead Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest. I'll handle everything from there, and Miss Bai will be completely yours."

The Dragon Head Forest lay to the west of Tianxuan City, a few dozen miles from the city center. It earned its name because, from above, the forest resembled the head of a giant dragon. The vastness of the forest, teeming with monsters, made it an ideal location for their plan, as it would be difficult for anyone to notice Ye Yu's abduction.

"Master Mu, have you considered this?" the black-robed man pressed.

Mu Zhian, momentarily distracted by the man's tone, smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll find a way to bring Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest in the next two days."

The black-robed man's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Master Mu is a wise man. I won't intrude on your time any longer." With that, he transformed into a wisp of black mist and vanished from the tea room.

Leisurely, Mu Zhian picked up his teacup, taking a sip as he contemplated the situation. Did the man truly think he was naive? The plan sounded straightforward: lead Ye Yu to the Dragon Head Forest, and then he would take care of the rest. But what if that wasn't the case? What if the man took Ye Yu and then betrayed him? On the day of the abduction, rumors would spread throughout Tianxuan City that Mu Zhian had led Ye Yu into the forest and returned alone. Such accusations would inevitably draw the ire of the Ye family, even if they were not as powerful as before. Public opinion would side with them, and the Mu family would suffer significant losses.

While Mu Zhian pondered these implications, Bai Ruoxi returned, lifting the curtain and entering with a teapot. She sat beside him, her keen eyes scanning the room as she sensed something was amiss. "Did someone come in just now?"

As a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Realm, she was attuned to subtle changes in her environment. One reason she had allowed Mu Zhian to hold her hand earlier was to maintain a semblance of cooperation. 

"Yes," Mu Zhian replied, shifting the topic. "I'm a bit thirsty; could you make me a cup of tea first?" He was unsure if the black-robed man had truly left, making it unwise to discuss business just yet.

Bai Ruoxi's eyes flickered with understanding as she met his gaze, and she casually glanced outside the door before softly agreeing. It seemed the visitor might still be lingering nearby.

As she prepared the tea, Mu Zhian couldn't help but smile at her graceful movements. That black-robed man had certainly overstepped his bounds, acting as if he were responsible for Bai Ruoxi's attention. What did she have to do with him? 

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Bai Ruoxi completed the tea and was about to set the teapot down when Mu Zhian gently placed his hand over hers. Startled, she looked at him, and upon seeing his smile, she relaxed.

"I'm feeling a bit tired. Could you pour me a cup of tea?" he asked.

Bai Ruoxi hesitated for a moment before softly replying, "Alright." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"...Okay."