Chapter 50: Sending Away Ziji, Yet She Still Won’t Stop?

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing both lowered their heads in silence, unwilling to engage.

Dan Heng, being naturally indifferent, frowned slightly, but before he could speak—

Ziji interjected, "Who are you? Paying our bill for no reason—did we ask you to? If someone acts overly kind for no reason, they must have ulterior motives!"

She didn't care about the man's noble status. After glancing at him twice, she immediately showed a look of disgust.

In truth, as a member of the dragon clan, Ziji naturally carried a sense of disdain toward humans.

And while Charles appeared dignified and well-dressed, Ziji's keen instincts could sense the dark malice hidden within him.

Charles was momentarily taken aback, his expression turning somewhat awkward.

As a noble of the Star Luo Empire, holding an important position, he was unaccustomed to being treated this way.

But when the person saying such things was an exceptionally beautiful woman, the situation felt quite different.

Charles smiled and said, "Miss, you must be joking. I came with good intentions. This was just a small favor, nothing much. With such stunning beauty, you ladies surely don't lack a mere sum of gold soul coins."

"Of course not." Ziji snorted in disdain, looking at Charles as if he were trash.

Dan Heng frowned slightly. As expected, having overly beautiful women around inevitably invited trouble.

It must have been their outing yesterday that drew unwanted attention.

The Star Luo Empire, being a feudal monarchy, had weak restrictions on its nobility.

This naturally allowed certain individuals, blinded by lust, to act recklessly.

Gu Yuena smiled faintly but said nothing, quietly observing the situation.

She hadn't expected that even before Ditian took action, simply going on a date with her husband had already caused him trouble.

If her husband couldn't tolerate others coveting her, all the better!

He could simply reveal his strength and completely dominate the Star Luo Empire!

Thinking of this, Gu Yuena looked at Dan Heng with increasing fervor.

Charles maintained his smile. Indeed, no woman can resist the temptation of wealth!

His true target was Gu Yuena, but seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Ziji was a delightful surprise.

He had already investigated Dan Heng, who was merely a traveler with no power or wealth.

Even his female companion's meal debt had been beyond his means to repay.

Now, being watched by Gu Yuena… surely, he was sweating bullets?

Charles continued, "Here's the thing. I noticed that you three ladies are breathtakingly beautiful. Coincidentally, we're hosting a 'Courtesan Competition' to select the most stunning woman. I sincerely hope the three of you can represent us and participate."

"The winner will receive a prize of one million gold soul coins!"

He raised a finger, watching Dan Heng smugly.

After hearing that number, wouldn't the women be tempted? Wouldn't they immediately leave this penniless man?

What's the point of being handsome?

However—

Gu Yuena and the other two women acted as though they hadn't heard him, each continuing with their own affairs.

"..."

Charles was stunned.

A million gold soul coins—an astronomical sum—yet it failed to pique their interest?

"One million gold soul coins! The courtesan title will surely belong to one of you three. I'll personally cover the cost of your attire, makeup, and all necessary preparations—"

Charles persisted, speaking enthusiastically.

Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuqing ignored him.

Ziji, on the other hand, had grown irritated. She curled her lips and snapped, "Ugh, you're so annoying! Get lost! Stop disturbing my meal!"

"..."

Charles's expression twitched. No, seriously—what do these three women see in Dan Heng?

"We're not interested. Please leave," Dan Heng said flatly.

Charles's face stiffened further. He stood at the doorway, yet none of the women even looked at him.

He suddenly felt like a clown.

Taking a deep breath, he forced a more serious expression, exuding a slight noble presence.

"…This is a rare opportunity—one million gold soul coins. And with my personal backing as a count, do you really want to refuse?" Charles asked, his gaze locking onto Dan Heng and the others.

"Yes," Dan Heng replied indifferently.

"If you say one more word, I swear I'll tear you into eight pieces!" Ziji slammed her chopsticks onto the table, shouting angrily.

Charles clenched his fists. Never before had he been treated like this!

Dan Heng asked, "Are you planning to attack us because we refused?"

"..."

Charles's anger instantly dissipated.

No matter what, they were still in Star Luo City, under the emperor's watchful eye. If he wanted to deal with Dan Heng and his companions, he couldn't act rashly!

He had to endure it!

At least for now, he couldn't reveal his true intentions!

"No, of course not. If that's your decision, then I won't force it… I must have been too forward. I'll take my leave. However, if you change your minds, you're always welcome at my estate."

Charles forced a smile, turned around, and left.

Ziji clicked her tongue. "That guy was so annoying. Just wouldn't shut up!"

"Did you remember his address?"

Gu Yuena suddenly asked.

"Ah…?" Ziji blinked.

"Did you remember it?"

Gu Yuena pressed again.

Ziji quickly nodded. "I did, Sister!"

"Good. After you finish your meal, go visit him. Check if the one million gold soul coins are real. Even if they aren't, you can still enjoy good food and drinks there. Just don't bother me and my husband."

Gu Yuena instructed calmly.

Ziji nodded enthusiastically, grinning. "Got it, Sister!"

Zhu Zhuqing cautiously glanced at Dan Heng, hesitating.

Though she had kept her head down throughout the conversation, she wasn't certain if she had gone unnoticed by Charles.

Ziji quickly finished eating. Having received a task from Gu Yuena, she was full of energy!

As the private room's door closed, Gu Yuena suddenly asked, "Husband, if I were taken by them, what would you do?"

Her large, curious eyes locked onto Dan Heng.

She was waiting for his answer.

Zhu Zhuqing also perked up, listening intently.

She wanted to know—if she were captured by the royal family, would her teacher come to rescue her?

Dan Heng thought for a moment and shook his head.

"If it hasn't happened, I don't know."

Gu Yuena gazed at him with a slight pout. "Husband, can't you say something I'd like to hear… cough cough…"

She coughed twice, her complexion turning even paler.

…

At Charles's estate—

The moment he returned, he could no longer hold back his frustration. He smashed vases and furniture in a fit of rage.

"Those damn women! How dare they reject me! That useless man even dared to threaten me?! Unforgivable! Just wait—I'll make them pay!"

"The silver-haired one will be gifted to the crown prince. The other two are mine!"

"So young yet so voluptuous! She's just like a breeding sow, she—"

Just then, he recalled Zhu Zhuqing's appearance.

His expression drastically changed. "Wait… wasn't that the Third Prince's fiancée?!"

At that moment, a maid called from outside, "My lord, a beautiful woman named Ziji is here. She claims you invited her…"