Chapter 51: Zhu Zhuqing is Taken Away

"Hurry! Bring her in immediately! No, I'll go myself, hahaha..." Charles's expression brightened instantly. He gently set down the vase in his hand and strode out of the mansion.

Sure enough, no woman could resist the temptation of power and wealth!

Just a moment ago, she was acting all aloof, yet now she had willingly delivered herself to him!

Once he used Gu Yuena to curry favor with Davis, he would truly reach the pinnacle of wealth and power!

As for this enchanting Ziji, she would become his personal plaything!

Lost in his fantasies, Charles hurriedly ran out of the mansion, only to find Ziji standing alone at the entrance.

Ziji stood there with her arms crossed, looking extremely impatient as she waited.

Seeing him come out, she snapped, "You're so slow! Took you long enough! You said I could claim a million gold soul coins here?"

Charles was momentarily stunned. "Just... just you alone?"

"What? Is that a problem? If so, I'm leaving..." Ziji rolled her eyes and immediately turned to go.

Charles quickly forced a smile. "Of course not, of course not. Miss Ziji gracing my mansion with her presence for the courtesan competition is an absolute honor!"

"It's just that if there were more of you, the advantage would be greater. After all, there's more than one winner for the courtesan contest..."

Charles subtly hinted at her.

If he could capture them all at once, he could use wealth to tempt them—or, if necessary, resort to force.

But now that only Ziji had come, he couldn't risk alarming the others. That would ruin everything!

So, for now, he had to cater to Ziji's whims, lower her guard, and then lure Gu Yuena over as well.

"Enough with the nonsense. Can I eat whatever I want here?"

Ziji licked her lips and stared at Charles.

Charles couldn't help but smile. Remembering how she had eaten so much that Dan Heng's group racked up a debt, he waved his hand grandly and said smugly, "Of course! Miss Ziji can eat as much as she likes! Don't hold back!"

"Good! Now that's what I like to hear."

Ziji nodded in satisfaction, patted her stomach, and finally prepared to indulge herself!

Charles also smiled. A mere woman—how much could she possibly eat?

Once inside the mansion, Ziji acted as if she were at home, strutting around arrogantly and bossing people around.

When Charles approached to make conversation, she immediately barked at him to get lost.

For the sake of the bigger picture, Charles had to endure it and ordered his steward to obey all of Ziji's commands. Then, he went to report Zhu Zhuqing's situation to the Xingluo royal family.

At the same time, he also invited Davis over.

"Your Highness, I happened to come across that group. It turns out that woman's name is Gu Yuena... Ziji is now at my estate. Why don't you go and speak with her?"

"But I must warn Your Highness—Ziji has a very foul temper, so be prepared."

As Charles led Davis toward the back courtyard, he gave a cautious reminder.

Davis hummed in acknowledgment without speaking.

In truth, he was conflicted. He had fallen for Gu Yuena at first sight.

But as a prince of Xingluo, he couldn't put personal emotions above power, so he hadn't pursued Gu Yuena any further.

Yet now, Charles had given him such a great surprise.

Even though Gu Yuena was already married, which was a bit disappointing, her stunning beauty made him feel that—even if she had children—it wouldn't matter.

When they arrived in the back courtyard, Ziji was feasting at a table overflowing with food.

She had no ladylike manners whatsoever, even propping one foot up on her chair.

Her breathtakingly beautiful face was smeared with oil from eating.

The moment Davis saw her, he was momentarily stunned.

Although she wasn't as shockingly stunning as Gu Yuena, she was still even more beautiful than Zhu Zhuyun!

Seeing Davis hesitate, Charles felt his heart skip a beat—surely His Highness wouldn't try to snatch her away from him?

"Your Highness, this is Miss Ziji."

"Miss Ziji, this is the Crown Prince of Xingluo. He wishes to speak with you..."

Charles introduced them with a smile.

Ziji glanced at Davis, swallowed her food, and casually said, "Not interested. Tell him to scram."

"???!"

Davis was stunned and looked at Charles in disbelief.

Charles's expression froze—was this woman truly a wild brute from the countryside? She didn't even show the Crown Prince any respect!

With an awkward smile, he whispered, "She's just ignorant of etiquette—she's like this with everyone."

Davis took a deep breath, calming his expression. His rational mind still couldn't suppress his longing for Gu Yuena.

"Miss Ziji, I just want to ask you a few things..."

"Haven't I already said it?! Scram! I don't have time or patience to deal with you!" Ziji snapped impatiently.

Davis was even more embarrassed now. He could tell that Ziji wasn't just playing hard to get—she genuinely couldn't care less.

"Alright, I suppose we're disturbing you." Davis shook his head with a wry smile and turned to leave.

Charles's face darkened as he shot Ziji a deep glance before following after Davis.

Back at the Hotel

By noon, Dan Heng and Gu Yuena returned.

Along the way, they encountered a bit of trouble—three or five thugs tried to harass Gu Yuena, which was unsurprising. But Dan Heng easily handled it.

They returned because Gu Yuena's injuries had worsened again, making it impossible to continue shopping.

Once back at the hotel, Dan Heng helped Gu Yuena lie down to rest.

Gu Yuena clutched his hand, her pale, delicate face looking pitiful.

"Husband, stay with me..."

Dan Heng hummed in agreement and gently patted the back of her hand.

He could tell that Gu Yuena was in a critical phase of stabilizing her injuries.

Under normal circumstances, she should rest for a few days, but she insisted on going out with Dan Heng every day.

As a result, her injuries kept worsening. Although it wasn't life-threatening, the pain she endured was unimaginable.

Dan Heng remained silent, thinking, Maybe it's time to visit the God Realm and ask for answers.

Just then, a burst of soul power fluctuations erupted outside.

"I'll go check it out," Dan Heng said.

Next Door

The source of the disturbance was Zhu Zhuqing, but standing opposite her was a young woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to her.

She was around seventeen or eighteen, dressed in the same tight leather outfit, with short black hair, and exuded a warmer presence than Zhu Zhuqing.

They were facing off.

When Dan Heng stepped out, the young woman turned to look at him and sneered, "Zhu Zhuqing, so this is your teacher? Just an ordinary man..."

"Zhu Zhuyun! Don't insult my teacher!" Zhu Zhuqing frowned.

Zhu Zhuyun chuckled softly, gave Dan Heng a once-over, and then dismissed him.

Just a regular man—he wouldn't be able to stop her from taking Zhu Zhuqing home.

Though he was handsome, that was useless.

"Zhuqing, Mother misses you. Come home with me."

Zhu Zhuyun spoke.

"I..." Zhu Zhuqing hesitated. If she returned home, she feared she might never be able to leave again.

She turned to Dan Heng, hoping to hear him ask her to stay.

But Dan Heng, preoccupied with Gu Yuena, simply said, "Go and come back quickly."

"Alright..." Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head in disappointment.

(End of Chapter)