2022-03-04 15:52:00"It wasn't as if we didn't know our impending situation. So we can't really do much about it." A guy muttered playing with his over grown bush of a hair. "Well actually we did, we could've done much better but who cares. What would our desire of escaping be when we didn't even know where to start." He let out a sound and faced Zhi Ruo. "I'm Lao Xiao, Master." He bowed to her.
"Don't be like that." Han Meng chided on Lao Xiao. "Well, that about it. If master is hoping to know secrets of that place, we can't offer any." Han Meng said solemnly. "We were born and raised inside that nauseating place, though we we're given important jobs of relaying information one sidedly. We weren't told anything."
Zhi Ruo quirked up her lips, "do not fret I have no interest on knowing such troublesome things." She waved her hand as if to say, forget it. "Knowing those information would be useless and will bring great trouble to me if others find out." She tapped the table and leaned back to her chair. "What I do want though is for you to form a team under me."
"I do not mind serving another master, but I do hope master can let us rest before deploying my brothers and I for missions." Ma Shu cautiously asked Zhi Ruo, as he felt like this master of there's is quite kind. "We are currently not in the right condition for us to move around, it a miracle that we are still alive today." He added.
Zhi Ruo laughed and answered. "I did plan for you to rest and recover, that is why I asked Ravel to look for a mansion under an anonymous name. You may have already knew of me, I am a Xiaojie that lives like a beggar. And I can't exactly bring you and your brothers inside the the Liu's property, it would raise much attention. In which I do not need at the moment." Zhi Ruo pointed at herself.
"I, your master is in the same period as you, preparing to become a butterfly. I am also resting and recovering my body." Zhi pointed this out, the men that was inside the room felt that their master is truly with them through thick and thin. But this point made them brought their attention back to Zhi Ruo's frail body. And they could not help but wonder how Zhi Ruo lived.
But the truth was the Zhi Ruo of this world had already died.
Seeing the men staying silent she spoke. "Then shall I give you a rundown as to what the plans are for the near future?" She took the silence as a sign to continue. "First, after you lived to the house that Ravel bought, to will be under extensive care. That means you have to follow all of my orders the moment I start to treat your condition." She added. "I will be using different type of treatment then the once you usually have. That's why I need you to not panic, for I will have it under control."
The last part that Zhi Ruo added, was to warn them that the treatment that she is using is different from the traditional ones. Of course she is referring to modern medicine.
"Second- wait before that. Would you guys mind if I can cut your hair and beard? It's bothering to no end." Zhi Ruo snapped to this and that.
Peng Shui chuckle half giggled, "yeah it was kinda bothering me. Would master mind?" In which that translated inside Zhi Ruo's head as ' same, sis cut it for me yeah?' so of course looking around. She called for an employee of the place and asked the employee for a blade and pieces of clothes.
The employee though confused brought the blade and the stripes of clothes and handed it to Zhi Ruo.
After receiving the blade, Zhi Ruo asked the men to gather in a line and proceeded to cut and shave their beards and hairs. In a way that even Zhi Ruo is impressed with her own precision.
"You have a nick for cutting hairs don't to master?" Peng Shui chuckled, and though he is the oldest he acts as if he is not. Earning him a sharp elbow on the ribs from one of his brothers. Touching his clean face and perfectly groomed hair, his sharp eyes and the upturned of his lips was ever present now that his hair was out of the way.
"Afraid so, though I would still prefer to cut heads than to groom men but I tolerate for now." Zhi Ruo replied not looking up from Han Meng's head. As she fiddled with his hair, he sat on the chair stiffly.
The others that was done, went and grab the stripes of clothes and tied up there hairs. Used to the length of their hairs. Which Zhi Ruo left it long, knowing that having short hair is considered rather boorish around these parts. By the time Zhi Ruo was done, the men made themselves useful by cleaning up the hair and gathering it in a clay pot.
They called for an employee and let them take the pot away, and returned the blade. Although the men in the room were given a few looks, they knew that it was the same group of men that were taken in as slaves so they dismissed their looks and left.
The wind shifted and Ravel returned, he silently landed on the window and into the room. Earning him a few odd looks from the seven men. Taking off his hood, he smiled and went up to Zhi Ruo.
"The house is obtained master, what would your next instructions?" He waited patiently by Zhi Ruo's side, he swung the hood back into Zhi Ruo's shoulders and held up a scroll. "This is the deed of the house." Zhi Ruo opened it and took a glance before giving it back to Ravel.
"Escort me to the house?" Zhi Ruo answered thoughtfully. "En the house might need some furnitures yes?" Seeing Ravel nod, she stood up and headed for the door.
"Miss we already paid for our rooms here. Isn't it a bit wasteful to just go?" Lao Xiao couldn't help but ask.
"Don't worry You guys should stay here for a day or two. I need some time for me to get the nessesary furnitures, and do a little but snooping around the house." Zhi Ruo worried in her heart about her meager amount of Qi/MP. "I'll let Ravel come fetch you if I'm done with those." Zhi Ruo pointed at the man whose hands that was holding a scroll suddenly became empty.
"And as for your meals and daily necessities I'll have the people here serve them to your bountifully. Also do you still have those soap I gave you?"
"Yes"
"Good, I want all of you to take a bath once a day with those. Inform Ravel if you guys run out of those I'll give you new ones. Seeing them nod, Zhi Ruo pushed them out of the room and ushered them to rest. After they left Zhi Ruo and Ravel were the only one inside.
"Do you need to eat?" Zhi Ruo wondered and asked her butler.
"I don't need to, I can go on without eating for 50 years if it is nessesary." Ravel replied.
"I see, I'll arrange some food for you anyways. Then- tell me about this house? Who was selling it?" Zhi Ruo leaned in the tea table and looked at Ravel expectingly.
"It was formally a main house of a merchant. It was said that the merchant was to receive a title from the emperor and thus would be soon a noble. The merchant met some bad luck that not only lost his promised title but also incurred the wrath of the emperor." Ravel recalled some of the gossip person that was selling it to him. "He had to leave the capitol in a hurry and sold all of his houses and villas while he was at it."
"Is the merchant still going to continue his work?"
"Now that I think- the answer is probably a no. But we got the price of the mansion lower than the average market price so it's a win. The mansion is magnificent, and it is large too."
"How large is it?"
"If we measure it in your standard. It is around 10 football Fields."
"That's as large." Zhi Ruo raised a brow is surprise.
"And we got it around thrice as less of the original amount Because the owner was scrambling to retreat all his roots." Ravel smiled. Zhi Ruo couldn't help but think that the smile looked like when somebody got something they wanted with dirty means.
"Maintaining the mansion would be a hassle no?" Zhi Ruo sighed.
"No it won't be, as long as I'm the one in charge of the cleaning. Though about the furniture, what is master's plans about it?" Ravel slid some tea to Zhi Ruo.
"I was planning too get some from my dimension. Having people buying it would take too long and I'll probably won't like the design. But I'm worried about my reserves. At best I can only open the dimensions for about 5 minutes or so." Zhi Ruo sipped the tea and said to Ravel. "That wouldn't be a problem right? If I do it in one go I mean."
"Yes, we can do it in a day or too. That is of course if we do it without rest. Your subordinates may have to stay in this hotel for a couple of days at least. Or maybe a week." Ravel, looked through the cupboards. "On the other hand, what should the design of your mansion be?"
"Modern, if it's possible. The colors should be black, white, silver and gold." Zhi Ruo ticked off her fingers and said to Ravel who nodded. "Since there is no devices like TV, let's have some unique devices on this world replace it."
"Unique? I'm afraid it would still be lacking. Since most of the devices circles around cultivation." Ravel added, "then shall I just make do with what we have master?"
"Yes," Zhi Ruo could only nod, she underestimated the devices of this world. "If possible, add a clinic, an cultivation room, a greenhouse and a lab. Can you do that Ravel?"
"Yes of course master."
The men inside the room listened as Zhi Ruo listed out what she wanted. They couldn't help but gape at this new master of theirs. It was said that she lived as a beggar despite her tittle. But why does it seem like this Xiaojie of there's is like a rich lord that's spending money like water?
"Our master is awesome," Ma Shu couldn't help but mutter.
"Shut up." Han Meng chastised the youngest, although his heart couldn't help but agree.
"Alright, shall we go now master?" Ravel nodded, at some point he pulled out a parchment and a brush and started listing all Zhi Ruo's requests.
"Alright. Men, all of you stay here in this inn. I would be back shortly." Zhi Ruo stood up, her black cloak covering her figure. She paused for a second looking at Ravel, before gritting her teeth and opening her dimension and getting a similar cloak for Ravel.
"Fuwah" she breathed out. "Lead the way." She motioned to her butler.
"We will be waiting for you here master!" All seven men bowed at the direction of the black figure.
Zhi Ruo and Ravel disappeared through the crowds fairly easily. When the men looked out of the window of the inn, they could not find the two figures although they were given an eagles angle.
"Do you think that we are safe?" Reed Ge's usual bubbly face turned solemn as he asked Han Meng. "With them I think we have hope." He added, his eyes looked at the crowd of people below.
"I can't say..." Han Meng answered. "But I have all reasons to follow them blindly despite the dangers." Han Meng's stiff face smiled as he declared.
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[The Auction House]
Zhi Ruo rolled her eyes. "Quit yapping you brat, and just follow me." The young miss went inside first, before Yuan Chuanli sighed behind her and followed her lead. Behind the boy genius, Ravel followed calmly carrying Zhi Ruo's luggage. Inside, Zhi Ruo adjusted the container of Zhōngguó, and faced Yuan Chuanli unflappable façade. Before scoffing after seeing that the boy genius wasn't as unflappable as he wanted to be seen in Zhi Ruo's eyes. The vehicle started moving as soon as everyone was seated, Ravel who had already been instructed as to what to do, took over as the driver of the vehicle. And slowly, they departed from the Sighted Valley safely. The journey would take about 6 hours under Zhi Ruo's estimation given the speed that they were going, it was enough to catch up with the auction, so Zhi Ruo let Ravel do his thing and instead focused on Yuan Chuanli.
[Where Are We Going Exactly?]
It has already been day since the talk with Yuan Chuanli. And unfortunately for the young genius, Zhi Ruo saw through her words efficiently and without any waste of time. Because not even an hour later, Yuan Chuanli who was enjoying his alone time in his 'own' pavilion, directly received a scroll from Ravel. And again without him noticing that damn butler's presence ;Or so he grumbles under his breath. He was torn in between considering Ravel's actions, rude, or considerate, because the moment he handed the scroll to him (without even a greeting) the butler had disappeared instantly without a word. The young genius was certainly glad he didn't have to spend time with idle chatter (as his etiquette calls him to do) and fake pleasantries, but he won't deny that Ravel's appearance 'who was without greetings' irked him a bit. Well, not really a bit. Yuan Chuanli just find it beneath him to get
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Vaguely, Zhi Ruo could see Yuan Chuanli opening and closing his mouth like he was trying to formulate the right words that was on his mind. She could not help but compare him to a goldfish, it was already arguable enough that he also had the type of look that she would see 'in a goldfish '. Although she had motioned for the guy in front of her hurriedly, she didn't actually mind and was not in a hurry at all, she is already taking her time secretly. Her reason? Zhi Ruo thought that this type of actions was like a power trip. The young miss would never 'miss' such a chance, even if it's miniscule. Yuan Chuanli who digested every words Zhi Ruo said, was a bit speechless, but was starting to get used to Zhi Ruo's antics. He understood where Zhi Ruo was coming at. And he knows that 'she' was giving this type cooperation was for her own, and his, good. But having
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As if she didn't hear the uncertainty that coated each of Yuan Chuanli's words, Zhi Ruo tilted her head. "Didn't you hear me? I already said that grandfather's words are most likely to be excuses." Zhi Ruo waved her hands dismissively. Yuan Chuanli watched Zhi Ruo's careless actions and wanted to sigh. It was his luck to face such a indifferent and free willed heiress. He had finally decided to trust the rumors, that the true blooded Ye clan members are an eccentric bunch, more eccentric than the ancient cultivators that decided to live out of the current society. Yuan Chuanli thought that Ye Gu Shi was a weird one. He soon followed that thought with; that was because he hadn't met Zhi Ruo yet. "Even if the patriarch's words are excuses, I plan to follow his words exactly at face value." The guy said, causing Zhi Ruo to frown. Who knew that Yuan Chuanli was such a good law abider th
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Zhi Ruo abandoned the thought of pretending any longer, and instead, her expression morphed into a mischievous, teasing, scowl that indicated none of her true feelings with Yuan Chuanli's behavior. She expressed her fake disappointment by sneering and sarcastically commented, "Oh, come on, where's your sense of humor?" She then reached out and grabbed one of the cups that Ravel had set on the table for them. As Yuan Chuanli rolled his eyes at Zhi Ruo's comment, his doll-like face remained cool and collected, displaying an unflappable composure that seemed at odds with his present company. It was clear that the young genius was used to a life of refinement and elegance, and even the slight hint of vulgarity in Zhi Ruo's tone, even though it was fake, was enough to make him visibly roll his eyes. "Pretend I don't have one," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm. It sounded like he was trying to copy Zhi Ruo's tone, however it sounded awkward on his tongue as he didn't us
[You know else starts with "T" other than Tea? Tension.]
Yuan Chuanli reclined in his chair, studying Zhi Ruo intently with his cool, calculating gaze. Uncertain of what her next move would be, he remained silent, allowing Zhi Ruo to take the lead in the conversation. Zhi Ruo sat in front of him, her mask covering her face and her hands folded neatly in her lap. Despite Yuan Chuanli's intense scrutiny, she remained composed and unperturbed. Her eyes, though hidden behind the mask, betrayed a sharp intelligence and a quiet confidence, as if she knew something that he didn't. Yuan Chuanli couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease as he studied her posture, which was relaxed but poised, as if she was ready for anything. He wondered what secrets she was hiding behind that mask, and what kind of person would be so calm in the face of his scrutiny. All of a sudden, a laugh escaped Zhi Ruo's mouth. It rang inside the well furnished room, as if it was fir
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If one were to happen upon the scene, without any prior knowledge of the situation, they would undoubtedly assume that Yuan Chuanli was being kidnapped. The look of indignant and reluctance on his face, coupled with the fact that he looked like was being forced to follow Zhi Ruo from behind, would be enough to make anyone suspicious. The resident genius's expression was a mixture of hesitance, frustration, and a poor attempt of getting his poker face back on. His face contorted in discomfort as he trailed behind the heiress, if anything, the only thing missing would be his eyes darting around nervously in search of a way out. Zhi Ruo, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed by her companion's distress, or if she even noticed it at all. She marched forward confidently, her head held high and her gaze fixed ahead, as if she were completely in control of the situation. Despite the obvious discomfort of her companion,
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After much bargaining, and Zhi Ruo's display of 'im going to go even if you disagree anyways' Ye Gu Shi relented at last. Though Zhi Ruo did not miss how there were looks exchanged between Ravel and her grandfather, with her in the middle. The girl wonders if her butler and grandfather truly hadn't thought that she could see their little exchange above her head. And maybe Zhi Ruo did regret a little on how she ignored Ravel's report on her grandfather. It wasn't her fault that she really, badly, wanted to sleep at that time. One shouldn't be deprived of sleep you know. Nonetheless, she figured that the looks that they exchange between them, was mainly for her own good. And so ,she didn't care. It probably was something related to her safety anyways. She got what she wanted in the end, it was a win win situation. Her grandfather asked to borrow her plaque and Zhi Ruo handed it without much thought. Ye Gu Shi sighed when he received the plaque and told Zhi Ruo that she would need he
