When Qin Yao had cleared all the dishes on the table, Song Yu and the other two finally returned to their senses.

Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen kept examining the Lady’s Box, evidently tempted, but rationally said they would think about it.

Qin Yao nodded graciously, "Sure, you take your time to consider. I’ll be in the Prefecture for the next few days. If there’s any news, send someone to inform me, and we can discuss further."

In any case, she had already received the final payment today and secured a new order for five thousand Divine Power Book Boxes, so her basic mission was already accomplished.

As for the Lady’s Box, there was no rush since it was still an immature prototype.

As the hour grew late, Qiu Yan and Jiang Wen took their leave first. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Qin Yao and Song Yu followed later, tidying up the Lady’s Box and the silver money contract before stepping out of the private room.

The teahouse was bustling at this hour; the Prefecture exam results had yet to come out, so many scholars lingered in the city. Dengyun Building had set up a stage in the main hall, inviting a troupe to perform opera to soothe the anxious examinees.

Actors were singing and dancing on stage, and the hall was packed with people.

Qin Yao had little interest in this lively scene. Having consumed all the good wine at the table herself, she felt slightly tipsy and only wanted to return to the inn for a good nap and casually settle some accounts.

It was Song Yu, however, who glanced more than once toward the main hall and unexpectedly spotted a familiar face.

"Madam, the person in the hall seems to be the master," Song Yu pointed, somewhat uncertainly, toward the center of the hall.

Qin Yao followed his direction and, even before catching a clear view of the face, was already certain from the familiar laughter and chatter she overheard that it was indeed Liu Ji.

Liu Ji hadn’t been at Dengyun Building when they arrived, likely only just arrived.

Qin Yao scrutinized those around him. They were all young scholars in their twenties, dressed in fine and expensive attire, clearly affluent or noble at a glance.

Amidst them, Liu Ji in his plain white garment stood out glaringly, marked by his poverty.

Yet, despite his impoverished appearance, his striking face and tall, upright figure captivated the attention of almost every woman in the hall.

Even the young singer performing on stage, though singing the lyrics, could hardly tear her gaze from him, her look filled with deep affection, lost in admiration.

The man seated in the prime position, dressed in a vermilion silk robe, glanced at Liu Ji, who was flattering others, bowing and scraping, and then at the songstress on stage, unable to hold back a disdainful chuckle.

Liu Ji, sharp in perception, appeared entirely unbothered by the vermilion-robed man’s sneer, turning back with a smile and lifting the wine pot to pour for him.

"Mr. Ning, thank you for hosting tonight. Otherwise, as a poor scholar from the countryside, I’d never have the chance to visit Dengyun Building and broaden my horizons."

Liu Ji personally raised a cup of wine to Mr. Ning, "This wine is truly good; you should try it, Mr. Ning!"

Mr. Ning leaned back slightly to dodge, his eyes filled with disdain as he shot Liu Ji a mocking glance, "This is no fine wine. If not for the fact that this backwater can only offer such mixed wine, I wouldn’t even sully myself by touching it to quench my thirst!"

Seeing Liu Ji’s smile freeze into an awkward expression, he felt immensely delighted, emboldened, and unrestrained, sneering harshly:

"Hahaha, this is such a perfect match for Brother Liu; don’t you all agree?!"

The accompanying attendees immediately burst into laughter.

Only Liu Ji was left holding the cup, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Yet amidst the laughter, no one noticed the fleeting gleam of fierce hatred that flashed within his dark eyes beneath his embarrassed visage.

Liu Ji forced a faint smile, "If Mr. Ning won’t drink, then I shall drink it myself. I spent ten taels of silver, after all, it would be a shame not to drink."

He completely portrayed a small-town miser’s demeanor, feigning courage beyond his means.

Just seeing such a humble expression on his handsome face thrilled Mr. Ning immensely, a tremor of excitement shaking him to the core!

He suddenly thought, having such a captivating follower by his side for constant ridicule and belittlement wouldn’t be bad at all.

What if he could apprentice under great scholars?

What if he possessed stunning looks?

He still had to be trampled underfoot and humiliated by him!

Liu Ji finished the cup of wine, appearing to struggle with its fiery taste, coughing lightly with a bowed head.

Raising his eyes again, he suddenly thought of something, glancing around in confusion, he asked, "Why hasn’t Mr. Fan arrived yet? Mr. Ning, you and Mr. Fan are so close, on such an important day as your birthday, surely he wouldn’t not come, would he?"

Mr. Ning was taken aback, brushed off those attempting to toast him, and stood up abruptly, asking the attendant waiting at the teahouse entrance, "Has Brother Fan arrived?"

The attendant jogged over, shook his head, and reported, "Young Master, Mr. Fan hasn’t arrived yet."

Mr. Ning frowned, showing slight displeasure.

Though annoyed by this petty friend’s previous actions that had caused tension between them, their years of friendship counted for something. Having invited him especially for his birthday, surely he should take this step down?

"Hiss~" Suddenly, Liu Ji drew a sharp breath and slapped his thigh, displaying an uncouth manner impossible to ignore.

Recalling his recent disagreements with his friend and seeing Liu Ji’s behavior, Mr. Ning’s face darkened.

He asked coldly, "Speak if you have something to say!"

Liu Ji stood up, cupped his fists, about to speak, when his keen ear caught a cry, "Ning Wuyou, I’ll kill you!" approaching from afar.

Liu Ji immediately stood upright, pointing in fright to the outside of the teahouse entrance, "Mr. Fan...is there."

Everyone turned simultaneously, their hearts leaping.

A tall, strong man with disheveled hair, clad in blood-stained thin white underwear, wielding a bloody sword, suddenly appeared outside the entrance of Dengyun Building.

Under the tangle of his hair, his red, furious eyes scanned the hall, finally landing on Mr. Ning.

Without a word, he raised his blood-stained sword and charged!

Mr. Ning had not yet responded when the blood sword was already upon him.

The others were already stunned by this scene, unable to react.

"Ning Wuyou, we were close friends, and yet you betrayed me, divulging my secret to a lowly prostitute, making me a laughingstock. I will, I will kill you!"

Overcome with rage, Mr. Fan thrust his long sword forward.

"Pfft!" The sound of flesh being pierced rang out, blood seeping from Mr. Ning’s chest, quickly dyeing his vermilion robe dark red.

The stunned individuals finally sprang into action, rushing to support Mr. Ning, whose eyes were filled with disbelief and pain.

After thrusting his sword, Mr. Fan seemed to regain some calm and hastily retreated, releasing the hilt.

Unexpectedly, the wounded Mr. Ning mustered his strength, grabbing the wine pot Liu Ji had just been holding, and with full force, hurled it.

The wine pot’s position was just that convenient, landing perfectly.

With a loud "bang," the pot shattered over Mr. Fan’s head, splitting open a bloody line on his frenzied face.

Once cherished friends, now looked at each other with a blazing hatred, each intent on destroying the other!