Chance Encounter

The next evening.

Yi Feng stepped out of the Treasure Pavilion and strolled along the street.

The events of the previous day had once again overturned his understanding of himself.

He didn’t even know how strong he truly was.

Yet, instead of feeling joy, he was overwhelmed by confusion.

Where should he go from here?

After walking through several bustling streets,

he finally spotted a grand building, its fragrant aroma of wine drawing crowds—clearly a high-class tavern.

Perhaps a drink would help soothe his turbulent thoughts.

Just as Yi Feng was about to head inside,

a woman approached him, offering a graceful bow.

"Greetings, sir."

The young woman was strikingly beautiful, her every movement exuding nobility, yet she was dressed simply, appearing ordinary at first glance. There was something familiar about her, but Yi Feng couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her before.

Stunned, he stared blankly for a few moments before his eyes widened in realization.

"So it’s you!"

The woman was none other than Lu Shuyao!

This once-arrogant young mistress seemed like a completely different person—now walking alone through the streets without her usual extravagant entourage, appearing far more unassuming.

No wonder Yi Feng hadn’t recognized her immediately.

Lu Shuyao, however, remained composed, her lightly made-up face adorned with a gentle smile.

"I thought you would remain at the Treasure Pavilion as an honored guest, leaving us no chance to meet again. Never did I imagine we’d cross paths here by chance."

Despite her changed demeanor, Yi Feng remained wary.

This young mistress had once been domineering, a rival to Lu Xinlan, and had lost to him. How could she suddenly be so amiable?

Her sudden approach likely hid some scheme!

Yi Feng was no fool.

He could sense something was off.

With a perfunctory smile, he clasped his hands in greeting.

"Quite the coincidence indeed."

"I was just out for a casual stroll. For someone of your status, it’s unusual to appear alone in such a common place, isn’t it?"

Under Yi Feng’s suspicious gaze,

Lu Shuyao remained unshaken, her expression still gentle.

"You are perceptive, sir."

"After losing the competition, I moved out of the Treasure Pavilion yesterday as per tradition. The title of ‘young mistress’ is now a thing of the past. I am simply Lu Shuyao now, free to wander the island as I please."

"With the competition over, we no longer have any reason to be adversaries. Why must you remain so guarded?"

Her every gesture lacked the haughtiness of her former self, replaced instead by a carefree ease, as if she had shed all pretenses.

Yi Feng was momentarily speechless.

Dressed in a plain long gown, her demeanor serene, Lu Shuyao truly seemed to have let go of everything, just as she claimed.

It had to be said—

this woman was breathtakingly beautiful. Her former opulence had masked some of her natural charm, but now, unfiltered, her beauty was even more striking, like an unadorned gem.

Yet, after losing the competition and being forced out of the Treasure Pavilion, she could still be so composed?

Yi Feng nodded, half-convinced.

"You make a fair point."

"But after losing and leaving the Treasure Pavilion, it must be hard to adjust, no?"

A direct jab at her wounds!

What kind of question was that?

Even if she’d prepared herself, the bluntness of his words nearly shattered Lu Shuyao’s composure, her smile almost faltering.

Seizing a moment to politely step aside for a passerby,

she steadied herself and replied with practiced calm.

"You jest, sir. Loss is loss. I accept it wholeheartedly. The competition has always been this way—someone must leave the Treasure Pavilion. It is fate."

"Now that I’ve shed all burdens, with some modest ventures to sustain me, I no longer bear the weight of being the Lu family’s heiress. In truth, it’s rather liberating."

"Such is destiny."

Hearing this, and seeing her courteously yield to a stranger,

it truly seemed she had changed, awakened from her dreams of power.

An ordinary person, after losing such a grand inheritance, might never recover, consumed by bitterness.

But look at her—

so at ease, so accepting of defeat. How many so-called heroes of the world could match such magnanimity?

Yi Feng’s eyes finally gleamed with admiration.

"It’s rare to find someone who can let go so gracefully. That’s no small feat. A life of freedom is its own blessing."

Touched by his words, Lu Shuyao felt a surge of emotion.

Since her defeat, the world had turned its back on her. Former allies and sycophants had scattered, and those who once flattered her would surely sneer if they saw her now.

Such was the fickleness of the world.

Yet this man, far from mocking her, had offered kindness—even admiration, regardless of her fallen status.

In comparison,

Yi Feng’s nobility and open-mindedness surpassed ordinary men a thousandfold.

Truly, he was a transcendent figure.

Though her resentment toward Lu Xinlan remained, her respect for Yi Feng’s cultivation and character only deepened, solidifying her resolve to befriend him.

With another graceful bow, she said,

"Your magnanimity is extraordinary, sir. I am in awe."

"Now that we are no longer adversaries, and since fate has brought us together, might I humbly invite you to share a drink? Unless, of course, you disdain the company of a fallen woman."

Yi Feng pondered for a moment.

He had already helped Lu Xinlan win the competition, fulfilling his duty and earning his hefty reward. Sharing a drink with Lu Shuyao afterward wouldn’t be a breach of loyalty.

Besides,

he’d been craving a drink anyway. Having a beautiful companion was far better than drinking alone!

With that thought, he nodded.

"Very well."

With that, the two walked side by side.

Under Lu Shuyao’s respectful guidance, they entered an elegant tavern, ascending to a private room on the second floor. The decor was exquisite—delicate screens, refined calligraphy, and paintings exuding scholarly refinement.

Impressed, Yi Feng nodded in approval.

"This tavern is exceptional."

Lu Shuyao poured wine for him herself, replying modestly,

"You flatter me, sir."

"This is one of my humble ventures. I’ve always had a fondness for art, so I had it decorated accordingly. If it pleases you, I hope you’ll visit often."

Her casual remark was a subtle display of wealth.

By revealing this was her property, she hinted that despite her "fall," she still possessed considerable means—ensuring Yi Feng wouldn’t underestimate her while reinforcing her goodwill.

Yi Feng didn’t dwell on it.

He simply mused that the wealthy truly were different. No wonder she could let go so easily—she still had resources to fall back on.

After they raised their glasses,

a glimmer of curiosity surfaced in Lu Shuyao’s eyes.

"Sir, you seem to appreciate fine art and wine as well. With such refined tastes, why did you agree to assist Xinlan?"

"Forgive my boldness, but now that all is settled, I mean no harm. I’m merely curious—such a demanding task couldn’t have been your true desire."

"Surely… Xinlan must have promised you something extraordinary?"

Unbothered by the prying, Yi Feng shrugged.

Curiosity was natural. If one lost, they’d want to know why.

"Indeed!"

Remembering the astronomical sum of a million, he nodded.

"Xinlan did offer a substantial reward."

Hearing this, Lu Shuyao’s expression remained calm, but her heart churned with turmoil.

Just as she thought.

Lu Xinlan had indeed made a promise—and for someone like Yi Feng to take action, it must have been something extraordinary!

Damn it!

How did Lu Xinlan have such resources?!

What could she do now…

In her agitation, she stole a glance at Yi Feng.

If she wanted to sway him, she might have to resort to extreme measures!

Gritting her teeth in secret,

Lu Shuyao steeled herself for a desperate gamble. Meeting Yi Feng’s gaze again, she leaned closer, her eyes brimming with tender allure…