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West Lake, Mid-lake Pavilion, Hangzhou.
The sun set, its afterglow painting the surface of West Lake with fragmented gold.
Gu Liufeng had rented a painted pleasure boat and was sitting at the bow, leisurely enjoying the evening breeze. Beside him, Jing Ni, having shed her red dance attire for a simple, elegant blue dress, was quietly playing the zither.
After the first acupuncture session last night, much of the unhealthy pallor had faded from her face. Though still cool and aloof, the deathly killing intent that had kept people at arm's length had dissipated, replaced by a serene beauty akin to a secluded orchid in a quiet valley.
"Young Master, isn't that... 'junior brother,' coming yet?"
Jing Ni paused her strumming, her gaze cast towards the shore.
She had long realized Huang Rong was a woman disguised as a man, but hadn't pointed it out. Yet, to make Young Master wait for a full hour, this woman certainly had airs about her.
"Soon," Gu Liufeng took a sip of tea, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes full of anticipation:
"Girls, after all, always take some effort to doll up. Especially... when they want to outshine all others."
No sooner had he spoken.
"Elder Brother Gu!"
A clear, sweet call, like a yellow oriole emerging from a valley, cut through the layers of lotus leaves, distinctly reaching their ears.
Gu Liufeng and Jing Ni simultaneously looked up.
Along the willow-shaded bank, a small skiff was cutting through the water.
A young girl stood at the bow.
She was dressed in a goose-yellow silk robe, its collar and cuffs embroidered with delicate silver patterns. A light green silk sash cinched her waist, exquisitely outlining her slender, graspable figure. As a gentle breeze swept by, her skirt fluttered, like a delicate winter jasmine blooming in the wind.
As the skiff drew near, the girl lightly leaped, like an agile white butterfly, landing steadily onto the painted boat.
At this moment, even the scenery of West Lake seemed to dim in comparison.
Her skin was fairer than snow, glistening with a crystalline jade-like color in the setting sun; her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, naturally emerald green without makeup; her eyes were exceptionally lively, as if they had gathered all the misty rain and spiritual essence of Jiangnan, sparkling with every glance, exuding an indescribable mischievousness and charming loveliness.
The former "little beggar" or "handsome young man" personas were completely shattered at this moment.
Replacing them was Huang Rong, who embodied the spiritual essence of heaven and earth.
If Jing Ni was the proud, aloof red plum atop a snowy mountain, her beauty stark, breathtakingly so,
Then Huang Rong was the most vibrant peach blossom of Jiangnan's spring, her beauty lively, dynamic, making one's heart fill with joy at a single glance, unable to tear one's eyes away.
"How is it?"
Huang Rong clasped her hands behind her back, lightly tapped her toes, and leaned slightly forward, inching closer to Gu Liufeng.
Her exquisite little face showed a hint of shyness, but more so an unconcealed smugness and playful arrogance:
"How does this ensemble of mine compare to your...哼, compared to certain people?"
Gu Liufeng looked at the charming face so close to him. Although he had long known she was beautiful, seeing this moment with his own eyes still left him immensely captivated.
What was written in books as "skin fairer than snow, peerlessly charming," ultimately couldn't compare to the shock of seeing her right before him.
"Tsk."
Gu Liufeng surveyed her up and down, feigning an exaggerated sigh:
"It's over."
"What's over?" Huang Rong was startled, somewhat nervous.
"I mean, the young heroes of the martial world are going to suffer from now on."
"If they see you in this guise, I'm afraid they'll all fall ill with lovesickness and lose all desire to practice martial arts."
Hearing this indirect praise, Huang Rong's heart swelled with joy, her small dimples instantly blooming, sweetly intoxicating.
"Smooth talker!"
She playfully chided him, then turned her head, looking provocatively at Jing Ni who was sitting by.
However, the anticipated "rivals meeting with eyes blazing" did not occur.
Jing Ni looked at Huang Rong, and a genuine hint of admiration actually flashed in her cold eyes.
As a Luo Net assassin, she had seen countless beauties, and she herself was a top beauty. But someone like Huang Rong, who possessed both the pure innocence and playfulness of a young girl, yet exuded a wise and radiant demeanor, was truly rare in the world.
"Young Master Gu has excellent taste."
Jing Ni's red lips parted slightly, her voice still faint, but carrying a touch of appreciation:
"This sister is truly naturally beautiful, brimming with spiritual charm. Even I cannot help but feel fondness upon seeing her."
This, in turn, completely disarmed Huang Rong, who had been ready for a "battle."
The other party didn't take the bait, and even complimented her?
It was like punching cotton.
"Cough, cough... well, you... you're quite pretty too."
Huang Rong's little face flushed. She awkwardly scratched her head, her "competitive" aura instantly softening.
After all, with a girl's sensibility, compliments from a beautiful older sister were always well-received.
...
Half an hour later, the painted boat was filled with the aroma of food.
Several seemingly ordinary, but in fact perfectly presented, flavored, and aromatic dishes were laid on the table.
"This one is called 'Good Match Soup,' this one is 'Whose Jade Flute Hears Fallen Plum,' and this one..."
Huang Rong introduced her masterpieces one by one, like a proud little peacock.
Jing Ni picked up a piece of "roasted duck" and put it into her mouth.
The next second, her cold expression subtly froze, then a flicker of light appeared in her eyes.
She had been in Luo Net for many years, enjoying many fine delicacies, but she had never tasted such fresh, delicious, and ingeniously prepared dishes. This wasn't cooking; it was clearly carving art with internal energy and meticulous thought.
"How is it?" Gu Liufeng asked with a smile.
"A delicacy beyond compare."
Jing Ni put down her chopsticks, looking at Huang Rong, her eyes now showing a hint of admiration:
"Not only is sister's beauty unparalleled, but these hands are truly a marvel of craftsmanship. Jing Ni... feels ashamed in comparison."
Her hands were for killing, only capable of playing the zither and wielding a sword. But Huang Rong's hands could turn decay into wonder.
"Hehe, as long as big sister likes it!"
Huang Rong felt acknowledged and completely dropped her guard. She was actually a person who clearly distinguished between love and hate. Although Jing Ni was a "love rival," her straightforward personality, without cunning, and her genuinely appealing looks, made it impossible for Huang Rong to dislike her.
The three sat around a table.
The moon hung on the willow branches, and the lake breeze was cool.
Gu Liufeng had the cool and stunning Jing Ni on his left, and the lively and charming Huang Rong on his right.
Watching these two breathtaking beauties, enough to drive all men mad, now washing their hands to make soup and playing the zither to enhance the drinking mood for him.
He raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.
"Fantastic!"
At this moment, nothing—no peak grandmaster, no unity with heaven and earth—was as real as the "beautiful and appetizing" scene before him.