coobybook Chapter 153: Inquire about information
Chapter 153: Inquire about information
On a snowy night, Shi Wanxia lay in bed, her thoughts as chaotic as the swirling snowflakes. She was planning her upcoming business venture, knowing that the household registration matter couldn't be delayed. She had to go to the government office tomorrow, pay the fees, and get the registration sorted out to avoid future troubles.
Inside, the burning charcoal cast a warm glow, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. Lost in thought, Shi Wanxia drifted off to sleep. In her dream, she seemed to see her business thriving, making a fortune.
Meanwhile, in another room, Lin Yu took off his clothes and lay wearily on the bed. He looked around the room, secretly sighing that the girl hadn't fooled him this time. The room wasn't luxurious, but it was clean and tidy, making him feel comfortable.
However, this girl had quite a temper, and she actually asked him to get up early the next day to accompany her for a stroll, saying that she wanted to go to the government office to register her household.
Lin Yu sighed helplessly. He was penniless, and all his valuables had been pawned. All that remained was a family heirloom jade pendant from Lantian, which he couldn't pawn—it would be troublesome if his father found out. Thinking about his predicament, he was filled with worry.
The next day, before dawn, Lin Yu was still asleep when he was awakened by a violent banging on the door. He groggily got up, wearing only his undergarments, and angrily opened the door. Outside, Shi Wanxia, fully dressed, came into view. A gust of cold wind blew in, instantly waking Lin Yu.
"Ah!" A startled cry made Shi Wanxia's ears hurt. She pushed Lin Yu aside and went inside. Lin Yu was flustered; he had never seen such a bold woman before. How could she just enter a man's room like that?
Shi Wanxia, however, didn't take it seriously. She glanced at Lin Yu and said, "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and change your clothes. We still have to go to the yamen." Lin Yu blushed and hurriedly looked for clothes to put on.
After getting ready, the two braved the wind and snow to head out. Along the way, Shi Wanxia remained silent, lost in thought about her business plans. Lin Yu, on the other hand, would steal glances at her from time to time, filled with curiosity about this woman.
Upon arriving at the yamen (government office), they found it bustling with people. Shi Wanxia and Lin Yu squeezed through the crowd to the registration area. Shi Wanxia took out some silver, handed it to the yamen runner, and explained her purpose. The runner accepted the silver and began processing her registration.
While waiting, Shi Wanxia looked around, observing the people and events in the yamen. The yamen was antique and quite novel.
Lin Yu glanced at Shi Wanxia, who was sitting rudely, and looked at her with disdain. This girl's manners were truly indescribable! Had she not learned any etiquette or manners? How could she be so impolite when she was out in public?
"Miss Shi, in public, you should pay attention to your manners. What kind of woman behaves like this?" Lin Yu couldn't stand it anymore and reminded her.
Just as Shi Wanxia was about to argue, the yamen runner told her to get her household registration book, which was already processed. Shi Wanxia took the book, tossed her head, and left the county yamen.
Shi Wanxia took Lin Yu to the teahouse they had visited the day before, ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, and patiently listened to the discussions around them.
"Have you heard? The serial killer committed another crime the other day," someone whispered.
“Yeah, that’s terrifying. I wonder when we’ll catch him,” another person chimed in.
"And I heard that Prince Xiang has returned to the capital, hasn't he?"
"I heard that the Lu family of Fanyang and the Cui family of Qinghe are planning some kind of poetry gathering?"
"That's for sure, but I wonder which famous figures will receive the invitation."
"I have some inside information: Li Linxi, the former leader of the martial arts alliance and head of the Qingfeng Sect, is not dead and has returned to the martial arts world!"
Lin Yu paused slightly upon hearing the name Li Linxi, but quickly regained his composure. He subtly observed Shi Wanxia, trying to guess her identity. This girl had come specifically to gather information; who was she? Was she Li Linxi's friend? Or an enemy? Lin Yu decided to remain calm and observe Shi Wanxia's next move.
"I heard that the daughter of the Langya Wang family has opened several new shops. The Langya Wang family is a famous powerful clan in the north, and their wealth is comparable to that of a country," one person said excitedly, his eyes full of amazement.
“That’s right! It’s quite unusual that the daughter of the Langya Wang family is engaged to the young master of the Qinghe Cui family!” another person chimed in, a look of curiosity on their face.
"Who told you that? The Wang family of Langya are merchants, and the Cui family of Qinghe are role models for scholars throughout the land," someone questioned, their tone tinged with doubt.
Shi Wanxia sipped her tea, listening intently without changing her expression. They were talking about Young Master Cui and Miss Wang. It had been almost half a month; they should be home by now.
However, figuring out how to safely sell this paper is a real challenge.
There are only three bookstores here, so I can only take the paper, disguise myself, and go to the three bookstores tomorrow to find out what's going on.
Summer was late and my back was aching from sitting so long. I had already drunk almost two pots of tea. It was almost noon, so I decided to go home first.
"Lin Yu, let's go."
Lin Yu quickly got up and followed the strange girl ahead—Shi Wanxia. He was full of questions, but didn't know where to begin. The two wandered through the market in silence, soon buying some meat, vegetables, and snacks, before slowly heading home.
Along the way, Lin Yu would steal glances at Shi Wanxia from time to time, trying to find clues from her expressions to understand why she was acting this way. Shi Wanxia, however, seemed lost in her own thoughts and completely oblivious to Lin Yu's gaze.
When they returned to their residence, Qin Xin was anxiously waiting at the door. Upon seeing Shi Wanxia and Lin Yu return, Qin Xin hurriedly went to greet them. "Miss Shi, you're finally back! I was so worried about you." Qin Xin's face was full of concern.
Shi Wanxia smiled slightly and said, "It's nothing, we just went to the market to buy some things." Qin Xin's gaze fell on Lin Yu, her eyes filled with curiosity. "And this is?" Shi Wanxia introduced, "His name is Lin Yu, and he's staying with us temporarily."
Lin Yu nodded politely to Qin Xin, but inwardly he was filled with wariness towards this unfamiliar woman. Qin Xin looked at Lin Yu, a strange light flashing in her eyes. She seemed to have sensed something unusual about Lin Yu.
The three of them went inside together, and Shi Wanxia placed the meat, vegetables, and snacks she had bought on the table. "Qinxin, go and tidy up these things. We'll start cooking in a bit." Qinxin responded and began to busy herself.
Shi Wanxia pulled Lin Yu aside and whispered, "Lin Yu, there's something I need to discuss with you." Lin Yu's heart tightened when he saw Shi Wanxia's serious expression.
"What's wrong?" Shi Wanxia hesitated for a moment before saying, "I need your help with something." Lin Yu frowned and asked, "What kind of help?" Shi Wanxia said, "I'm currently handling a business deal, but I've run into some trouble. I need someone to help me protect the goods, and I think you're a good fit."
Lin Yu hesitated. He didn't know if Shi Wanxia's business was reliable, nor whether he should get involved. However, looking at Shi Wanxia's expectant eyes, he couldn't bear to refuse. "Alright, I can help you. But you must tell me the specifics." Shi Wanxia nodded and began to explain her business plan to Lin Yu.