Chapter 600 – Pity Party (1)
“That’s just so unfair—”
The first snow had fallen, and it showed no sign of letting up. Feng Zhen was shivering, constantly rubbing his hands together for warmth.
After years of indulging in Cold Food Powder, his nails had taken on an unhealthy pale blue hue, with a chilling sensation seeping from his fingertips.
Jiang Pengji, riding Xiao Bai, turned her head to ask him, “What’s so unfair?”
Feng Zhen glanced back sideways, gripping the reins with somewhat clumsy hands, trying to keep snow from blowing down his collar.
“Why does Zixiao get to huddle in the carriage while I have to ride a horse, supposedly for the sake of building my body?”
We’re both sickly, can’t we be treated equally?
Thinking about the “unfair” treatment he faced after leaving the city, Feng Zhen felt utterly wronged.
He had gradually weaned himself off Cold Food Powder, and now it had been over half a month since his last craving. Even when the urge hit, he could endure it with sheer willpower, but his ruined body still required careful nurturing, limiting his daily drinking.
He thought that being free would mean enjoying food and fun, but who knew his own lord would show bias beyond imagination?
Wei Ci was seen as a treasure, while he was just a scrap of grass.
This became clear as he witnessed—riding in a carriage, keeping a pot warm, munching on snacks… All the perks were out of his reach.
Jiang Pengji chuckled, her phoenix eyes squinting in mock enjoyment.
She urged her horse closer to Feng Zhen, her tone laden with meaning, “Have you heard the saying—your honey is his poison?”
Feng Zhen was no fool; he understood things fairly well.
He looked a bit confused, eyebrows raised in puzzlement, “Are you saying Zixiao would want to trade places with me? Why would he?”
Riding a horse in the dead of winter was pure torture, especially with the wind and snow swirling around, making him feel icy even under layers of clothing.
Wei Ci’s constitution was just slightly better than his; who would be crazy enough to want to ride a horse?
Jiang Pengji smiled lightly, “Well, it’s not for me to say.”
Feng Zhen ruminated for a moment, still puzzled, before deciding to throw caution to the wind.
He said, “Forget it! I want to get in the carriage and enjoy myself. If he wants to suffer outside, then why not switch places? It’d be a win-win situation…”
Jiang Pengji shot him down, “No way! He would never agree to trade with you.”
Feng Zhen paused mid-movement, lazily and directly asking her, “Why not?”
“Because he’s better looking than you. If Zixiao’s lips turned purple from the cold, I would feel sorry for him.” Jiang Pengji teased with a smile, fully embracing her love for good looks, “But if you were shivering and shaking, I’d not only feel no pity, I’d laugh at you.”
As long as it was something Jiang Pengji didn’t want to do, even if Wei Ci internally disagreed, he’d still obediently keep quiet.
Feng Zhen wanted to swap with Wei Ci, but Jiang Pengji wouldn’t allow it, and Wei Ci would certainly not come out of the carriage.
Feng Zhen’s expression nearly faltered; he didn’t expect this shameless lord to have such sharp wit, playfully taunting him far more than he did.
He might not be as good-looking as Wei Ci, but did a big man really need to look so handsome?
Did he?
The answer was yes, because this was a looks-obsessed world, and he had a looks-obsessed lord.
The audience in the live stream began showering Jiang Pengji with “666” for her straightforwardness while simultaneously feeling sorry for Feng Zhen.
“[First update of the day]: Hahaha—I love how direct this streamer is, always saying what’s on her mind.”
“[Truly a talent]: System—Your friend Feng Zhen’s affection level for you has dropped by 233 points; he’s currently in a state of hatred.”
“[The heart-wrenching squad]: Ouch, my lord. This cold-hearted looks-based world is quite cruel.”
“[Lazy and lethargic]: The shockingly blunt mouth of this streamer, won’t it drive away even your strategist?”
“[Forever sleepy in March]: Just a typical day watching the streamer roast people. Those who can’t handle her insults… haven’t even been born yet?”
Facts proved that Feng Zhen could joke around.
He often “provoked” Jiang Pengji, and she wouldn’t let him hit back?
An idea struck Feng Zhen, and he leaned in to whisper, eyebrows raised with some underlying meaning.
He jested, “Could it be… that you fancy that guy too? That would be a problem, Zixiao still needs to marry and have kids, carry on the family line.”
Jiang Pengji shot him a disdainful glance, “What are you even thinking? Can’t I just simply appreciate someone’s looks?”
Feng Zhen couldn’t carry on the conversation.
He thought of Wei Ci’s face; it was stunning at first glance, but after familiarity, it lost its charm.
Jiang Pengji added, “It’s human nature; if it were you, could you bear to watch a beauty freeze in the cold?”
Beauty = Wei Ci?
Feng Zhen seemed to realize something and scrutinized Jiang Pengji with newfound seriousness, “Zixiao is a genuine man, earnest and sensitive. These jokes you make with me are just playful banter; I’m just a carefree rogue who takes everything lightly. But if Zixiao hears this, even if he doesn’t say anything, he’ll definitely overthink it…”
If Jiang Pengji treated Wei Ci like this, she’d be digging her own grave.
Seeing this, Jiang Pengji responded, “I know my limits, I wouldn’t overstep. I’ve dealt with Zixiao’s temperament years ago. I wouldn’t dare to purposely tease him to the point of anger—just a little joke between us, you won’t spread this to him, right?”
Wei Ci was just a delicate flower, Jiang Pengji would crack a few playful jokes, but she would never cross the line, always mindful of the balance.
Seeing that Jiang Pengji was serious, Feng Zhen let out a sigh of relief.
He only worried if she was just kidding around.
Alarm systems relaxed.
Feng Zhen teased, “You have good taste, Zixiao’s looks are indeed rare. If judged by him, how many people in the world would be left in the shadows?”
Jiang Pengji silently judged Feng Zhen.
Earlier, he lectured her not to go too far, yet here he was jesting about Wei Ci’s looks; truly was a shameless one.
Jiang Pengji, hearing Feng Zhen call himself a rogue, smirked.
“Sleeping around regularly? You calling yourself a rogue is just a smooth lie.”
Going wild? More like a scoundrel.
Feng Zhen wore a look as if to say “You don’t understand the complexities” and replied, “The young ones don’t understand, it’s called maturity. Once the lord gets older and learns about these things between men and women, she won’t say things like this. In life, first comes the basics of food, clothing, shelter, and transport, then comes the pursuit of fun. Even the sages said, food and sex are nature’s ways. It’s perfectly normal for men to like women, and for women to like men.”
Jiang Pengji coldly retorted, “According to your logic, is it normal for those men who like other men?”
Feng Zhen clicked his tongue in disdain, “I’m not into men, but liking men is also ‘sex,’ so it’s naturally normal.”
Jiang Pengji was left speechless; this guy’s skin was thicker than armor.
She frowned, pondering a matter, “What do you think is the best way to make up after having an argument with someone?”
Feng Zhen caught the scent of gossip, “Had an argument, did you?”
