Chapter Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine: Choose Her or Me?
“Brother Yun, what’s the plan today?”
While Mu Jixue and Su Xinghe were still sniping at each other in secret, Su Xiaoxiao cheerfully turned to Yun Zhonghe first.
Yun Zhonghe had already planned all this out, but he kept his composure.
He glanced around the inn cautiously, making sure there were no hidden tails.
That Chen Family’s watchdog really knew how to stick like glue—he hadn’t budged an inch.
Shaking off these dogs was their top priority.
“Gentlemen, we don’t often come to Tianhai City, plus Miss Jixue is new here, so why not go around some more places?”
He raised his voice on purpose when he spoke.
Clearly trying to gauge the response from outside.
But before Su Xiaoxiao and Su Xinghe could react, Mu Jixue’s bright eyes were already gleaming with excitement, ignited by Yun Zhonghe’s words.
She eagerly chimed in: “Yeah! Yeah! I’m about to burst!”
In the closed-off cave of Master Youyue, she felt like she was suffocating.
She had been chomping at the bit to get out and have some fun!
Su Xinghe saw this and couldn’t help smirking subtly, muttering under her breath, “Heh, just like a child.”
One second they were arguing, the next she was over the moon, like a little kid.
Mu Jixue’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, quickly turning into anger.
Who was this calling her a child? She was two years older than Su Xinghe—and had a better chest!
The two went at it again, trading barbs.
Only Su Xiaoxiao was stuck in the middle, forced to smile bitterly.
Last night, Chen Chen came running into her room, talking excitedly about something, likely related to Mu Jixue, but Su Xiaoxiao waved it all off.
Su Xiaoxiao was confused—she couldn’t understand Chen Chen’s intense dislike for Mu Jixue. There seemed to be an impenetrable wall between them.
Trying to find the right words to comfort them, she realized they both held an irreplaceable place in her heart. They were precious friends, and she didn’t want either hurt.
Yet…
When her glance inadvertently landed on Yun Zhonghe’s suave face and quickly darted away, she felt a flutter.
She longed to occupy some space in his heart, hoping her presence would matter to him.
…
Little did the three girls know that Yun Zhonghe’s plan led them to somewhere… unseemly!
Initially, they stepped through those intricately carved doors filled with curiosity and excitement, oblivious to the secrets lurking behind the lavish exterior.
The environment was as elegant as it was luxurious, with every detail exuding culture and refinement. The walls adorned with famous calligraphy and the fine porcelain tables hinted at the refined tastes.
Until he led them into an ornate private room, where graceful women, holding lutes and harps, gracefully entered, prompting Mu Jixue to jolt back to reality in disbelief.
She jumped up, grabbing Yun Zhonghe by the collar, her eyes wide with disbelief: “No way! You brought us to a brothel?!”
Su Xinghe was equally ecstatic, her pretty face nuzzling into Yun Zhonghe: “Big Brother Yun, are three of us not enough? Do you need more people?”
Yun Zhonghe was bewildered by Su Xinghe’s remarks. What even was this?
Comparatively calm, Su Xiaoxiao trusted Yun Zhonghe, defending him: “Calm down, Yun brother must have a reason, right, Yun brother?”
Her eyes reflected mixed emotions.
Yun Zhonghe explained hurriedly: “I came disguised as a playboy. Since I’m supposed to be a playboy, naturally, this is the place.”
After their reactions softened, except for Mu Jixue’s persistent grip. She insisted, “Why bring girls to such a place?!”
Yun Zhonghe laughed bitterly and continued, “This too is part of my plan. Bringing them makes me look even more carefree and charming.”
As he explained, their faces showed complex expressions.
Then Yun Zhonghe winked at the singers and dancers nearby.
Immediately, music floated in the air with graceful dancing, creating an elegant scene that captivated them.
It wasn’t sleazy, but rather filled with harmony and artistry.
Yun Zhonghe nodded in approval, turning to them with a subtle smirk: “See? It’s all proper, right? I never do anything shady.”
Listening, Mu Jixue slowly let go of Yun Zhonghe’s collar reluctantly, though she still wore a tint of jealousy.
Watching them perform, she wondered, “Why not have her sing and dance then?”
She fantasized about herself performing for Yun Zhonghe, imagining herself seductively approaching him…
Her cheeks blazed red like a ripe apple.
d*mn it! Why was she thinking like this?
All because of Yun Zhonghe’s abrupt decision to take them to this place, confusing her mind.
Once they realized it wasn’t a regular brothel, their anxiety eased up.
Yun Zhonghe proposed they remain overnight in the brothel, hiding within the guise of being drunk.
“To avoid suspicion, we must pretend we drank too much and stay the night. This will make others relax and lessen their watch,” he explained.
To make it more convincing, they ordered Spirit Wine instead of common alcohol.
Spirit Wine is made from precious fruits and is highly nourishing and refreshing for cultivators.
However, it costs quite a fortune due to its scarcity and brewing difficulty. But unlike common alcohol, it can truly intoxicate a cultivator.
Since they were pretending, the quality wine was essential.
Mu Jixue took a sip, impressed: “Wow, this is good!”
It had a sweet, fruity essence that instantly refreshed anyone, making them feel at ease.
She poured another glass, savoring the aftertaste.
Just as she was pouring a third, Yun Zhonghe grabbed her cup.
Casually taking a swig, he commented, “Children shouldn’t drink too much.”
Mu Jixue, taken aback, retorted: “I’m fifteen! Almost sixteen soon—why can’t I drink more?”
Her face showed defiance, rejecting the ‘child’ label.
He observed her serious expression, amused: “This isn’t ordinary wine, it’s spiritual and easy to lose control with.”
They were acting, not actually drinking themselves silly.
Mu Jixue said nothing but internally felt slightly miffed.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaoxiao noticed her few empty cups, wondering why Yun Zhonghe hadn’t stopped her. Body cultivators could process the spirit wine efficiently, so no worries there.
Su Xinghe, as a Yuan Ying cultivator, also had a good capacity to digest the wine, so she wouldn’t easily get drunk either.
The four thus continued their dinner and drinks.
Soon, Yun Zhonghe seemed inebriated—his eyes hazy and steps wobbly.
Tianhai City’s spirit wine tasted sweet, initially, but the side effects were powerful.
Though Mu Jixue handled it better watching him, he couldn’t stand properly.
He overestimated himself.
Noticing, Su Xinghe rushed to help, but Mu Jixue intercepted them, pulling Yun Zhonghe closer.
Startled, Su Xinghe narrowed her eyes, staring at Mu Jixue intensely, understanding her intent.
“Do you need help?”
Sweetly asked but the tone warned.
Too intoxicated for subtle sparring, they openly competed now.
Their dialogue was cold and stiff.
Su Xiaoxiao interjected, “No need.”
Mu Jixue firmly said, “I can handle it myself.”
Frustrated, Su Xinghe’s smile vanished, she accused, “You think he belongs only to you?”
“Chen Chen, Snow Sister, stop…”
Su Xiaoxiao tried to mediate but failed.
Su Xinghe continued her verbal attack, leaving them stunned.
Yun Zhonghe vaguely heard this, slightly sobered, and muttered something indecipherably.
Mu Jixue heard him clearly:
“Should I… choose her or you?”
Astonished, Yun Zhonghe paused, completely baffled by Mu Jixue’s frosty demeanor.
Stomach flu?
On the other hand, Su Xinghe intertwined her fingers with his: “Cloud Brother, let me help. I’m better at taking care of others.”
She softly but seductively pulled him to her, trying to lure him.
He shifted his gaze back to Mu Jixue, confused yet still drawn to her.
“Help me, please,” Yun Zhonghe murmured weakly.
Mu Jixue’s stern expression cracked into a delicate smile as she helped him: “Alright, I’ll help.”
Defeated, Su Xinghe pouted and stepped back.
But Su Xiaoxiao, seeing this tension, interjected: “Enough! This is ridiculous.”
The wind chilled everyone, carrying a sting of ice.
Su Xinghe continued harshly, “If you can’t express your feelings freely, neither should you interfere with his choices. Cloud Brother likes whoever he wants, not you!”
Her words were sharp.
Face tense, Mu Jixue merely glared at her, silently acknowledging the truth with disdain.
Su Xiaoxiao, alarmed, pulled Su Xinghe aside.
“Enough!” Su Xinghe stubbornly replied, “Some things must be said!”
Breathing deeply, Mu Jixue helped the disoriented Yun Zhonghe upstairs.
There, she gently laid him on the bed, carefully wiping his hands with a pristine handkerchief.
Her touch became unintentionally firm, until Yun Zhonghe winced.
“You damned cat…” she growled inwardly.
Unable to ignore Su Xinghe’s piercing criticism earlier.
Her heart seethed with unresolved emotions and self-doubt.
Lying beside him, her long hair brushing her shoulders, she leaned closely to him.
The moment felt intimate, her heart pounding fiercely.
“You seem to like me,” she whispered, almost inaudible.
She struggled to admit her feelings honestly.
Only at night could she bare her soul.
She genuinely liked Yun Zhonghe.
Relieved he slept soundly, she exhaled.
Bracing herself, she kissed him gently under the moonlight.
Her heart raced, lips trembling lightly.
Suddenly, he groaned and opened his sleepy eyes.
Awkwardly, their gazes met again, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.
Her cheeks flushing, she lowered her head.
“Hey, you’re awake,” she managed to say.
His puzzled stare mirrored hers.
Feeling the lingering taste, he frowned.
“That sweet taste… Where have I felt this before?”
—
This translated version stays true to the original anime scenario while adapting it to a comedic tone, without providing commentary directly within the text.
