Imperial Treasure

Chapter 514 - 338: Seeing Zhuang Ziliu Again

If Yhan Qingwu was serenely standing in Huamei Manor as an elegant and noble representative, then Sui Yi was like a solitary figure, ethereal and aloof, standing against the backdrop of the mountains.

Especially within the Rainy Tea House, steeped in old-world charm, where every corner was filled with women in cheongsam, carrying themselves with grace...

She was holding a cup of tea as well, apparently having been tasting tea just moments ago.

The man subconsciously looked towards Sui Yi’s delicate neck, unable to help swallowing his saliva, quickly putting on a brilliant smile, stepped forward, and said with polished courtesy, "Miss, I am a friend of Qing Wu from Nanjing, Tao Xinkai. I am honored to meet such a beautiful lady..."

"Hello," Sui Yi responded, her demeanor calm, utterly unshaken.

The people following Tao Xinkai didn’t come over, but they were all surprised, recognizing the well-known Yhan Qingwu of the Provincial City but not knowing who this woman was...

Her voice was intoxicating, and from Young Master Tao’s reaction, one could guess that this woman must indeed be very attractive.

Yhan Qingwu simply didn’t like dealing with these people, and now she lightly said, "Tao Xinkai, we are not good friends; we’ve only met a few times and, considering propriety, shouldn’t you give me and my friend some space to ourselves?"

This was a dismissal.

Even in dismissal, she was polite yet unmistakably clear, very much in keeping with Yhan Qingwu’s style.

Normally, Tao Xinkai would have just laughed it off as usual, but in front of so many people, especially when he had just made a move on a beautiful woman, he felt somewhat annoyed and gave a forced laugh, "Yhan Qingwu, you shouldn’t say that. I really do consider you a friend, and besides, shouldn’t you consider your friend’s wishes? Perhaps she would like to get to know me."

Who was he, Tao Xinkai? Even if not from this Provincial City, he had a certain reputation; having just looked closely, the woman’s attire wasn’t particularly lavish, suggesting a less privileged background. Although she knew Yhan Qingwu, who didn’t care much for such things, this woman must have caught Yhan Qingwu’s eye with her looks and charm. With his status, he could easily win over such a girl...

Hmm, what was her name? Green Tea Girl?

Just as Tao Xinkai was thinking this and wearing his most confident smile.

"I don’t want to."

What? It took Tao Xinkai a second to realize what had happened.

Sui Yi, dubbed Green Tea Girl unintentionally, hadn’t even looked at him, simply stated those three words and then fell silent again.

Laughter followed from behind; Yhan Qingwu was also laughing, lightly explaining, "You heard her, she doesn’t want to... You may leave now."

Yhan Qingwu knew Sui Yi’s capabilities and naturally didn’t need to be overly polite with such foolish men focused solely on carnal desires.

"Ha, interesting, very interesting!" Tao Xinkai, feeling more embarrassed yet paradoxically laughing, clapped his hands, appearing casual and composed, smiled at Sui Yi: "You don’t know who I am? Such words... will have consequences."

He intended to use his power to intimidate.

Suddenly, Sui Yi’s gaze subtly changed, looking at him...

No, rather looking past him at someone behind him.

Not many had approached, just two, but the leader truly embodied casualness and ease. He approached with a smile, saying, "Miss Sui, it’s been a day since we’ve met, but it feels like ages."

With such a teasing, flirtatious tone, yet accompanied by a soft and gentle voice, and he himself was as refined as jade, exuding an air of grace.

Not a hint of discord, only a spring-breeze-like sensation.

Yhan Qingwu frowned slightly, looking towards Sui Yi, whose expression told her, she knew this man...

No, not truly knew him.

Yhan Qingwu stood up, smiled faintly at the newcomer, "Mr. Zhuang," then turned to Sui Yi, "Zhuang Ziliu is the owner of the Rainy Tea House."

Quite coincidental, extremely so.

Since he had a connection with Yhan Qingwu, it was a mere coincidence... an extremely fortuitous coincidence.

And indeed, the owner of the Rainy Tea House, Zhuang Ziliu, was no ordinary individual.

The expressions of Tao Xinkai and his companions changed! Especially Tao Xinkai’s, disbelieving yet somewhat embarrassed, though still respectful on his face. His followers hadn’t looked at who Sui Yi was until they saw this young man who was the well-known owner of the Rainy Tea House in the whole province; one could imagine their wariness. Even the few who didn’t recognize his significance were quietly pulled at their sleeves and were reminded, then became silently observant.

Sui Yi stood up, Zhuang Ziliu had already extended his hand ahead of time... Following etiquette, Sui Yi extended her hand and shook his.

His hand, distinct and slender, yet considerably larger than hers, one shake... seemed alright.

However, Sui Yi’s brow slightly furrowed; this man had scratched her palm!

With unruffled grace, she withdrew her hand and said, "Nice to meet you," then turning to Yhan Qingwu, she said, "Let’s go."

"All right."

Yhan Qingwu had already sensed something was off, Sui Yi’s attitude told her everything.

Farewell.

Yhan Qingwu dropped this remark and followed Sui Yi as they turned to leave...

However, as Sui Yi turned and caught sight of one of Tao Xinkai’s group, she visibly paused, then continued her steps and walked straight past them...

The perplexed man recovered and involuntarily called out: "Sui Yi?"

The one who stopped was Yhan Qingwu, followed by Sui Yi, while the puzzled ones were Tao Xinkai and his group.

Firstly, the sudden outcry came from their lackey of a lackey, someone who had seized the opportunity to touch the fringes of their circle, a mere college student.

Secondly, this girl who knew Zhuang Ziliu yet acted coldly, could it be she was acquainted with him? Sui Yi?

Sui Yi turned to face Guo Yanwen.

Face to face.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Zhuang Ziliu’s smile filled with hidden intent.

Mockery? Malevolence?

Sui Yi... So this person still remembered her.

No, it should be said that he recognized her while the carriage was moving.

"It’s me," Sui Yi responded.

She did not deny it, she did not ignore me! She didn’t..

Just as Guo Yanwen’s eyes lit up, about to exclaim something joyously.

"Is there something?"

That indifferent and aloof tone, like a bucket of cold water, made Guo Yanwen suddenly see the same indifference in those deep, dark pupils as many years ago.

Not denying it meant she didn’t care!

All these years had passed, she didn’t hate, didn’t resent, she just didn’t care.

He felt his own breath turn cold, and he couldn’t help but shiver, as if it were not his own.

"I...I was just asking how you’ve been these years.."

"Fine.." Sui Yi’s tone was calm and mild, without any hint of ambiguity or closeness, just a straightforward response. After speaking, she averted her gaze because Zhuang Ziliu was looking over.

Although the other’s presence was gentle, Guo Yanwen and the others couldn’t help but simultaneously take a step back.

"So Miss Sui still finds old acquaintances here in my humble tea house~~ Sadly, this old acquaintance seems quite unwelcome by you. In that case... Ah Er," Zhuang Ziliu called out gently; the cold-faced man stepped forward and in front of Sui Yi, suddenly raised his leg and swung like a steel whip, striking toward Guo Yanwen...

Fifty years of Inner Strength... enough to split his abdomen open!

Yhan Qingwu frowned; Sui Yi’s reaction was...

She didn’t react.

But there was a knife, spinning out of thin air from seven or eight meters away...

toward that long leg...

Ah Er suddenly spun his leg, aiming to kick the handle of the knife!

Snap!

The handle of the knife spun...

and landed in a hand missing an index finger.

The tall and coldly imposing Ah Guna stood there, walking forward step by step, his presence overpowering...

Guo Yanwen was actually petrified; Tao Xinkai and the others weren’t faring much better, but the latter, after all, came from a high background and had seen some Martial Artists, so even now they managed to maintain some composure...

Just as Ah Er sneered and tapped the ground with his foot, springing forward like a cheetah. As he sprang, he drew a short stick from his waist...

And Ah Guna spun the knife in his hand~~

Bang!

The surrounding tables and chairs shattered.

They started fighting just like that? And it looked like something out of a martial arts film...

Many in the tea house heard the commotion and ran over...

Sui Yi frowned slightly, exchanging a glance with Yhan Qingwu; it was not good to linger here longer.

Just then.

"Miss Sui leaving already? Well, you’ve never liked this kind of bustle." Zhuang Ziliu stood with his hands behind his back, as if he had no connection to this tea house, as if the people fighting weren’t his, as if all this had nothing to do with him.

Sui Yi turned to look at him, but he was already strolling over.

"But you can’t leave, are you worried about this old acquaintance, afraid I might kill him, or cripple him?" His finger casually pointed at Guo Yanwen.

The latter’s face turned completely pale.

Zhuang Ziliu withdrew his hand, having already walked up to Sui Yi, he glanced at Yhan Qingwu and then at Ah Guna not far away. As Yhan Qingwu’s face changed, he leaned over, almost touching Sui Yi’s cheek with his, whispering ambiguously and lingeringly: "You really are gentle... causing so many people to risk life and death for you... just don’t know if this poor man is willing..."

Being this close to Zhuang Ziliu, anyone watching would blush, yet Sui Yi didn’t react at all, but still stepped aside... no, she walked away.

Leaving only one sentence: "He is not enough to be my weakness, and as for you, a man who shows his tail but hides his head, you are no match for me."

Yhan Qingwu had not intervened at all from the beginning to the end, now she simply nodded gracefully towards Zhuang Ziliu and turned to leave.

Without giving Guo Yanwen a single glance.

Bang!

Zhuang Ziliu watched the two leave with a smile: "Ah Er, come back."

Ah Er stopped, Ah Guna sheathed his knife and also left.

Leaving behind the bone-chilling Guo Yanwen.

Zhuang Ziliu, still smiling, didn’t even look at him or anyone else, walking off, not even caring about the mess on the floor.

Afterward.

Tao Xinkai couldn’t help but speak: "You kid... What’s your name again... What exactly is going on here?"

Guo Yanwen was lost in thought; what was going on? He himself didn’t know what was going on~~

——————

When they left, the rain had stopped. Yhan Qingwu also had a car; the three stood on the side of the parking lot.

"Qing Wu, try not to contact him in the future," Sui Yi said.