Ten Thousand Soul Banner: Deceased, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?
Chapter 126: Arriving in Xiajing

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Arriving in Xiajing

Ruan Hongzhuang’s subconscious movement caused Yang Hongwen’s complexion to change slightly, and he felt increasingly suffocated inside.

Even though she was holding onto Shen Siyuan’s arm, he didn’t mind, but this subconscious behavior clearly showed that she was worried her male companion would be unhappy because of his presence.

"Your friend?" Shen Siyuan asked.

Ruan Hongzhuang paid attention to Shen Siyuan’s expression, and seeing that he did not seem angry, she let out a sigh of relief in her heart. After a bit of thought, she still nodded. Some things couldn’t be denied; it was better to be honest.

However, she added another sentence.

"Just an ordinary friend."

"Then let’s go over there. It’s not very polite to ignore someone who came to pick you up without even greeting them," Shen Siyuan said as he carried the luggage and walked towards the other person.

Ruan Hongzhuang hurriedly followed, softly explaining, "He’s a college classmate of Taozi and me, but he has been pursuing me, and I didn’t agree – I have no feelings for him."

Ruan Hongzhuang’s words were very tactful, deliberately including Jiang Taoshi to prevent Shen Siyuan from getting the wrong idea.

"So, did Jiang Taoshi tell him you were coming to Xiajing?" Shen Siyuan asked.

Ruan Hongzhuang immediately shook her head.

"It shouldn’t be her, probably someone else from my company."

She trusted Jiang Taoshi a lot; she had already warned Jiang Taoshi.

She didn’t think Jiang Taoshi would upset her for Yang Hongwen’s sake.

"Hongzhuang, welcome to Xiajing. I was planning to go to Bin Hai, but when I heard you were coming, I canceled my flight."

Yang Hongwen extended the flowers towards Ruan Hongzhuang with a smile on his face.

"Thank you, but no need for the flowers, I’m afraid my boyfriend might misunderstand."

Ruan Hongzhuang did not reach out to take them, her gaze shifting and looking towards Shen Siyuan at her side.

Yang Hongwen’s face showed a hint of awkwardness, retracting his hand and shifting his gaze towards Shen Siyuan.

In fact, he had been sizing up Shen Siyuan since the moment he arrived. Apart from the physique, the appearance was average, the taste in clothes ordinary, probably not worth a thousand in total. He couldn’t understand what on Shen Siyuan attracted Ruan Hongzhuang.

While he was taking Shen Siyuan’s measure, Shen Siyuan was also evaluating him.

In terms of looks, dress, and demeanor, the first impression was one of refinement, of a professional elite.

He could talk smartly, and although he wore a smile like a refreshing spring breeze, the arrogance emanating from within was impossible to hide.

"Hello, Yang Hongwen. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

He initiated the conversation and then reached out his hand.

Shen Siyuan couldn’t ignore the other person; that would be far too impolite. So he nodded and replied, "Hello, Shen Siyuan."

Then he reached out and gave a light handshake.

However, Yang Hongwen’s hand withdrew very quickly, almost as soon as they touched, clearly showing his extreme distaste for Shen Siyuan.

Then he turned his head towards Ruan Hongzhuang, his face once again with a warm smile.

"Where are you guys heading? Let me drive you."

Dou Dou whispered to her two sisters on the side, "Trouble now, he’s going to compete with Potato for his wife."

Shen Siyuan glanced at her unintentionally, this little thing really seemed to understand everything.

"No need, we can just go to the hotel ourselves," Ruan Hongzhuang said.

"Going to a hotel?" A myriad of thoughts immediately rose in Yang Hongwen’s mind, feeling even more irritated.

But still, he suppressed his anger and maintained his composure, "Which hotel? I’ll drive you there."

Ruan Hongzhuang turned her head to look at Shen Siyuan.

Shen Siyuan asked, "Do you want to catch up with your friend?"

Ruan Hongzhuang was taken aback for a moment, but then quickly shook her head, "No need, I don’t have much to say to him."

Yang Hongwen found himself a little destabilized, his smile becoming somewhat stiff, but he did not get angry, showing that he was still quite rational.

"If that’s the case, then let’s go," Shen Siyuan said.

Then he turned to look at Yang Hongwen, "No need to trouble you, I’ve already called a car."

"It’s okay, I wish you a pleasant journey," Yang Hongwen forced a smile.

Then she said to Ruan Hongzhuang, "I’ll head back first then. When you’re free, give me a call. We can chat more."

With that, without waiting for Ruan Hongzhuang to reply, she turned and left.

Her pace seemed hurried, but soon it appeared she remembered something and slowed to a regular walk. As she passed by an air hostess, she even handed over the rose she had not been able to give away, exchanged a few jokes, and came across extremely charming.

After receiving the rose, the air hostess also glanced over at Shen Siyuan and the others.

"Your friend has quite a nice disposition," Shen Siyuan commented.

Ruan Hongzhuang rolled her eyes disdainfully, "That’s hardly his true nature. It’s all just an act."

Shen Siyuan chuckled without saying a word. He obviously noticed as well, but in life, who doesn’t wear a few masks?

Ruan Hongzhuang added, "The charm he exhibits is because it brings him more benefits and advantages."

"Let’s not talk about him anymore. Let’s go, the driver should be waiting for us."

Before departing, Shen Siyuan had already booked a car pickup service online.

Actually, if he had come to Xiajing alone, he might have chosen to take the subway as it would be more convenient.

The hotel Shen Siyuan booked was located on Dianmen Street, with Nanluogu Lane in front, Jingshan Park behind, and Beihai Park to the left.

He chose this location because Duoduo’s home was nearby.

Ruan Hongzhuang was not staying in the same room as Shen Siyuan. Jiang Taoshi had already arranged a separate room for her in the same hotel.

By the time the two of them put their luggage in their rooms, it was nearly 2:30 PM. Shen Siyuan was okay, but Ruan Hongzhuang was starving.

So they found a place nearby, ate something at random, and filled their stomachs.

After a full meal, Ruan Hongzhuang, who had been somewhat deflated before, perked up again.

"Shall we go to Beihai Park or Jingshan Park for a walk?"

Shen Siyuan glanced at Duoduo next to him, who was looking hopeful, and then shook his head, "Let’s go to Nanluogu Lane."

Since it was all about sightseeing anyway, Ruan Hongzhuang did not object, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was a bit odd about Shen Siyuan, although she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

So, the two simply crossed the street and arrived at Nanluogu Lane.

Then Shen Siyuan took out his phone and started checking the map.

"There’s no need to look. I’m quite familiar with this place. Just tell me where you want to go," Ruan Hongzhuang thought he didn’t know the way.

Shen Siyuan pondered for a moment, then said, "I told you before, there’s something I need to do in Xiajing, there are two people I want to meet, and they live nearby."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Hongzhuang leaned in closer and indeed saw that there was a mark on Shen Siyuan’s phone map.

"Cat Alley? It’s not far from here."

"Then let’s go," Shen Siyuan led the way forward.

"Are we going there empty-handed? Shouldn’t we bring something?" Ruan Hongzhuang caught up and asked.

"No need."

"Who are we going to see? Is it a family elder?"

"No."

"Are we seeking help for something?"

"No, not really."

After walking a bit, Shen Siyuan heard no more inquiries and turned around to see Ruan Hongzhuang pouting, looking very displeased in a childlike manner.

"Why the long face all of a sudden?"

"It’s neither this nor that, don’t you want to tell me?"

Hearing this, Shen Siyuan stopped walking, reached out to touch her cheek, and smiled, "Do you really want to know?"

Ruan Hongzhuang nodded eagerly, of course, she wanted to know.

"In that case, you better think it through. Once you know my secret, I won’t let you leave me, even in death."

"Then tell me quickly."

Ruan Hongzhuang’s face lit up with delight, could there be such a good thing?

PS: Seeking monthly tickets~