Chapter 56: An Invitation from a Beauty

After Wu Tian finished his pot of Spirit-Gathering Tea, Steward Hu finally calculated the value of the enormous pile of items.

"Wu, my brother, you've exhausted me with all this appraising, but it's done now. I ran the numbers, and for all these things together, I can offer you this much," Steward Hu said, making a gesture for eight with his fingers.

"Eighty thousand taels?" Wu Tian frowned and asked.

"No, it's eight million taels of silver!" Steward Hu shook his head.

"Pfft!" Wu Tian spat out his tea in shock. "Good heavens! That much? Eight million taels of silver—damn, I'm rich now!"

Even though Wu Tian had mentally prepared himself, Steward Hu's price startled him. Eight million taels of silver was equivalent to eighty thousand taels of gold, or eight hundred taels of black gold. That was an enormous profit.

"Eight million taels of silver—deal!" Wu Tian slapped his thigh and decided on the spot.

"Wu, my brother, you really are straightforward. Doing business with you is a pleasure. And congratulations on successfully passing the sect’s grand competition, entering the headquarters of the Qitian Sect as the top scorer—congratulations!" Steward Hu said, smiling broadly.

"Your news travels fast, I see."

"Wu, my brother, you’re the talk of Pingyang City now—who doesn’t know you? Also, there’s someone who wishes to meet you. I wonder if you have time?"

"Someone wants to see me?" Wu Tian looked puzzled. "I don’t mind, but if it’s not a beauty, I won’t be in the mood."

"Beautiful or not, I can’t say—but it’s definitely a woman," Steward Hu replied with a chuckle.

"A woman? Well, alright, where is she?" Wu Tian considered it; Steward Hu had worked hard to buy all these items, so Wu Tian decided to give him some face.

"Please follow me."

With that, Steward Hu led Wu Tian to the pavilion behind the Jimin Apothecary. The place was extremely tranquil and scarcely visited.

"Old Hu, you’re not leading me here to rob me, are you?" Wu Tian eyed him warily.

"If I were going to rob you, I’d bring more people. Do you see anyone around?" Steward Hu rolled his eyes.

"That’s true. So, where’s the woman? I want to see whether she’s a beauty. If she isn’t, I’ll just meet her briefly and leave, which should be enough to show you respect," Wu Tian said, waving his hand dismissively.

Dong!

At that moment, Wu Tian heard the sound of a guzheng, followed by a melodious tune played on the instrument.

Looking up, Wu Tian saw a small pavilion above the courtyard, where a woman in white sat, her face veiled. He couldn’t see her features, but her figure was exquisite—so stunning that Wu Tian would rate her ninety-eight points, deducting two only because her face was hidden.

"Hey, Old Hu, is that the woman you mentioned?" Wu Tian nudged him.

"Exactly—"

Before Steward Hu could finish, Wu Tian leapt straight up to the pavilion. Seeing this, Steward Hu shook his head and left in resignation.

Dong dong dong...

Wu Tian’s arrival didn’t disrupt the woman’s playing. Her mesmerizing eyes, visible above the veil, remained fixed on her fingertips, intent and focused.

Wu Tian watched her with interest, sitting across from her with a large apple in hand, taking bites and smiling as he observed.

After a while, the woman pressed both hands on the guzheng, ending her song.

Clap, clap!

With the apple still in his mouth, Wu Tian applauded, his words muffled. "Wonderful, truly wonderful!"

"Young Master Wu, please forgive my boldness, but may I ask what you found wonderful about it?" the veiled woman in white asked. Her voice was like gentle flowing water, utterly pleasant to hear.

Wu Tian chewed his apple and replied without pretense, "I can’t really say why—I just thought it sounded good. Honestly, I don’t know much about this instrument."

"You are truly honest, Young Master Wu," the woman remarked, her tone tinged with a hint of amusement.

"Actually, I have a question for you," Wu Tian said, staring at her.

"Please ask, Young Master Wu."

"I’m curious—what does your face look like beneath the veil? Would you mind showing me?"

"Of course, it’s not as if I have anything to hide."

To Wu Tian’s surprise, the woman did not refuse. She simply lifted her veil, revealing a face of exquisite beauty.

Truth be told, Wu Tian had seen several beauties since arriving in this world—Xiao Hui, for example, and Liu Qingxu. Yet this woman was no less than either. Her features had the maturity and allure surpassing Xiao Hui, and a refined elegance exceeding Liu Qingxu, as if she were a masterpiece of art.

What Wu Tian admired most was her smile; though only slight, it brought two delicate dimples to her cheeks. She might not be the type to topple kingdoms, but surely she could make flowers blush and the moon hide.

"Stunning—an absolute beauty!" Wu Tian exclaimed.

The woman saw Wu Tian’s exaggerated expression and wasn’t offended; instead, she seemed curious. She’d met many men before—all of whom feigned indifference in her presence. Only Wu Tian expressed his true thoughts with such candor.

"Thank you for your praise, Young Master Wu. I am most grateful," she replied with a gentle smile and a nod.

"No need for thanks. By the way, may I ask your name?"

"I am Ning Yujiao."

"Ning Yujiao—a fine name," Wu Tian nodded. "Tell me, Miss Ning, what business do you have with me? Steward Hu seemed to treat you with respect, so I imagine your status in the Jimin Apothecary, or even Shunfeng Trading Company, is quite high. Let me guess—you must be related to the owner of Shunfeng Trading Company!"

Ning Yujiao gave Wu Tian an surprised look, then smiled lightly. "Young Master Wu, you have keen eyes indeed. Your guess is almost exactly correct. My grandfather is one of the managers of Shunfeng Trading Company."

Wu Tian stared at Ning Yujiao in amazement. He had guessed she was no ordinary woman, but hadn’t expected her to be the granddaughter of one of Shunfeng Trading Company’s leaders. No wonder Steward Hu had such authority—it was all granted by her.

"That’s certainly impressive. You’re making me a little nervous, haha…" Wu Tian scratched his head and laughed.

"Young Master Wu, you jest. You didn’t show the slightest nervousness when facing thirty-six opponents alone, so how could you be nervous now? Please forgive my abrupt request for a meeting. In truth, I do have something to discuss with you. Would you be willing to spare me a little time?"

Ning Yujiao smiled, knowing Wu Tian was only joking.

"Speak freely. If you need my help, I promise to do my utmost!" Wu Tian waved his hand in a hearty gesture.