Chapter 1100: Beautiful Man Strategy

"What a coincidence," Zu An chuckled awkwardly, then realized Tang Tian'er's finger was still covering his lips. He quickly stepped back.

He was truly frustrated. Why was he encountering plots straight out of a melodramatic TV romance drama?

"Indeed, what a coincidence. Just out for a casual stroll and I stumble upon Young Master Zu and his confidante being so affectionate," Pei Mianman said, smiling, without a hint of anger on her face.

However, Zu An knew she was already fuming, as he kept receiving notifications of her rising rage points in the background.

Tang Tian'er raised an eyebrow. Her female intuition immediately told her that the relationship between these two was not simple. She quickly took Zu An's arm and asked, "Brother Zu, who is this young lady?"

In fact, seeing the woman's seductive charm and distinctive attire, she had a faint suspicion of who she was, but pretended not to recognize her.

Zu An cleared his throat. "Uh, this is Miss Pei, a good friend of mine."

It wasn't that he was afraid to reveal their true relationship, but rather that Pei Mianman had requested it.

While this world was more open than his previous one, its openness had limits.

For an unmarried couple to sleep together would always affect a woman's reputation, and the Pei family was not a minor household, so they naturally had to be mindful of appearances.

Although Pei Mianman was aware of their agreement, hearing him say this in front of another woman still infuriated her.

"Could this be Young Master Zu's newest concubine?" she asked with a smile, walking closer. Beside her, Hong Zao remained pouting, unable to understand why her mistress hadn't lost her temper yet.

Tang Tian'er understood the veiled insult about her public display of affection with Zu An, but she didn't mind. Instead, her eyes held a playful glint. The relationship between these two... was interesting.

Detecting the jealousy in her tone, Zu An felt a cold sweat. "Mianman, you've misunderstood. She's Miss Tang of the Zhenyuan Chamber of Commerce. I'm investigating a case and needed to ask her some questions."

"Why are you explaining yourself to me? Young Master Zu can do whatever he pleases," Pei Mianman said indifferently.

Zu An was speechless.

Weren't you the one asking me?

Just then, Tang Tian'er softly explained, "Miss Pei, there's really nothing between Brother Zu and me."

Pei Mianman's heart skipped a beat. She was already calling him "Brother Zu," and there was *nothing*?

Was she deliberately feigning such a frail and pitiful demeanor to make her appear aggressive and unreasonable?

Women were naturally very sensitive to such "green tea" tactics.

Even though she saw through it all, she couldn't bring herself to expose it, lest she be underestimated.

But the more this happened, the more she stewed in silent anger.

Rage points from Pei Mianman: +233, +233, +233…

Just then, Zu An's spiritual voice transmission echoed in her ear: "Mianman, this woman is clearly trying to sow discord between us. Don't fall for her trick."

Hearing his explanation, Pei Mianman's lips curled into a slight smile. This "big pig trotters" wasn't entirely stupid after all.

When she heard that his words, both explicit and implicit, were clearly on her side, more than half of her anger immediately dissipated.

Still, she sent a spiritual voice transmission back, teasing him: "You're investigating a case, fine, but did you have to kiss her finger? Did you have to hug her so tightly?"

Zu An was speechless.

Although these were just coincidences, they had indeed occurred, making it genuinely hard to defend himself.

At this point, Pei Mianman's mood relaxed, and she began to playfully scrutinize Tang Tian'er. "Her legs are quite pretty, but her chest is a bit small. Hmm, and her face is rather sweet. She'd make a good bed warmer. If she wants to marry in, Chuuyan would have to personally approve her."

Tang Tian'er was speechless.

What was with this grand matriarch act, scrutinizing her like that?

However, she was quick to respond: "Miss Pei is referring to Miss Chu, right? But I recall she already divorced Brother Zu."

"That was just for show. Their feelings for each other are incredibly deep," Pei Mianman said. She had started out joking, but as she spoke, a hint of sourness crept into her tone.

Tang Tian'er's eyes darted. "But I can't help but feel that Miss Pei seems more anxious than Miss Chu."

Pei Mianman naturally caught the sarcasm in her words. The legitimate wife hadn't said anything, so what was her relationship with Zu An?

Because Zu An had understood her, Pei Mianman wasn't truly angry. She replied with a smile, "Because Chuuyan is my good friend! Since she's not here, I naturally have to help her guard against any 'vixen spirits' coveting her husband."

Zu An was exasperated. He noticed that Pei Mianman really enjoyed playing this "Chuuyan's best friend" game; it seemed to give her an extra thrill every time.

Tang Tian'er was also speechless. She never imagined this woman was so mentally strong, turning the tables so quickly.

As she was pondering how to retaliate, Pei Mianman smiled and said, "I still have some shopping to do. You two take your time. I won't disturb you any further."

With that, she bowed slightly to them both and walked away. As she passed Zu An, she gave him a look that was not quite a smile.

Zu An gave a wry smile. Although she hadn't said anything, her intentions were perfectly clear.

After the mistress and servant had walked a distance, Hong Zao could no longer hold back. "Miss, why did you just leave like that?"

"What else was I supposed to do? Cry, make a scene, and threaten to hang myself right there?" Pei Mianman chuckled softly.

"Miss, how can you still laugh? Didn't you see that vixen, Miss Tang, practically falling onto Young Master, and even... rubbing her chest against his hand? How shameless!" Hong Zao huffed, feeling indignant on her mistress's behalf, as if their family's cabbage had been rooted up by an outside pig. "And Young Master, really, he didn't even push her away."

"He's investigating a case; it's quite normal to use a bit of a honey trap," Pei Mianman said dismissively. "I'm just relieved to see he's safe and sound."

"Oh, so it was a honey trap! I knew Young Master was too good to be that kind of person," Hong Zao said, nodding in sudden realization.

Pei Mianman rolled her eyes at Hong Zao. It seemed Zu An's frequent feeding of snacks had taken its toll. How could she have such a foolish maid, believing even the most ridiculous excuses she made up?

Meanwhile, Tang Tian'er watched the backs of the two women, deep in thought. "Young Master Zu, Miss Pei seems to have a very good relationship with you."

"We were classmates for a while in Brightmoon City, so naturally, we have a good relationship," Zu An said, his expression turning serious. "Miss Tang, why did you act that way just now?"

Tang Tian'er naturally understood his displeasure. She smiled sweetly and feigned coyness. "Oh, I just care about Young Master too much. I was a little jealous, that's all."

"Oh, you like me?" Zu An looked at her intently.

Tang Tian'er's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her smile. "Of course I do."

"Alright then," Zu An said, reaching out to embrace her waist. "Let's go to the Jadeite Pavilion and get a room for some 'in-depth discussion.'"

With that, he put his arm around her and walked towards the Jadeite Pavilion.

This time, Tang Tian'er was indeed flustered. As a courtesan from the Carefree Pavilion, she naturally understood what "in-depth discussion" implied. She instantly leaped away, pleading, "Young Master Zu, I was wrong! I won't dare to do it again!"

Zu An gave her a cold glance. "I don't want a repeat of what happened just now."

Tang Tian'er pursed her lips, then finally sighed in resignation.

Only then did Zu An reveal a faint smile. "That's better. Wouldn't it be better if we were honest with each other and had fewer tricks?"

"Haven't I been honest enough with you...?" Tang Tian'er mumbled under her breath. They had already "met honestly" in the bathtub last time, but she was too embarrassed to say that aloud.

Zu An evidently thought of the same thing, and his gaze softened slightly. "Come on, where do you want to go shopping?"

Tang Tian'er's eyes lit up, and her sweet dimples reappeared on her face. "Anywhere is fine, as long as I'm with you."

Zu An frowned, feeling that this woman was being a bit too attentive. She most likely had ulterior motives.

However, remembering how she had risked her life to save him last time, he also felt that if she purely had other intentions, the sacrifice would have been too great.

Pondering this, he accompanied Tang Tian'er, strolling through Cloudtop City, covering nearly half the city's area.

Tang Tian'er finally said, with lingering pleasure, "I'm so happy today. I haven't felt this relaxed in years."

Zu An considered that it was indeed unlikely she could ever feel truly relaxed, whether at the Carefree Pavilion or the Zhenyuan Chamber of Commerce.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of pity. At her age in his previous life, she would have been carefree, still studying in school. "If there's a chance, I'll take you out again sometime."

Tang Tian'er shook her head, saying with a hint of sadness, "I'm afraid there won't be another chance."

Zu An paused, about to ask her why, but she spoke first: "Alright, alright, I know you've been wanting the answer, and you were distracted even while we were shopping. I'll tell you now: the owner of the Jadeite Pavilion is just a front. The real owner is the Pegasus Chamber of Commerce."

"Pegasus Chamber of Commerce?" Zu An's expression was odd. These two chambers of commerce were indeed sworn enemies, always tripping each other up whenever they had the chance.

Tang Tian'er sighed. "I know what you're thinking, but this time I'm really not doing it out of personal vendetta. I'm doing it to help you."

"Oh, and the Pegasus Chamber of Commerce has a formidable background. Be careful when you investigate; don't get burned," she added, then waved to him, leaving him with a sweet smile before quickly disappearing down the street.

Zu An, meanwhile, fell into contemplation. He had previously investigated the Pegasus Chamber of Commerce and found they seemed to have a significant connection with the Demonic Cult.

Sigh, would he have to become enemies with Qiu Honglei, Yun Jianyue, and the others...?

---

I didn't fall asleep until past 4 AM the night before last, and past 5 AM last night. I also couldn't nap during the day. I'm utterly exhausted, especially with the pressure of updates keeping me awake. I wonder if it's due to recent stress; I haven't had insomnia like this in a long time. My head feels completely muddled right now. There won't be a second chapter today, I apologize. I'll adjust as soon as possible.