Chapter 348: Drawing the Tiger Away from the Mountain

"Me?" Zu'an was surprised. Qin Wanru had never thought highly of him, so it was unexpected that she would bring him along.

"You're well-acquainted with the Wei family, and you're the intermediary for this matter. If not you, then who should I bring?" Qin Wanru rolled her eyes at him.

Hearing that the two were leaving, Chu Hanzhao also rushed over and demanded to come along.

Qin Wanru refused, "We're going out for serious business. You stay home."

"If brother-in-law can go for serious business, why can't I?" Chu Hanzhao said, pointing at Zu'an with dissatisfaction.

Zu'an was speechless.

What did she mean, "even I can go"? Was he that bad?

This girl hadn't been taught a lesson in a while; she was really asking for it.

Qin Wanru glared at her daughter, "Obey!"

Her usual authority clearly worked. Chu Hanzhao stuck out her tongue, pouted, and left discontentedly.

The two then arrived at the Wei family's residence. Upon learning of Qin Wanru's arrival, the Wei family patriarch personally came out to greet them.

After the initial pleasantries, they proceeded to the study to discuss the specifics.

Meanwhile, Wei Hongde led Zu'an on a tour of the grounds.

However, Zu'an was clearly not in the mood and excused himself, claiming to be tired and needing a room to rest.

Wei Hongde was a little surprised but naturally didn't object. Since the patriarch was engaged in important discussions that wouldn't conclude quickly, he arranged a guest room for Zu'an—coincidentally the same one he had stayed in before.

After Wei Hongde left, Zu'an, who had been feigning sleep on the bed, immediately opened his eyes.

He mused that this was an excellent opportunity to investigate the box Old Man Mi was searching for.

However, the thought of that mysterious old man's terrifying cultivation made him somewhat apprehensive. Stealing something right under his nose would be an incredibly difficult feat.

Just then, a figure suddenly leaped in through the window. Zu'an's heart jolted, and he tensed up, asking, "Who's there!"

"It's me!" A graceful figure slowly emerged, with peach blossom eyes that always seemed to hold a smile. It was none other than Pei Mianman.

"Mianman!" Zu'an's eyes lit up. He immediately spread his arms and walked toward her. "Long time no see. Come here, let your brother give you a hug."

Pei Mianman was speechless.

With a quick movement, she easily dodged him. "You're getting bolder and bolder," she said. "I really should let Chuyan see you like this sometime."

Zu'an dismissed her comment. "Chuyan doesn't concern herself with such matters," he said. "She might even be happy to see us together, so you two can continue being good sisters."

Pei Mianman finally couldn't tolerate his teasing any longer. She snorted, "Alright, alright, I'm here because I need your help with something."

"I thought our meeting here again was fate, but it turns out you have a favor to ask," Zu'an said, his face showing disappointment.

Glancing around, Pei Mianman realized this was the same room they had been in last time. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the events of that night. "I just happened to discover you were here," she explained, "so I decided on the spur of the moment to come find you."

"You're still trying to find that item from last time?" Zu'an asked, his playful grin vanishing. "The Wei family has such a terrifying master. Are you insane?"

Pei Mianman replied, "Last time, I was caught off guard and didn't anticipate such a powerful presence, which made me look quite disheveled. This time, I'm prepared, so it will naturally be much better. Of course, if you're willing to help me, the chances of success will be even greater."

"How can I help?" Zu'an asked.

Pei Mianman walked to the window, gazing at the distant outline. "When the time comes," she explained, "I'll go to that courtyard first and lure out the mysterious master. Then you can seize the opportunity to sneak in and help me find something."

Zu'an frowned. The plan was simple—a diversion—and such simple tactics were often effective. However, he focused on a more critical concern: "That person's cultivation is far superior to yours. How will you escape?"

Pei Mianman replied, "You don't need to worry about that; I have my own methods. You just need to find the item for me as quickly as possible."

Knowing her usual mysterious nature, Zu'an figured she must truly have a plan. "What kind of item is it?" he asked.

Pei Mianman hesitated, but realizing she needed to describe the item if she wanted him to find it, she said, "It's a dark golden token, about this long and this wide..."

As she spoke, she gestured to illustrate the token's shape, size, and distinctive features.

Zu'an couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "What is this token used for? Why are you willing to take such a huge risk to retrieve it?"

Pei Mianman fell silent.

"If you don't want to tell me, then forget it," Zu'an said, looking dejected. For some reason, he felt a surge of irritation.

Pei Mianman bit her lip, clearly struggling with herself, but then said, "Alright. I've saved your life, and you've saved mine; we're practically fated companions. I'll tell you, but you must promise me not to reveal what I say to anyone else, not even Chuyan."

"I'm saying this not because I don't trust you, but because the matter is of immense importance."

"Alright, I'll keep your secret." Seeing her earnestness, Zu'an dared not take it lightly.

Pei Mianman then lowered her voice and revealed, "Whoever possesses this token can freely enter and exit the imperial palace."

Zu'an was greatly startled. "What exactly do you intend to do by stealing something like this?" he exclaimed.

Pei Mianman shook her head. "You don't need to concern yourself with that," she said. "I have my reasons for doing this."

Zu'an's expression grew solemn. After a long moment, he finally nodded. "Alright, I'll help you!"

"Thank you!" Seeing that he was still willing to help her despite knowing everything, Pei Mianman's face lit up with a captivating smile, making her look incredibly charming and alluring.

Zu'an was momentarily captivated by her beauty.

Pei Mianman's face flushed slightly, and she quickly added, "Regardless of whether you find the token in the courtyard, you must leave within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Otherwise, if that person returns, you'll be in serious trouble."

"I know," Zu'an replied, well aware that a person even Old Man Mi feared was far beyond his ability to contend with. He wouldn't dare risk encountering such an individual.

"Oh, and regardless of whether we succeed, let's meet at the pavilion outside the academy after an hour," Pei Mianman added after a pause. "Your family's gardener isn't simple. If we meet at the Chu family's estate, we'll inevitably be exposed."

"Understood!" Zu'an had already been thinking the same thing. Their previous meeting had been noticed by the gardener, so it was clearly unwise to discuss such an important matter under his watchful eye again.

"Alright, I'm going. You get ready too." Pei Mianman moved to the window.

"Please be careful," Zu'an urged, despite her claim of having a plan. He remained very worried, as the other person was simply too formidable.

"Don't worry~" Pei Mianman smiled sweetly. Just as she was about to exit, she suddenly turned back and remarked, "I suddenly understand why Chuyan fell for you."

After saying this, her figure flashed, and she vanished, leaving only a faint, lingering fragrance in the air.

Zu'an blinked in surprise. Did that even need to be questioned?

Wasn't it because he was handsome and also incredibly wealthy and powerful?

Not long after, the distinct sound of clothing rustling through the air came from a distance. He could vaguely make out two figures, one trailing the other, moving away in pursuit.

Zu'an's heart tensed. He quickly suppressed his presence and stealthily moved towards the earlier courtyard.