Chapter 103: Come Keep Me Company

"I'll make a call first," Su Muqing said, pulling out her phone and dialing.

"Hello? Muqing, where are you now? Why aren't you home yet?" A man's voice came from the other end.

"Brother, I won't be coming home tonight..." Su Muqing replied, and only then did Qin Xuan realize she was calling her brother.

"What? Muqing, that's not acceptable. You're a young woman, where will you stay tonight if you don't come home?" Her brother was startled.

"I'm staying at a friend's house. That's all," Su Muqing's tone brooked no refusal, and she was about to hang up. But something occurred to her, so she suddenly asked, "By the way, can you check tomorrow's weather for me?"

"There will be thunderstorms in the morning, turning overcast in the afternoon," her brother answered, then fell silent for a while and sighed. "Muqing, you've never stayed out overnight before. Tell me honestly, why aren't you coming home tonight? You're not with Li Shihao, are you?"

"Brother, don't mention him to me," Su Muqing replied, displeased.

"Oh? A while ago, someone from the Zhao family sent me some information, saying Shihao's conduct isn't exactly upright... I've always felt that guy is too fake. Muqing, don't rush into anything, do you hear me?"

"Rushing? Nonsense," Su Muqing said, half laughing, half crying. "That bastard is no good. I'll come to the company tomorrow and explain everything in detail. Tonight... tonight I'm really not coming back."

"Huh?" Her brother was surprised. "Muqing, are you sure he's not a good person?"

"Absolutely."

"Then you're really not with him now?"

"Really not."

"Where are you now?"

"At a friend's house."

"Male or female?"

"Does it matter?" Su Muqing responded without hesitation.

Her brother instantly understood from her answer, paused for a moment, then suddenly roared, "Come home—"

"No way." Su Muqing calmly hung up.

Qin Xuan, standing nearby, remarked, "Teacher Su, your brother really cares about you."

"But I've never listened to him since I was a child." Su Muqing smiled, lips pressed together. "So tonight, I'll be intruding on you all."

"Not at all, it's no trouble." Qin Xuan waved his hand.

"By the way, Qin Xuan. Tomorrow morning, come out with me," Su Muqing suddenly said.

"Oh? Where to?" Qin Xuan asked, curious.

"To meet my brother," Su Muqing replied, her gaze fixed on Qin Xuan.

"Alright. Earlier, you mentioned your brother is set to become the next head of the Su family?" asked Qin Xuan.

"Yes..." Su Muqing nodded.

"Good, let's go together tomorrow," Qin Xuan said, narrowing his eyes. In Zhao Long's plan, everything regarding the Su family was to be handled by Qin Xuan, since his relationship with Su Muqing was close. If negotiations went well, the downfall of the Zhao family would not be far off.

"I'll help you," Su Muqing said determinedly.

Qin Xuan nodded.

"Teacher Su, there are empty rooms on both the second and third floors," Dongfang Qingwan, seeing Su Muqing agree to stay, smiled and took her hand, leading her off to find a room.

Su Muqing was the homeroom teacher for both Qin Xuan and Dongfang Qingwan, so Qingwan was especially thoughtful toward her.

But Liu Qianqian was different. She wasn't very familiar with Su Muqing, so she said sourly, "Little Qin Xuan, are more and more beautiful women going to live here from now on?"

"What are you saying? The weather's bad tonight, Teacher Su is just staying for one night," Qin Xuan replied helplessly. "But you, little girl, why are you speaking so sourly? Don't tell me you like me?"

"Ha! In your dreams. I don't need you meddling, hmph!" Liu Qianqian shot him a glare and went upstairs.

Qin Xuan scratched his head, chuckled, and returned to his own room.

On the second-floor balcony, Qin Xuan stood in a short-sleeved shirt, quietly sensing the atmosphere around the villa. Since it was Dongfang Qingwan's second night staying here, the yin energy outside was even denser than the previous night.

Still, as long as no one caused trouble, the increasing yin energy didn't matter. Those wandering spirits couldn't break through the twin protections of the Evil-Banishing Barrier and the Purple Star Yin-Yang Array.

"My sword heart feels more stable..." Qin Xuan assessed his cultivation, feeling slightly pleased. However, he was still far from reaching the realm of manifesting the sword heart.

He stood for a long while. The thunderstorm above showed no sign of letting up; in fact, it grew heavier, lightning and thunder crackling endlessly. Though it was not the time of the Qingming Festival, the rain made any traveler feel as though their soul might scatter.

Suddenly, Qin Xuan sensed something and turned his head.

On the neighboring balcony, a beautiful silhouette appeared in his sight—Su Muqing, her face tinged with sadness.

She must have just showered. Her damp hair was twisted up, making her look even more mature and alluring. She was wearing a pure white long dress, seemingly borrowed from Dongfang Qingwan.

Since Su Muqing was a bit taller than Dongfang Qingwan, the dress did not fit perfectly. Her slender, pale calves were exposed, captivatingly delicate. The dress strained tightly across her chest, her curves seeming almost ready to burst free. Above that was her fair jade neck and a portion of her fragrant shoulder, skin as tender and flawless as ice or jade, seemingly breakable with a touch.

Qin Xuan was surprised to see she had chosen the room right next to his.

Noticing Qin Xuan looking her way, Su Muqing forced a smile and turned her head aside. Clearly, her mood was far from good.

And in that forced smile, Qin Xuan clearly saw traces of tears on her beautiful face.

His heart trembled.

No matter how strong a woman might be, facing such matters as Su Muqing had, anyone would be driven to tears.

Su Muqing was deeply hurt.

For as long as she could remember, Li Shihao had been perfect in her eyes—until today, when Yang Ling's spirit told her the truth about what happened two years ago, and that flawless image collapsed.

She cared little for the Li or Su families. She had countless pursuers in the past, but never dated anyone, because they were after the Su family, or simply attracted by her beauty.

Li Shihao, however, had known her since childhood—gentle, attentive, thoughtful—and he had dispelled her wariness. If not for her traditional upbringing and her brother's fierce opposition, she might have given herself to him during their two-year relationship.

Now, she realized she should be grateful...

The autumn wind was bleak, the rain merciless.

The two of them remained silent, separated by their balconies.

After a long time, Su Muqing finally turned her head. "Qin Xuan..."

"Yes?" Qin Xuan returned from his sword heart contemplation.

"Could you come and keep me company?" Su Muqing asked softly.

Qin Xuan was silent for a moment, then tapped lightly with his foot. His figure rose gracefully, and the next instant, he appeared gently before Su Muqing.