Please, Young Master, Slay the Demon!
Chapter 423 - 2: Person in the Painting [Seeking Monthly Votes!]_1

Chapter 423: Chapter 2: Person in the Painting [Seeking Monthly Votes!]_1

"Tell us your story quickly!"

On a loft in Red Cotton Market, Jiang Yuebai, Mu Yuetong, and Xu Hongqiu were seated together, with the two of them staring intently at Jiang Yuebai with gleaming eyes.

Immortal Jiang and Chu Liang...

Even though there have always been plenty of rumors about these two, the concerned parties have never confirmed them. Earlier, Jiang Yuebai’s nonchalant nod of the head had not only startled Xu Hongqiu but also took Mu Yuetong by surprise.

Mu Yuetong instantly wanted Jiang Yuebai to retell their story. Although Xu Hongqiu seemed slightly dejected, her curiosity overpowered her and she asked if she could listen in as well.

Seeing the sparking eyes of both these women, burning with desire to hear about her story, Jiang Yuebai had no choice but to comply.

Afterward, Xu Hongqiu found this vacant loft for the three of them to have a quiet discussion.

"Actually, the rumors outside aren’t as exaggerated as they seem..." Once they had settled in, Jiang Yuebai slowly began her tale about the time when she first met Chu Liang.

She emphasized on Chu Liang’s impressive arrival on a Baize Cub, while quietly glossing over her own reaction at the time.

Subsequently, she taught Chu Liang divine skills, while he gave her some peculiar objects... it was a series of simple interactions, but gradually they developed an unspoken bond.

Whether this bond represented the so-called "feelings of love" was something even she was uncertain of.

Jiang Yuebai quickly narrated their history together, much to the astonishment of Mu Yuetong.

After a brief thoughtful silence, she asked, "So you’re not sure if Chu Liang actually has feelings for you..."

"Of course he likes her," Xu Hongqiu intercepted confidently, "What kind of man wouldn’t fall for Immortal Jiang?"

"Huh?" Immortal Jiang and Mu Yuetong gave her a puzzled look, seemingly surprised by her sudden shift in perspective.

Xu Hongqiu blinked, then added, "I mean, if I were a man, that’s definitely how I would think..."

Mu Yuetong nodded in agreement, "Makes sense."

"Moreover, although Warrior Chu never really admitted anything, the way he behaves with you is completely different from how he treats others," Xu Hongqiu added.

As she said this, she thought back to how Chu Liang behaved when he was with her. Even though he was always polite and friendly, he never showed her the same degree of attention and care that he did with Jiang Yuebai.

It was a favoritism that was easy to notice if one paid attention.

But she didn’t feel too heartbroken, as she had only wanted to ask about their situation before making a decision. After all, she wouldn’t be so tactless as to interfere with their relationship. As the daughter of the Whale Guild’s leader, she knew how to gracefully handle loss... furthermore, losing to Immortal Jiang was not a dishonor.

"Is that so?" Immortal Jiang considered this, then whispered, "I always thought he had many women around him..."

"It’s not surprising that many people are drawn to Chu Liang. He’s not only young and talented but also has a noble spirit," Xu Hongqiu stated, "So, Miss Jiang, if you fancy him, you should make a move sooner than later."

"Me?" Immortal Jiang seemed taken aback.

"Given who Jiangjiang is, it’s already his good fortune if she likes him. Why should she be the one to make the move?" Mu Yuetong incredulously asked.

"When it comes to relationships, timing is everything. Who knows what tomorrow might bring?" Xu Hongqiu advised pragmatically.

"But wouldn’t a lady being proactive risk not being cherished..." Mu Yuetong wondered.

"There’s no such rule. Men aren’t stupid," Xu Hongqiu gestured dismissively, "Only those who lack merit and have to take initiative themselves have that kind of worry. As we said before, for Miss Jiang to even consider him is already his blessing. If she were to take a step forward, wouldn’t he be thrilled?"

Mu Yuetong considered this, then nodded slightly, "That does sound reasonable..."

Jiang Yuebai still seemed somewhat puzzled as she quietly asked, "So what should I do?"

"Just find an ideal romantic setting... no, a serene moonlit night, seize the moment when the ambience is just right, take his hand, or better yet, pull him into your arms, and ask him if he wants to spend his life with you," Xu Hongqiu suggested assertively.

The other two women gaped at her audacity. Mu Yuetong timidly asked, "Wouldn’t that be too aggressive?"

"That’s how my father won over my mother," Xu Hongqiu shared.

"Isn’t it possible that... um..." suggested Mu Yuetong, "Given that your father is a man and your mother is a woman, shouldn’t we learn from your mother’s approach?"

"Oh right!" Xu Hongqiu slapped her thigh in realization, and promptly revised her advice, "Then just find a serene moonlit night, seize the moment when the ambience is right to seduce him into holding your hand, then tactfully fall into his arms."

Mu Yuetong echoed, "That sounds feasible."

Jiang Yuebai, however, frowned, "Are you sure..."

The other two women seemed even more enthusiastic than her, actively brainstorming together.

"There’s no way that wouldn’t work!"

"You could just invite him on a mission, choose a site with nice scenery, and then... do this and this..."

"Like this and this..."

"And then you’ll have succeeded!"

"Yay!"

"..." Jiang Yuebai observed the two of them, feeling an indescribable sense of strangeness.

It was a while before the two women managed to calm themselves from their excited state.

Jiang Yuebai then asked, "Miss Xu, did you ask me that question today because you also..."

"Of course not," Xu Hongqiu cut her off, shaking her head firmly, "He’s my uncle!"

...

As the night fell, the wind was high and the moon was dark.

A slender young man, holding a candle, slowly walked into the dark room.

"What was that sound..." he mumbled to himself as he pushed open the room door.

Before entering, he even carefully shielded the candle flaming with a lantern cover. The room held his father’s collection of famous paintings. It would be unimaginable if a spark were to accidentally ignite the works.

The candlelight illuminated the room, but nothing seemed amiss.

"Could it be a mouse?" the young man wondered aloud and was about to turn away.

Suddenly, he noticed something was off.

The painting they had recently added to the wall, called "Eastern Suburbs Ladies Painting", depicted a scene of the ladies from the royal court venturing outside for a small picnic.

The most captivating part of the painting, featuring a beautiful woman by the riverside, was mysteriously empty in contrast to the vivid elegance of the rest of the drawing.

Was the figure missing?

What was going on? Could it be a fake painting his father had collected?

The young man was immediately panicked, and was about to notify his father when he turned around and found a striking figure in red standing at the doorway.

The woman’s slender waist, snowy skin, abundant chest, and peach blossom face all exhibited an indescribable charm at first sight.

The young man’s eyes widened instantly, and he asked slowly in a stunned voice, "Miss, where did you come from?"

"I came from home, young master, would you like to accompany me as a guest?" the woman in the red robe gently asked.

The young man dumbly nodded, "I... I would."

With a clatter, the candle fell to the ground and snuffed out on impact.

The room plunged back into darkness.