Chapter 1191: A Chance Encounter

The next evening.

Yi Feng walked out of the Treasure Pavilion and strolled along the street.

The events of the previous day had once again overturned his understanding of himself.

He didn't even know how strong he truly was.

Yet, he didn't feel joy from this realization—instead, he felt more lost than ever.

Where should he go from here?

After walking through several bustling streets, he finally came across a grand building. The aroma of wine wafted through the air, and the place was bustling with guests. It was clearly a high-end restaurant.

Perhaps a drink would help soothe his troubled mind.

Just as Yi Feng was about to step inside, a woman approached him, bowing gracefully.

"Greetings, sir."

The young woman was stunningly beautiful, her every movement exuding an air of nobility. Yet, her attire was simple, making her seem like an ordinary person. She looked familiar, but Yi Feng couldn't quite place where he had seen her before.

Yi Feng stared at her in confusion for a few moments before his eyes widened in recognition.

"It's you!"

The woman turned out to be Lu Shuyao!

This once-arrogant young lady seemed like a completely different person now. She appeared alone on the street, without the grandeur and entourage she used to have, looking much more ordinary.

No wonder Yi Feng hadn't recognized her immediately.

Lu Shuyao, however, remained calm and composed, her gentle smile radiating warmth.

"I thought you would stay in the Treasure Pavilion as an honored guest, and we would never meet again. I never expected to run into you here."

Despite Lu Shuyao's apparent change in demeanor, Yi Feng remained cautious.

This young lady had once been incredibly arrogant, a rival to Lu Xinlan, and had lost to him in the competition. How could she suddenly be so amiable?

Her sudden approach must be part of some scheme!

Yi Feng wasn't a fool.

He could sense something was off.

He smiled politely and clasped his hands in greeting.

"What a coincidence indeed."

"I was just taking a stroll, and I never thought I'd run into you. Someone of your status shouldn't be wandering alone in such a common place, should you?"

Facing Yi Feng's suspicious gaze, Lu Shuyao remained calm and gentle.

"You're right, sir."

"After losing the competition, I moved out of the Treasure Pavilion yesterday as per the rules. The title of 'young lady' is now a thing of the past. I am simply Lu Shuyao now, and it's quite normal for me to travel around the island."

"Since the competition is over, there's no reason for us to be adversaries anymore. Why must you be so wary of me?"

Her every gesture and smile no longer carried the air of a noble lady, but rather a sense of simplicity and ease.

Yi Feng was momentarily stunned.

The Lu Shuyao before him, dressed in a plain long dress and exuding a calm demeanor, seemed to have truly let go of everything, just as she claimed.

It had to be said.

This woman was exceptionally beautiful. Her former grandeur had overshadowed some of her natural charm, but now, she appeared even more pleasing to the eye, radiating a natural beauty.

Hearing that she had moved out of the Treasure Pavilion after her defeat, yet remained so composed?

Yi Feng nodded, half-convinced.

"You make a fair point."

"But after losing the competition and leaving the Treasure Pavilion, it must be quite an adjustment, no?"

His words struck a nerve!

Who would ask such a pointed question, rubbing salt in the wound?

Even though she had prepared herself, being confronted so directly caught Lu Shuyao off guard, and she nearly lost her composure.

Taking a moment to let a passerby go by, she regained her composure and continued with a gentle smile.

"You jest, sir. A loss is a loss, and I accept it wholeheartedly. This has always been the way of the competition—someone must leave the Treasure Pavilion. It's fate."

"Now that I've let go of all those burdens, I have some small ventures to sustain myself. Finally free from the weight of being the Lu family's eldest daughter, I feel much more at ease."

"Such is destiny."

Hearing this and seeing her courteously make way for others, it seemed she had truly changed, as if she had awakened from a dream of power and status.

For an ordinary person, losing such a grand legacy would be a heavy blow, possibly leading to a complete breakdown.

But look at her.

So calm and at ease, with such a magnanimous attitude toward victory and defeat. How many so-called heroes of the world could match such a mindset?

Yi Feng's eyes finally showed a hint of admiration.

"It's rare to see someone who can let go so easily. Not an easy feat. Living freely from now on is indeed a blessing."

Seeing Yi Feng's attitude, Lu Shuyao was deeply moved.

Since her defeat, the world had turned its back on her. Former allies and followers had scattered, and those who once flattered her now treated her with cold indifference.

Such is the fickleness of the world.

Yet, this gentleman not only refrained from mocking her but even spoke kindly, showing admiration without regard for status.

In comparison, Yi Feng's magnanimity and open-mindedness far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Truly, he was a man of extraordinary character.

While her resentment toward Lu Xinlan remained, her admiration for Yi Feng's cultivation and character only grew stronger, solidifying her desire to befriend him.

She bowed gracefully once more.

"Your grace is extraordinary, sir. I am deeply impressed."

"Now that we are no longer adversaries, and since we've met by chance, if you don't mind my current state, would you honor me by sharing a drink?"

Hearing this, Yi Feng pondered for a moment.

He had already helped Lu Xinlan win the competition, fulfilling his moral obligation and earning his hefty reward. Having a drink with Lu Shuyao afterward wouldn't be an issue.

Besides, he had been wanting a drink anyway, and having a beautiful companion was certainly better than drinking alone.

With that thought, Yi Feng nodded in agreement.

"Very well."

With that, the two walked together.

Under Lu Shuyao's respectful guidance, they entered a luxurious restaurant and were seated in a private room on the second floor. The room was exquisitely decorated, with elegant screens and paintings, exuding a refined scholarly atmosphere.

Yi Feng looked around appreciatively and nodded in approval.

"This restaurant is truly remarkable."

Lu Shuyao personally poured the wine and spoke modestly.

"You flatter me, sir."

"This is one of my small ventures. I have a fondness for calligraphy and painting, so I had it decorated accordingly. If you like it, I hope you'll visit often in the future."

Her casual remark subtly showcased her wealth.

Lu Shuyao was demonstrating that, despite her current circumstances, she still had considerable resources, ensuring Yi Feng wouldn't underestimate her. At the same time, she was reaffirming her goodwill.

Yi Feng didn't think much of it.

He simply noted to himself that she was indeed a wealthy young lady. No wonder she could let go of everything so easily—she still had her fortune to fall back on.

After they raised their glasses, Lu Shuyao's eyes revealed a hint of curiosity.

"Sir, you seem to appreciate fine wine and art as well. With such refined tastes, why did you agree to help Xinlan?"

"Please don't misunderstand. Now that everything is settled, I mean no harm. I'm simply curious. Such a demanding task couldn't have been your true intention."

"Surely... Xinlan must have promised you something significant?"

Yi Feng didn't mind the question.

Curiosity was only natural. If you lose, you want to know why, right? There was no harm in asking.

"Indeed!"

Thinking of the astronomical sum of one million, he nodded.

"Miss Xinlan did promise me a substantial reward."

Hearing this, Lu Shuyao's expression remained calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

So it was true.

Lu Xinlan had indeed made a promise, and to have someone like him agree to help, it must have been something extraordinary!

Damn it!

How did Lu Xinlan have the means to do that?!

What should I do...

In her anxiety, she glanced at Yi Feng.

If she wanted to win him over, she would have to resort to extreme measures!

Gritting her teeth, Lu Shuyao resolved to go all out. She leaned closer to Yi Feng, their eyes meeting as she gazed at him with utmost tenderness and allure...