Moreover, the shop that Qin Zifeng took over was also owned by Qin Qing, which meant he was spending his grandmother's money, so he naturally wouldn't feel any burden or embarrassment.

Similarly, Qin Zifeng thought the same way; they were family, and there was no distinction between them!

However, Xiao Muxing was unaware of the reason, which led to her misunderstanding of the two.

"Zifeng... are you really not going to consider signing up? You know this scientific expedition is definitely not ordinary. It's been six years since the expedition was suspended three years ago. If you miss this one, who knows when the next one will be."

Qin Zifeng shook his head indifferently, his fair and delicate face full of helplessness.

"Don't you know me? I have no interest in that damn officialdom and court! This kind of wit and courage is not my style. Besides, being an official is like serving a tiger; one wrong word and you could lose your head! I value my life very much; I'm still waiting to get married!"

As he spoke, his cheeks flushed slightly. He glanced cautiously at Xiao Muxing, and their eyes met. His heart pounded, and he quickly looked away, turning to Muyang. He stammered.

"So... therefore, you must be careful when you go to the imperial court!"

This behavior almost confirmed Mu Xing's suspicions; otherwise, why would a man look at another man with such a red face and stuttering... clearly, he was embarrassed!

The thought filled her with heartache and worry. Her two brothers had such a fetish! What would happen if her grandmother found out? What would happen if the world found out? This was an act of utter defiance, unprecedented and unparalleled!

The more she thought about it, the more worried she became, and a hint of worry showed on her face.

Qin Zifeng was about to ask a question when the waiter came in with the food, interrupting him.

The group chatted and ate together. Qin Zifeng hadn't seen Mu Xing for a long time, so he couldn't help but speak up.

"Xingxing, how are you doing in the army? We haven't seen you come home or visit us at the academy in the last six months. We've been so worried about you!"

Mu Xing looked up, her face full of confusion.

"But didn't I write you a letter half a year ago? There was a martial arts tournament in the military camp then, and many highly skilled people participated. Although I wasn't allowed to participate, I still went to help out. The tournament lasted for several months. Besides, didn't your academy start various exams after that? I couldn't get in! I remember I made myself very clear..."

Qin Zifeng: "......"

Of course he knew! But they really hadn't seen each other for more than half a year. He missed her terribly, unlike Mu Yang, that heartless guy, whose own sister hadn't seen him for half a year and was still studying so diligently, not slacking off at all!

Thinking this, he glanced at the boy beside him who was eating earnestly, his eyes full of resentment…

You brat, how can you still eat when the situation is so awkward!

Xiao Muxing: "......."

Is it really okay to show affection like this in front of her? She's just a ten-year-old girl, she doesn't understand anything! She's so innocent!

Mu Yang: "......"

What are you looking at?! He hasn't eaten all morning and is starving. You guys chat, he'll eat, it doesn't matter!

The three people, each with their own ulterior motives, fell silent, and the atmosphere gradually became strange.

Just then, at the main gate outside the capital, a woman dressed in a light blue brocade robe rode in on horseback. She wore a white sand hat, exuding an air of mystery, yet subconsciously giving the impression that she was definitely a beautiful woman.

Covered in dust and grime, they had clearly arrived in the capital after a long journey…

Qin Qing was exhausted. She had been rushing to the capital for some time, just to return as soon as possible and cheer on Mu Yang for the imperial examination!

Over the past few years, they have rarely seen each other. Now that they have finally settled down, she just wants to enjoy this hard-won reunion.

Coincidentally, she first went to buy clothes, and then went to an inn to eat. After all, there were no towns or inns along the way, and she had been eating food from her own space and some self-heating hot pot. She was really tired of eating them and now just wanted to eat some fresh and light food!

She didn't change into the clothes she bought, since taking a shower before wearing new clothes had become a regular habit for her.

A woman dressed in light blue walked into the inn, and her unique demeanor, unlike that of an ordinary woman, immediately attracted many eyes!

Qin Qing noticed after entering that there were no seats left on the first floor, and most people were gathered around a wall discussing something.

After thinking for a moment, she was about to leave and find another place to eat when she heard a loud shout!

"I'm betting on Young Master Ziyu! He'll definitely be the top scholar this year! Fifty taels!"

A top scorer in high school?

The four words stopped Qin Qing in her tracks. Wasn't Ziyu the young man from the same academy as Mu Yang? It was said that he was quite talented in literature, and they had met him a few times. He was alright, I suppose.

Then, she turned around and went inside, only to see what was inside. Under a wall covered with wooden signs, there was a wooden table, where one person was chatting with others, looking like the dealer!

Many ordinary people are also watching and hesitating, seemingly unsure who to deposit their money with...

Qin Qing's arrival attracted the attention of several men, who looked at her curiously and made room for her.

"Young lady, are you here to bet on the future top scholar? Do you have a favorite scholar in mind?"

Qin Qing glanced at the man through her white veil and bamboo hat. Her cold gaze, penetrating the veil, sent chills down one's spine.

Then, ignoring the man, she carefully searched the wall for that familiar name…

Seeing that she didn't speak, the man, realizing he had made a fool of himself, stopped paying attention to Qin Qing and started introducing several promising young men to the others.

Qin Qing looked around for a long time before finally finding those two familiar characters at the very edge of the bottom row!

"I'll bet on him! One thousand taels... of gold!"

As she spoke, she took out ten silver notes from her bosom and handed them over!

The sudden sentence interrupted the man's words. He looked at Qin Qing in surprise, and just as he was about to say something, he saw Qin Qing take out a stack of silver notes without hesitation. At first glance, there were as many as ten notes!

In an instant, the subconscious mockery and disdain on everyone's faces froze! They stared wide-eyed at the silver note in Qin Qing's hand!

A thousand taels of gold!! What does that mean?! It's enough to buy half a city!!

That's no child's play! Others bet on the top scholar for a bit of fun, but this woman... is she crazy? Has she even emptied her savings?

That's enough money for an ordinary person to spend for several lifetimes!