Could the person in this world who is worthy of such a dazzling person be myself?

Qingqing was startled by her own thoughts. Looking at the expectant look in Gu Liyan's eyes, she felt inexplicably flustered: "I, I'm actually very ugly, otherwise why would I be wearing a veil? So, so you'd better not have any hope!"

"It doesn't matter if you're ugly!"

His smile was as gentle as the wind, as bright as the moon. Then he declared loudly, "Even if you're ugly, I'll still like you!"

If we were to put a time limit on liking someone—

It'll definitely last a lifetime!

Gu Liyan's entire life!

Add her whole life to that!

Qingqing looked at Gu Liyan in surprise, her face instantly turning red. Clutching the hem of her clothes, she really didn't know how to respond to Gu Liyan. Ashamed, she subconsciously ran into the room and closed the door.

Gu Liyan couldn't help but smile, a sound only she could hear:

See you tomorrow, my little Bai.

—In the blink of an eye, it's another new day.

Early in the morning, Lan Ying knocked on everyone's door one by one.

Huang Xi looked sleepy and yawned as she spoke, "Wow~ What are you trying to do so early in the morning, Lan Ying? I went to bed really late last night!"

"Yeah, didn't we already have a meeting yesterday? What's wrong now?" Green Embroidery was also still sleepy.

Hongling and Chengxi also came out with frowns, asking, "What important news do you have to announce so early?"

"Hurry up and tell me, I need to go back and catch up on my sleep."

"Of course it's a big deal! You all need to come over right away!" Seeing their unhurried movements, Lan Ying stamped her feet in frustration.

Just then, Gu Liyan and Qing Qing arrived after hearing the commotion.

"I heard you shouting first thing this morning, what happened?" Gu Liyan asked, puzzled.

"Oh dear, I actually wanted to tell you last night, but I was afraid that if that person left, the trail would be lost, so I secretly monitored him all night. Who knew I would discover such a shocking secret!" Lan Ying said in one breath.

Gu Liyan was slightly surprised. "What did you do last night? Why were you spying on other people?"

Hongling frowned, puzzled. "A shocking secret? What could it be?"

"Last night I was planning to go out for some exercise, but as soon as I stepped out the door, I discovered someone was watching the entrance of the Fengchen Restaurant from a pavilion not far away!"

Lan Ying said with a serious expression, "I knew this wouldn't do! You know, we're all women in this brothel. If someone is deliberately spying on us, they must have ill intentions and be plotting something! So I kept an eye on him all night!"

Gu Liyan gave a wry smile. Spying on someone all night—was this something a weak woman should be doing?

"Hmph, how dare they! They actually dare to spy on us on our own turf!" Huang Xi had already understood what was going on, and immediately put his hands on his hips and said angrily, "If I find out who it is, I'll skin them alive!"

Lan Ying sighed and said, "Third Sister, it's better if you don't say things like that."

"So what if they are high-ranking officials or marquises? We can't just let this go unchecked!" Huang Xixie said after a moment's hesitation.

"I did catch up and check, but it turned out... the person who reported was from Prince Duan's residence." Lan Ying secretly glanced at Gu Liyan.

Gu Liyan narrowed his eyes slightly, already having a guess in his mind. He figured the real culprit was definitely not just Prince Duan. Judging from his discussion with Duan Zhengxiu yesterday, Duan Zhengxiu must have his eye on him.

Hongling also thought of Gu Liyan and asked, "Gu Liyan, what do you think of them...?"

Gu Liyan quickly interrupted her, saying, "I will handle this matter, you don't need to worry."

Gu Liyan prepared to enter the palace to find Duan Zhengxiu and ascertain the truth.

Seeing that Gu Liyan was about to leave, Qingqing quickly stepped forward and pulled Gu Liyan along: I'll go with you!

Gu Liyan felt a warmth in his heart when he saw Qingqing's worried gaze. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Wait for me!"

Before Qingqing could say anything more, Gu Liyan left immediately.

Inside the palace, there was singing and dancing, fine wine and delicacies.

Duan Zhengxiu sipped his Red Dust Wine, watching the dancers swaying their bodies below the stage, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

Seeing Duan Zhengxiu's gaze, the dancer boldly approached him, sat on his lap, and gave a subtle smile.

Duan Zhengxiu put down his wine glass and pinched her chin, saying, "You are still so beautiful today."

"If Your Majesty likes Xian'er, she's yours tonight!" Xian'er said sweetly.

Duan Zhengxiu smiled slightly, about to speak, when suddenly a panicked voice came from outside the hall:

Who is it?

"stop!"

"ah--"

After a scream, all was quiet.

Duan Zhengxiu instinctively drew his sword. "Who is it!"

"Your Majesty has truly refined tastes!"

A familiar voice came from inside, and Duan Zhengxiu frowned slightly. Then he saw Gu Liyan walk in calmly.

When Xian'er saw Gu Liyan's face, she was completely smitten and almost pounced on him on the spot. Even though she was known as a beauty that could topple kingdoms, she felt inferior to this man in white.

Gu Liyan also noticed Xian'er in Duan Zhengxiu's arms, and couldn't help but smile as her gaze fell on Duan Zhengxiu. She coldly said, "Duan Zhengxiu, you really have good taste! I was wondering why you didn't like any of the beauties in the Red Dust Restaurant. So you're keeping a mistress hidden away!"

Duan Zhengxiu snorted coldly, "Brother Gu, what are you saying? I am just busy with state affairs and need to take a rest."

"I see!" Gu Liyan squinted at Duan Zhengxiu. "But I really don't understand why there's a part of your state affairs that involves monitoring me."

Upon hearing Gu Liyan's words, Duan Zhengxiu knew that his plan to have Duan Tianqi monitor Fengchen Restaurant had been exposed. He smiled and said, "Brother Gu, what are you saying? As my friend, it's only natural that I would send someone to protect your safety!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!