Hiring a Heroine to Roam the Jianghu

Miss Tang Xiaoning, a wealthy daughter with dreams of the Jianghu, "buys" an expert from a bankrupt sect as her bodyguard for ten taels of monthly allowance.

The expert, Li Minghua, is highly skilled in martial arts, fierce and silent, with only one flaw—she is poor.

Tang Xiaoning points to a pile of storybooks and says, "Heroine Li, let's raid the Villain's Valley first, then explore the treasure map!"

Li Minghua looks at the account book with a blank expression. "Today's expenses: five coins for food, eight coins for lodging. Young Miss, our travel funds are only enough to reach the next county town."

Tang Xiaoning disdains her childhood friend for being useless and pulls Li Minghua in as a shield. "My heart belongs to her; I will marry no one else!"

Li Minghua nods in配合, inwardly thinking: ... This requires extra pay.

Just as Tang Xiaoning indulges in this "false phoenix, virtual phoenix" game, Li Minghua saves a girl who cries and clamors to repay the救命恩情 with her body.

Watching the girl fuss over Li Minghua, Tang Xiaoning tastes a sour bitterness for the first time.

Before she can figure out where this jealousy comes from, the usually aloof Heroine Li gets drunk and corners her against a wall, her eyes rimmed red.

"Tang Xiaoning, whatever she has, I have... I-I can fight better than her. Will you pick me?"

**

Setting: A dynasty/era where same-sex marriage is normal.

A short, daily-life story, a sweet read.

Content tags: Jianghu, commoner life, destined love, proximity, sweet, daily life.

Li Minghua, Tang Xiaoning.

One-line summary: The step-by-step progression of an employment relationship.

Moral: Bravely pursue what you want.