"Are those who walk the path of self-destruction and only lead you into a predicament considered as fellow travelers on the same path?" Gongshu Jiru frowned slightly, seemingly not quite understanding.
Zheng Quchi's eyes widened slightly, then he reached out to stop him.
She said seriously, "Wait, who would choose the path of self-destruction? I haven't lived enough, I haven't fulfilled my ideals, I only want to walk the road with a bright future."
Don't define her or draw conclusions about her.
She wouldn't follow his line of thinking. She's not stupid; the path she chooses for the future will be a well-thought-out decision, and she'll be moving towards a better future!
Gongshu Jiruo thought Zheng Quchi understood his meaning, and seeing that she was not an inflexible person, since she was so receptive to advice...
He tightened his grip on the lamp handle and leaned slightly forward towards her: "Your ideal should be to be with like-minded people, so... what do you think of the Gongshu family?"
Gongshu family?
Her first thought was that there was hatred, resentment, and... money.
Zheng Quchi's expression turned slightly somber: "Actually..."
Seeing that her expression was not right, Gongshu Jiruo interrupted her a little too quickly, saying, "If you are willing to join the Gongshu family, I can hire you for a hundred gold pieces a month."
A hundred gold coins a month?!
My God, how is this any different from hiring someone with a million-dollar monthly salary?
Zheng Quchi was dumbfounded. She opened her mouth and uttered only one word: "I..."
Gongshu Jiruo added, "Whatever your ideas or desires, the Gongshu family can unconditionally provide you with everything you need, whether it be money, precious wood, or technology."
Zheng Quchi remained dumbfounded.
"The Gongshu family has tens of thousands of disciples, who can also help you, and even... me." He gave her everything he had, just to keep her.
No, his exorbitant hiring terms don't seem like he's hiring employees; it's more like he's recruiting another master for the Gongshu family...
Ugh, what is she thinking?
Zheng Quchi slapped his face with both hands to clear his mind and remind himself not to let greed and lust cloud his judgment.
Is what you're saying really true?
"Of course." Gongshu Jiruo saw that the shape of her eyes had turned into that of a money-grubber. He pressed on while the iron was hot, saying, "If you don't believe me, we can draw up a contract and sign it after the lantern-lighting ceremony. With black and white paper as proof, it won't be a verbal agreement, but a settled matter."
Zheng Quchi was somewhat confused. She stammered, "I... I don't have your privileged conditions. What kind of craftsman couldn't I find in the Seven Kingdoms? I... I don't think I've done anything earth-shattering. Or... do you want me to do something?"
Gongshu Jiruo slightly raised the palace lantern, wanting her to see the seriousness in his eyes: "You can do whatever you want, your thoughts, your ideals, your ambitions, I can help you achieve them all. So, would you choose such a bright and successful path as mine?"
His straight shot left Zheng Quchi stunned.
She even felt that if she refused him, she would be incredibly ungrateful.
The two stood in a secluded spot where vines intertwined, with fireflies dancing in the sky, reflecting the bright starlight in each other's eyes.
In such a romantic place, other men and women would naturally enjoy romantic moments under the moon and flowers, but the two of them were painstakingly trying to poach each other and negotiate salaries.
Even though Zheng Quchi's soul had already left her body and was flying happily and excitedly toward Gongshu Jiruo, a cold rationality within her still tightly gripped its tail, preventing it from running away.
"...The ceremony is about to begin, so let's talk about this later."
Zheng Quchi finally spoke, but this was not the answer Gongshu Jiruo had hoped for.
"good."
Gongshu Jiruo suppressed all his emotions and agreed.
He knew that there was still one thing between them that hadn't been resolved, and if that thing wasn't handled properly, they would both feel like they had a fishbone stuck in their throats, unable to gain understanding and forgiveness.
"You can talk whenever you want."
——
A large crowd had already gathered near the stargazing platform. Not to mention the merchants, there were also many literati, poets, and famous courtesans from Yongchun. They composed poems, talked eloquently, and danced in colorful clothes, creating a series of beautiful silhouettes under the bright moonlight.
The Stargazing Platform is located halfway up Yongfeng Mountain. The route is relatively easier and smoother than the one leading to the summit, and it is accessible by horse-drawn carriage. The platform is usually closed for security purposes and is only open during specific periods.
For example, this year's "Jichun Craftsmen's Association" is being held here. Such a grand event should naturally have its opening and closing ceremonies at the beginning and end.
The opening ceremony is reserved for invited artisans and merchants, while other unrelated individuals are not permitted to participate. The closing ceremony, however, is open to all, regardless of their presence.
"It's already dark, why hasn't the lantern-lighting ceremony started yet? I'm really looking forward to seeing who will be the winner this year."
Many travelers came from afar, often visiting the seven countries, actively participating in various lively and grand events, and then bringing back the news they heard and saw to their hometowns.
"Yeah, I'm so curious! I wonder who it could be?" People from Yongchun City also came up to join in the fun.
A spoiled young man rubbed his hands excitedly and said, "I've already placed my bet. You outsiders probably don't know who the most popular contestants are this year. I bet one of them will be the winner. I just don't know which country's craftsman will win. Anyway, I've already placed my bet, and I'm going to win big."
Others quickly gathered around, chuckling and asking, "Brother, which country's craftsmen did you recruit? Tell us a thing or two."
"As for me, I've already left Beiyuan, Hongsheng, and Kucha."
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