The moon is so beautiful tonight
At 7:00 PM, in the back garden of the God of Wealth's Mansion, at the Liufang Pavilion.
Qian Jin arrived as promised, but the moment she stepped into the pavilion, she was stunned.
The pavilions that were just ordinary in the afternoon now looked as if they had been carefully dressed up.
Soft, pearl-like lanterns hung all around, their warm, non-glaring light gently dispelling the chill of the winter night. New green vines twined around the eaves and pillars, adorned with newly blooming, unnamed wildflowers emitting a soft, shimmering glow, as if inviting spring to arrive early.
On the stone table in the center of the pavilion, exquisite delicacies and wines were laid out, with jade plates filled with their fragrance.
A small red clay stove sits on the table, warming a pot of wine. The wine bubbles and steams, releasing a rich aroma that mingles with the fragrance of the food, creating a heartwarming and comforting atmosphere.
Tu Shanlan, Ao Ming, Ban Ge'er, and Da Qiangzi had all arrived and were looking at her with smiles.
"Junior Sister Qian, come here quickly!" Sister Lan waved with a smile. "This welcome banquet has been postponed again and again, but we've finally made up for it today. It's all a small token of everyone's appreciation. Do you like it?"
Qian Jin looked at the carefully arranged decorations, her nose tingled slightly, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She wasn't easily sentimental, but this moment of sincerity and warmth truly touched the softest spot in her heart.
She strode into the pavilion, her voice trembling slightly with a barely perceptible sob: "I love it! I love it so much! Everyone... went to so much trouble."
She finally understood that this was not just a belated welcome banquet, but also a farewell banquet prepared for her by the Chen Group. But no one had the heart to utter the word "farewell."
"Haha, as long as my little sister likes it! I've brought out all my hidden snacks!" Daqiangzi sat on the soft cushion specially prepared for it, wagging its tail proudly.
Ban chuckled and chimed in, "That's right! This setup was personally overseen by Sister Lan, who insisted on... uh... what's that word again? Oh right, a sense of ceremony!"
Tu Shanlan smiled gently, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Qian Jin. She said softly, "Junior Sister Qian, the Northern God of Wealth is also aware of this matter. He asked me to convey that wherever you go in the future, the God of Wealth's Mansion will always welcome you back. This gift is a small token of his appreciation." As she spoke, she took out a warm, smooth jade talisman and handed it to Qian Jin. "This is the guest talisman of the Northern God of Wealth's Mansion. With this talisman, the trade routes in the Northern Territory will be unimpeded. If you encounter any difficulties, you can also seek help from any merchant guild along the route that has a long-standing relationship with the God of Wealth's Mansion."
This gift was of immense weight; it wasn't a spirit stone or treasure, but a profound promise and protection. Qian Jin solemnly accepted it, her heart filled with even deeper emotion. Just as she was about to speak, Da Qiangzi's words dispelled all her sorrow of parting.
Da Qiangzi stared at the jade talisman, blinking his big eyes, then suddenly clapped his hands as if in a flash of realization: "Oh my god! I know! This is just like...yes! A lifetime VIP discount card! And it's valid throughout the entire territory! My little sister can save so much money when she buys things in the future!"
"Pfft!" "Hahaha!" Laughter erupted instantly inside the pavilion. Even Tu Shanlan, who had been somewhat melancholy, couldn't help but chuckle and shook her head helplessly. Ao Ming almost choked from laughing, pointing at Da Qiangzi speechless.
Qian Jin swallowed back her tears and rubbed Da Qiangzi's head with a wry smile: "You... really..." Before she could finish speaking, she burst into laughter.
The atmosphere immediately became relaxed and cheerful.
After the laughter and merriment, it was time to give gifts.
Everyone presented their items as agreed. Finally, all eyes fell on Ao Ming.
Ao Mingjun's face flushed slightly, and he seemed somewhat at a loss under the expectant gazes of everyone. He hesitated for a long time, and finally seemed to have made up his mind, taking out something carefully wrapped in plain white silk from his bosom.
He took a deep breath, handed the item to Qian Jin, his eyes darting around, his voice several decibels lower than usual, tinged with obvious nervousness: "...It's for you."
Qian Jin curiously took it; it felt slightly heavy in her hand, carrying Ao Ming's unique cool scent and a thin layer of nervous sweat. She gently opened the silk handkerchief, revealing a shimmering, iridescent... azure dragon scale?
These scales were unlike any he had ever seen before, either golden or ordinary dragon scales. They were a deep, ocean-blue, with a delicate and unique texture, and edges that shimmered with a stardust-like luster. They were warm to the touch, yet contained a powerful yet restrained aquatic energy. It was clear at a glance that they were no ordinary creature.
“This is…” Qian Jin looked up at him in surprise.
Ao Ming's ears turned bright red, his neck stiffened, and his eyes were fixed on a lamp in the corner of the pavilion. He spoke rapidly, almost as if reciting a memorized text: "This, this is... this is the reverse scale near my heart... the one next to it! Hmm! Yes! Nothing special! It's just... wearing it, no matter where you are in the Three Realms, I... I can sense the general direction! Hmm!"
His voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a mumble, but the meaning was crystal clear: wherever you go, I will find you. It was almost the most subtle yet straightforward promise he could think of.
The pavilion fell silent instantly. Ban Ge'er's eyes widened, his mouth forming an "O". Tu Shanlan's eyes flashed with surprise and understanding, and she smiled faintly. Da Qiangzi blinked, seemingly understanding but not quite.
After Ao Ming finished speaking, his heart pounded wildly, almost bursting out of his chest. He secretly glanced at Qian Jin, his mind racing: Would she...would she understand? Would she think it was too abrupt? Would she refuse?
Qian Jin held the cold yet burning dragon scale in her hand, watching Ao Ming's nervous, almost unsteady movements, yet forced composure. A complex mix of emotions welled up within her. This gift was far too precious, and the sentiment behind it was even more profound. She wasn't unaware of this, but…
She lowered her eyes slightly, her fingertips gently tracing the smooth surface of the dragon scales. When she looked up again, her face held a gentle yet firm smile. She carefully wrapped the dragon scales back in the silk and handed them back to Ao Ming.
“Senior Brother Ao Ming,” her voice was soft, yet it reached everyone’s ears clearly, “I… cannot accept it.”
The color drained from Ao Ming's face instantly, his eyes dimmed, and his outstretched hand froze in mid-air.
But Qian Jin continued, her tone laced with a hint of cunning and sincerity: "I've received your intentions, I understand them perfectly well. But it's better to let these dragon scales remain on your body. Besides," she blinked, "what if I do something really, really bad in the future? Wouldn't this immediately pinpoint my identity?"
She jokingly but subtly rejected his suggestion to "follow" her, while also acknowledging his "intentions".
Ao Ming blankly accepted the returned gift, feeling empty and disappointed. But looking at Qian Jin's bright and cunning smile, he strangely couldn't get angry. Instead, he felt a secret joy because she understood his words.
He gave a muffled "hmm," clutched the dragon scale tightly in his palm, lowered his head, and his expression was unreadable.
There was a moment of subtle tension in the atmosphere.
But soon, Tu Shanlan smiled and raised her glass: "Alright, alright, all the gifts have been given, and the food and wine are getting cold! Come on, let's all toast Junior Sister Qian and wish her a bright future and all her wishes fulfilled!"
"A toast to Qian Jin!" Everyone responded immediately, raising their glasses.
The minor incident was glossed over, and the banquet officially began. Fine wine and delicious food, laughter and cheerful conversation quickly filled Liufang Pavilion once again.
Outside the window, a flurry of snowflakes began to fall silently, blanketing the garden and transforming the world into a pristine white expanse. Inside the pavilion, however, it was warm and cozy, the soft glow of the pearl lamps illuminating the smiling faces of everyone present.
Although Ao Ming was still a little sullen, he was infected by the atmosphere and gradually relaxed. He sat next to Qian Jin, occasionally stealing a glance at her, watching her bicker with Ban Ge'er, amused by Da Qiangzi's eating habits, and whispering something with Lan Jie'er. The snow and moonlight reflected on her profile, her smile bright and vivid, more dazzling than any jewel.
He suddenly realized that just watching her in this snowy night, with his friends, might be the most beautiful night he had ever experienced. Whether he had given her the gift or not didn't seem... so important anymore. As long as she was happy.
Three days later, the God of Wealth's Mansion on the North Road was stopped at Tingyunping.
The Chen group prepared to return to the main hall of the God of Wealth's Palace.
The God of Wealth from the North Road personally came to see them off and offered some words of encouragement, especially to Qian Jin, saying, "Girl, remember my words, come back to visit often." Qian Jin nodded earnestly, "I will. Thank you for your care these past few days, God of Wealth."
The cloud boat ascended into the air, gradually moving away from the ice-sculpted palace complex. Qian Jin stood by the porthole, gazing at the increasingly smaller Northern Territory below, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
The return journey was much easier than the journey there.
The group gathered in the cabin, drinking hot tea and chatting. Looking at the fleeting clouds outside the window, Ban Ge'er suddenly sighed, "Qian Jin, are you really leaving after we go back? What are your plans?" This question revealed the reluctance in their hearts.
Qian Jin held her teacup, the steam illuminating her features. She smiled, her voice calm yet firm: "Yes. I'll tell the God of Wealth when I get back that I've resigned. As for my plans... I'll travel around and see what's going on. The Three Realms are so vast, there are bound to be many ways to make money... uh, many interesting things waiting for me to discover." She almost let slip something else.
A moment of silence fell over the cabin, a faint sadness of parting permeating the air.
Ao Ming sat in the corner, looking out the window, his lips tightly pressed together, and the atmosphere around him seemed even more oppressive.
Seeing Ao Ming's miserable state, Ban Ge'er's eyes lit up, and he suddenly slapped his thigh: "Hey! That's right! Qian Jin, don't rush off!"
Ban Ge'er said excitedly, "The end of the year is just around the corner, but the biggest and most exciting event in our God of Wealth's Palace isn't the New Year, it's the Five Gods of Wealth's Grand Gathering! That's a top-level event in the Three Realms, it's incredibly lively! If you come all the way to our God of Wealth's Palace and don't see this before you leave, you'll really regret it!"
Tu Shanlan softly echoed, "Brother Ban is right. The five gods of wealth are gathering to discuss the financial trends for the coming year and bestow blessings upon the world. It's a grand event, definitely not to be missed." Da Qiangzi nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes! It's so lively! And there's so much delicious food!" Although Ao Ming didn't speak, his gaze secretly drifted towards Qian Jin, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.
Qian Jin was intrigued by their words. The Five Gods of Wealth Gathering—just the name alone suggested a top-tier "financial summit." How could a money-grubber like her not be curious? After a moment's thought, she readily agreed: "Okay! I'll stay until I've seen the whole thing!"
Upon hearing this, everyone smiled, as if their parting had been postponed for a long time.
Back at the main hall of the God of Wealth's Palace, after reporting back to the God of Wealth, the God of Wealth stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "The Five Paths Grand Gathering is the most important event in the palace, with countless details and manpower needed. Qian Jin, since you've decided to stay and watch it all before leaving, please help out as much as you can during this time. We can discuss your future after the grand gathering is over."
The days that followed were peaceful yet busy.
As expected, the God of Wealth took good care of Qian Jin, assigning her tasks that were neither tiring nor dangerous, but were quite well-paid. These tasks included checking some less urgent old accounts, counting the newly received spiritual materials in the warehouse, and even accompanying the Good Fortune Boy to deliver New Year's gifts to several friendly immortal sects. These tasks were easy and broadened her horizons.
The atmosphere among the members of the Chen group has become increasingly harmonious and loving.
Ao Ming remained awkward, but he would always "casually" help Qian Jin with some tedious work, or "coincidentally" have extra refining materials that she might need. Ban Ge'er would come over every few days, either sharing newly collected snacks or telling her gossip and interesting stories about the manor. Da Qiangzi had practically become Qian Jin's personal accessory, following her everywhere. Tu Shanlan was gentle and attentive, often taking care of her daily life, and occasionally chatting with her about the scenery of Qingqiu.
However, the day of farewell was drawing ever closer.
On this day, Qian Jin embarked on her final official mission at the God of Wealth's Mansion: to deliver the Love Silk Entanglement to the Matchmaker's Mansion.
Standing before the vermilion gate of the Matchmaker's Mansion, adorned with red silk and exuding an ethereal, otherworldly aura, Qian Jin couldn't help but feel somewhat dazed.
She recalled her first task after joining the God of Wealth's Mansion, which was to escort the offerings from the Matchmaker's Palace. As a result, a huge misunderstanding occurred, and she also met Ao Ming.
After going around in circles, I never expected that the last task would actually involve setting foot in the Old Man of the Moon's Mansion.
This connection is truly subtle. It has a beginning and an end.
She turned her head to look at Ao Ming, who was standing beside her and had been chosen by Sister Lan to accompany her on this "last mission".
Qian Jin's heart stirred slightly. She smiled, withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and raised her hand to knock on the door of the Matchmaker's Mansion.
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