017. If you choose to play a role, see it through to the end.

Zhan Lianjing arched his brow; this woman truly had some nerve, daring to speak to him in such a manner. He simply said, "Thirty thousand taels? I am quite fond of these clothes. You’ll have to compensate me sixty thousand taels."

Hearing such an astronomical sum, Le Qianxue’s expression changed instantly—she practically wanted to strangle Zhan Lianjing on the spot! A fake cripple! He was nothing but a vampire!

She had just about enough silver notes in her possession, but would still need to make up an additional three hundred taels. Three hundred taels… that was enough to ruin her! Moreover, she should have earned fifty thousand taels from this deal, but now she would have to pay out instead? Impossible!

So Le Qianxue flashed a sweet smile. "Prince Zhan, how about you give me a discount?"

Zhan Lianjing gave a noncommittal hum, not bothering to respond. After all, Le Qianxue had indeed stained his clothes, and the evidence was clear. Even if she wanted to deny it, it was futile.

Le Qianxue knew better than to offend Zhan Lianjing lightly. If she simply ran off, he’d be even less likely to let her go. She leaned closer and continued, "Your Highness, didn’t I save your life before? Perhaps you could show a little mercy."

Hearing her soft and gentle voice, Zhan Lianjing’s heart nearly melted. He recalled the silken touch of Le Qianxue’s skin that night; his Adam’s apple bobbed, and his breathing grew a little ragged.

However, his expression remained unchanged, for he was negotiating.

After Le Qianxue pleaded for a while, Zhan Lianjing finally spoke. "Come to my chambers tonight, and I’ll let you off a bit cheaper."

Le Qianxue immediately nodded, showering him with thanks for his great kindness. But soon, she froze. Come to Zhan Lianjing’s chambers? Her fingers stiffened as she raised her eyes to him. What exactly did he intend?

But Zhan Lianjing, cold and detached, simply said, "Go."

Le Qianxue wanted to protest, but outside, Zhuxing had already heard the commotion. He lifted the curtain and invited Le Qianxue to step down from the carriage.

Le Qianxue clutched her silver notes, meaning to fling them at Zhan Lianjing, but in the end, she couldn’t bear to part with them. Fine, she’d keep her silver notes; perhaps she wouldn’t suffer tonight after all.

After leaving the carriage, she realized they had already arrived at Night City. To her further dismay, Zhan Lianjing’s carriage was parked outside the city gates.

His carriage was so large it blocked the road. The common folk could enter the city, but carriages were forced to wait. Guards from the Prince’s manor stood around, preventing anyone from approaching.

Everyone was curious—why had Zhan Lianjing’s carriage lingered outside for so long? What was happening inside? Soon after, a beautiful woman descended from the carriage, and the crowd’s imaginations ran wild.

As Le Qianxue stepped down, she felt countless eyes fixed on her—it was as if she’d fallen into a hornet’s nest. Her own carriage had been following behind; she glanced over and spotted it.

She walked toward it, and Huatiao hurried up to greet her. "Miss, why did you stay on Prince Zhan’s carriage for so long?"

"So long? It was only about an hour, wasn’t it?"

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"It’s nearly nightfall. Prince Zhan arrived here an hour ago, but he never entered the city—he’s been at the gate the whole time," Huatiao said, still worried. "I don’t know what you two were up to. Are you all right, Miss?"

Rumor had it that Prince Zhan was cold and merciless, and she feared he might harm Le Qianxue.

Le Qianxue was stunned—had they really been at the gate for an hour? She’d spent most of that time asleep...

Now she understood why everyone’s gazes were so peculiar. She sighed helplessly. "I’m fine. Let’s head into the city."

Her lodgings should have been arranged by Yu Nanfeng; she’d just crash there for a few days. Night City was famous for its beast fights, with regular bouts and spectacular festivals. The inns were plentiful.

Yu Nanfeng had been waiting for ages, unable to find Le Qianxue, and finally went out to meet her at the city gates.

Le Qianxue wondered to herself if Yu Nanfeng had knocked his head somehow. But Yu Nanfeng said, "Qianxue, I’ve had food prepared. You’ve traveled half a day—you must be hungry."

Le Qianxue was indeed weary. These past few days, she’d relied on Yu Nanfeng to arrange things, and it seemed unwise to offend him now. She nodded.

Night City was so named because it truly never slept. Unlike other places with officials, it was originally just a village, but ten years ago, the Ye family developed it. The emperor granted them special dispensation to govern, so the city lord was the highest authority.

It was said that those holding premium tickets could stay at the Ye residence, but Zhan Lianjing was welcomed there by the city lord himself.

Yu Nanfeng had prepared food and drink at a tavern, and once Le Qianxue arrived, the entertainment began below the stage.

Huatiao whispered in Le Qianxue’s ear, "Miss, it seems the Fourth Prince is trying to win your favor."

Le Qianxue dismissed it. Yu Nanfeng had only ever had eyes for Le Linglong; why was he courting her now? Surely he wanted something.

But since Yu Nanfeng invited her, she had no reason to refuse.

Le Qianxue ate heartily, and Yu Nanfeng glanced at her from time to time. Her skin was fair, her features delicate—though a bit rough around the edges, she had genuine character.

How strange; why hadn’t he noticed her beauty before?

Le Qianxue suddenly looked up. "What are you doing? Staring at me like that."

Yu Nanfeng grew embarrassed, unsure how to broach the subject.

He hesitated, then said, "Qianxue, I’ve wronged you before, said harsh things, and ignored you..."

Le Qianxue continued, "I always suspected you had eye trouble. If you’ve come to ask for my medical expertise, forget it—I don’t know anything about medicine."

She misunderstood his intent; in her mind, Yu Nanfeng’s kindness surely had ulterior motives.

Yu Nanfeng quickly shook his head. "Qianxue, you’ve misunderstood me."

Le Qianxue had just finished eating and set down her chopsticks. "If that’s the case, there’s no need to say more. I’m full."

She left immediately; she hadn’t yet explored Night City’s famous night market.

As Le Qianxue got up, Yu Nanfeng tried to follow, but she stopped him with a hand. "Fourth Prince, don’t bother currying favor with me. I truly have no medical skill. You’d be better off spending time with Linglong."

Yu Nanfeng paused, watching Le Qianxue leave the tavern. She was avoiding him—how could she think that way...

Night City’s night market was indeed lively, full of snacks and treats. Earlier, under Yu Nanfeng’s gaze, Le Qianxue hadn’t been able to eat much.

She bought a pile of snacks, which Huatiao carried—perfect for a midnight feast.

After wandering for a while, Le Qianxue suddenly remembered: tonight she was supposed to visit that fake cripple.

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Thinking of this, she gritted her teeth in frustration. Ever since she’d gotten entangled with him half a month ago, he’d clung to her like a persistent ghost.

But he was Prince Zhan, far above her in status. Even if she disliked him, she dared not say so.

"Huatiao, do you know what Prince Zhan likes to eat?" Le Qianxue asked.

She had to at least make a gesture when visiting to apologize.

Huatiao stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Prince Zhan likes the pastries from Lotus Fragrance Pavilion."

This was because Zhan Lianjing often visited there; the pavilion used him as a live advertisement, so all of the capital knew his preference—except for Le Qianxue, who paid him no mind.

Le Qianxue frowned. "Those pastries cost a tael each. People like me can’t afford them."

Huatiao was embarrassed. In fact, Le Qianxue had saved quite a bit in the past three months, but who knew what she planned to do with it?

Le Qianxue simply grabbed the snacks she’d bought. "These will do. Prince Zhan won’t eat them anyway."

If he didn’t, she’d take them back herself and save some money.

At the Ye residence, in the quietest courtyard.

Everyone knew Zhan Lianjing stayed here because it had been renovated with no thresholds, making it easy for him to move about.

Le Qianxue asked around and soon found where he lived.

The moon hung high, and Le Qianxue guessed Zhan Lianjing wouldn’t turn in so early. But when she arrived at the door, Haoyue stopped her.

"His Highness has retired for the night," Haoyue said. "Please come back tomorrow, Miss Le."

Le Qianxue frowned. Retired so early?

She replied, "Since we agreed on tonight, I’ve come now. If your master refuses to see me, that debt is on him—not me."

With that, she turned to leave.

Haoyue was still stunned, but Le Qianxue had vanished...

"Wait!" Le Qianxue walked quickly, eager to shirk responsibility and avoid Zhan Lianjing’s trap.

But she heard a voice behind her—Zhuxing! She quickened her pace, but Zhuxing flipped in front of her, blocking her way.

Zhuxing, out of breath, said, "Miss Le, His Highness has just woken up!"

Le Qianxue’s lips twitched. "Can’t a person have some principles? If he’s pretending to sleep, he should stick to it!"

Zhuxing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. His master’s little tricks had nothing to do with him.

Le Qianxue was invited inside. The room was dimly lit with a single candle.

Her sharp eyes noticed only floating silks drifting through the room—no human silhouette.

She called out, "Prince Zhan?"

Where was he?

She stepped forward, but there was still no reply.

Yet behind the screen, there was the sound of water.

Le Qianxue grew curious. She set down her midnight snacks and went to investigate.

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