Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Sitting in the taxi, Hao Jixin had many questions but held back due to the driver's presence.

He couldn't help but sneak peeks at the two in the back seat from the rearview mirror.

Despite the distance separating them and their silence, the sudden decision of the master to not only take Jing Xi away but also live together with a stranger they'd never met before was bewildering.

At the time, the master's expression was so serene that Hao Jixin forgot to ask, and even if he could, he wouldn't dare to do so in front of the movie star Jing Xi.

Xie Qingfeng had noticed Hao Jixin sneaking glances at him but some things were inconvenient to share, so he pretended not to see.

Hao Jixin's curiosity was insatiable, but this was just the beginning.

They were originally planning to have lunch first and then attend the Zhao family's jade exhibition in the afternoon. The master had said he wanted to check it out and, based on Hao Jixin's understanding of the master, he would likely buy if he saw something he liked.

This trip to City B had been fruitful, and they should be able to purchase suitable jade stones.

However, Xie Qingfeng asked the driver to stop near a commercial building and got out.

Hao Jixin looked up at the building, puzzled: "Master, aren’t we going to have lunch? Are we going shopping first?"

Xie Qingfeng: “Let’s buy some things first.”

Jing Xi, when leaving that villa, took only the long-sleeved outfit he was wearing and the emperor's official attire he had arrived in.

Having decided to temporarily keep him, Xie Qingfeng, adaptable as ever, quickly figured out the next steps.

The two most important tasks at hand were, first, to teach Jing Xi various modern common knowledge, at least enough to not arouse suspicion from Agent Liang in their next meeting.

Second was to address the debt Jing Mianfeng owed to the company. This wouldn't be difficult; since they didn’t need to buy new jades, redeeming and terminating the contract would be quicker than expected.

Xie Qingfeng could see Jing Mianfeng's fate as it was four years ago in an advertisement. Jing Xi, though in Jing Mianfeng’s body, still retained the emperor’s destiny. He wasn’t Jing Mianfeng, but now he had to fulfill Jing Mianfeng’s obligations.

However, from Xie Qingfeng’s perspective, Jing Xi still possessed his destiny from the Da Jing Dynasty, perhaps because he was from ancient times. His fate seemed to be frozen at the moment the array was activated.

Since he had to teach Jing Xi everything about modern life, including food, clothing, shelter, and transport, nothing could be overlooked.

For the next two hours, Hao Jixin watched in awe as the usually frugal master, except when buying jades, spent lavishly to procure several outfits for Jing Yiandi.

Everything from top to bottom was purchased.

And they even bought a smartphone!

Hao Jixin thought back to how the master initially charged less than ten thousand for a few talismans, but now, just one outfit for Jing Xiandi costs over ten thousand!

The more Hao Jixin looked at Jing Xiandi, the more he seemed like a pretty boy.

Could the master have been bewitched in that short moment he and the agent stepped away?

Seeing the latest model smartphone being brought out, Hao Jixin quickly interjected: "Master, what about Jing Xiandi’s previous phone?"

Who doesn’t have a phone these days? Living off someone else is one thing, but why so extravagant? Can’t the old one be used?

Hao Jixin finished speaking and stared intently at Jing Xi, who had his entire face covered with a mask and hat.

Because he was leaning on the counter, from his angle, Hao Jixin felt he barely reached the other's shoulder. He immediately stood up straight, indicating that relying on others shouldn't be done so shamelessly.

Jing Xi, with downcast eyes, glanced lightly at Hao Jixin and then turned to Xie Qingfeng, blinking gently: "Is it not okay? The old one... isn’t suitable anymore."

Xie Qingfeng, of course, understood; the old phone belonged to Jing Mianfeng and shouldn’t be used anymore, especially since Jing Mianfeng wasn’t here, and it’s inappropriate to snoop into his privacy.

Xie Qingfeng patted Hao Jixin’s shoulder reassuringly: "Indeed, it's not suitable. Let’s buy a new one."

He calmly asked for the latest model smartphone.

Hao Jixin felt deflated: The master is completely smitten.

He was so distracted that he didn’t notice Jing Xi’s piercing cold gaze sweep over the shoulder that Xie Qingfeng had touched, then turned away expressionlessly.

The next moment, Jing Xi leisurely circled around, pretending to choose a color, and moved to the other side of Xie Qingfeng, "curiously" pointing at a tablet further away, asking what it was.

When Hao Jixin snapped back to reality and turned his head, he found that the two had moved ten steps away: ???

After getting a new SIM card, the group headed to the upper floor's men's watch counter.

Hao Jixin felt numb: How many love potions has the master consumed to be so enchanted?

Xie Qingfeng then pointed at a basic model men's watch worth tens of thousands, and upon getting it, suddenly turned to the listless Hao Jixin, “Come and try it on.”

Hao Jixin, baffled, pointed at himself and then at the watch, suddenly perking up and exclaimed, hurrying over, “For me? How can I accept this!”

He wouldn’t normally accept such an expensive gift from the master, but given the context – he thought better to accept it than let someone else benefit. He planned to return a jade ten times its value later.

Besides, this was the first gift he had ever received from the master!

Just as he approached, Hao Jixin inexplicably felt a chill run through him, as if he was being watched by some fierce beast.

Xie Qingfeng had originally planned to buy a gift for Hao Jixin once they returned to City C.

But finding something suitable here, he decided to give it now.

The situation with the Zhang family could not have been so profitable without Hao Jixin's information. Logically and emotionally, Hao Jixin deserved a reward for accompanying him on so many trips.

Direct payment wouldn’t make much sense as Hao Jixin wasn’t short on money, so a well-chosen gift seemed more appropriate.

Something too expensive wouldn’t be accepted by Hao Jixin, but something worth tens of thousands was just right.

Hao Jixin had already tried on the watch and purposefully extended his wrist an inch closer to Xie Qingfeng, ensuring Jing Xi could see clearly, “Master has a great eye. This watch suits me perfectly.”

Xie Qingfeng, seeing that it indeed fit well, confirmed, “Then let's go with this one.”

Hao Jixin grinned, casting a sideways glance at Jing Yiandi and flashing a bright smile, “Ah, it seems I hold quite a place in the Master’s heart. Being first does have its benefits.”

“What’s wrong with a thousand yuan for a set of clothes? This watch is worth more than a dozen of those.”

Jing Xi glanced at the watch indifferently before quickly averting his gaze.

Hao Jixin shuddered, feeling as if Jing Xi had just glared at him. Jealousy, that was unmistakable jealousy!

Before Hao Jixin could fully revel in his triumph, Xie Qingfeng pointed again, “Get another one in the same color, let him try it.”

He indicated Jing Xi.

Hao Jixin: ??

Jing Xi: “…”

He looked at the watch identical to Hao Jixin’s with mixed feelings. His usually calm and composed demeanor cracked for a moment. Before the shop assistant could bring the same model, he pointed to another watch of a different color and style, “Choose that one instead.”

Xie Qingfeng, thinking it would be more convenient to buy them together, didn’t mind Jing Xi’s preference and agreed, “Then let’s take the one he wants.”

Hao Jixin sighed in relief, then felt a twinge of melancholy.

Did he celebrate too soon?

What he has, the other also has; and what he doesn't, the other still does.

Jing Xi immediately followed up Xie Qingfeng’s statement, “Get two.” He then turned his head and spoke softly, “One for each of us. You haven’t bought anything for yourself today. Wear one too, please? If money is an issue, I can go without mine.”

Xie Qingfeng, looking at Jing Xi’s concerned gaze, declared generously, “Then buy both, one for each of us.”

Hao Jixin: “...” He now understood why Jing Yiandi was a celebrated actor at such a young age. That acting skill was top-notch.

Finally leaving the store, Hao Jixin glanced between his own wrist and the identical watches on the others, feeling like a third wheel.

But then he checked the time and exclaimed in alarm, “Master, we’re running out of time. We might not make it to the jade exhibition.”

Xie Qingfeng had already decided before going to the store, “Let’s skip the exhibition. We’ll have lunch first, then notify Mr. Zhang and head back to City C.”

Hao Jixin: “But Master, weren’t you planning to buy jade? The quality at the Zhao family's exhibition is quite good, and you might find something you like.”

Xie Qingfeng shook his head, his expression unusually serious, “Not buying now. Also, help me look for a suitable house later. I’m thinking of buying one.”

Hao Jixin swallowed hard, a foreboding feeling creeping in: Is the Master really planning to live with Jing Yiandi?

“Master, if you’re being coerced and have something held against you by him, just blink twice!”

Once they reached the private dining room of the restaurant and ordered a table full of dishes, Hao Jixin couldn’t resist the urge to ask Xie Qingfeng to accompany him to the restroom, leaving Jing Xi alone at the table.

As it wasn’t mealtime, the restroom was almost empty, with just the two of them.

Hao Jixin hesitated, then finally blurted out: "Master, are you being blackmailed? Is he threatening you? Otherwise, why are you spending so freely, even more than before?"

Xie Qingfeng had noticed Hao Jixin’s odd behavior during the trip and decided to give a half-truth: "No. Actually, I’ve known Mr. Jing since we were children."

Hao Jixin was dumbfounded, something he had never considered: "But, Master, at the airport... you didn’t seem to recognize him at all."

Xie Qingfeng nodded: "I only felt he looked familiar at the time. After reading his fate and seeing him again, I recognized him. I later confirmed that my master knew Mr. Jing's ancestors and had served them. There were some issues, and they parted ways. Now, unexpectedly reunited, Mr. Jing has faced some difficulties in the past four years, as you might know. He’s currently under pressure from his manager and company, and his mental state isn’t great. I plan to have him stay with me for a while to help him recover, and he will leave after he’s better."

His words were not entirely false; his master was a national grandmaster serving the old emperor. Once the current situation was resolved, the young emperor would likely choose a new life, just like him.

Hao Jixin was stunned, his face flushing: "So that’s how it is. I thought the Master... had fallen for Mr. Jing."

Xie Qingfeng, with a hint of resignation: "Don't make assumptions. I am not gay, and Mr. Jing would never be interested in men."

Hao Jixin patted his chest, relieved and laughing: "Ha, I thought with the Master spending so lavishly... But it's all cleared up now, just an old acquaintance. No wonder I felt Mr. Jing's icy glares when I looked at him as if he were just a pretty face."

It was just him not stooping to petty arguments.

After clearing the misunderstanding, Xie Qingfeng and Hao Jixin returned to the private room to find a table full of Xie Qingfeng's favorite dishes.

Hao Jixin was even more convinced of their acquaintance, blaming his own inappropriate thoughts.

After the meal, Hao Jixin sincerely apologized to Jing Xi: "Mr. Jing, there was a misunderstanding earlier, haha. I thought you had somehow bewitched the Master. No more of that, we're all good brothers now. Take your time to recover here with the Master, and just say the word if you need anything. I don't have much, but I am loyal!"

Jing Xi raised his eyes, his gaze candid: "Oh? Misunderstanding? About what?"

Hao Jixin, even more embarrassed: "It was all my mistake. There was someone trying to set the Master up with a date, and the Master used an excuse to get out of it, leading to a mix-up with Mr. Bai. I thought too much..."

He didn’t dare to be too explicit, fearing Jing Xi might hit him.

Xie Qingfeng remained indifferent, not particularly interested in anyone. He softly reminded Hao Jixin, “Don’t spread rumors,” as Bai Yuanshan was unnecessarily dragged into the conversation.

Hao Jixin chuckled, “Just a misunderstanding that’s been cleared up. Won’t happen again!”

Jing Xi, catching the key point, asked, “Matched you with... Mr. Bai? Which Mr. Bai?”

Xie Qingfeng, not wanting to elaborate, dismissed it, “He thought too much. Let’s go.”

Jing Xi gave Xie Qingfeng a deep look but didn’t press further, instead, he took the initiative to carry all their belongings, following behind.

Now that Hao Jixin knew Jing Xi was Xie Qingfeng’s childhood friend and a long-lost connection, his attitude shifted. Spending on an old friend was different from being swindled by a stranger.

As they were leaving, another group emerged from a nearby private room. The leader, an old man in a Daoist robe with white hair and beard, exuded an air of wisdom. Accompanying him was a young man in a similar robe, elegant and handsome – the very person Hao Jixin had mentioned earlier.

Hao Jixin nearly bit his tongue when he saw Bai Yuanshan, thinking how one should never speak ill behind others’ backs.

What were the odds of meeting here?

Despite being disguised, Xie Qingfeng’s striking presence was recognized by Bai Yuanshan and Daoist Bai from a distance.

Daoist Bai didn’t see Xie Qingfeng’s face but recognized his attire and physique, excitedly asking, “Mr. Xie? Is that Mr. Xie?”

Bai Yuanshan, initially conversing with a middle-aged man, looked over at Xie Qingfeng. Their eyes met, and Bai Yuanshan nodded with a smile.

Xie Qingfeng returned the gesture emotionlessly and gave Hao Jixin a quick glance.

Feeling guilty, Hao Jixin tapped his mouth, thinking he’d jinxed it.

Jing Xi observed quietly, quickly understanding Bai Yuanshan’s identity.

Daoist Bai whispered something to the middle-aged man, who then sent his companions away before approaching with Bai Yuanshan and Daoist Bai.

After greeting them, Daoist Bai introduced the middle-aged man as Miao Feng, the president of the B City Taoist Association. They were discussing a complex issue and wanted Xie Qingfeng’s help.

Miao Feng handed over his business card, polite and earnest: “I’m Miao Feng, Mr. Xie. Your reputation precedes you. We’re facing an issue similar to what happened with the Zhang and Zhao families. We would greatly appreciate your assistance and will ensure the compensation is no less generous than what you received from them.”

Xie Qingfeng hadn't heard of any association, but business is business, and he was indeed interested, considering his need for money.

The group, having run into each other, found a new private room. After tea was served, Miao Feng explained the situation in detail.

A younger member of the Miao family had developed a property, but since last month, strange occurrences began happening. Initially, they didn’t take it seriously, but things became increasingly bizarre.

The Miao family's junior member, suspecting supernatural involvement, sought out his uncle, Miao Feng.

Miao Feng initially invited several masters from the association in City B to investigate, but they found nothing.

Shockingly, shortly after returning, they fell ill, barely clinging to life, their vitality severely affected.

Unfortunately, at this time, several prominent members of the association were handling other matters elsewhere. Hearing that Daoist Priest Bai was in City B, Miao Feng contacted him. During their meal today, he discovered Bai incessantly praising a certain Mr. Xie, as if he were unparalleled in heaven and earth.

Miao Feng had also seen a post by Elder Zhang's friend earlier and was surprised to find out they were talking about the same person. After hearing that Daoist Priest Bai felt he was outmatched, he suggested contacting Mr. Xie, coincidentally encountering him.

After hearing the details, Xie Qingfeng thought it wasn’t a big issue and responded: “When should I go over?”

Miao Feng’s eyes brightened: “Anytime works.”

Xie Qingfeng pondered: “Send me the address later, I’ll come over after dark.”

If there really were unclean presences, they were more likely to appear at night. It would be efficient to resolve everything in one visit.

Miao Feng had no objections and left first to make arrangements, planning to pick them up later in the evening.

Once Miao Feng left, the private room became quiet.

Daoist Priest Bai grew increasingly fond of Master Xie, especially seeing that his grandson seemed to show interest. Even if the Master wasn’t interested, he could let his grandson become a disciple.

If not a partner, then being a disciple was also good.

Just as he was about to speak, he noticed his grandson gazing at Master Xie across the table, and Daoist Priest Bai’s eyes crinkled in a smile, stroking his beard.

But then he was taken aback by what he saw next.

The young man, who had been quiet since arriving with Mr. Xie, was now sitting to the side, engrossed in a game on his phone.

Unsure if it was a misstep, the young man was stuck in the game, quietly playing by himself without seeking help.

However, Xie Qingfeng, who didn't seem particularly warm-hearted, had just stood up to see off Chairman Miao. Upon returning, he leaned over, expertly touched the screen at a specific spot.

The young man, without any hesitation, followed the gesture and immediately triggered a blast in the game.

Clearly in a good mood, the young man looked up at Mr. Xie, who returned a calming and familiar smile, gently suggesting, “Let’s play more after we get back. Time to leave.”

The young man instantly handed the phone back to Mr. Xie: “Okay.”

So, was he playing with Master’s phone?

Daoist Bai swallowed the words he was about to say: “Mr. Xie, this person is...?”

After a moment of thought, Xie Qingfeng repeated the explanation he had given to Hao Jixin: “He's an old friend of mine. Just tagging along with me for the summer break.”

Daoist Bai observed the two young men across from him. Even though the other was wearing a mask, his demeanor seemed more like a person from ancient times than a Daoist, oddly matching.

Jing Xi nodded lightly towards them, “Pleased to meet you.”

Xie Qingfeng announced, “Daoist Bai, Mr. Bai, we need to return to our hotel. We’ll see you later in the evening.”

Daoist Bai and Bai Yuanshan could only watch them leave. Once they were out of sight, Daoist Bai patted his grandson’s shoulder: “I feel like you’ve missed your chance. You were reluctant to speak up before, and now that we’ve finally met someone suitable, it's already too late.”

Bai Yuanshan lowered his gaze, remaining silent.

On the other hand, Jing Xi’s mood seemed excellent, the corners of his mouth curving slightly as he turned around. He even found Hao Jixin more agreeable.