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"Could it really be just the auction house?"
A trace of surprise flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes. "Could it be… that I was overthinking things?"
Watching Dai Chengfeng disappear through the arched entrance of the Seven Treasures Auction House, Bibi Dong, concealed in the shadows of a street corner, felt a wave of helplessness wash over her beautiful gaze.
She shook her head slightly again. For the first time, the Empress who always controlled everything felt a pang of guilt for harboring such baseless suspicions.
"This little rascal… didn't lie at all."
Bibi Dong muttered to herself as the lingering doubt dissipated, replaced by a subtle, almost imperceptible sense of relief.
"Could it be that my emotions have been too volatile these past two days, affecting my intuition?"
"Perhaps…"
She turned to leave.
"Meow? Meow meow!"
At this moment, Qiu'er, perched on her shoulder, grew anxious. Its large golden eyes brimmed with dissatisfaction at not being able to see the rest of the "show."
The little creature gently tugged at Bibi Dong's hair with its tiny paws, repeatedly nudging its fluffy head toward the auction house gates. Soft, pleading chirps escaped its throat:
Why aren't we going in? He's already inside!
"Shh—stop fussing."
Bibi Dong reached up and lightly grasped Qiu'er's restless little body. Her voice carried an undeniable authority but also a hint of indulgence for the clingy little thing.
"Be good. Let's go back."
"Mrrr… Meow…"
Qiu'er clearly wasn't satisfied with this answer. Its small mouth puckered, and soft whimpers of grievance escaped its throat.
But Bibi Dong had made up her mind and ignored the silent protests of the little one.
Effortlessly restraining the restless critter, she moved silently and retraced her steps back the way they came.
---
On the other side, Dai Chengfeng, using his vast spiritual awareness, sensed Bibi Dong and Qiu'er's presence fade away.
"Now, will she finally stop doubting me?"
"From here on out, it's safe!"
With that thought, Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly and shook his head before entering the Seven Treasures Auction House.
"Welcome, Master!"
The attendants at the entrance instantly recognized Dai Chengfeng. Though they didn't know exactly who he was, they knew he had been accompanied by Ning Rongrong, which meant his status was anything but ordinary.
Thus, they bowed respectfully, one of them hurrying inside to announce his arrival.
Dai Chengfeng began, "Your little princess, Ning Rongrong, is..."
Before he could finish, the manager of the Seven Treasures Auction House rushed out from the inner hall with an overly enthusiastic and humble smile:
"Oh my! No wonder I woke up this morning feeling so bright and cheerful, with my left eyelid twitching—it's because we have esteemed guests!"
Dai Chengfeng nodded faintly. He had no interest in small talk and got straight to the point:
"I'm here to see your little princess, Ning Rongrong."
At the mention of "Ning Rongrong," the manager's previously radiant smile stiffened slightly. His enthusiasm was now tinged with hesitation and unease:
"The little princess… she's here, but at this hour… uh, given the circumstances… it might… might not be very convenient."
Dai Chengfeng's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. "Oh? Is she still asleep? Or is she not here?"
"She's here, but… the reason… isn't something I can discuss… though it is indeed somewhat inconvenient."
Sensing Dai Chengfeng's impatience, the manager suggested: "How about this?"
"Master, please step into the private lounge for a moment while I go and inform her. I'll return with a response shortly!"
Dai Chengfeng glanced at the sincerity in the manager's eyes, recognizing that he truly faced some difficulty, and decided not to press further. He nodded:
"Fine, go ahead."
"Ah! Very well! Master, please follow me this way!"
The manager quickly led Dai Chengfeng to a luxurious and tranquil reception hall. At the same time, he shot a stern glance at the nearby attendant, signaling her to serve the finest tea and snacks.
Then he hurried off himself.
Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Seven Treasures Auction House, within a private chamber not open to the public…
In addition to Sword Elder Chen Xin, Little Princess Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, and Ning Fengyuan, two more individuals were present.
One was an extremely tall man with a broad frame, yet lean, his features rugged and his gaze sharp like an eagle's. The black-haired elder exuded an air of ancient wisdom.
The other was a refined and handsome middle-aged man whose eyes sparkled with worldly intelligence.
"Dad!"
Ning Rongrong clung to the arm of the refined middle-aged man, chirping happily like a carefree bird.
"Dad! Grandpa Bone! Why did you come without telling me?"
"Was it to give me a big surprise?"
She tilted her head playfully, her radiant smile dazzling.
Ning Fengzhi looked at his daughter, Ning Rongrong, with affection, but his fatherly duty soon brought him back to seriousness. He deliberately adopted a stern expression:
"A surprise?"
"Rongrong, you've certainly surprised me!"
"Tell me, what mischief did you get up to in the Great Star Dou Forest?"
"How old are you now? How can you still be so reckless?"
Instantly, Ning Rongrong deflated like a popped balloon. Her face fell, and she stuck out her tongue sheepishly, her voice turning soft and pleading:
"Dad… you already know everything, don't you?"
She tugged at Ning Fengzhi's arm, skillfully beginning to act cute.
"I… I didn't mean to… I really didn't know that the Pope would be so unyielding."
"You didn't know? Do you realize that even I wouldn't dare offend that Pope…"
Ning Fengzhi was about to seize the opportunity to lecture her further when the elder whom Ning Rongrong called "Grandpa Bone"—Gu Rong, the Bone Elder—snorted and interjected directly, defending her:
"Fengzhi! Isn't it normal for children to be playful?"
"Besides, I think Rongrong's excursion has not only caused no trouble but has also shown significant growth!"
"Just look how sensible she is now!"
His words were filled with defense for Ning Rongrong, and he shot Ning Fengzhi a glare, reproaching him for being too strict.
Ning Fengzhi rubbed his temples in resignation, forcing a bitter smile. "Uncle Bone, if you keep spoiling her like this, she'll become utterly unruly…"
"Hmph, she's my precious granddaughter. How can I not spoil her?"
Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, unable to argue further. After all, when Gu Rong got angry, even he couldn't stand up to the elder's reprimands.
"Alas…"
Ning Fengzhi sighed deeply. He realized that his uncle's suggestion was correct—perhaps it was time to let Rongrong venture out more.
Turning his attention to Chen Xin, he asked:
"Sword Uncle, everything you wrote about Dai Chengfeng in your letter—is it true?"
"Sword Uncle, it's not that I don't trust you, but… it sounds so exaggerated."
Chen Xin smiled and nodded. "I understand."
"Don't worry. Every word in that letter is absolutely true."
"Bullshit!"
Before Ning Fengzhi could respond, Gu Rong snorted derisively, glaring at Chen Xin with evident disbelief.
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