Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena had already returned to their rooms. What could she possibly want by coming here alone?
Dai Chengfeng thought about it as he walked to the door. He didn't open it immediately but instead spoke through the wooden door with a tone of caution and exasperation:
"Ning Rongrong? Why are you back again?"
"Nobody sent you to 'catch me in the act' this time, right?"
"Besides…"
"It's late. A man and woman being alone together in a room doesn't look good. Whatever it is, let's talk about it tomorrow."
Dai Chengfeng was truly wary of this little troublemaker. Who knew what mischievous ideas were swirling around in her head?
If she caused any more trouble, even the mighty Yellow River wouldn't be enough to clear his name.
Ning Rongrong outside seemed momentarily at a loss for words, then her voice took on a slightly coquettish tone:
"Dai Chengfeng~ Just open the door!"
"It's really important—something very serious!"
"I'll only take a moment, I promise! I'll leave right after I'm done and won't disturb your rest!"
Her voice was sweet and soft, carrying the endearing charm unique to the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If it were an ordinary man, his resolve might have melted halfway.
But Dai Chengfeng only grew more cautious. When something seemed unusual, there was bound to be some hidden agenda.
Ning Rongrong showing up alone at this hour, using such a tone, definitely meant something wasn't simple.
"Important? Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Dai Chengfeng remained unmoved. "Let's talk tomorrow—I'll definitely listen carefully then."
"I'm really going to bed now, and you should hurry back to sleep too."
"Aiyaa, there were so many people earlier! How could I possibly speak up then!"
Ning Rongrong's voice carried a hint of urgency. "It's a very personal matter!"
"Dai Chengfeng, please, just let me in and I'll tell you! Pretty please~"
She persisted outside, pleading and promising in turns.
Hearing her determined-to-get-her-way attitude, Dai Chengfeng began to worry that if she lingered too long by the door, Zhu Zhuqing or Hu Liena, who might get up during the night, could catch them—and that would make things even harder to explain.
After much hesitation, Dai Chengfeng finally sighed and gave in.
With resignation, he opened the door. Sure enough, Ning Rongrong was standing alone outside, wearing adorable pajamas, her face tinged with blush, her eyes flickering nervously, and her hands tightly clasped together.
"Come in."
Dai Chengfeng stepped aside to let her in, then quickly closed the door behind her, as if afraid someone might see.
Ning Rongrong entered the room, curiously looking around at Dai Chengfeng's guest room, which had a similar layout to hers. Then, feeling a bit awkward, she stood in the middle of the room.
Dai Chengfeng pointed to the chair farthest from the bed: "Sit down."
"Whatever it is, you can say it now."
He himself walked over to the bed, leaning against the edge while deliberately keeping a relatively safe distance from Ning Rongrong. The wariness on his face hadn't faded.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng act as if she were some kind of venomous snake, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but pout.
Instead of sitting in the chair, she took two steps closer to Dai Chengfeng and said indignantly:
"Hey, Dai Chengfeng, I'm not some man-eating tiger! Why are you keeping so far away?"
"Are you afraid I'll eat you?"
Dai Chengfeng instinctively moved further back when he saw her approach, his back pressing against the bedpost. With utmost seriousness, he said:
"Just say what you need to say. Why get so close?"
"Men and women shouldn't be overly familiar, especially at this late hour. Just stand there and speak—I can hear you fine."
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng could smell the fresh floral scent mingled with the faint, delicate fragrance unique to young girls that clung to Ning Rongrong after her bath—it smelled wonderful.
But Dai Chengfeng's mind harbored no romantic thoughts, only vigilance and a strong desire to "get this over with and send her on her way."
Seeing Dai Chengfeng's unyielding demeanor, Ning Rongrong stamped her foot in frustration. But remembering the purpose of her visit, she forced herself to calm down.
Her eyes darted around, and then she plopped down on the edge of the bed next to Dai Chengfeng. She patted the empty spot beside her—or rather, the empty part of the bed edge—and said:
"Then move a little closer! What I have to say… is a bit hard to bring up, and I can't talk too loudly."
Two rosy clouds appeared on Ning Rongrong's cheeks, and her voice dropped even lower.
Dai Chengfeng: "..."
He felt his temples throbbing. What exactly did this girl want?
"Ning Rongrong, just say whatever it is directly. If you keep this up, I'll really send you back."
Seeing that Dai Chengfeng seemed genuinely upset, Ning Rongrong finally restrained herself a bit.
She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself for something significant, then looked up at him with eyes filled with shyness and anticipation. Twisting her fingers nervously, she finally blurted out:
"Um… Dai Chengfeng, I… I wanted to ask you…"
"That thing you gave to Zhu Zhuqing and Nana before—the medicine that boosts physical strength and spiritual power… do you… do you still have any left?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she seemed afraid that Dai Chengfeng might misunderstand or get angry, so she hurriedly added:
"I… I'm not asking for free! I can buy it!"
"I know you're probably not short on money, but… I can trade something else!"
"Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is incredibly wealthy—we have rare treasures, soul-guidance tools, and even records of soul bones!"
"As long as you're willing to sell it to me, you can set any price you want! Or if there's anything specific you'd like, I'll tell my father, Grandpa Sword, and Grandpa Bone—they'll definitely find a way to satisfy you!"
So it was about the immortal herbs and whale glue.
Upon hearing this question, Dai Chengfeng felt a wave of relief wash over him. His previously tense nerves relaxed significantly.
He had anticipated Ning Rongrong's inquiry, especially after witnessing the transformative changes Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena underwent thanks to the immortal herbs and premium whale glue.
Any soul master would be tempted by such a prospect.
He already owed a great debt to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, particularly to Ning Fengzhi. Moreover, he intended to cultivate ties with this powerful faction.
After all, Ning Rongrong in this lifetime had no connections with Tang San or Oscar; instead, she had known him early on, and their relationship was quite "unique."
Cultivating her would benefit him greatly in the future.
From a rational standpoint, he was willing to give Ning Rongrong this opportunity.
But!
Thinking back to how this little troublemaker had repeatedly stirred up trouble between Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena, creating countless chaotic scenarios for him, Dai Chengfeng felt that he couldn't simply hand her what she wanted so easily.
He needed to teach her a lesson, to make her understand that causing him trouble came with a "price."
Thus, Dai Chengfeng put on a deeply troubled expression, furrowed his brows, and sighed:
"Rongrong, it's not that I don't want to give it to you."
"The truth is… the kind of medicine you're talking about is extremely rare and precious."
"I only managed to obtain a few portions by sheer luck. After giving them to Zhu Zhuqing and Nana, I barely have any left—if anything, I might not have any at all."
"This kind of thing… is something you can't force to appear…"
Dai Chengfeng's words were half-truths.
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