31 The story of Cao...!? (2/2)
”That's what they all say when I watch them red-handed.” She grinned, flashing a full set of jagged teeth.
There was no point in emphasizing his innocence or honesty so Liu Sumeng changed the topic, ”What happened to Cao Sancui?”
She sinister smile turned into a more amused one, ”Her name is actually Cao Sanmei. She's scorned a lot of people so she thought it would be easier to hide as a man. She's so cute so I decided to play with her a little. But it looks like she's tired out now, and went to sleep in the guestroom.”
Liu Sumeng narrowed his eyes, weighing just who out of the two women had a worse personality. Also, he couldn't help but think that the name Cao Sanmei was extremely familiar! But there was no time to ponder the thought. ”I want this Tiger Heart Amethyst,” he said honestly.
”So the truth comes out quite easily,” she scoffed, the pupils in her eyes turned vertical.
But Liu Sumeng remained calm, ”I am no thief. I will pay for it.”
She raised a brow, intrigued, ”And what have you to offer me? I will have you know, there is not much in this world I desire. Money will not sway me.”
”Anything on my person. I shall offer freely.”
”Your life then.”
Liu Sumeng hesitated, ”…That price is too steep.”
She clicked her tongue at him, scolding. The room seemed to grow even colder as Xiao Rong left the shadows, each step slow and languid. ”What? And here I thought you were offering everyone on your person freely. Who are you to lie to me? Stupid human.”
”...” He stood his ground as she approached, not even raising his sword. And soon they stood barely a hair's length apart, chest to chest.
She looked up at him, smile sly and sinister, ”A bold and stupid man you are. Do you know what I do with men like you?” She opened her mouth wide and made a biting motion before snicking playfully. ”But you're not too bad. I can play with you longer.”
”...”
”How about this? I shall give you the Tiger Heart Amethyst if you can agree to my terms…”
”Ok,” he said easily.
Xiao Rong's terms were not for the faint of heart but Liu Sumeng agreed without even batting a lash.
”It's not for yourself then?” Xiao Rong, whose name was Chu Mirong, questioned as Liu Sumeng pocketed the jewel. Her smile was easy, aggressive mood alleviated.
”...No,” he admitted.
”Well if you were interested in obtaining the power of the Tiger Heart for yourself, it wouldn't make sense to agree to my absurd terms,” she chuckled, ”a lover then?”
He shook his head, a faint smile upon his lips, ”No, just someone precious to me.”
She gave him a questioning look but did not pry any farther. Afternoon was fading into evening when Chu Mirong saw him out. ”I hope your unrequited love one day returns your feelings,” she said cryptically. When he said nothing in return, she continued, ”then we shall meet again one day.”
Liu Sumeng nodded, ”Farewell.”
And thus, Liu Sumeng left Boling town with curse mark on his chest and the Tiger Heart Amethyst in his hands. Quick to hop onto his flying sword, he wanted to return as quickly as possible. Feeling a surge of happiness and satisfaction, Liu Sumeng decided not to think too much about the odd character he met during that time.
But it was for that reason that was only struck with realization halfway home to Wangyun Peak. He remembered the name Cao Sanmei! She was Yuan Xuelan's mother!!