Chapter 11: That’s Not Much

The next day, as the sun rose in the east, Qin Xuan finally awoke to the sound of his phone ringing.

“Huh, is it morning already…”

Qin Xuan was somewhat puzzled. He hadn’t drunk much yesterday—certainly not enough to be drunk. Was there something wrong with the wine? There was no time to dwell on it now; he hurriedly got out of bed to answer the call.

“Ha ha, Junior Brother Qin, are you up yet?”

“Oh, Senior Brother Zhao. I just woke up. What’s going on?”

“I’m at your door, come let me in. Today I’ll take you out for a bit, and we’ll do some shopping.”

“Alright, coming right away.”

Although the other was merely an outer disciple of the Mount Shu Sword Sect, Qin Xuan held him in high regard, as he had joined the sect earlier.

After dressing and washing up, five minutes had passed.

Descending the stairs and opening the villa’s main door, Qin Xuan was immediately surprised. Waiting outside wasn’t just Zhao Long—there was also a gentle young woman in a green dress. Who else could it be but Dongfang Qingwan?

“What brings you two here together?”

“Ha ha, just moving some things in first, then taking you both out to get familiar with each other. After all, starting tomorrow night, you’ll be living under the same roof.”

Today, Zhao Long was much more low-key, driving only an ordinary Santana. Yet no matter the car, his commanding presence was impossible to conceal—anyone could tell at a glance he was no ordinary man.

This was what people called aura, or perhaps charisma.

Dongfang Qingwan had been quietly observing her surroundings, but now looked at Qin Xuan, a trace of curiosity in her eyes. Why did it take him five minutes to answer the door? What was he doing? Was he still asleep when they called him…

“Sorry about that. I don’t know how I overslept this morning.”

Qin Xuan ushered the two inside, apologizing as he did so. He himself couldn’t understand it; normally, he rose before dawn.

Dongfang Qingwan pressed her lips together, shaking her head slightly to indicate it was nothing.

Qin Xuan felt his respect for her grow. If she were a more troublesome girl, she’d surely have pestered him with questions, but Dongfang Qingwan said nothing at all.

He then noticed her carrying a suitcase inside. Qin Xuan couldn’t help but wonder—hadn’t Zhao Long helped her with her luggage?

Turning his head, he then saw Zhao Long lugging three large suitcases from the car. Only then did he realize the situation: she simply had too many belongings for Zhao Long to carry by himself.

“Let me take that,” Qin Xuan said, taking the suitcase from Dongfang Qingwan’s hand without waiting for her response, and headed inside with Zhao Long.

Dongfang Qingwan barely had time to object and could only follow empty-handed. When she caught sight of the outdoor swimming pool, her crystal-like eyes brightened, but a moment later dimmed again.

“This is just part of her luggage. Girls, you know—they always have more things. We’ll have to buy more today. Qin, once we’ve put everything away, let’s head out. We’ll go to Tenglong International, and I’ll help you buy a phone.”

Zhao Long set the three large suitcases in a corner of the living room, then clapped his hands.

“Wait a moment, Senior Brother Zhao, there’s something I’d like to trouble you with.” Qin Xuan hurried upstairs and quickly returned with two bottles of aged wine. “These are Master’s collection. One is for you, and could you help me sell the other?”

“Oh?” Zhao Long looked at him, half amused.

“I’ve been frail since childhood. Master said I shouldn’t drink, so I don’t know much about wine. Selling it is no problem—I have connections. But as for giving me a bottle, it’s wasted on me.”

“That’s fine, Senior Brother, just keep it,” Qin Xuan replied, passing him the bottle.

Zhao Long inspected it; the bottle was covered in dust, and he couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Junior Brother, I may not know much about wine, but if it’s from Master, it must be extraordinary. Tell you what—you want to sell it because you’re short on cash, right? There’s half a million in this card—take it first. Once I find a buyer, I’ll give you the rest. Good wine shouldn’t be sold off carelessly.”

Though Qin Xuan came from the remote mountains, he knew exactly what half a million meant.

To the wealthy, half a million was nothing, but to most ordinary people, it was a fortune. That Master’s wine could fetch such a price so easily—perhaps even more—no wonder Zhao Long had once said that worldly wealth meant little to their master.

Qin Xuan accepted what he was owed without hesitation, though it did seem excessive. After all, he’d only be in the secular world for three months. How could he possibly spend so much?

“Senior Brother, half a million is too much. I only want the price of one bottle. The other is a gift for you—it shouldn’t be included.”

“That’s not too much! I dare say either bottle would fetch more than half a million at a wine auction. So just take it, Junior Brother.”

Since Zhao Long insisted, Qin Xuan could hardly refuse without seeming overly modest.

He put away the bank card, and found Dongfang Qingwan standing outside, basking in the sun. Indeed, for someone with the Celestial Yin Physique, sunbathing was a delightful pleasure.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you both to Tenglong International.”

Zhao Long picked up the two bottles of wine, smiling.

“Alright.” Qin Xuan nodded. Since he’d be living in the secular world for at least three months, a phone was essential.

Tenglong International was the largest shopping mall at the heart of Jinling City, comprising department stores, hotels, restaurants, and more. Its owner was a financial magnate in Jinling. They chose to shop here because Zhao Long was well acquainted with the owner and could secure generous discounts.

When they arrived at Tenglong International, Zhao Long’s Santana drew no attention.

But in such a bustling place, people quickly noticed the beautiful Dongfang Qingwan.

“Young Master Yang just happens to be here at Tenglong International. Should we give him a call?”

“Of course, hurry up! Young Master Yang’s plan is coming together—this beauty has walked right into his hands. He’ll surely win her over today, ha ha.”

Not far from the entrance, two thuggish-looking men smoked and snickered lewdly.

Qin Xuan was completely unaware that even a simple shopping trip would draw trouble. Of course, even if he knew, he wouldn’t care much. For one, he was confident his strength far surpassed that of ordinary people; for another, he had yet to realize that sometimes the secular world could be even more treacherous than the cultivation world.

“I’m going to say hello to the owner. I’ll catch up with you later—I have Qingwan’s number now. You two go ahead and browse, take whatever you like. Qin, don’t let anyone bully Qingwan.”

With a smile and a wave, Zhao Long headed off.

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother,” Qin Xuan replied, also smiling as he looked at the bustling mall.

As a swordsman, a little confidence was essential.