...
"so."
Xuan Hao stood up and extended his hand to Zhu Zhuqing again, "Zhu Zhuqing."
"Do you want to continue following that good-for-nothing fiancé who only knows how to run away, becoming a mere accessory in that so-called Netherworld White Tiger, where whether you'll survive depends on luck..."
"Do you still want to join my Self-Strengthening Association and become one of the players on the chessboard of this future continent?"
"As long as you nod."
Xuan Hao took out a fragrant herb from his robes—
It was a strange flower, crystal clear and translucent, like a daffodil, with petals as white as jade and stamens as pale yellow, exuding an aura that calmed the mind.
Narcissus-like skin and bones.
"This magical herb is yours."
"You will have a place among the future Title Douluo."
"Even one day, when you return to Star Luo City with absolute power, you can stand before your sister and tell her—"
"You don't need to marry into a family, you don't need to depend on a man."
"You yourself are your greatest asset!"
This moment.
Looking at the god-like young man before her and listening to his highly inflammatory words, Zhu Zhuqing felt her blood boiling.
fear?
No.
That was a thirst for power, a rebellion against fate!
She glanced at the pitch-black night outside the window and thought of Dai Mubai, who only knew how to indulge in a life of debauchery.
In that instant, the scales in her heart tipped completely.
She knew it was a gamble.
If she wins the gamble, she will be reborn; if she loses...
"Oh."
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly.
Now, what has she to lose?
She has nothing left.
Since that's the case... why not take a gamble with this "madman"?
"good."
Zhu Zhuqing reached out and grabbed the delicate narcissus, her eyes no longer filled with confusion, but with a resolute determination.
I promise you.
"but..."
She looked at Xuan Hao and said through gritted teeth:
"I don't call him Dad."
"I can only call you... Boss."
"That won't work."
Xuan Hao refused without even thinking.
Zhu Zhuqing's body stiffened, and the knuckles of her fingers holding the immortal herb turned white.
no?
Could it be... that he really has some peculiar perverse taste, that he absolutely has to hear that shameful name?
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath.
Even though she was unwilling a thousand times, even though she felt her dignity had been shattered, she accepted it in order to become stronger and to survive!
She closed her eyes tightly, as if heading to her execution, and forced out the sound of that word through gritted teeth:
"dad..."
"Call him Brother Hao."
Just as that shameful word was about to be uttered, Xuan Hao's lazy voice interrupted her at just the right moment.
"...ah?"
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly opened her eyes, the word "Dad" stuck in her throat, almost choking her.
She stared blankly at Xuan Hao, her mind going completely blank.
"Huh what?"
Xuan Hao curled his lip and said with a look of disgust:
"The word 'boss' sounds too thuggish, making us sound like some kind of criminal gang."
"Although we do collect protection money, our organization is called the Tiandou Self-Improvement Association!
It's a youth mutual aid organization with culture, ideals, and aspirations!"
"So, we call him Brother Hao.
It sounds friendly, yet still authoritative."
"..."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the guy in front of her who had just been exuding domineering aura but now looked so unserious, and couldn't help but twitch her lips twice.
This...isn't the change in art style a bit too fast?
We were just discussing extremely serious topics like overturning the imperial structure and changing the fate of the continent, and now we're getting bogged down in such trivial matters as how to address each other?
and...
She lowered her head and looked at the Narcissus Jade Skin in her hand, which radiated a lustrous glow and was clearly a priceless treasure.
"You...you just gave it to me like that?"
Zhu Zhuqing felt it was all a bit unreal and couldn't help but ask:
"No need to sign any contract?
Aren't you worried I'll take the stuff and run away?"
"Run?" Xuan Hao shrugged.
"Once you're in my fishpond... no, I mean, once you're in my club, do you think you can escape?"
"Besides, you should trust those you employ, and not employ those you don't trust."
"Although this herb is precious, it is just a herb if it is not used."
"Hurry up and eat, stop dawdling."
Seeing Xuan Hao's nonchalant attitude, Zhu Zhuqing's last line of defense finally collapsed completely.
She didn't know if this guy was genuinely stupid or just pretending to be wise, but one thing she was certain of—
Following such a "madman" who is willing to invest heavily and has absolute strength, perhaps... we really can win.
beside.
Na'er was still intently munching on the last piece of pastry, already used to this kind of scene.
But Ning Rongrong's eyes gradually became somewhat "resentful".
She rested her chin on her hands, her gaze sweeping back and forth between Xuan Hao and Zhu Zhuqing, finally settling on Zhu Zhuqing's exceptionally well-developed chest.
"snort!"
Ning Rongrong snorted inwardly, her little mouth pouting so much it could hang an oil bottle.
Although Xuanhao was just as generous when he gave her the Qiluo Tulips, he didn't even give a reason.
Later, when she stuffed an eight-petaled orchid into Ye Lingling's mouth, she had the same "worthless" attitude.
but!
Those are all friends I know well and have known for a long time!
How long have I known Zhu Zhuqing?
If you count the time we met three years ago, we've only met twice, right?
They actually gave me such a high-level immortal herb as soon as we met?!
"really!"
Ning Rongrong looked down indignantly at her own figure, which, although also budding, was completely overshadowed by Zhu Zhuqing's large breasts, making her jealousy boil over.
"That guy is a complete lecher! He's lustful!"
"So what...so what if it's a little bigger?
What's the big deal!"
"I'm growing too! I can grow taller too!"
"Damn Xuanhao!
You stinking Xuanhao!
You treat people differently based on their status!"
Although Ning Rongrong cursed Xuan Hao a hundred times in her heart, she knew how important this immortal herb was to Zhu Zhuqing, so she didn't say anything to disturb her.
However, the resentment in her eyes almost turned into a real sword that pierced through Zhu Zhuqing's tight leather clothes.
What are you still standing there for?
Xuan Hao tapped on the table, waking Zhu Zhuqing from her existential crisis:
"This medicine has a mild effect, so let's take it now, using the calories from this meal."
"Eat only the petals, then suck the stamens, and finally circulate your soul power to absorb them."
"I will protect you."
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath and no longer hesitated.
She looked deeply at Xuan Hao, silently remembering the word "Brother Hao," and then, following Xuan Hao's instructions, plucked the petals of the Narcissus Jade Bone Flower one by one and put them into her cherry-like mouth.
As the herb entered his stomach...
A cool and refreshing breeze instantly flowed through her entire body.
Zhu Zhuqing felt as if all the bones in her body were making a joyful hum. Her body, which had been exhausted from the long journey, was instantly filled with vitality.
She dared not delay, and immediately sat cross-legged on the carpet in the private room, closed her eyes, and began to concentrate on absorbing the medicinal power.
A faint white halo emanated from her body, enveloping her entirely, like a jade statue about to undergo a metamorphosis.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing enter a meditative state, Xuan Hao nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright."
He turned his head and looked at Ning Rongrong, who was still channeling her energy into Zhu Zhuqing's chest.
He chuckled and pinched her cheek.
"Stop looking, you won't grow that big no matter how much you look."
Some things are talents, and you can't envy them.
"you!!!"
Ning Rongrong instantly bristled, baring her teeth and claws as she lunged at him to bite him:
"Xuan Hao! I'm going to kill you!!!"
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