Chapter 23: Miss, May We Speak in Private?

Gu Chen calmed his mind, immersing his consciousness into the golden body of merit that was on the verge of taking shape within his dantian.

Watching Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing supporting Gu Chen, the young woman in yellow silk smiled until her eyes turned into crescents.

"Hello, elder sisters! My name is Ye Linglong. I have come to thank my benefactor for saving my life."

"I left in a hurry and didn't bring anything particularly valuable, but this is a Supreme Black Gold Card from our Ye Family Trading Firm. You will receive a thirty percent discount on all purchases at any shop opened by our family."

Ye Linglong handed over a palm-sized, rectangular black card. The front of the card was engraved with a golden divine dragon, and the back featured a large golden leaf, making it look exceptionally exquisite.

Someone in the crowd recognized the card and exclaimed, "Ah... this is... the Golden Dragon Black Card of the Ye family, the number one clan in the Heaven Dou Empire!"

"What is a Golden Dragon Black Card?" the people around him asked in low voices.

"It is said that the Ye family’s businesses span the entire Heaven Dou Empire, and their wealth is so vast it is uncountable—they are as rich as a nation. The Golden Dragon Black Cards they issue are rare and highly sought after; they are a symbol of status. In the entire Heaven Dou Empire, there are fewer than fifty people who possess one! And every single one of them is a renowned and powerful figure. For this young girl to give one away so casually... her background is truly extraordinary!"

Zhu Zhuqing, who possessed a mysterious background and was well-informed, recognized the card at a glance. Knowing its value, she smiled and accepted it, saying to Ye Linglong, "He is still unconscious, so I will hold onto the card for him. When he wakes up, I will pass it on to him for you."

"Then thank you, sister!"

Seeing the intimate behavior between Zhu Zhuqing and Gu Chen—with Gu Chen’s head resting against her soft embrace—Ye Linglong suspected nothing and thanked her with a sweet voice.

"Sister, I will be staying in Soto City for a few days, and the Rose Hotel is owned by my family. I am staying there temporarily. If my benefactor wakes up, could you tell him I am waiting for him there? I would like to thank him in person."

"Of course! Once he wakes up, I will convey the message to him."

"Cough, cough, cough..." A series of violent coughs broke out, and Gu Chen slowly opened his eyes.

He looked weakly at the young girl before him, who was dressed in yellow silk, standing tall and graceful, with a slightly youthful chest.

"Benefactor, you’re awake!"

Seeing Gu Chen wake up, Ye Linglong appeared delighted.

Looking at Ye Linglong’s clean, fair face, Gu Chen spoke weakly: "Miss Ye, I heard everything you just said, but I cannot accept your kindness."

"Senior Sister Zhuqing, please return the Golden Dragon Black Card to this young lady."

Zhu Zhuqing was filled with admiration for Gu Chen’s character upon hearing this. To return a gift of such immense value without a moment’s hesitation—Junior Brother Gu Chen’s moral fiber was truly beyond their reach! No wonder Instructor Zhao always praised his character. It seemed he wasn't wrong at all.

"But..."

Before Ye Linglong could finish, Gu Chen spoke again: "I saved you not for the sake of any reward! I only did what I could to ensure one less person in this world dies unjustly."

Ye Linglong was moved by Gu Chen’s sincere words, and for a moment, her eyes brimmed with tears.

"Miss Ye, you should keep this. We know Junior Brother Gu Chen’s temperament well; if he says he doesn't need your thanks, then he truly doesn't."

Zhu Zhuqing pressed the Golden Dragon Black Card into the hand of Ye Linglong, who stood there dazed and at a loss.

"Put it away, Miss Ye. Junior Brother Gu Chen is just a good person who does good deeds without asking for anything in return."

A sweet smile also appeared on Xiao Wu’s delicate, petite face; she too was conquered by Gu Chen’s selfless nature. Little did they know that Gu Chen’s refusal of the card was because he had something more important to ask this person for.

"Benefactor, since you won't accept the Black Gold Card, would you allow me to give you a ride? Your injuries are so severe; I want to do my part to take care of you."

"No, you cannot..."

Before Gu Chen could answer, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing spoke in unison.

Ye Linglong looked at the two women in surprise. Xiao Wu reacted quickly, taking the lead to explain: "Junior Brother Gu Chen is allergic to beautiful women. We will take care of him ourselves."

"That's right! That's right!" Zhu Zhuqing echoed.

To force Gu Chen to play along with their performance, both women pinched his waist simultaneously.

Gu Chen’s face twisted slightly, and he coughed gently: "My two senior sisters are right; I am indeed allergic to beautiful young girls..."

"However... I feel a sense of familiarity with Miss Ye upon our first meeting. There are a few things I would like to discuss with you privately, if that is possible?"

Ye Linglong, who had been somewhat disappointed and was planning to give up, regained hope and immediately agreed.

"Of course! Where to? Shall we go to my room?"

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing were petrified, exchanging glances after a moment. They could both see the same thought in each other's eyes: This little girl has bad intentions!

Gu Chen felt speechless; he sensed that Ye Linglong might have misunderstood his intentions. Awkwardly, he looked at Ye Linglong: "There’s no need for that much trouble. There is a teahouse ahead; let’s go there to talk for a moment."

"Fine, whatever you say!"

Ye Linglong beamed, revealing a sweet smile. A happy glow sparkled in her bright eyes as she looked at Gu Chen and added: "Brother Gu Chen, wait for me a moment. I’ll go tell Sister Xue not to wait for me and to go back first."

*Brother Gu Chen?* What is this little girl trying to do? Are we being completely ignored?...

Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu looked as if something precious had been snatched from them, their expressions appearing exceptionally strange.

Gu Chen, disregarding what Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing were thinking, gladly accepted the title and nodded gently.

Ye Linglong trotted over to the tall beauty like a happy butterfly. Smiling, she said, "Sister Xue, Brother Gu Chen has invited me to sit with him. Why don't you head back first? I’ll come find you later."

The tall woman remained expressionless, her cold, clear eyes seemingly capable of seeing through a person's heart. She looked coldly at Gu Chen, nodded slightly, and instructed Ye Linglong: "A girl must learn to protect herself. Even if the other person is your savior, sometimes you must remain guarded!"

"Alright, I know, Sister Xue. Thank you for your concern; I will take good care of myself."

Ye Linglong said this, but she thought otherwise: *Brother Gu Chen is so handsome; if he really wants to take advantage of me, it wouldn't be impossible. But it can only be limited to hugging and being lifted up... other things will have to wait until after we are married.*

One must admit, sometimes over-worshipping someone makes it very easy to lose oneself. If Gu Chen knew what Ye Linglong was thinking, he would never have dared to ask her out alone. Sometimes, boys are the ones who truly need protection.