Chapter 58: A Calculated Move

Su Qinghan rolled her eyes internally. ‘Tsk, what a bother.’ The words on the tip of her tongue took a different turn.

“No need for such trouble. Just two bowls of plain noodles will suffice to fill our stomachs,” she refused with a cool, detached tone. “Simply allow us to use your kitchen.”

The guard dared not utter another word, promptly leading the way.

Lu Hongzhuang’s eyes instantly brightened. Even the hand she used to push the wheelchair felt a little lighter.

Master Qian’s residence boasted a spacious and well-lit kitchen, meticulously kept spotless. Su Qinghan instructed the guard and Lu Hongzhuang to wait outside, then propelled her wheelchair into the kitchen.

Washing vegetables, slicing spring onions—her movements were fluid and graceful. As the stove was a touch too high, she simply pushed the prep table with one hand directly in front of it. Her skirt, proving somewhat cumbersome, was casually tied at her waist, revealing a stretch of pale, slender calf as she propped herself onto the table to begin preparing the meal.

Outside the kitchen, Lu Hongzhuang peered through the doorframe, secretly observing. She watched the exquisitely beautiful figure bustling about in the bustling, homely kitchen. Her practiced knife skills and poised demeanor were utterly unlike what one would expect from a delicate woman born in the countryside.

Flames danced within the stove, their light reflecting off Su Qinghan’s profile, softening her usual cool detachment. Steam rose, and the aroma of noodles permeated the air.

Lu Hongzhuang’s stomach, once again, grumbled indignantly. Yet this time, she felt no embarrassment, only a profound, warm sense of contentment.

Soon, a steaming bowl of plain noodles was brought out. A clear broth, a scattering of vibrant green spring onions, a golden poached egg nestled within, and perfectly separated noodles, all emitting an enticing fragrance.

“Eat.”

Su Qinghan pushed the bowl towards her.

“Oh…” Lu Hongzhuang responded dazedly, picked up her chopsticks, and plunged into a vigorous slurping spree.

“Slurp—slurp—”

Her unladylike slurping made Su Qinghan, seated beside her, furrow her brow involuntarily. ‘Is this person a reincarnated starving ghost?’

“Delicious!”

Lu Hongzhuang looked up, her mouth full, praising incoherently. The broth was exquisite, the noodles firm and chewy, and even the few spring onions offered just the right touch of aroma. She felt as though the bowl of noodles had soothed her from stomach to soul.

Watching her utterly satisfied, somewhat silly expression, Su Qinghan’s lips curved upward in a faint smile she herself didn’t notice. ‘Raising a simpleton, it seems… could be quite amusing.’

Just as Lu Hongzhuang was about to drain the last drop of soup, hurried footsteps echoed from beyond the courtyard.

“Senior Sister Lu! Senior Sister Lu!”

A young woman in the Demon Exorcism Division’s uniform rushed in, none other than Junior Sister Yun from Moonfall Town’s Demon Exorcism Division.

“Junior Sister Yun? Why are you here?” Lu Hongzhuang set down her bowl and wiped her mouth.

“An urgent dispatch from the Division!” Junior Sister Yun panted, “They’re summoning all disciples currently out on assignment to return to the Division immediately for a meeting! It seems there’s an urgent task!”

‘A meeting?’ Lu Hongzhuang froze.

Su Qinghan’s hand, holding her teacup, paused almost imperceptibly. ‘It’s here. That plump fox, as expected, has begun to stir up trouble. First, he tried to lure them with a “feast at Hong Gate”. Failing that, he’s now using the Demon Exorcism Division’s authority to remove Lu Hongzhuang, their sole point of strength. Next, he’ll surely come for me, her “close friend”. What a cunning strategy, ‘luring the tiger from its mountain lair’.’

“Alright, I’ll just change my clothes and…” Lu Hongzhuang began, making to stand up.

A cool hand, however, suddenly gripped the corner of her sleeve. The grip wasn’t strong, yet it conveyed a distinct pull. She turned her head, meeting Su Qinghan’s cool, serene gaze.

“After you leave, walk for about two hundred meters,” Su Qinghan’s voice was soft, yet it reached her ears with perfect clarity. “Then, immediately turn back and find me.”

“Huh?” Lu Hongzhuang’s face was etched with confusion. ‘What kind of strange request is that?’

“Don’t ask why.” Su Qinghan released her grip, picked up her teacup, and blew gently on the steaming surface. “Just do as I say.” ‘They truly think this Daoist is a soft persimmon, easily squeezed,’ she thought to herself.

Her tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable finality. Lu Hongzhuang looked at her; though her mind was a whirl of confusion, her body honestly nodded in agreement. She didn’t know why, but she was willing to trust this woman unconditionally.

She and Junior Sister Yun followed Su Qinghan’s instructions, walking step by step along the street. One step, two steps, three steps… she silently counted the distance. The street was deserted, save for the wind whistling around the corner, stirring a few fallen leaves. ‘Everything seems normal. Was I overthinking it? Perhaps Su Qinghan was just joking, or did she truly sense something?’

Two hundred meters passed swiftly. Lu Hongzhuang halted, glancing back towards Master Qian’s residence.

“Honestly… she didn’t even explain what it was about,” she mumbled softly, then turned to head back. ‘I’ll just tell Junior Sister Yun… that it’s a bit chilly and I need to go back for more clothes.’

Junior Sister Yun, seeing her suddenly stop, asked in surprise.

“Senior Sister Lu, what’s wrong?”

Lu Hongzhuang didn’t reply. The moment she turned, her steps abruptly froze. Her body tensed instantly. On the path they had just taken, two figures had appeared, unnoticed, near the general store they had passed earlier. They were two burly men, dressed in ordinary short jackets, their faces obscured by black cloth, revealing only a pair of sinister, cold eyes. They stood one on each side, blocking the way back, their hands gripping unsheathed steel blades. The glint of the blades in the afternoon sun cast a chilling, murderous aura.

‘Not demons. These are living people! And it seems they’re here for her!’ Lu Hongzhuang’s heart plummeted. A chill shot from the soles of her feet straight to the crown of her head! ‘This is a trap! This is the trap set by that fat Magistrate! What does he want? These two can’t stop me.’ A more terrifying thought surged into her mind. ‘The target is Su Qinghan. They’re here to buy time. Draw me away, then strike at a helpless, frail woman!’

“Despicable!” Lu Hongzhuang trembled with fury, a surge of anger rushing to her head. She abruptly drew the long sword from her waist, its tip pointing directly at the two men.

“Get out of my way!”

The two masked men exchanged a glance, said nothing, but approached with sinister grins, step by step. The murderous aura emanating from them was almost palpable. Lu Hongzhuang’s heart pounded with extreme anxiety. She wasn’t afraid of these two; even if two more appeared, she was confident she could cut them down. ‘But Su Qinghan is still at Master Qian’s residence! Alone! That fat man must have sent others to Master Qian’s residence! How is she now? Is she in danger?!’ The thought of Su Qinghan’s delicate, sickly beautiful face potentially confronting a group of vicious thugs twisted Lu Hongzhuang’s heart into a knot! ‘No! I must return at once!’

Inside Master Qian’s residence. Lu Hongzhuang and Junior Sister Yun’s figures vanished through the doorway. The kitchen of Master Qian’s residence returned to silence. Su Qinghan remained still. She sat in her wheelchair, her fingertips lightly tapping the table, the unfinished bowl of noodle soup Lu Hongzhuang had left still emanating residual warmth.

The guard, seeing her remain silent for a long time, cautiously approached.

“Miss Su, did the meal turn out poorly? Should I have the cook prepare something else…”

“No need. My cooking is still absolutely superb.” Su Qinghan interrupted him with a frown, then propelled her wheelchair towards the center of the courtyard. “Push me into the courtyard to bask in the sun.”

“Ah? Oh, alright!” Though the guard didn’t understand, he complied.

The afternoon sun was perfect, warmly bathing everything and dispelling the chill of late autumn. Su Qinghan was pushed beneath an osmanthus tree in the center of the courtyard. She waved her hand, signaling the guards to withdraw.

“You may go about your duties; there’s no need to attend to me.”

The guards dared not disobey and retreated one by one. Only Su Qinghan remained in the entire courtyard. Leaning back in her wheelchair, she tilted her head slightly, closing her eyes. Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows beneath her lids. Her posture was one of relaxed indolence, like a cat dozing in the sun. Everything seemed so tranquil and peaceful.

However, in an unnoticed corner, the wind stilled. The sparrows that had been chirping on the branches fell silent instantly. In the air, a faint, almost imperceptible murderous intent began to subtly spread.

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