1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Research Mission

“Master, what does your word mean?” zhang asked with a forced smile. How insolent this young man, how dare he try to make Shuwan as his wife. Zhang's inner being shrouded in jealousy.

The young man did not answer Zhang's question. He closed the fan in his hand, and slowly approached Shuwan. “How is the beautiful lady, are you interested in my offer?” ask the young man to Shuwan.

Shuwan folded both his hands in front, “I don't know what makes Master so interested in me, isn't this the first time we've met each other?” shuwan said as he narrowed his eyes.

“It takes no more reason to just approach a girl like you, just by spending some money and gold, you will definitely be willing,” said the young man trying to tease Shuwan.

“Just because you're a rich kid, you have a lot of money and possessions, doesn't mean you'll get everything including getting me. Let me tell you, I have absolutely no interest in a man who can only squander money and play with a lot of women like you,” Shuwan said in a slightly raised tone.

“Pfft..” the young man laughed, “I'm just kidding. Don't be taken seriously,” said the young man.

“Didn't you learn anything about ethics? Meet new people, and then you're so easy to play with. Your jokes are really not classy,” Shuwan chimed in.

“Then I apologize, yes?” said the young man with a smile. He also explained his point, “Actually I am interested because I have an important mission for you to run. So, I'm gonna hire you guys to go on this mission. Payment problem, I will give 1 chest containing 100 gold bars if I successfully complete it. Hows it? Interested in my offer?” continued.

Zhang served negotiations with the young man, “If you give such a high price, it is definitely not an easy mission is not it?” ask Zhang.

“You're right,” short the young man. “Then are you ready? Including this beautiful miss,” the young man did not stop teasing Shuwan.

“Alright, we agree. But, what kind of mission do you want to give us?” zhang asked curiously.

“You come to my residence, I will explain it to you there. This place is very insecure to exchange information,” the young man's advice.

“Wouldn't your residence be more dangerous? Don't know what you're going to do to us there,” Shuwan chirped.

“It turns out you're a very smart and very careful woman huh? I became more and more interested in you,” said the young man.

Shuwan just fell silent, then it said, “You better act fast, every time we go through it is very expensive. There is a price to pay for it.”

“Alright, alright... Don't be angry anymore. Then follow me,” invite the young men they meet in the market.

They went to the young man's residence, after walking for a long time, they finally arrived at the young man's residence. Shuwan was only insistent, it was expected that he was just a rich, flirtatious and spoiled child.

The young man led them to his study, and asked a waiter to serve tea and let Shuwan and his three friends sit down.

“Welcome to my residence. My name is Wu Fengying, you guys can call me Feng. My parents were silk traders in this region. But he is also an adventurer. Together with my mother, they decided to explore various places and asked me to run and grow the business they left until they returned,” Feng tried to explain his identity to Shuwan and the others.

“It appears that you are still so young but have been able to run a business to such success. Honestly I became amazed at you,” Zhang praised Feng.

“Ah... It's nothing. I just do what I have, not what I build myself. So, don't praise me excessively,” said Feng blushed in embarrassment. “Uhm... May I know what your names are?” Feng asked Zhang and the others.

“Include me Zhang, this is Yu Hao, this girl is Jiao, and the woman you teased earlier is Shuwan,” Zhang said introducing herself and her team members.

“So yeah? Looks like you guys aren't here,” Feng was curious.

Zhang had been the spokesperson in this travel group, he had continued to respond to questions after questions that Feng had given. “True, we are a traveller. It just so happened that we were passing by here and were short of money to buy supplies. So, we opened this work,” he explained.

“I ask you to go on a mission. That is looking for evidence to free my uncle,” Feng said.

Shuwan interrupts, “Proof? What happened to your uncle?”

“He was diphinah had conspired against the government. There are people trying to bring down our family. I have done various ways, but still nothing works,” said Feng who now became grim.

“This has to do with the Liu family,” short Feng. “They are Wu family's trade rivals, because they did not manage to bring me down directly, they started to eliminate one by one my other family. That way, I will have trouble because I do not have support,”.

“So apparently. If we manage to find that evidence, your uncle will be free, and the Liu family will take your uncle's place. Right?” chirping Shuwan.

Feng smiled, “You are indeed a really smart woman, it is not wrong if I drop the choice on you,” Feng again teased Shuwan.

“If you can't keep your mouth, then I don't hesitate to slash your neck,” Shuwan threatened.

“Alright, alright... I will stop,” said Feng. “This problem, I've thought of a plan. Shuwan will be the main character,” Feng's remarks surprised those who were there at the time.

“Shuwan? As the main cast?” zhang asked as if he did not believe what Feng said.

“Young master of the Liu family who is the eldest son is very fond of talented beautiful women. Unlike his brother who is interested in business and finance. If Shuwan can get in and get close to him, surely we can get closer to that evidence,” Feng explained.

“I disagree! You used Shuwan to enter the family this way? Absolutely beyond belief,” Zhang's emotions instantly overflowed.

Yu Hao and Jiao also tried to hold Zhang back from being rash.

“I paid a lot for you to carry out this mission. Of course the price is worth it, right?” said Feng while sipping the tea that was in front of him.

“K-you!” Zhang shouted at Feng.

“Please, Zhang,” Shuwan restrains Zhang's body and tries to calm him down. “Feng, continue your plan,” pinta Shuwan on Feng to continue the explanation of his plan.

“Before I wanted to ask you, Shuwan. Can you play music?” ask Feng.

Shuwan responded to Feng's question, “I can play some stringed, inflatable, and also swipe musical instruments,” in short.

“Then, we can use it to get close to the Liu family. I heard they were looking for a guzheng teacher for their eldest son. You could try to apply to be his teacher. That way, we can more easily search for that evidence and investigate the Liu family,” Feng explained. “In addition, you don't have to worry, we will be there to accompany you. Obviously with a disguise,”.

After careful consideration, Shuwan decided, “Alright, I agree with your plan.” Hope this is the right choice. Inner Shuwan.

"But Shuwan." said Zhang disconnected.

"Calm down, Zhang. We can trust Feng. Even though he is flirtatious and spoiled, but I can see the sincerity from the look in his eyes, Shuwan said trying to convince Zhang.

Zhang was speechless, after feeling calm he said, "Em... All right, I'll follow your decision."

“Because you are my guests, then I will meet your needs while here,” Fengying explained. “Servant... Take them to their respective rooms, and meet their needs,” Feng called his servant to take Shuwan and the others to rest.

That very night, Shuwan is invited to Feng's personal music room. “You can use my guzheng for that mission. If you need anything else, call the waiter or you can also call me,” he said.

“Alright,” replied Shuwan briefly.

Feng turned around and was about to rush out of the room, suddenly his steps came to a halt, “Regarding my words that offended you today, I personally truly apologized. And... I think I fell in love with you at first sight. Maybe you feel like I'm a weird guy, but I'm serious about feelings. Hopefully you can consider me,” Feng said.

After finishing his words, Feng left Shuwan in his personal music room. Shuwan who listened to the honesty of Feng's heart just fell silent while holding the guzheng strings displayed there.

Feng, you are the umpteenth time to express your feelings to me. But really, I can't pay it back. Maybe I'm very sinful because I look like I'm playing with other people's feelings. But I also have no choice. That kind of love, I really can't feel it. Shuwan was deeply entrenched in the silence of the night and the emptiness he felt throughout his life.