Chapter 57 - After Failing to Find Immortality

After the drinks circulated three times, the night unknowingly deepened. Cheng Yishi took Hua Shuya, who was slightly drunk, to the pavilion for some fresh air to sober up. Observing their harmonious demeanor as they left, it seemed their relationship was quite amicable. Knock knock knock— Lin Tianlu put down his chopsticks and turned to look at the entrance of the private room. "Who is it outside?" "I am Ji Hang, the manager of Dengxian Pavilion. I've come to pay my respects to Mr. Lin." "Manager Ji, please come in." As the door to the hall opened, an amiable old man in his fifties quickly stepped in, dressed in splendid attire, greeting with a kind smile, "I've heard countless rumors over these days, knowing Mr. Lin is exceptionally skilled and has an extraordinary demeanor. Seeing you now, you surpass even my previous expectations!" He clicked his tongue in surprise, "I didn't realize Mr. Lin was so young and handsome, and... quite fortunate in love." Speaking, Ji Hang quickly greeted Mao Ruoyu, who accompanied Lin Tianlu, with clasped hands, "Madam, you certainly have good taste." Mao Ruoyu's cheeks flushed slightly. She stood and returned the greeting with a gentle smile, "Manager Ji praises too highly. It's just that Mr. Lin is kind-hearted and compassionate." "Oh! With such a handsome and talented pair, why be modest? If my foolish children could find such a perfect match, I wouldn't have been troubled till now!" Ji Hang sighed deeply but soon patted his forehead with a self-deprecating smile, "Forgive me, I started rambling about family matters without noticing. As one ages, the mind indeed becomes less agile." He then brushed his sleeves and clasped his hands, "I wonder if Mr. Lin and Madam Mao are satisfied with the craftsmanship at this humble establishment?" "I've long heard of Dengxian Pavilion's fame, and now upon tasting, it indeed lives up to its reputation." Lin Tianlu responded with a smile, "If there's a chance, I'll certainly gather here again." "Say no more." Ji Hang quickly revealed a mysterious smile, "But I wonder if Mr. Lin knows about another service we offer here at Dengxian Pavilion?" "Oh?" "When you arrived at Dengxian Pavilion, did you notice several boats docked by the river?" "Indeed, we saw them. There were quite a few boats on the Ninguan River, with tourists aboard." Ji Hang chuckled, stroking his beard, "The boat business along the river is also managed by Dengxian Pavilion. After the patrons have had their fill, most would rent a boat to row across the river and enjoy the bright moonlight. With the river breeze, it's truly refreshing." Lin Tianlu was somewhat intrigued, "What about the rental price for the boat...?" "Mr. Lin need not discuss any price with me!" Ji Hang laughed heartily, "Since you've specially come to Dengxian Pavilion, how could I charge you? Consider it an invitation from me for you to enjoy." But he quickly lowered his voice, chuckling nervously, "If in the future Dengxian Pavilion faces the same trouble as the textile shop... I'll need you, Mr. Lin, to lend a hand. My old bones can't handle such upheavals and I cherish life too much." Lin Tianlu couldn't help but chuckle at this. So this was about paying 'protection money'? "Then thank you, Manager Ji, for your generosity." Hearing this, Ji Hang showed a satisfied smile and clasped his hands repeatedly, "I'm the one who should thank Mr. Lin. Having your protection is worth more than a fortune. It's rather shameful that I'm gaining such an unwarranted benefit." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he straightened and said: "In that case, I won't overstay my welcome. Please continue enjoying the meal in the private room. Once you're done, just instruct the attendant to take you to the riverbank boathouse. You will be provided with the finest vessel, complete with instruments and calligraphy for leisure." "Then I shall gratefully accept this generous gift." Lin Tianlu quickly bowed to send off the enthusiastic Manager Ji. Turning back to the beautiful woman behind him, he chuckled, "Madam Mao, would you like to join me for a boat ride under the moon?" "Of course. But don't forget Miss Cheng and Miss Hua." Mao Ruoyu smiled subtly, gently smoothing her hair, "I wonder if the boat can accommodate four people." "No worries, I saw the boats earlier; there's enough room inside for a dozen people. As for now—" Lin Tianlu gestured towards the dining table, "Is Madam Mao still hungry?" Mao Ruoyu's lips parted slightly, but she quickly placed a hand on her slightly bloated stomach, blushing a bit, murmuring, "I'll pass; if I eat more, I'm afraid my belly won't be able to take it." ... In the wine house kitchen. The previously cheerful Ji Hang now looked despondent and submissive, bowing repeatedly, "Respected emissary, I have done as you instructed. Almost all the fruits on the boat have your special ingredients... please spare my poor child. They're still young, and if you truly become angry, please take it out on me..." "Silence!" Jiang Zhi's expression was indifferent, his gaze condescending, "As long as you complete the task successfully, your daughter won't be harmed. The 'Soul-controlled One' is nearby. If you perform well, you'll be greatly rewarded! But... don't let our years of nurturing down." He patted Ji Hang's shoulder with measured pressure. "No, I wouldn't dare! I truly wouldn't dare!" Ji Hang's forehead was covered in cold sweat as he bowed deeply. "I'll trust you this time." Jiang Zhi sneered, flicking his sleeves as he exited. Ji Hang trembled, wiping the cold sweat from his face, and quickly followed. But... He discreetly shook his sleeve, letting a paper packet filled with powdered medicine slip through the loose fabric to the floor, and subtly kicked it into a corner crevice with the tip of his shoe. His face still displayed the same fearful and anxious expression. ... As the moonlight gradually brightened, the streets began to empty. Although it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, it wasn't as grand and important as the Lantern Festival in this world. By late night, many tourists started to head home, leaving just a few boats drifting on Ninguan River, casting a dim candlelight. On the riverbank, several attendants were carrying fresh fruits and tea snacks onto one of the pavilion boats. A middle-aged boatman stood at the bow, calling, "Get on board quickly!" But Hua Shuya stepped forward swiftly, addressing the boatman, "Could we rent this boat temporarily?" "Huh?" The boatman looked puzzled, "But... you should..." "I can row the boat. Leave it to me." The middle-aged boatman hesitated, turning to glance at the attendants behind, and only when he saw their discreet gestures did he reluctantly hand over the oar, "Be careful. The boat is quite delicate, and if you row too forcefully, you might overturn it with the strong night breeze." "Rest assured, if anything happens to the boat, I'll compensate in full." Hua Shuya responded earnestly, gracefully stepping onto the boat. Simultaneously, Lin Tianlu carefully assisted Mao Ruoyu onto the boat plank. Mao Ruoyu's stance wobbled slightly, soon revealing a delighted smile, "This is the first time I've been on a boat; this swaying sensation is truly fascinating." "Madam Mao, be cautious near the edge." Cheng Yishi approached to support, speaking softly, "I've heard live fish sometimes leap from the water; it would be unfortunate if they startled you." Mao Ruoyu looked at her in surprise, a gentle smile forming on her blushing face, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Cheng." "...Madam Mao, you've had a bit much to drink." "It's just a bit dizzying." Mao Ruoyu touched her flushed cheeks, chuckling softly. As the boat was pushed away from the shore, the pavilion boat swayed slightly. Mao Ruoyu, already a bit unsteady, stumbled. Cheng Yishi instinctively reached to support her shoulder, but was inadvertently stopped by a significant barrier, the impact almost toppling them both. "......" Her gaze was fixed incredulously on Mao Ruoyu's chest, struggling to comprehend. Was it... real? "Sorry, Miss Cheng. I lost my footing." "No worries!" Cheng Yishi gritted her teeth. No wonder when she privately revealed a bit of skin, it failed to catch Lin Tianlu's attention—this captivating woman's... remarkable assets! ... Lin Tianlu led the two into the cabin of the pavilion boat, lighting a red candle that quickly illuminated the entire vessel. "There are quite a number of things here." The cabin was filled with various musical instruments and playful items. He casually rummaged, quickly finding a medicine box, and upon opening it, saw numerous vials. He took out two porcelain bottles. 'Vigor Pellet of the Stalwart Yang' 'Enchanting Love Pills' "Isn't this pavilion boat a bit too... suggestive?" Lin Tianlu showed a peculiar expression, glancing at the remaining vials. Apart from a few emergency pills, most were for intimate matters, and in a corner, he even spotted some oddly shaped... personal items. "Alright, this is definitely a pleasure boat." Feeling amused, Lin Tianlu put everything back in place. "But... so they had these little toys in ancient times. I guess I was too ignorant before." ... Securing the boat cabin's beaded curtains for airflow, Lin Tianlu soon smiled as he reached the bow. "Miss Hua, I didn't know you could row a boat." The boat was now steadily making its way toward the middle of the river, gliding smoothly without so much as a tremor—a testament to Hua Shuya's remarkable rowing skill. She turned back with a gentle smile, saying, "During my childhood, my family ensured I was trained in multiple disciplines: archery, spear fighting, and even rowing across rivers. However, I was often bedridden with illness, which left me physically weaker than the other offspring in the family." "Nonetheless, while my skills may not be exceptional, rowing on this calm river poses no challenge." "Impressive." Lin Tianlu couldn't help but express his admiration. Her breadth of learning was indeed vast. In modern society, she'd be considered a well-rounded, multi-talented individual, an example of holistic development. "Let me assist you, Miss Hua. Once we reach the middle of the river, we can pause." Lin Tianlu rolled up his sleeves slightly and sat down beside her, mimicking Hua Shuya's technique as he began to row. Splash! Suddenly, the water beside the boat erupted, and a shadowy figure leaped into the air! Instinctively, Lin Tianlu swung the oar, sending the figure flying dozens of meters away, skipping across the river surface before vanishing without a trace. "...?" Did the oar just hit something? "Could there really be flying fish in Ninguan River?" Scratching his head, Lin Tianlu leaned over to peer into the water. Just then, he caught a glimpse of a shadow swiftly passing below the river's surface!