The little fatty muttered as he handed over the money.
“You're sure these are genuine, right? These are for a gift, and it would be really embarrassing if they turned out to be pirated.”
The cashier maintained a professional attitude, a standard smile fixed on her face.
“Rest assured, sir. All our books are printed by the Great Wei Publishing House. Authenticity is guaranteed.”
Hearing this, the little fatty handed over the money and took the books.
“Books in big places are so expensive.”
He muttered to himself as he walked out. Some of the people behind him cast disdainful glances in his direction.
An out-of-town accent, no sense of style, a bloated figure, and gasping over prices in public—he was the textbook definition of a country bumpkin.
The little fatty had no idea what they thought of him. He continued muttering as he walked out.
“I wonder where that kid Yin Yang ran off to. That bastard hasn't even called once in all this time.”
“Didn't you like reading Wan Tianqing's books? I bought a whole bunch of them.”
“I'll give them all to you when you get back.”
“You like reading, don't you? I'll let you see what the genuine ones look like.”
The little fatty looked up; it was Yin Yang's first friend.
Xiao Zhe.
“Boss, let us handle things like this.”
The driver stepped forward and respectfully opened the car door for him.
Xiao Zhe was now the head of the Xiao family in Wangduan City and a Sequence 8.
While someone of his level was nothing in Central City, it was no problem for him to have an assistant and a driver when he went out.
“What do you know about books?”
Xiao Zhe scoffed, then turned and sat in the car. “We're here in Central City for a big business deal. Everyone stay sharp and don't embarrass Wangduan City, understand?”
“Understood, understood.”
The driver closed the door, straightened his tie, and started the car.
“Boss, where to now?”
“Find me a bathhouse.”
“Yes, sir.”
...
Great Wei Library.
The young nobleman closed the book in his hand and let out a long sigh.
The sunlight from the window highlighted his sharp jawline, making his features appear even more defined.
A few girls were hiding behind a nearby bookshelf, gently nudging each other.
“You go, you go.”
“Oh, I'm too shy.”
“That guy is clearly from a prominent family. If he actually takes a liking to you, you'll be like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
“I... I...”
“This is a chance to change your fate. If you guys won't go, I will.”
“Then you...”
While they were whispering, the young nobleman suddenly stood up and walked toward another bookshelf.
Their eyes followed him as he moved toward a bookshelf where two girls and a man were standing.
The man had a gruesome scar on his neck—clearly a fatal wound. It was hard to imagine how he had survived such an injury.
Of the two girls, one wore a black dress and had skin so pale it was almost unreal; she was currently browsing the shelves. The other girl was sucking on a lollipop, her eyes incredibly clear.
Before the nobleman could get close, the scarred man stepped forward to block him.
“Stand back!”
His voice was harsh, showing no regard for the other's status.
The nobleman frowned slightly. The butler behind him also stepped forward, but the nobleman raised a hand to stop him before he could speak.
“It's fine.”
“Miss Tang, it's been a long time.”
Hearing his voice, the girl in the dress turned around. Her refined features showed a moment of thought before she realized who he was.
“Mr. Qin Ye, it has indeed been a long time.”
“Xiao Yi, it's okay. This is Mr. Qin.”
Miss Tang emphasized the name 'Qin' slightly. Hearing this, Xiao Yi stepped back a little, though he remained in a position where he could strike at any moment.
Qin Ye stepped forward with a smile. “The last time I saw you was four years ago. I didn't expect you to grow into such a fine young lady in the blink of an eye.”
Miss Tang let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth. Her smile was professionally refined, giving off a natural sense of approachability.
“I recall you went abroad to study, Mr. Qin Ye. Have you returned after completing your studies?”
“I only studied for a few years; I wouldn't dare say I've mastered anything. I've just gained a few minor insights.”
Qin Ye spoke humbly as he glanced at the bookshelf behind her. “This entire shelf is dedicated to war. Since when did you become interested in that, Miss Tang?”
“Sigh, I'm actually not interested in war at all, but for some reason, everyone has been discussing it lately.”
“To have something in common to talk about with them, I have no choice but to find some books on the subject.”
“In that case, I recommend this one.”
Qin Ye expertly pulled a book from the shelf.
“This 《War Science》 is a personal favorite of mine. Once you've read it, you'll have a decent grasp of military knowledge—enough to join any conversation.”
Miss Tang looked pleasantly surprised. “Really? Thank you. Otherwise, I would've been searching here for ages.”
“It's no trouble at all.”
Qin Ye's smile was perfect, the kind that naturally inspired goodwill.
Miss Tang looked a bit shy as she handed the copy of 《War Science》 to the girl beside her.
“Xiao Yun, pay for this.”
“Oh.”
Xiao Yun took the book, glanced at Qin Ye, and walked toward the checkout counter.
“Miss Tang, do you have time for a coffee?”
Miss Tang hesitated at the request, then looked at the sky outside and sighed.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Qin. I already have plans for this afternoon. Perhaps another day?”
“Of course.”
After a bit more small talk, Xiao Yun returned with the bag and the receipt.
“Miss, the book is bought.”
“Mhm.”
Miss Tang thanked Qin Ye once more before leading the two away.
Once they were gone, the butler stepped forward.
“Sir, it's time to head back.”
“Back? For what? To be a mascot for those people?”
The butler remained silent.
Qin Ye's eyes narrowed. “This Great Wei was won by my Qin family, yet we are now forced to the fringes of power. Do you think that's fair?”
The butler continued to stay silent. This wasn't a topic he could participate in.
Besides, he knew that although Qin Ye was asking, he didn't actually expect an answer.
Outside the library, as soon as they got into the car, Xiao Yun couldn't help but speak up.
“Miss, that guy named Qin is up to no good.”
“Oh?”
Miss Tang looked at Xiao Yun with surprise. “How do you know he's up to no good?”
“Sixth sense!”
Miss Tang couldn't help but laugh, patting the girl's forehead. “I thought your sixth sense only worked for food.”
“Hahaha~”
Xiao Yi in the front seat laughed along, but as his laughter faded, he added, “But Xiao Yun is right this time, Miss. For someone from the Qin family to approach you now, they must have an ulterior motive.”
“Mhm.”
Miss Tang gave a soft hum of agreement as she leaned back against the seat.
“No one from the Qin family is simple.”
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