"Since that's the case, I'll leave first and not disturb your recovery. Remember not to worry too much."
Gu Qianying added another reminder before leaving. What neither of them expected was that they could now speak so frankly. The sense of familiarity she felt with Baili Su made her feel strange.
But some things, once spoken, felt absurd.
Yes, absurd. She couldn't possibly tell Baili Su that he gave her a familiar feeling, as if they had been together before.
But even she didn't believe it, let alone anyone else.
Gu Qianying left after saying these few words.
Baili Su, who had been lying on the bed, sighed after seeing this. He got off the bed, walked to the bookshelf, carefully pulled out a book, and began to read.
When he reached a certain page, Baili Su stopped. It contained the records of the Scorpion Grass, with a drawing and specific directions from a previous occupant. If Gu Qianying could get this book and ask around in the market, she would know what herb it was. However, for now, Baili Su had a leverage that he couldn't reveal to Gu Qianying yet.
But today also felt strange. He hadn't expected Gu Qianying to directly tell him her purpose in going to the Western Regions. It seemed he had to reconsider Gu Qianying carefully.
Outside Baili Su's courtyard.
Gu Qianying rubbed her head.
After taking a few steps, she saw someone waiting by the door.
"Why are you here?"
Seeing that the person was Ouyang Qinglin, a smile appeared on Gu Qianying's face. She ran a few steps to her side and asked.
"Seeing as you haven't come out for so long, and considering that kid is not someone to be trifled with, don't think he's handsome and suffering from a strange poison, and have any improper thoughts about him, only to fall into his trap. I was worried something might happen to you, so I came to take a look. I didn't expect you to come out not long after I arrived."
Ouyang Qinglin smiled. She was genuinely worried that Baili Su might get angry and do something to Gu Qianying, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
In fact, they didn't fully trust the Baili family. The reason they were still on the same side was simply that each was getting what they needed.
However, Ouyang Qinglin felt that the male protagonist looked somewhat familiar at first glance, but then she thought about his usual behavior and worried that the female protagonist might be bullied, putting her in a dilemma.
Gu Qianying shook her head, "What are you talking about? With his body, he can barely walk a few steps out of bed now. If he wanted to harm me, it's probably impossible. Besides, even if he really wanted to harm me, I have a way to deal with him!"
Gu Qianying said triumphantly. To guard against the Baili family, Gu Qianying had racked her brains. Feeling helpless, she finally resorted to this method, giving Baili Su a drug that was mutually antagonistic. Even if all the physicians in the entire Western Regions City came to take his pulse, they would likely be helpless.
"It seems you're quite smart and not foolish enough to go home."
Ouyang Qinglin laughed heartily.
"What do you need me for?"
Normally, Ouyang Qinglin and Gu Qianying lived in the same courtyard and met frequently. Why did she come all the way to Baili Su's courtyard today?
"Nothing much. I feel like we have another tough battle ahead, so I came to find you for a drink to bolster our courage."
Ouyang Qinglin took out the wine pot she had prepared from behind and shook it at Gu Qianying, a hint of happiness and pride on her face.
"This is the finest grape wine in Western Regions City. I spent a lot of money to buy it."
Fearing that Gu Qianying might dislike his usual cheap drinks, he added a clarification.
"Alright, we won't return until we're drunk today!"
Gu Qianying was very happy. She felt like she hadn't had a good drink with her friends in a long time. Now that there was such an opportunity, why not seize it?
Saying that, the two took the wine and returned to their courtyard.
As soon as they sat down, Gu Qianying eagerly opened the wine and exclaimed, "As expected, it's good wine. Excellent."
"Quick, let's drink!"
Ouyang Qinglin poured her a cup. Gu Qianying was also generous and drank it down in one gulp.
After only a few rounds of drinking, they heard footsteps from outside.
"You two are drinking without inviting me?"
The person who arrived was Duan Xifeng. Earlier, there was nothing happening at the Baili residence, and now he had also returned to his courtyard.
He didn't expect to see the two of them drinking together, which made Duan Xifeng quite angry. He usually enjoyed drinking, and these two were too inconsiderate.
"There's no shortage for you. Come."
Ouyang Qinglin poured another cup of wine and handed it to him. The three sat opposite each other, and soon the entire jar of fine wine was emptied.
"Time flies so fast. We've been in Western Regions City for more than half a month, but there's still no news of the Scorpion Grass."
After several rounds of drinks, Ouyang Qinglin sighed. She hadn't expected to be in Western Regions for almost a month.
"I met Baili Su today. He did provide some information. He said that this herb does grow in Western Regions, but it is extremely rare. If one can find it, it's likely due to luck."
Gu Qianying's face was slightly flushed. She recounted everything Baili Su had told her that day, without any concealment from everyone.
"Really?"
Upon hearing that this matter was related to Xiao Yihao, Duan Xifeng's spirits were lifted, and he asked a few questions.
Gu Qianying nodded, "Since that's the case, after all the things we've been through, we'll definitely be able to get the Scorpion Grass this time."
For some reason, Ouyang Qinglin was always very confident in her luck. Perhaps it was because she had been a national preceptor for so many years, or perhaps she had seen her future long ago?
Gu Qianying didn't know. In any case, too many things had happened today, and her mind was a bit jumbled.
"Do you remember what happened in Dong Sheng Kingdom?"
Ouyang Qinglin opened another jar of wine and asked.
"Of course, I remember. Back then, we truly went through fire and water, overcoming countless hardships!"
Gu Qianying recalled her past as the Ninth Imperial Consort with great emotion, and even felt like laughing. Fortunately, they had endured all the hardships back then, and things would be better in the future, right?
Little did they know that they were all pawns in fate, their positions already set. Every step they took was beyond their control.
Perhaps the female protagonist knew some things, but the problem was that they were always powerless. After drinking, the few of them poured out their hearts. The most exaggerated was Ouyang Qinglin, who started spilling everything after drinking.
Looking at his boastful demeanor, the female protagonist shook her head helplessly, shouting that he was the one who wanted to drink, and now he was the one who was drunk.