I felt a bit awkward, as I had no such intention.
It was just that when a beautiful woman told you in front of you that she could agree to any condition, any man would more or less have some…
"I didn't mean it like that…" I quickly explained, "I meant that tomb raiding is really not my strong suit…"
"I don't need you to tomb raid," Wu Tingxiu said.
"Then what do you want me to do?"
She asked, "First, answer me, are you willing to help me?"
"Why must you find me to help you?"
This was a question I had wanted to ask for a long time, but I had never had the chance.
A hint of melancholy flashed across Wu Tingxiu's brow. She took out a pack of More cigarettes, lit one, and slowly took a drag, "First, your appraisal skills are strong, and second, you are clean."
"Clean?"
I was a little confused by this word.
She nodded, "You are not from Guangling, nor are you involved in this matter…"
"You trust me that much?" I asked.
She smiled gently, "At least for now, you are indeed a trustworthy person."
Her words made me think I had great personal charm.
However, upon reflection, she probably had no other choice, which was why she approached me.
"I told you, I won't treat you unfairly," Wu Tingxiu said, "When we go back this time, I will give you a great gift to express my gratitude."
A great gift? What great gift?
Could it be that she was offering herself as a gift to me?
After some wild thoughts, I asked, "What exactly do you want me to help you with?"
"Are you agreeing then?" she raised her eyebrows and asked.
To be honest, if it weren't for Suihou Zhu, I would never have agreed.
In order to investigate my father's affairs, I could only lean on others for now.
By using Wu Tingxiu's influence, I could slowly uncover the truth.
If I were to rely on myself alone, I would probably make no progress.
This could be considered mutual utilization; she used me, and I used her.
After thinking it through, I nodded, "I can agree, mostly on the basis of friendship."
Wu Tingxiu beamed, "I have always been loyal to my friends, and you will know how correct your decision today is in the future."
I inwardly thought, I hope so.
Wu Tingxiu didn't say what she needed my help with, only that when we returned to Guangling, she would tell me when she was ready.
I was accustomed to her secretive way of doing things and didn't bother to probe further.
Back in my room, Wang Yang was lying on the bed watching television. Seeing me return, he asked what Wu Tingxiu had talked to me about this time.
I shrugged, "What else could she talk about? Nothing more than wanting me to help her with something."
"Help with what?"
"She didn't say."
Wang Yang chuckled mischievously, "I think Yun Peng was right, that woman most likely has a crush on you… Xiaofei, are you still a virgin?"
"How is that possible," I said insincerely, "Do you think I'm like you?"
To avoid him launching into a lecture, I changed the subject and asked, "That tattoo on your shoulder is quite unique."
Wang Yang laughed, "My dad got it for me when I was a kid."
"You got a tattoo as a child? Does it have any special meaning?" I asked, my eyes darting around.
"Stop trying to trick me, I know what you're up to," Wang Yang said, rolling over. "Don't worry, I said I'd tell you everything after we got back, and it's only a few days away, why are you in such a hurry?"
My thoughts were seen through, so I directly asked, "Are you playing the same trick on me? Can't you just tell me now?"
Wang Yang sighed, "I can't explain it clearly right now."
"Why can't you explain it clearly? Do you think you have poor communication skills, or do you think I have poor comprehension?"
Wang Yang sighed, simply ignored me, and covered his head with the blanket, saying, "Sleep!"
Although I was anxious, the words were on his lips, and I could do nothing.
The next morning, our group returned the way we came, still by train.
I was a little puzzled. Wu Tingxiu was so rich, why was she still saving on the cost of plane tickets?
Wouldn't flying back be faster?
I shared this question with Wang Yang, and he smiled, saying I didn't understand anything.
I was quite confused. What was there not to understand about flying versus taking the train?
He asked, "Do you think what Song Bing and Guan Hu were carrying would be allowed on a plane?"
Upon hearing this, I suddenly understood.
"Besides, Song Bing and Guan Hu both look like they're on a wanted list. If they took a plane, wouldn't they be exposed?"
"On a wanted list?"
He grinned, "The official wanted list."
I was stunned and said, "Is it that exaggerated? Then why did Wu Tingxiu dare to bring them? Isn't she afraid…"
"That's why I said that woman is not simple, did you think I was joking?" Wang Yang said, "I'm giving you a heads-up, don't let yourself be sold and still help count the money."
I retorted irritably, "Do I look like such a fool?"
"You don't look like one, but you're definitely not as smart as her."
"Alright, alright, just shut up. You're the smartest person in the world, from now on I'll call you Wang Da Congming."
Wang Yang laughed, "I'm being serious, don't take it lightly. It's only because we're friends that I'm saying this."
"Okay, thank you for your kindness."
As we were bickering, Bai Hanyan appeared. This time, however, she didn't start by confronting me, and her attitude was noticeably better than before.
"Xiang Fei, that dagger I gave you, do you still have it?"
I nodded, "It's in my backpack, why?"
She pursed her lips, a hint of shyness flickering in her eyes, "You must not lose it…"
I smiled, "Don't worry, I'll return it to you as soon as we get off the train."
"I… I'm not asking you to return it, I want you to keep it safe." Bai Hanyan glared at me.
"You're giving me that dagger?"
She didn't speak, stamped her foot, and angrily turned to leave.
"What the hell? Did I offend her again?" I asked Wang Yang.
He was clutching his stomach, laughing uncontrollably, "Xiaofei, you're amazing!"
"Amazing at what?"
"You've been in Guangling for so long, haven't you heard anything about the Bai family and Bai Hanyan?"
"Brother Hong told me a little, saying Bai Hanyan is a little firecracker…"
"She is indeed a little firecracker, but the Bai family has an unwritten rule."
"What rule?"
"It is said that whoever obtains the Bai family's White Tiger Dagger will become the Bai family's favored son-in-law."
"What White Tiger Dagger?"
As I asked this, I suddenly realized something and looked at Wang Yang in disbelief, "You mean…"
He nodded with a smug, schadenfreude grin.