Chapter 27: Encountering an Old Acquaintance

This was a courtyard, many times larger than the dilapidated one she lived in. Stacks of stones of varying sizes, colors, and bizarre shapes were scattered everywhere. Beside each pile stood a wooden sign displaying its price.

Zhao Erdong strolled casually up to a pile of stones and silently activated her Divine Eyes. Two golden flames flickered within her pupils as she stared intently at the rocks, only to find that she could not fully penetrate their structure; she could only discern vague outlines.

She was secretly astonished. These stones were truly extraordinary. Her Divine Eyes could pierce through gold and jade, yet these materials remained impenetrable—it was truly strange.

She tried a few more, but the results were the same: she could not see clearly, only catching glimpses of faint shapes. It seemed these stones were solid through and through, containing nothing at all. What, then, were these so-called Spirit Essence Crystals actually like?

When her gaze fell upon the eighth stone, she could clearly see a faint, ghostly light flickering within. Though she could not discern its exact shape or size, she was certain that this stone contained a Spirit Essence Crystal.

"Young Master Lu, I fear there is no one here to gamble on stones with you today. A new batch has just arrived over there; why not pick a few?" The servant who had just abandoned Zhao Erdong was now clinging to Lu Tianming like a lapdog, fawning over him incessantly.

"No one to gamble with? Then let's try another place." Lu Tianming scanned the courtyard. Aside from two young maids, there was no one else in sight. Losing interest, he turned to leave.

Lu Tianming failed to recognize Zhao Erdong. During the Chrysanthemum Banquet, Zhao Erqin, harboring ill intentions, had taken Zhao Erdong out of the estate and insisted she wear her own new, ornate clothes. The difference between those lavish garments and the worn, simple attire Zhao Erdong wore today was so great that it was only natural for him to fail to recognize her.

However, Zhao Erdong recognized Lu Tianming instantly. How could she forget this scoundrel, who had provoked her that day with nothing but insults, comparing her to mud in a gutter?

"Young Master Lu, how about a wager with me?" Zhao Erdong asked, her face blooming into a radiant smile as she gazed at him gracefully.

Lu Tianming turned back and looked closely. The young woman before him had fair skin and delicate features. Though she wore no makeup or finery, she was striking. While she might not be a peerless beauty, her poise and temperament made it difficult to look away. There was even a subtle, lingering sense of familiarity about her.

The arrogance Lu Tianming had previously displayed vanished instantly. He smiled at Zhao Erdong and asked, "My lady, have we met before?"

"Young Master Lu is a dragon among men, a person of high status; even if you had met me, you would likely not remember. Since that is the case, why dwell on identity? As the saying goes, 'Why must we have met before to find a connection?' Our meeting today is destiny."

Zhao Erdong said all this merely to induce Lu Tianming to stay, gamble on stones with her, and foot the bill. She wanted to avoid using the jade piece given to her by Bai He. She had a vague intuition that the jade was far from simple; if it were revealed to the world, it might invite disaster. Given their current meager strength, it was best not to court unnecessary trouble.

Everyone enjoys flattery, and Lu Tianming was no exception, especially when praised by an attractive woman. To him, there was nothing more delightful in the world.

"A wonderful sentiment—'Why must we have met before to find a connection?' Since you are so gracious, how could I refuse?" Lu Tianming beamed, his smile exceptionally bright. He immediately ordered his attendants to pay, generously covering the costs for both of them.