What bad intentions could my Daoist partner possibly have?

Chapter 18 He dares to hit me today, he dares to fight for me tomorrow...

In the end, Shen Jianwei fled in a panic, her face flushed.

Li Qingan was left alone in the large room on the top floor.

While sitting at the table, Li Qingan was busy making the hollow image stone in his hands, recalling Shen Jianwei's blushing and flustered appearance.

He felt that his gaze had given him away, but he couldn't control his eyes at the time because he already had a crush on this bright little foodie.

To put it simply, it is the decline of free will.

Shen Jianwei must have sensed it too, which is why she ran away.

However, Li Qingan was in a particularly good mood, because it was not difficult to tell from Shen Jianwei's reaction that she also had feelings for him.

Otherwise, why would they react this way?
After figuring this out, Li Qing'an felt exceptionally happy.

Although he didn't know how Shen Jianwei's heart had undergone subtle changes in a single day, Li Qing'an was too lazy to delve into it.

If you like something, you just like it; there's no need for too many reasons.

It's a very lucky and happy thing to find out that the girl you like also has feelings for you.

"Still happy?"

Huang Qingwu's voice echoed in his mind: "This girl and Su Lingyin are best friends, and you're pursuing Su Lingyin because of the large amount of high-grade spirit crystals you get every month, and Su Lingyin seems to have quite a good impression of you..."

"You like this girl, and yesterday you were also attracted to Su Lingyin. Shouldn't you be having a headache right now?"

"Hmm?" Huang Qingwu's voice carried a hint of mockery: "You wouldn't happen to want to see these two best friends turn against each other because of you, would you?"

Li Qingan was speechless for a moment: "You really know how to bring up the most awkward topics."

"So you mean to choose one or the other?"

"Jianwei and I haven't reached that point yet... Let's focus on making money and cultivating first, and put everything else aside for later."

"It's good that you know," Huang Qingwu chuckled. "Don't forget you still have a master to support~"

"understood."

······
"Yinyin, you're here~"

On the first floor of Mingyue Tower, Shen Jianwei tiptoed and quickly walked two steps to greet Su Lingyin at the door, directly taking her wrist: "I thought you wouldn't be here for a while."

Although Su Lingyin and Shen Jianwei's acquaintance began in Yanzhou, it was like an extroverted, curious, and aloof person, and a lively, curious, and taciturn person.

Therefore, their friendship progressed very quickly, and they soon became best friends who could talk about almost anything.

However, now, Su Lingyin's gaze lingers on Shen Jianwei for longer than usual.

She doesn't understand.

Shen Jianwei used to treat Li Qingan with disdain, barely saying a word to him. However, in the two days since Li Qingan returned, the relationship between the two has suddenly progressed rapidly.

They strolled through the morning market together, spent the whole day together, had dinner together, and even went to the Dong family to collect debts together... Especially their coordinated singing when collecting debts—anyone who didn't know better would think they were a married couple.

Why does this happen?

She thought about it all morning but couldn't figure it out, so she decided to come early.

Shen Jianwei's smile was the same as always, no different... So, is it just that following Li Qingan means there's food?
"Yinyin, why are you staring at me?"

Shen Jianwei blinked her bright eyes and asked in confusion.

"What about him?"

"Help me get some Void Stones upstairs." Shen Jianwei chuckled. "He accepted it if I offered him 100,000 spirit crystals a day."

After a pause, she quickly added, "Because I helped him collect more debts, he gave me a million as a thank you fee. I thought he was so short of spirit crystals, so I compensated him in this way."

Upon hearing this, Su Lingyin's initial doubts were dispelled.

My best friend is a glutton but has a great personality, and Li Qing'an is a kind person but lacks spirit crystals... So the two of them simply have a relationship of helping each other.

It's the same principle as secretly posting a task in the task pavilion and having Li Qing'an accept it.

But even with my best friend helping me like this... I'm still not in a good mood.

However, seeing Shen Jianwei's optimistic demeanor, Su Lingyin felt that she was probably overthinking things.

Li Qingan is very patient with himself.

"I'll go check on him first," Su Lingyin said softly.

"Yeah, lunch isn't ready yet anyway," Shen Jianwei quickly said. "You two can use this as a good opportunity to get to know each other."

Su Lingyin walked upstairs, and Shen Jianwei secretly breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her back.

Fortunately, I was quick-witted and managed to come up with a reason for asking Li Qingan to help me empty the Shadow Stone, otherwise I would have been...

Eh?
That's not right.

Why should I feel guilty in front of Lingyin?

I didn't do anything...

The more Shen Jianwei thought about it, the less confident she felt. She quickly looked up at the building, but Su Lingyin's figure was already gone.

It's all Li Qingan's fault! He blurted out something like, "You think I'm charming?" So embarrassing...

It's my own fault too, why did I keep secretly watching him? I never used to do this...

Shen Jianwei quickly picked up a few pastries from the table to calm the complicated thoughts in her mind.

As she ate, she glanced upstairs again, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

Will these two make any progress today?

Shen Jianwei chewed a little slower.

······
top layer.

Li Qingan stood up immediately when he saw Su Lingyin appear at the door: "Lingyin, why did you come early?"

As he walked over, he looked Su Lingyin up and down, observing her attire.

She still wore her hair half-tied up, her silver-white hair adorned with a hair ornament, but the ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) under her outer robe had undergone subtle changes compared to yesterday.

The skirt gradually changes from white to black starting from the waist on both sides, like a slowly unfolding ink painting, which not only accentuates the slender curves of the waist, but also highlights a kind of ascetic indifference in the visual impact of black and white.

In Li Qingan's eyes, however, there was an inexplicable sense of bitterness about it.

Upon closer inspection, although Su Lingyin's overall outfit was still predominantly black, her bust was indeed quite large.

Li Qingan glanced past her without making a sound, then looked into her azure eyes that carried a hint of aloofness, and his expression softened.

They demonstrated the professional qualities they should have.

Su Lingyin looked at him as well, with the same familiar gentle gaze and the occasional curious glance at her chest.

but……

"Why were you so close to Jianwei yesterday and today?" She took a step forward, her chest almost touching Li Qing'an's body, a delicate, orchid-like fragrance lingering around her nose.

Li Qingan wasn't surprised by her surveillance, but he was curious about how she was doing it, since Huang Qingwu hadn't noticed any surveillance yesterday.

Li Qingan said softly, "She helped me collect my debts, saving me the trouble of going to each of them one by one. Thanks to her, not only did I get them all back, but I also received a large amount of compensation from the Dong family."

Why didn't you ask me for help?

"I don't want my feelings for you to be mixed with self-interest."

"Is a small detail enough?" Su Lingyin tilted her head slightly, her voice as cold as her appearance: "Aren't you afraid I'll suspect you have ulterior motives for approaching her? Aren't you afraid I'll be unhappy? Aren't you afraid I'll overthink things?"

Li Qingan's smile faded slightly: "Lingyin, you're overthinking it. Don't you know how I feel about you?"

Su Lingyin smiled faintly: "I thought you would apologize to me immediately."

"I did nothing wrong, why should I apologize?"

Li Qingan looked calmly at Su Lingyin. Although he had forgotten the specific contents of the agreement, he could guess its general meaning.

Within normal limits, he pursued Su Lingyin without letting her know that someone had given him spirit crystals... And based on what he saw and heard after returning to the city the day before yesterday, as well as his meeting with Su Lingyin, it's not hard to tell that he hadn't actually done anything as pathetic as a simp.

Furthermore, judging from Su Lingyin's changing expression, it can be inferred that she has not been constantly violating her personal bottom line.

That's why Li Qingan dares to speak out.

Su Lingyin said calmly, "Shouldn't it be basic common sense to keep your distance from others when you have someone you like?"

Li Qingan asked directly, "Then do you agree to be my Daoist partner?"

He's now wondering if he'll receive a large sum of money as a final payment after the contract is completed.

If I guess right, then we're all happy.

It's highly likely, after all, the power behind Su Lingyin is indeed generous. If Su Lingyin really does appear, she should compensate them.

After all, the other party is quite wealthy, so the final payment will definitely be more than expected.

With this thought in mind, Li Qingan took a step forward, pressing his chest directly against Su Lingyin's: "Do you agree?"

It feels really good...

Moreover, her body is indeed quite warm beneath her cool exterior.

I could clearly feel her body temperature even through her clothes.

He glanced down discreetly and indeed could not see the toes.

Su Lingyin did not back down because Li Qingan crossed the line; she simply looked up at Li Qingan, who was more than ten centimeters taller than her.

She parted her cherry lips slightly, a hint of resentment in her eyes: "I'm upset that you're getting close to Jianwei. Can you apologize to me?"

Li Qingan raised an eyebrow. What, is your cultivation technique still in the stage where I have to confess my love?
He mentally calculated that he had confessed to her about 150 times in five months, and she still hadn't agreed. Did he have to make up 999 times?
This is a bit of a pain...

You have time to listen, but I don't have time to speak.

“I did nothing wrong.” Li Qingan replied as before: “Whether I like you or not, you know in your heart, but whether you like me or not, I don’t know yet. At least give me a clear answer, right?”

Su Lingyin took two steps back, a strange light flashing in her eyes, and smiled slightly: "You've always been so firm on this point. You still put yourself first in your heart."

Li Qingan smiled slightly: "Love others, but love yourself first."

He realized that Su Lingyin seemed to be conducting an obedience test. She hadn't even agreed to be his Daoist partner yet, and she already had such a strong desire for control. What would she be like in the future?

We can't spoil them too much!

"And what's your answer?" Li Qing'an emphasized, "Do you agree to be my Daoist partner?"

"Not yet." Su Lingyin offered an explanation for the first time: "It's not quite enough..."

Not enough what?
Is it some kind of immortal cultivation technique?

Li Qingan thought for a moment and said calmly, "Then let's not talk about this for now."

"Then let's talk about your apology..."

"There's nothing to discuss!" Li Qingan interrupted her. "Is an apology enough?"

"What if?" Su Lingyin smiled. "Why don't we give it a try?"

Li Qingan gave a cold laugh and remained silent.

Su Lingyin looked at Li Qingan with slight surprise, then an expression of interest appeared on her face: "Are you angry? This is the first time I've seen you with such an expression~"

As she spoke, she reached out to touch Li Qing'an's head, but Li Qing'an took two steps back expressionlessly: "I am not your pet, Holy Maiden, please have some self-respect!"

Su Lingyin's outstretched right hand froze in mid-air, her interest seemingly growing stronger: "Are you really angry? That's not very good. Be good, don't be angry, I..."

She reached out again, but this time Li Qing'an stopped her with his hand: "Holy Maiden, if you continue like this..."

At the same time, he looked at Su Lingyin's palms. Her palms were rosy, indicating that she had plenty of blood and energy and that her menstrual flow wouldn't be painful.

"What?" Su Lingyin looked at him with a half-smile: "Want to hit me?"

"You haven't given me a clear answer yet. Do you think I wouldn't dare?"

"You dare?"

"Do you think I don't dare?"

Su Lingyin raised her voice: "Are you willing to do that?"

Li Qingan also raised his voice: "Do you think I'm reluctant to part with it?"

"Then go ahead and hit me!"

"You think I wouldn't dare hit you after hanging me like that for so long?"

"Come on, let's get started!" Su Lingyin took Li Qingan's right hand and placed it on her cheek: "You..."

Snapped!
Li Qingan slapped it down without much force, but how could there be no sound when the palm of his hand touched the skin?

To be honest, her cheeks were quite warm, and her skin was delicate enough to feel great to the touch.

Feeling the real touch of Li Qing'an's large hand on her cheek, Su Lingyin's beautiful eyes widened involuntarily, filled with disbelief.

She didn't feel any pain, but she didn't expect Li Qingan to actually dare to hit her.

This shows he really dares to do it...

Su Lingyin stared blankly at Li Qingan, her left hand unconsciously stroking her cheek a few times, her lips moving but her expression remained blank.

"You brat, you're actually going to hit me?" Huang Qingwu's voice was slightly surprised: "Aren't you afraid the business will fall through? Aren't you afraid of offending the forces behind her?"

“She told me to hit her,” Li Qingan replied. “Besides, I didn’t use any force. Moreover, if I help her achieve mastery of immortal techniques, the forces behind her will thank me. At worst, I’ll just avoid her in the future…”

“Besides,” Li Qingan observed Su Lingyin’s expression and continued to Huang Qingwu, “she hasn’t gotten angry after being stunned for so long, and the person secretly protecting her hasn’t appeared either.”

"That's strange indeed..." Huang Qingwu chuckled lightly, then said no more.

Li Qingan calmly withdrew his right hand and smiled slightly: "I really dare, don't I?"

Su Lingyin smiled, and her eyes softened.

This reaction made Li Qingan's eyelids twitch, but instead of Su Lingyin's outburst, he received a playful and indulgent voice from her: "Naughty~"

Ok?
Li Qingan realized that this woman really treated him like a pet.

That's a really strange reaction.

However, Li Qingan did not let his guard down. What if this was just the calm before the storm?
"The food should be ready soon, you can go downstairs now," Su Lingyin said softly. "Let me see what you've been busy with this morning."

"Row!"

Li Qingan left decisively, secretly hoping that she would make a breakthrough soon so that he could collect the final payment.

In the room where only Su Lingyin remained, the old woman's voice echoed softly in her ear: "Your Highness, he has crossed the line."

"Really?" Su Lingyin touched her cheek again. "I don't think so."

He dares to hit you!

Upon hearing this, a strange smile flashed across Su Lingyin's eyes: "If he dares to hit me today, will he dare to fight for me tomorrow?"

"Hmm...hmm???" The old woman's voice distorted: "Your Highness, don't you want to listen to what you're saying?!"

"Am I wrong?" Su Lingyin chuckled. "He only acted because he listened to me. He's quite amusing, isn't he?"

"..."

The old woman remained silent, only wanting to report the matter as soon as possible.

The goddess has been tempering her heart in the mortal world... and she's gone mad from it!

Fortunately, Her Highness's next words relieved her a little.

"However, he has indeed been a bit naughty... Being too naughty isn't good either~"

······
Author's note: Please read further, vote with monthly tickets, chapter reviews are also welcome...or2.

(End of this chapter)