The system forced me to blow up the female lead's fishpond.

Zhu Shen was already terrified. He stared at the falling silver crown, then leaned back, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

[Congratulations, host, Chu Chouchi's corruption value has decreased by 65.]

The sound of electricity swept through her mind, and Shen Zhizhi's heart seemed to skip a beat before resounding like a drumbeat.

"Second Prince!" Her eyes suddenly lit up, both surprised and delighted, and she couldn't help but shout.

Chu Chouchi didn't kill him? The sword was practically hanging over Zhu Shen's head, and he didn't strike? This is an incredible leap forward!

Feeling her burning gaze, Chu Chouchi glanced at her lightly, feigning coldness, "This prince never said he would let him go. He will be executed by shaving his head. If he commits the same offense again, this prince will make sure he is never seen again."

Shen Zhizhi took two steps forward at a time, subconsciously glancing at the guests in the restaurant.

A faint smile played on her lips. "Your Highness is always like this. Though your words may be sharp, I understand that Your Highness is kind and a good person."

Then, he didn't forget to shout his feelings downstairs:

"On the day His Highness distributed porridge to relieve the disaster, fearing that the victims would not have enough to eat, he even paid out of his own pocket to buy all the steamed buns in the entire Nanliyue Star City, which moved me deeply."

Although Shen Zhizhi spoke in a gentle tone, it was enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear her clearly.

After he finished speaking, the whole room erupted in an uproar, and everyone began to whisper among themselves.

"Yes, yes, my family owns several steamed bun shops. One day, all the steamed buns were sold out, and we had to rush to make more."

"So that's how it is. No wonder I couldn't buy any steamed buns even after visiting several bun shops one day."

"His Highness is truly benevolent. Rumors stop with the wise; we are ashamed."

......

Shen Zhizhi's sharp, doe-like eyes darted left and right as she listened to the surrounding chatter, a slight smile playing on her lips, secretly delighted.

Zhang Jiali is blessed with the protagonist's halo, and he will ascend the throne no matter what. However, he is fair and just, and even the most wicked person will be given a chance as long as they are willing to repent.

She must stop Chu Chouchi's path to darkness, and before that, she must help him gain the favor and love of the people.

Only in this way could Chu Chouchi remain safe and sound after Zhang Jiali ascended the throne, and enjoy a smooth life.

"..."

Chu Chouchi paused slightly, following her gaze as he looked around the restaurant, quietly listening to the effusive praise he received.

Chu Chouchi was not clever at all; how could he not know the meaning behind her words?

But he was used to being scorned, and hearing these people's praises didn't make him happy; in fact, it made him somewhat distressed.

From now on, does he have to do this hypocritical thing in front of her all the time?

Chu Chouchi glanced over unintentionally and saw her smiling at him with her eyes crinkled. When she saw him looking at her, she even shook her little head smugly.

Chu Chouchi: "..."

Suddenly, an inexplicable emotion welled up in my heart.

So be it. Since she wants to see, then he'll go along with her act, even if it takes a lifetime.

Zhang Jiali stood beside Shen Zhizhi, gazing at her thoughtfully before finally lowering his gaze.

He stepped forward two steps and bowed: "Your Highness, since there is nothing else, I will take them to the prison first and conduct the trial on another day."

"Hmm." Chu Chouchi nodded slightly.

He listened expressionlessly to the continuous exclamations of praise around him, feeling extremely awkward all over.

Unable to bear the atmosphere any longer, he turned and went downstairs without even glancing at the shopkeeper, casually tossing a silver ingot to the waiter beside him.

"Your Highness, shall we not eat something else? Your Highness..."

Seeing that he did not respond to her and continued walking forward as if no one else was around, Shen Zhizhi quickly jogged to catch up with him.

As she followed closely behind Chu Chouchi, she turned her head and waved to Zhang Jiali, saying, "Lord Zhang, I'll have to trouble you then. Excuse me, Zhizhi."

After saying that, she quickly turned around and followed closely behind the tall, straight figure in front of her.

Zhang Jiali's eyes were clear, and his gaze followed the girl closely until she completely disappeared outside the restaurant.

As night falls and the city lights come on, they shine like the sun and stars.

Thousands of lanterns hung in the lantern market, like dazzling stars in the Milky Way. The streets were crowded with people, shoulder to shoulder, dressed in gorgeous clothes, moving among the bright lights.

"Your Highness, it was agreed that I would be hosting you today."

Shen Zhizhi's eyes flickered as she took out the nearly empty money pouch from her bosom and handed it to him, saying, "If it's not enough, I'll treat Your Highness to another meal in the future."

Chu Chouchi stopped in his tracks, staring at her expectant gaze, pursed his lips, and after a long while, let out a soft hum.

"idiot."

what?

Shen Zhizhi was full of questions and pouted indignantly.

Why did he curse at me after I gave him money?!

"If you truly wish to express your gratitude to me, then come with me."

Chu Chouchi walked briskly toward the lantern market, stopping in front of a stall.

Shen Zhizhi stared blankly ahead, rubbing her eyes hard. She looked again and found that he was indeed standing in front of the lantern stall.

[Holy crap, Chu Chouchi actually went to the lantern stall? Is he planning to release a sky lantern? He actually knows how to play with that kind of thing? It wasn't mentioned in the text at all.]

Ya Dan was also somewhat incredulous, and blankly asked, "Perhaps her personality changed after her 'darkening value' decreased?"

The vendor saw that Chu Chouchi was wearing an expensive brocade robe, glanced at Shen Zhizhi following behind him, and a smile immediately spread across his face.

"Young master, is that lady behind you your wife? You are exceptionally handsome, and she is beautiful as the moon and the flower. You are a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

Upon hearing this, Chu Chouchi's lips curled slightly, and he glanced at the person behind him without offering any explanation.

Having traveled far and wide, the peddler was well-versed in human nature. Seeing the smile in the young man's eyes, he knew he had struck a chord with him, and his smile deepened.

"Two lamps, how much silver?" Chu Chouchi casually picked up two prayer lamps.

"You've come to the right place! The prayer lanterns here are incredibly effective; they've been blessed by a master."

The vendor lowered his voice mysteriously, "Two lamps, only ten taels of silver, and whatever you wish for will come true."

Shen Zhizhi heard these words as soon as she stepped into the stall, and her face darkened instantly.

His grandma’s!

Although she didn't know about prices in ancient times, these two broken lamps couldn't possibly cost ten taels of silver at most, right?

Indeed, there have always been unscrupulous merchants throughout history and across the world.

Shen Zhizhi rushed forward to argue, but Chu Chouchi waved his hand and placed two silver ingots in front of the vendor's stall, saying generously, "You don't need to give me the rest."

Shen Zhizhi:? ? ?

Wait, buddy, is this how you spend money? What a spendthrift!

"Hey, hey, young master, you really know your stuff! This lantern will surely bring you all your dreams come true..." The vendor's smile immediately spread across his face, and he nodded and bowed repeatedly.

Shen Zhizhi stormed forward and slammed her hand on the stall with a "bang," startling everyone around her. "You liar! How dare you try to fool me? This broken lamp isn't worth two ingots of silver!"