After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Soon, the sword dance ended, and enthusiastic applause erupted from the surroundings.

"it is good!"

Everyone seemed quite satisfied with the man's sword dance, and the amount of silver in the copper basin increased.

The old father thanked them one by one, but some people were still not satisfied and wanted the man to dance again.

"This..." The old father glanced at the man and shook his head. "We've rested enough. Why don't you all watch me dance instead?"

The guest waved his hand, "You're so old, and you don't dance as well as that man. What's so interesting about it?"

After saying this, he left. Several other people who also wanted to see the man perform a sword dance followed him.

The crowd dispersed, leaving only a few people who wanted to watch the spectacle but didn't want to pay.

Xiao Ran instantly felt that the surroundings were no longer so crowded.

The old father sighed and put the copper basin away.

Nangong Ming was somewhat surprised and hurriedly said, "Hey... why did you stop?"

The old father glanced at them and explained gently, "I'm sorry, my son will not be performing today. I'm sorry to disappoint you all."

"And what about you? Didn't you just say you were going to practice swordsmanship?" Nangong Ming asked, somewhat puzzled.

The old father glanced around again and shook his head.

"Young master, I'm truly sorry, but my old bones have been moving around for too long today. If I continue performing, the ladies might laugh at me..."

The implication was that he had been performing for too long today and was exhausted. If there were more people like before, he could continue because he could earn money. But now, with so few people around, he simply had no motivation.

Seeing that Nangong Ming wanted to say something more, Xiao Ran stopped him and smiled at her father.

"Okay, you should go back early."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Miss."

After saying that, they began to pack their things, and Xiao Ran also took Nangong Ming away from there.

As Nangong Ming walked, he asked, "Xiao Ran, why did you stop me just now? I have plenty of money, can't I even let them perform alone once?"

"Didn't you see his son's expression?" Xiao Ran smiled, recalling the man's gloomy look.

"If you let his father perform again, that sword will pierce through you in the next moment."

Nangong Ming shrank back and looked back at the father and son who were tidying up.

Then, for the first time ever, he heard Duan Li say something to him.

"indeed."

He suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"Alright." Nangong Ming nodded helplessly, but was soon attracted by the vendors hawking their wares. He untied his purse and hurried over, occasionally asking Xiao Ran which little gadget looked more fun.

Xiao Ran would occasionally offer a perfunctory reply, but her gaze would always be fixed on Duan Li.

He was standing under the willow tree, gazing at the lake, lost in thought.

"Hey." She walked up to Duan Li and called out, and Duan Li turned around to look at her.

"What are you doing?"

Duan Li withdrew his gaze and looked at the distant lake. Xiao Ran followed his gaze and saw a small pavilion in the center of the lake, where someone seemed to be singing a song softly and beautifully.

"That sounds really nice," Xiao Ran hummed along.

"I..." Duan Li suddenly opened his mouth, his Adam's apple bobbed, and then he stopped speaking.

Xiao Ran blinked, tilted her head towards him, and asked, "What?"

Time seemed to stand still. Duan Li looked at the girl in front of him. Her eyebrows were curved, and the corners of her mouth were curved in a gentle smile. Her hands were behind her back, but her eyes were blinking incessantly, as if she was curious about what he was going to say next.

Duanli reached out and plucked the willow leaf from the girl's head.

"nothing."