After a few days of rest and full recovery, Yifong, Donghua, and Kai sat together in a quiet room that night.
"Xing Li, why did you bother hiding your face?" Yifong asked, breaking the silence. "You come from a powerful family. You could have your own carriage with bodyguards, yet you chose to go to Feijing alone, all disguised."
Kai hesitated, unsure how to answer. Finally, he chose honesty.
"I wasn't planning on going to the cultivation school," he admitted. "I wanted to come to Feijing for a bit, stock up on supplies, and then travel away from the Thor Clan."
"What? Isn't that going against the Emperor's orders?" Donghua asked, frowning.
"So?" Kai replied.
"You will get punished for disobeying and putting your family in trouble," Donghua said, concern creasing his brow.
"Isn't that what they deserve?" Kai shot back, a hint of defiance in his voice.
"Deserve?" Yifong echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Kai recounted the mistreatment Xing Li had experienced from the novel and his memories from Xing Li. He deliberately left out certain future details but explained enough to convey his desperation to escape. He even exaggerated some parts to make them understand how dire his situation felt.
"Wow, those bastards. How could they?" Donghua exclaimed, furious.
"Then wouldn't the cultivation school be the safest place?" Yifong suggested. "It is the Emperor's order, and no one can enter except students."
Kai considered this and realized Yifong was right. As long as he stayed within the cultivation school, the Emperor's protection would shield him. Sure, there might still be bullying, but it was far better than wandering alone through unfamiliar land.
"You're right," Kai said firmly. "The cultivation school is only for two years. I can stay behind its walls, learn more, and plan ahead."
He thought to himself, "Sorry, Xing Li. It might take a few years before I can truly fulfill our promise."
But going to school and walking through the bustling streets of Feijing in his new appearance with golden hair and blue eyes, he knew he would inevitably attract attention.
"I can't go to school like this," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I need hair dye. There has to be a way to cover this up."
Yifong and Donghua exchanged puzzled glances.
"Disguised again?" Yifong asked.
"No, what do you think my family will do if rumors spread about me? They will probably force me to go back home," Kai explained.
Yifong nodded in understanding.
After a moment, Donghua spoke thoughtfully. "I have a friend who might know about such things. Let's go see her."
As shadows lengthened and the streets buzzed with activity, the trio boarded a carriage bound for their destination. The air was thick with the smell of street food and the lively hum of passersby.
"Here we are, Zhu Dian of the Twin Stars," Donghua announced as he and Yifong stepped out. "Xing Li, wait inside the carriage for a moment while I go fetch someone."
Kai peeked through the carriage window, taking in the vibrant nightlife of Feijing. Zhu Dian pulsed at the heart of the district, alive with merchants, performers, and courtesans waving excitedly, like shining stars.
"Hey there, sir. Come on out. We will show you how to have a good time," called a courtesan with a musical laugh, her voice blending with the lively rhythm of the night.
Kai watched silently, feeling a strange mix of excitement and awkwardness. He had never been approached like this before, nor had he ever had a girlfriend, so he couldn't quite explain how he felt about her call.
It was only a few minutes before Donghua returned, accompanied by a striking older madam dressed in rich silks, flanked by two poised maids.
"Greetings, young masters. I am Madam Yu. I have been expecting you. Please, come in. She is waiting," the madam said warmly, with a professional tone.
The maids smiled softly and led the way. Wearing a thick veiled hat that concealed most of his face and hair, Kai stepped out of the carriage, wrapped in an air of mystery.
Inside Zhu Dian, laughter from courtesans and patrons filled the lavish halls. Lanterns cast a warm glow, and the air shimmered with revelry as people indulged in drinks and companionship. The lively atmosphere was almost alive, pulling them deeper into its enchanting embrace.
A few moments later, amidst the bustling crowd, a handsome figure moved with assured confidence. His sharp features and commanding presence drew attention as he weaved through the throng, radiating authority and charisma.
Madam Yu's gaze settled on him. She greeted him with a warm, professional smile.
"Welcome back, young master," she said smoothly. "It's been too long since your last visit."
"Good evening, Madam Yu," he replied politely, though his eyes sought out someone specific in the room. "Take me to Cheng Ren."
She bowed lightly. "He has already made himself comfortable. Allow me to escort you to his private chamber."
She knocked gently on a door, and Cheng Ren's booming voice called out, "Come in!"
The handsome young master pushed open the door and stepped inside. His eyes immediately landed on his cousin, who lounged in a luxurious chair, surrounded by exquisite courtesans. One rested languidly in his arms, another fanned him with a delicate fan, both giggling at private jokes.
"Ah, Jiang Wei! You've finally arrived," Cheng Ren exclaimed, laughter ringing out. "I was worried you'd forget about me. But with these beauties, I nearly lost track of time. Now, this is what I call a good time."
The merriment filled the opulent room. The courtesans exchanged flirtatious glances, their fingers dancing over Cheng Ren's robes, drawing him deeper into their web of charm. Jiang Wei observed the intoxicating atmosphere that fueled Cheng Ren's exuberance—a decadent, carefree joy.
"Indeed, it seems you've been enjoying yourself thoroughly," Jiang Wei remarked with a teasing smile.