Book Pavilion.

  The granny resting in her rocking chair cracked open an eye and watched the young man placing a little gift box on her aged desk.

  “Fufu... seems like young Bubai’s injuries isn’t any big problem.”

  Bubai bowed respectfully. “It’s all thanks to Shu Po Po’s blessings and care.”

  “Hum. Hum.” Granny Shu kindly nodded and closed her eyes once more.

  “So? What brings young Bubai to this old lady’s den so late? Finally know to look for this old lady after landing yourself in hot water?”

  Bubai peered up. “No, no, Shu Po Po. Some matters have already been temporarily resolved.”

  “Hum? Resolved?” The fingers tapping against her armrest stopped.

  “Hum, right. You resolved the little thing that can be solved by just a word, but to do so, young Bubai broke the cauldrons and sunk the boats. Why bother causing such a big mess?”

  Bubai scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

  "Junior can’t speak for tomorrow, but junior thinks that shaking up the ministers like loose sand can let the king shine all the brighter."

  In any world, those serving the ruler never wants a united front below.

  It was better to have a pile of sand that bends to their will.

  Bubai was betting that the Royal Faction in this sect would want the same!

  Even if there’s a little leeway, that would give room for his ambitions to grow!

  Of course, it all depends on the granny’s attitude.

  If the granny shows any signs of dissatisfaction, he’ll close the net and call it a day. No need to risk more.

  Now, what is her take on this?

  The old lady’s eyes slowly squinted opened, scanning him from head to toe.

  Those eyes were like murky jade, clouded with age yet still sharp enough to read him like an open book.

  "Fufu… young man likes acting all clever. But playing with fire—it's easy to get burned, oh."

  A warning, but nada rejection. Not a bad attitude. Be brave and proceed!

  Bubai cupped his hands and saluted. “Junior will be careful. If Shu Po Po doesn’t despise junior for being a bit bold, then Bubai is willing to present granny with a beautiful show.”

  The granny let out a low hum. “Don’t make this old lady get worked up for nothing.”

  “Junior will do my best! It’s just that...”

  Bubai flashed a sheepish smile and gently nudged the small gift box forward on the desk.

  “It’s junior’s fault for disturbing Shu Po Po this late. So junior brought some tea to soothe granny’s heart. It’s not much, but it represents junior’s heartfelt gratitude.”

  “Hum?” Granny Shu shot the gift box a glance and smiled. “Ember Petal Herb… young Bubai really put your heart into it.”

  The old lady lazily waved her hand...

  The gift lifted off the table and floated into the satchel hanging on her rocking chair.

  After collecting the gift, the granny’s face softened.

  “Fufu… this old lady understands young Bubai’s well intentions. Hum, hum, do what you want. As long as the skies don’t fall, this old lady is sure those sitting at the top won’t harass a little junior.”

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Bubai’s heart leapt in joy. Confirmed—safe!

  The Granny’s words were worth their weight in gold.

  If she says they won’t, there’s a good chance she personally would make sure of that!

  This was why he sought out this granny tonight!

  Without this golden thigh to hug, does he still dare to stir up trouble and play so big? Not a chance.

  Bubai was still not entirely sure why she was so willing to favor a little guy like him, but as long as she can give him milk, he’ll gladly worship her like a filial grandson!

  With renewed sincerity, Bubai paid his respects. “Granny’s boundless grace—junior Bubai will never forget.”

  “Hum, hum. As long as you know, as long as you know…”

  The granny narrowed her eyes like a happy boss. “Then if there’s nothing else... is young Bubai staying to help this old lady copy scriptures tonight?”

  Bubai’s face stiffened and he offered a quick, apologetic smile. "Shu Po Po, Junior... still needs to make some preparations for tomorrow."

  “Hurm. So be it.” The granny shut her eyes once more.

  She started rocking in her chair again, her usual habit of sending off a guest without so much as a second glance.

  Yet Bubai’s feet stayed rooted to the spot, his gaze shifting around, searching for a certain granny persona using a beauty filter...

  Not here?

  Just when he was about to pipe up to ask, a head poked out from behind the granny. “Looking for this fairy?”

  Bubai blinked back a “yes”.

  “Fufufu~”

  The sprightly, silver-haired fairy ducked back behind the granny then popped up right by his side. Hands looped around his arm and she sang out. “Granny, Ling’er will go out for a bit~”

  Granny Shu cracked open an eye to see her cotton padded jacket towing the young man out. “This yatou…”

  Shaking her head, she let her eyes shut once more and the ghost of a crooked smile appeared on her old face.

  “Fufu. It’s only a matter of time...”

  Outside. North District.

  Strolling along the ghostly moonlit street, the pouting fairy hugging the ugly duckling’s arms gave his face a poke.

  “Fairy brother, you actually gave the entire box of Ember Petal Tea to granny! How could you?!”

  Bubai rolled his eyes. “Relax. I saved a few leaves for fairy.”

  “Humph. At least your heart hasn’t been completely eaten by a cat.”

  “Haha…”

  Then there was silence. Shu Ling’s clever eyes darted about, then shot over to him.

  “Hum, so? What is fairy brother looking for this fairy for?”

  Bubai met her stare with a straight face. “Can’t I simply come to admire the beautiful moon tonight?”

  Shu Ling rolled her eyes. “Less of that sugar-coated nonsense. Isn’t this fairy clear about what kind of person you are by now?”

  Bubai laughed awkwardly, rubbing his nose. “Fairy’s eyes are like a torch. I really can’t hide anything from you.”

  “Humph. Just as this fairy thought. Hum, hum. Now, out with it. What does fairy brother need help with this time?”

  Bubai led her forward. “There’s something I need the fairy to help check on.”

  Shu Ling blinked, then looked at the entrance of the Public Commons District that was getting closer and closer.

  Her starry eyes twinkled and curved like crescent moons. She squeezed closer, giving him a meaningful look.

  “Fufufu~ Bringing this fairy here... could it be that fairy brother wants this fairy to…”

  She peeked down. “Check up on little fairy brother?”

  Cough- What? Bubai nearly choked on his own breath. “No, no! Fairy, please don’t misunderstand! I am bringing fairy here for serious business. Serious business, understand?”

  The devious fairy blinked cutely. “Fufufu~ Whatever you say, fairy brother~”

  Getting that bedtime look from the moon, Bubai can only pick up his pace to avoid delaying important matters at hand.

  Arriving in front of a stall at the very edge of the Public Commons District, Bubai patted the silver-haired fairy’s naughty claws that “accidentally” latched onto the wrong limb.

  “Fairy, please wait out here for a moment.”

  Shu Ling rolled her eyes and gave him a flat look. “Is there still any of your secrets this fairy hasn’t seen?”

  She said that, but she still knowingly let go. “Hum. Hurry up, then. Let’s see what surprise fairy brother has cooked up this time.”

  Bubai flashed her a smile and quickly slipped inside the vacant stall.

  After shutting himself in darkness, his divine sense bubbled outwards to do a quick check.

  Yup, nothing. Not even a bug. Coast is clear. Then...

  A chair got fished out from his storage pouch.

  A rusty ring slipped onto his finger and he stuck his hand up to borrow some room.

  The bridge to his little warehouse opened and his arm reached out to loop around the hourglass waist of the sleeping goddess that fell from above.

  After setting the goddess on the chair and spreading out those sexy thighs for balance, he dusted off his hand then called out softly.

  “Fairy, you can come in now.”

  His words barely finished when the fairy popped into existence at his side, almost face to face.

  The cramped stall immediately felt even smaller, and things got a bit touchy…

  For a moment, the world outside seemed distant...

  But any ambiguous atmosphere faded away when the fairy’s starry eyes landed on the mature goddess.

  “Humph! So this is the reason fairy brother came looking for this fairy.”

  Bubai shifted uncomfortably and chuckled nervously. “Fairy, you’re the only one I can trust. So, I will have to trouble fairy to take a look for me.”

  “Humph!” Shu Ling pouted but she still did her job and appraised the classy goddess that sat there like a marionette.

  Those starry eyes turned and the appraiser thoughtfully tapped her own pink lips...

  The silence stretched, more than he would like.

  In the end, Bubai was unable to hold back from breaking it. “Fairy, is there a problem?”

  “Hum? A problem?” Shu Ling blinked and turned to him with her usual devious face.

  “Fufufu, of course there is. And... there’s more than one!”