Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Meeting Lu Bingning Again
Lin Yun and the others chatted idly in the private room. Although Lin Yun’s Combat Power was immense, he knew after a bit of small talk that he could never truly fit into their circle. It wasn’t an issue of strength, but of status.
If he weren’t a wanted man, it might have been possible. As the only son of Lin Xiaotian, his status was in no way inferior to Tang Wushuang’s. But that was clearly out of the question; he would rather die than expose his identity.
As the five of them were chatting, a Qi Sea Realm guard approached Tang Wushuang and whispered, "Young Master, Miss Lu has arrived."
Upon hearing this, Tang Wushuang apologized to Lin Yun and the other three, then hurried out. It seemed some important person had arrived.
’Miss Lu...’ Musing on the name, Lin Yun felt he already knew who it was.
With Tang Wushuang gone, an awkward silence fell over the private room.
"Haha, my apologies. I stepped out to greet a distinguished guest." Before long, Tang Wushuang walked back in with a smile. Trailing behind him was a young woman of unparalleled beauty.
The young woman was none other than Lu Bingning from Iron Gate Pass. ’Lu Bingning...’ The moment he saw her, Lin Yun’s expression faltered, but he instantly masked it. ’I can’t risk exposing my identity.’
"Everyone, allow me to introduce you. This is Miss Lu Bingning," Tang Wushuang said.
Everyone present was sharp and instantly understood Tang Wushuang’s intentions. They all offered polite greetings; after all, Tang Wushuang’s influence in Yunlu County was considerable.
With Lu Bingning present, Tang Wushuang was visibly much happier. A constant smile graced his face, and he carried himself like a perfect, modest gentleman.
Lu Bingning, on the other hand, exchanged a few brief greetings before sitting off to the side by herself. She remained silent, and from the look on her face, she was clearly not in a good mood.
After a bit more small talk, Tang Wushuang, who must have known what was on her mind, whispered to her, "Bingning, are you still thinking about that Lin Yun?"
"No," Lu Bingning replied distractedly.
Lu Bingning was truly living up to her name, as cold and unmoving as a block of ice. This left Tang Wushuang with no choice but to give a dry, helpless laugh.
Unable to get through to Lu Bingning, Tang Wushuang shifted the topic to Lin Yun, explaining to the others, "Don’t mind her. Bingning and Lin Yun were childhood playmates. Ever since he became a wanted man, she’s been gloomy all the time."
Hearing this, Yue Xiuchuan said with a smile, "Miss Lu is certainly loyal. But that Lin Yun really doesn’t know his place, daring to snatch the inheritance of the Thunder God Hall. Now that two major powers have a warrant out for him, I’d say his life is over."
"Hmph. That’s one way to look at it," Chen Tianlong retorted with a cold snort, clearly displeased with Yue Xiuchuan. "The fact that Lin Yun has managed to evade two major powers for this long is proof enough of his skill. If you ask me, so long as he isn’t killed, his future achievements will be immeasurable."
Chen Tianlong was a straightforward man who always spoke his mind, but his words clearly irked Yue Xiuchuan, whose voice turned cold as he replied.
"He’d have to survive first. Facing a manhunt from two major powers, what do you think his chances are?"
"Sounds to me like you’re just jealous of Lin Yun."
"A stray dog? You think I, Yue Xiuchuan, would be jealous of him? Chen Tianlong, are you out of your mind?"
As the two began to argue, Tang Wushuang stepped in to play the peacemaker once again. However, none of his actions escaped Lin Yun’s notice. Very discreetly, Tang Wushuang shot Yue Xiuchuan a meaningful glance.
At Tang Wushuang’s intervention, Chen Tianlong fell silent with a cold snort. Yue Xiuchuan, however, turned and raised his cup to Lu Bingning.
"Miss Lu, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’d like to propose a toast," Yue Xiuchuan said with a smile.
"Thank you," Lu Bingning replied indifferently. After they both drank, Yue Xiuchuan continued.
"Miss Lu, Young Master Tang is, without a doubt, the number one talent of our generation in Yunlu County," Yue Xiuchuan said. "To have a friend like him... I can’t even count how many people must be green with envy."
At these words, Tang Wushuang was inwardly delighted. ’This Yue Xiuchuan certainly knows how to play the game,’ he thought. Outwardly, however, he put on a display of modesty. "Not at all, Brother Yue, you’re far too kind. I am truly unworthy of such praise."
"You’re too modest, Young Master Tang. If not you, who else in Yunlu County could claim the honor of being number one of our generation?"
"Haha, Brother Yue, you truly flatter me."
The two went back and forth, showering each other with praise. Listening from the side, Lu Bingning was disgusted. To her, they were the very definition of hypocrisy.
’As if I wouldn’t know what Tang Wushuang is after? He’s only interested in my looks. But my heart already belongs to someone else. I’ll never give him a chance. Besides, he’s just so fake. Deep down, I find him utterly repulsive.’
’He... he’s not even worthy of a single strand of Lin Yun’s hair.’ Such were Lu Bingning’s thoughts.
Filled with disgust, Lu Bingning rose to her feet and addressed Tang Wushuang. "Young Master Tang, I’m feeling a bit unwell. I won’t disturb you any longer."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked straight toward the door. Seeing this, Tang Wushuang scrambled after her.
The moment Tang Wushuang left, Wu Ze turned to Yue Xiuchuan with a sarcastic taunt. "Heh, Young Master Yue, it’s been a while. I see your bootlicking skills have become even more polished."
The four of them were all known as the Four Great Geniuses of Yunlu County, but Yue Xiuchuan was constantly fawning over Tang Wushuang—a fact that earned him the scorn of both Wu Ze and Chen Tianlong.
"Wu Ze, what did you just say?" Yue Xiuchuan instantly flew into a rage.
"Don’t you know what I said?" Wu Ze retorted with a grin. Yue Xiuchuan was nothing more than Tang Wushuang’s little sycophant.
Just as the two were about to argue, Tang Wushuang’s furious roar suddenly echoed from outside the door. "Lu Bingning! I, Tang Wushuang, have done so much for you, and I still can’t compare to a wanted criminal? Do you have any idea how many women in all of Yunlu County would come begging to be with me if I just said the word?"
As his voice fell, Lu Bingning’s cold reply came. "Then go find those other women. There is only room for Lin Yun in my heart."
"Bitch..." All pretense was gone. The gentlemanly facade Tang Wushuang had so painstakingly maintained shattered completely. He raised his hand to strike her.
Without flinching, Lu Bingning simply closed her eyes, bracing for the blow. But after a long moment, the slap never came. Instead, another hand had shot out and caught Tang Wushuang’s wrist in a vise-like grip.
The one who stopped him was, of course, Lin Yun. Being closest to the door, he had shot out like a bolt of lightning the instant Tang Wushuang raised his hand.
"Lin Shan, you dare to stop me?" Tang Wushuang demanded, his face dark.
Lin Yun showed no sign of letting go. A roguish grin spread across his face as he replied, "Young Master Tang, you can’t go around hitting such a charming beauty."
