The sun was gradually setting, and the afterglow filtered through the window, casting a soft reddish hue over the entire room.
Tang Xin had taken a nap and felt much better. She glanced at her watch and said, "No wonder I'm hungry. Ling Yue, let's go downstairs for dinner." She had asked the front desk earlier, and they said the hotel provided dining for guests at a restaurant on the first floor.
"Okay." Ling Yue had been leaning on the windowsill enjoying the view. Hearing Tang Xin's words, she walked to the bed, picked up her hat and mask, and put them on.
"You don't need to wear the mask. It's too hot today."
Ling Yue paused with her hand on the mask, thought for a moment, then took it off and put it back down. After all, they would return to their room after dinner.
As they stepped out of their room, they heard the door next door open, and Old Mr. Tang and Lan Ji emerged.
"We were just about to call you two," Lan Ji said, his smile deepening as he noticed Ling Yue wasn't wearing a mask.
Old Mr. Tang was slightly taken aback by Ling Yue's beauty. "I didn't realize you were so gorgeous." Before, he had only noticed her beautiful eyes, but now he saw that her entire face was exquisitely perfect. Such beauty could be a blessing or a curse. He suddenly felt a bit worried.
He almost reminded Ling Yue to put on her mask, for they were in Myanmar, and if someone had ill intentions toward her, he might not be able to protect her.
"Grandpa, let's go. I'm starving," Tang Xin said, hooking her arm around Old Mr. Tang's and heading downstairs.
Old Mr. Tang smiled helplessly. He would remind Ling Yue later. After all, this hotel was mostly occupied by guests from Xia Country, so it should be fine. Besides, one couldn't wear a mask while eating anyway.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Zhu Yang and the others were already eating.
"Old Tang, you're here," Zhu Yang greeted Old Mr. Tang and the others warmly, his eyes flashing with admiration when he saw Ling Yue. She was so beautiful!
"When did you come down?" Old Tang asked with a smile as they approached Zhu Yang.
"Just now. Come, join us," Zhu Yang invited them, his gaze frequently drifting toward Ling Yue.
Ling Yue and the others took their seats and picked up the menus, casually ordering a few dishes.
"There's a market behind the hotel where you can gamble for gemstones. Would you be interested in checking it out?" Zhu Yang asked, his eyes settling on Ling Yue's face as he gave her a friendly smile.
Ling Yue frowned slightly, disliking Zhu Yang's gaze.
Intrigued, Tang Xin turned to Ling Yue and asked, "Do you want to go?" She really wanted to try cutting open a raw stone herself and see if she could unearth a piece of jade.
"Let's take a look," Ling Yue replied. Earlier, while watching the scenery from the windowsill, she had noticed the lively street and detected an intense spiritual energy emanating from one of the shops, indicating the presence of superior jade.
"It's too dangerous to go out at night. We should wait for the gemstone gambling exchange meeting tomorrow," Old Tang cautioned.
"It's fine. I'll keep them safe," Lan Ji said confidently.
"But..." Old Tang wanted to dissuade them further.
"Grandpa, please let me go, pretty please?" Tang Xin pleaded, swinging Old Tang's arm.
Old Tang felt dizzy from the swinging. "Just come back early then. Ling Yue, don't forget to wear your mask when you go out." His biggest worry now was Ling Yue's striking appearance.
"I know, Old Mr. Tang," Ling Yue said, swallowing her food and nodding.
"I'll join you too," Zhu Yang said, picking up a napkin and wiping his mouth and hands, his eyes lingering on Ling Yue suggestively.
Lan Ji shot Zhu Yang an irritated glance. How dare he have designs on his sister? Did he not know his own standing?
Ling Yue had intended to give Zhu Yang and the others protective talismans, but she changed her mind. She had no connection with them, so whether they suffered any harm or not was none of her concern. At worst, they would just lose some spiritual energy, but their lives wouldn't be in danger.
Zhu Yang shuddered under Lan Ji's gaze. As Ling Yue stood up, he hurriedly followed suit. It was rare to encounter such a beautiful woman, so he couldn't miss this chance to spend time with her. Although he was older, he came from a good family, was wealthy, and was the president of the Gambling Stone Association. With his impressive credentials, perhaps Ling Yue would be swayed.
