Chapter 163: Drinking with Courtesans?!

After dinner, Yang Lin and Xiao Li departed as they had other matters to attend to. They fully supported Qin Sheng’s decision and promised to handle everything in the safe zone, waiting for her return.

"Uncle Yu, sorry for the trouble." Seeing that Yu Yong had finished clearing the table, Qin Sheng smiled and spoke to him.

"It’s no trouble at all, Captain. This is my job. When you come back, I’ll make you your favorite Sichuan dishes." Yu Yong smiled as he took the bowl from Qin Sheng.

Qin Sheng nodded, then turned and walked out of the small kitchen. Just as she stepped outside, she happened to run into Lin Xing, Jiang Miaomiao, and the others, who were heading to training.

Qin Sheng raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Aren't you guys supposed to be training?"

Lin Xing, Chu Xingyu, and the others exchanged glances.

"Sheng-sheng, we’ve decided to go with you," Jiang Miaomiao said, stepping forward with a serious expression. This was a decision they had reached after careful deliberation.

Qin Sheng pursed her lips, appearing to be in deep thought.

"Sister Sheng, we can protect ourselves now. We just want to accompany you and do what you want to do," Chu Xingyu said hurriedly, sensing that Qin Sheng was about to refuse.

Qin Sheng looked up, meeting Chu Xingyu’s gaze, still uncertain of her final decision. She wasn't even sure if she would succeed in reaching the Otherworld Continent, let alone whether they would be able to follow her there.

"Grandma, just take us with you! Even if we can't do much, we can at least act as your meat shields and take the hits for you, right?" Lin Xing walked over to Qin Sheng and tried to wheedle her.

"Yeah, yeah, Sheng-sheng! I’m a person with abilities now, too; I can protect you!" Jiang Miaomiao added, running over and grabbing Qin Sheng’s arm.

Seeing his two friends clinging to Qin Sheng’s arms, Chu Xingyu, having no space left to grab, stood in front of her like a giant, spoiled puppy.

Qin Sheng finally sighed and nodded helplessly. "Since you all want to go so much, then come along."

"Yay!"
"We get to conquer the world with Grandma again!"
"Sheng-sheng finally agreed!"

Upon hearing her consent, the three high-fived, as if they had just won a major competition. Qin Sheng smiled wryly. "Alright, alright. I’m leaving tomorrow. Remember to pack your bags." They nodded in agreement.

Qin Sheng gave them a few final instructions before heading upstairs to rest. She didn't need to prepare much, only to mentally prepare herself for the Otherworld Continent. Perhaps abilities were rare here, but in the Otherworld, they might be commonplace. Qin Sheng had to be ready for anything; at the very least, she had to ensure her own survival. Lost in thought, she gradually drifted off to sleep.

After a sound night's sleep, Qin Sheng woke up to the break of dawn. It was the day of their departure. She did some light packing in her storage space, changed her clothes, and stepped out of the building.

"Sheng-sheng, we’re ready!" As soon as she walked out, she saw Jiang Miaomiao, Chu Xingyu, and the others coming out with their backpacks, bouncing with excitement. Qin Sheng nodded.

"Captain." Shen Shi appeared behind her.

"Shen Shi?"

Since yesterday, much of the burden of the safe zone had fallen on Shen Shi’s shoulders. Even at the farewell dinner, she had left in a hurry to handle urgent matters. Seeing her back so early suggested she hadn't slept at all.

"Can we talk alone?" Shen Shi asked, biting her lip with a hint of embarrassment. Qin Sheng nodded, signaling her to follow to the old locust tree.

"What’s wrong?" Shen Shi took a deep breath and asked, looking into Qin Sheng’s eyes. "Are you leaving today?"

Qin Sheng nodded. "I'll leave after breakfast."

"And you haven't decided when you’ll be back?" Shen Shi asked, sounding anxious.

Qin Sheng nodded again. She hadn't decided on a return date. Everything was uncertain; it was possible they wouldn't even reach the Otherworld and would return the same way by evening. She hadn't explained these details to them.

"Do you really have to leave?" After a long silence, Shen Shi’s lips trembled slightly.

Qin Sheng smiled faintly. "There are some things that need to be dealt with."

Even though Shen Shi knew that Qin Sheng’s mind was made up, she still wanted to try, hoping for some change. But as she expected, Qin Sheng would not change her course for her.

"What is it?" Qin Sheng asked, sensing something strange about Shen Shi.

After a long time, Shen Shi shook her head and gave a bitter smile. "Stay safe on the road."

Qin Sheng curled her lips slightly. "I know. Don't worry."

"Breakfast is ready! We start morning training right after!" Wang Qiang’s voice echoed through the courtyard as usual. He and his team had considered joining Qin Sheng, but the safe zone couldn't be left without leadership, and lacking abilities, they ultimately chose to stay and wait for her safe return.

"Morning training again, ugh." A-Zhi started to panic upon hearing Wang Qiang’s voice, trying to cover her ears. Shen Mei, standing beside her, laughed and patted her shoulder. "Come on, if you don't go eat now, you won't have time."

A-Zhi took a deep breath. "Sigh."

"Go have breakfast." Qin Sheng glanced at the small kitchen and spoke softly to Shen Shi. Shen Shi stood frozen for a long time without saying a word. Qin Sheng turned and walked toward the kitchen.

It was only after she entered that Shen Shi reacted. Her hands, resting by her sides, trembled visibly. Watching Qin Sheng’s retreating figure, she whispered, "I like you..."

The voice was so faint that she might not have even heard it herself. But Qin Sheng paused for a moment. She had heard it. Yet, she could not return those feelings.

After breakfast, it was time for them to leave. Not only did the members of the Seventh Team see them off, but Yang Lin’s team joined as well.

"Safe travels."
"Don't worry."
Yang Lin and Qin Sheng shared a smile, neither saying much more.

"See you all later."

They didn't stop walking until they reached the exit of the safe zone. "This is far enough. We should be going."
"Be careful out there!"
"Remember to miss us!"
"I know, I know!"
"Stay safe!"

After final, reluctant farewells, the gate closed behind them, and they all let out a sigh of relief.

"Let's go."
"Yes, Grandma."

Qin Sheng led them to the "Fate Shop." As soon as they entered, they were filled with exclamations.
"Wow, this place has such a vibe!"
"Yeah, and there are even fresh flowers here."
"This shop is quite retro."

The owner was not present. Qin Sheng poured them some water after they entered. "Sheng-sheng, how did you find a place like this?" Jiang Miaomiao asked, not even waiting to finish her tea.

"This belongs to a friend of Song Qing'an’s. We need to wait here for a while." Qin Sheng looked at the sun shining outside. There wasn't much time left before nightfall.

***

Otherworld Continent, Spring Garden Restaurant.

"Song Qing'an, I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Why are you back at Spring Garden drinking? Are you here for the 'flower' wine?" Lu Shenchen arrived at their usual private room. If he recalled correctly, this was the fifth time this week Song Qing'an had visited. Each time, he drank until he was unconscious, and every time, Xun Feng had to have him carried home.

When Lu Shenchen entered, Song Qing'an had just finished a bottle of the newly released Peach Blossom Brew.

"So it really is 'flower' wine," Lu Shenchen quipped, seeing the empty bottle. While it was made from peach blossoms, the alcohol content was high; most people would be drunk after a few sips. Even Song Qing'an, known for his high tolerance, had a flushed face after a whole bottle.

"Waiter, two more bottles of Peach Blossom Brew!" Lu Shenchen shouted toward the door.

"Coming right up!"

Song Qing'an ignored him, reaching to pour another glass only to find the bottle empty. He threw the glass down in frustration and leaned back on the lounge chair. Lu Shenchen knew immediately that something was weighing on his mind—100% related to that girl, Qin Sheng.

"It seems the Young Master of the Listening Wind Pavilion isn't so powerful after all? Even leaving the house is restricted now. How pitiful, poor Qin Sheng, waiting for you so long in another world..."

Lu Shenchen took the wine from the waiter, teasing him while filling Song Qing'an’s glass. Song Qing'an didn't even look; he tossed the drink back in one go.

"Good wine!" Lu Shenchen took a sip, but before he could finish his praise, he saw Song Qing'an’s glass was already empty. "That's not how you drink this; you're wasting this limited-edition vintage."

Song Qing'an couldn't be bothered to reply. Just as he was about to pour another, a dozen beautifully dressed, alluring women flooded into the room.

"Young Master..."
"We've been waiting for you, Young Master..."

The women caught sight of Song Qing'an’s devastatingly handsome face and blushed, their eyes lingering on him.

"You really are drinking 'flower' wine?!"