The table at Yang Qingxi's villa was a quiet symphony of luxury—each dish crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, gleaming under soft terrace lights.
Su Mo, trying to be composed, sat with silent awe as the maid began unveiling the plates while also introducing the dishes for him: glistening Peking duck with lychee hoisin, tender abalone bathed in oyster sauce, and lobster fried rice nestled in its shell.
For each bite he took. It was like an awakening—crackling skin, silky seafood, the deep kiss of umami.
He wasn't just eating; he was experiencing something rare and reverent.
[Is this the life of rich people?]
Su Mo felt like he was in bliss. The fact that he could eat such delicious food every day made him so happy that he couldn't describe his feelings.
Yang Qingxi just ate the food quietly, without much reaction. Su Mo's thoughts made her quite confused.
'Are we not eating the same thing? Why can't I find anything special about it? It's the same as always.'
After thinking for a while, Yang Qingxi guessed it might be because she was used to eating these delicacies.
***
After the lunch was over.
Yang Qingxi took them to the study and ordered the maids not to bother them unless there was an emergency.
When they were all seated, Yang Qingxi's expression turned solemn.
"What I want to talk to you about is a very important matter, so listen to my words carefully."
She took a glance at Su Mo and firmed her mind.
'I hope my bet is right, Su Mo.'
She took a deep breath and stated.
"I want to raid a tomb!"
When she said those words, Yang Qingxi observed their facial changes closely. Sure enough, both of them looked surprised. However, Su Mo's surprise was different from that of Zhang Xulin.
Zhang Xulin was surprised and confused, which was a normal reaction.
Su Mo was surprised and thoughtful.
[Tomb?! Could it be!]
Then, without waiting for Su Mo to think, Yang Qingxi already gave him the answer.
"It's an ancient general's tomb. In the Ghost Valley of the Stone Spring Mountains."
[Sure enough! It's that one!]
Huge waves set off in Su Mo's heart.
[No wonder I felt something was wrong with this woman! Before she went to the scene of the plot!]
[Then she asked me to target Ye Chen. When he hadn't even made the move. As if she knew he would attack Yang Zhen.]
[Now she even knows about Ye Chen's biggest opportunity and wants to grab it.]
[She must have read the original novel, right? Or does she have another source of information?]
[So, what is she, a time traveller, a reborn or does she also have a system?!]
There were many questions in Su Mo's mind. However, he didn't bother to analyze them all one by one. Instead, he opted to get the answer from her.
"Um, Miss Yang. Have you read that novel?"
Yang Qingxi rolled her eyes and nodded.
"No need to test. I've read it. Let's discuss it later."
In her heart, she was surprised by Su Mo's words. 'Also', does that mean Su Mo also has a system?
Su Mo nodded with a 'sure enough' expression. Then, leaned back in his chair in silence.
"What are you both talking about? And miss, you want to raid a… tomb?!"
Zhang Xulin felt left out by them and also felt there was something wrong with her ears; otherwise, why would young miss want to rob a tomb?
"Nothing, just a fellow reader." Yang shook her head. "And yes, you heard me right! I want to raid a tomb in the next few days. So, I want you to collect all the folklores, urban legends, or anecdotes about the Stone Spring Mountains and the Ghost Valley."
"Remember, you are solely responsible for this task. I don't want anyone besides us to know about it."
Zhang Xulin didn't understand why the Young Miss was interested in these things, but since she had been given a task, she must complete it well.
"Stay assured, Miss. I will complete the task well."
"I'm counting on you, Sister Xulin," Yang Qingxi nodded, then said. "Next, I have something to discuss with Su Mo alone. You can start collecting the information now."
Her words of dismissal felt like thunder in her mind.
Zhang Xulin opened her mouth to say something but closed it soon after, knowing her position well. Before she left, her resentful eyes glared at Su Mo's back.
"I think she hates me now." Su Mo said with a chuckle.
"It's just a little temper. She probably thinks after you came here, you took away her position." Yang Qingxi sighed. "She must be feeling inferior after witnessing your strength."
Su Mo didn't care about such things and stated his opinion. "Her sense of crisis is all because of her lack of strength. As long as she has enough strength, she won't worry about these things."
Yang Qingxi agreed with his words and told her plan for Zhang Xulin. "Yeah, so I want to arouse her competitive spirit. Later, I will give her a cultivation technique. So that she can also practice."
"Amazing! You have arranged everything for her." Su Mo sighed.
[Sister Xulin, you are blessed to have such a generous boss.]
Yang Qingxi was pleased with Su Mo's praise.
"Hmm, now that Sister Zhang is not here, we can start our conversation."
Su Mo raised his brow and asked. "Why don't you want to let her listen? Aren't you quite close?"
Yang Qingxi said with a sigh. "It's better for her to not know about some things. Let her understand them, eventually."
"That's true." Su Mo nodded. He agreed with her thoughts.
"Why? Do you want her to know?"
"No, I was just curious."
She folded her left leg over her right and said in an inviting gesture.
"Okay, ask what you want first?"
Su Mo didn't expect her to be so direct. He thought for a second, then asked an indirect question.
"What kind of character are you in that novel?"
Yang Qingxi showed a charming smile and uttered.
"A Villainess!"