Such an important bargaining chip used only to eradicate his crisis, it was too cheap.
What he wanted, what he longed for was to stay in the Count’s Palace.
He’d use his charm to grow close to Jin Mulan. He’ll constantly be around her presence. She’d fall for him. And then… and then… finally, they marry. Two birds happily in love. She would become his garden. He’ll take care of her well. He’ll make sure she grows, blooms so brightly. She will become his wife.
And whoever dares to harm him, his goddess will take care of them.
God honest truth, he swears to the heavens that with his wits, talents, and handsome features, he’s sure to cause a deep impression in the back of the goddess’ mind. She’d think about him before going to sleep. She’d replay their memories together time to time in her head like a rolling film.
He would leave her in awe of his mere presence alone.
He needed only half a month to accomplish this goal of his.
“I wish to stay at the Count’s Palace to work.” Shen Lang bowed.
He mentioned nothing of Xu Jiazhu and Tian Heng ready to murder him in cold blood. There was no need. So long as he was inside the Count’s Palace, the two dared not cause a ruckus and receive the anger of the Count.
Count Jin frowned immediately. His unfavorable impression of Shen Lang turned sour once more.
This young man… really lazy! Unfilial! Your parents should be ashamed of you!
Count Jin was right but… somewhat off. As for the true reasoning, his sharp eyes would never figure it out.
However, since he spoke to existence of his promise, he needed to fulfill it from his end of the line.
Shen Lang’s not a bad kid, he thought. He’s young. He just needed proper guidance. Count Jin was sure with the proper disciple, Shen Lang would shape up.
“Since you seek work at the Count’s Palace, I can fulfill this. You will be rewarded with merit and I will absolutely not allow you to be a servant.” Then his tone grew severe. “But however, you coming to my manor is not a good thing. You won’t be lazy. I will strictly discipline you. Can you eat this kind of bitter hard work?”
Work hard?! Forget it! In this life, I don’t want to work hard!
Ah… forget it. Shen Lang only wished to live comfortably. Work hard? What’s that?
Ah… but for the goddess… he guesses he can temporarily eat some bitter hard work for a few days. But only for a few days! Anything more than that… he won’t stand for it!
“Yes!” Shen Lang said bitterly.
Count Jin smiled and slapped Shen Lang’s shoulder. “Hmm… your physical body is too poor. You’re too old to practice martial arts, but if you’re still a good student studying under me, you will have a good future. You will study with my son. Your parents dote on you too much and spoil you too much. It’s why your growth is hindered. No worries. I’ll polish you up.”
Shen Lang was stunned. Am I in a “Flirting Scholar” movie?
“Right, you’re body is injured. Go and rest well. Tomorrow, your studies will begin. I will send someone to inform your parents and some gold coins. If you have any troubles, I will solve them to the best of my ability.”
You have such a soft heart… don’t make me cry!
“Yes, My Lord.” Said Shen Lang.
“Jin Zhong, head to the tailor and give this boy a new piece of clothing. Make sure its good quality.” Said Count’s Jin’s wife, the Countess.
“Yes, My Lady.” The old servant bowed before leaving.
Ah… even the Countess is good to me! Mother-in-law, I’ll be a good boy.
“My Lord, My Lady, I bid my leave.” Shen Lang bowed.
Just as he was ready to leave the study room, a man swiftly rushed in. It was the Count’s confidant. He’d just led his trusted men out to check on the Zhu Family. Who knew they’d return in less than a quarter of an hour. And in a big hurry too.
“My Lord, the situation is dire.” The confidant knelt down before his master’s presence. “We sent a pigeon out to Nujiang State. The head of the Zhu Family had just arrived in Nujiang City last night and the direction they’re heading to is our Count’s Palace!”
“What?!” Count Jin exclaimed.
What?! Shen Lang screamed inwardly. No! This can’t be happening!
He’d just successfully began his first step. Enter the Count’s Palace.
He’d soon play out his second plan. Make Jin Mulan fall in love with him.
Then the third step. Marry Jin Mulan.
That was the plan. It was simple.
Jin Mulan would not be willing to marry anyone, but charming him was you know… charming. He’d find a way to snake through her heart and melt her cold walls away. The world would come to a standstill as the heavens watched their innocent love blossoming into something deeper, something more passionate.
The Zhu Family just had to arrive in Nujiang City and as they speak, on a journey towards the Count’s Palace to ask for Jin Mulan’s marriage in hand.
This screwed up his plan.
Time was really playing with him.
He can feel it.
Time was running out.
This was his only chance.
You don’t even give me a half month or three days! You don’t even give me a day!
Cruel! Cruel, cruel, cruel!
Jin Mulan would be married soon and he only had two or three hours time left.