Huang Rong from The Return of the Condor Heroes: Guo'er, calm down.

Morning light filtered through the window paper, dappling the daybed.

When Yang Guo woke up, he felt a numbness in his left arm, as if it had been weighed down by something heavy all night. He didn't move, and his eyelids were slightly opened.

In my line of sight, there was a fair hand.

That hand was tightly gripping his palm, their fingers intertwined. Following the arm, Huang Rong lay on the edge of the couch, her cheek resting on her arm, fast asleep. A few strands of her dark hair fell down, obscuring half of her profile, but unable to conceal her languid charm.

Her breathing was deep and even, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath, and her neckline was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her delicate white skin right under Yang Guo's nose.

Yang Guo felt secretly pleased.

He subtly moved his fingers, his fingertips gently tracing the back of Huang Rong's hand. Smooth, tender, like the finest mutton-fat jade.

"Um……"

Huang Rong's eyelashes trembled, and she let out a soft murmur.

Yang Guo quickly closed his eyes, pretending to be fast asleep, and even deliberately snored softly.

Huang Rong woke up.

She groggily opened her eyes, feeling only a soreness in her neck. Just as she tried to move, she realized her hand was being gripped tightly.

Huang Rong's face flushed, and she pulled her hand back as if she had been electrocuted.

The movement was too large, and it overturned the small table next to the tatami mat.

With a loud "clang".

Yang Guo "woke up" with a start, sat up abruptly, and asked blankly, "What happened? A thief broke in?"

He rubbed his eyes, his gaze clear and innocent, and looked at Huang Rong: "Aunt Guo? What are you doing here?"

Huang Rong was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground. She stood up, straightened her slightly disheveled clothes, and said with a dazed look, "No...it's nothing. I saw your blanket had fallen off, so I covered you up."

"Thank you, Aunt Guo." Yang Guo grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "I slept very soundly last night. It seems... it seems I dreamed of my mother."

Huang Rong's heart skipped a beat.

Looking at the boy's innocent smile, the tender feelings she had instantly turned into guilt.

"That's good." Huang Rong turned around. "I'll go wake Fu'er up."

On the large bed in the inner room, Guo Fu was sleeping sprawled out, the blankets long since kicked to the floor.

"Fu'er, wake up."

Huang Rong patted her daughter's face.

Guo Fu grumbled and rolled over, "Mom, let me sleep a little longer... It's so noisy..."

"The sun's already high in the sky," Huang Rong said irritably, pulling her up. "Hurry up and wash up; we still have to travel after we eat."

Guo Fu rubbed her sleepy eyes and reluctantly got up.

Breakfast was eaten in the room.

The atmosphere was a bit strange.

Huang Rong kept her head down, drinking her porridge and occasionally putting food on Guo Fu's plate, but she didn't look at Yang Guo. Yang Guo, on the other hand, had a big appetite, eating three steamed buns and finishing off all the pickled vegetables on his plate.

"Mom, it's so lively outside!"

Guo Fu leaned against the window, her eyes shining as she looked at the bustling crowd below. "It looks like there's a market!"

"The lantern market in Shuangqiao Town is very famous," Yang Guo interjected. "I've heard there are also acrobatics and insect fighting performances."

"Insect fighting?" Guo Fu's interest was piqued. "I want to go! Mother, let's go for a walk!"

Huang Rong frowned: "We still have a long way to go..."

"Why rush? We've only been out for a day," Guo Fu said, tugging at Huang Rong's sleeve and acting coquettishly. "Besides, going to the Quanzhen Sect won't make a difference. Mother, please take me with you, I'm so bored."

Huang Rong initially wanted to refuse.

But when he looked up, he met Yang Guo's eyes, which seemed to be smiling but weren't.

It's good to go out for a walk.

Let's clear our minds and dispel the ambiguous atmosphere in this room.

"Alright." Huang Rong put down her chopsticks. "But you're only allowed one hour to explore. We must leave at noon."

"Mother is the best!" Guo Fu cheered and jumped up to change her clothes.

……

The market in Shuangqiao Town was indeed bustling.

The streets were lined with all sorts of lanterns, which were not lit during the day, but they still looked festive.

Too many people.

Shoulder to shoulder, sweating profusely.

Guo Fu, like a bird just released from its cage, flitted in and out of the crowd, looking at sugar figurines one moment and masks the next.

Huang Rong walked behind, her brows slightly furrowed.

She didn't like the noisy environment.

Especially the men around her, their eyes practically popped out of their sockets when they saw her face, their lewd gazes disgusting her.

Suddenly, a powerful force struck from the side.

He was a rough, unruly man carrying a load on his shoulders, charging around recklessly.

Huang Rong was about to use her internal energy to dodge.

An arm suddenly came across and wrapped around her waist.

Immediately afterwards, a broad back blocked her way.

"Aunt Guo, be careful."

Yang Guo shielded her and moved her to the side.

The burly man's load brushed past Yang Guo's back, leaving a layer of dust on his back.

"Are you blind?!" Yang Guo cursed at the burly man.

Seeing that Yang Guo, though young, had a fierce look in his eyes, the burly man didn't dare to say anything and slunk away.

"Thank you." Huang Rong breathed a sigh of relief.

"With so many people around, Aunt Guo should stay close to Guo'er."

Yang Guo did not let go.

He maintained his guarding posture, one hand loosely around Huang Rong's waist, the other hand pushing through the crowd in front of him.

This posture is quite subtle.

To shield himself from the pressure from the surroundings, Yang Guo's back was almost pressed against Huang Rong's chest.

As they moved, their bodies inevitably rubbed against each other.

Huang Rong could even feel the warmth emanating from the boy.

"Guo'er...you don't need to get so close." Huang Rong felt a little uncomfortable and wanted to take a half step back.

"Someone is pushing from behind." Yang Guo didn't turn around, but instead leaned back. "Aunt Guo, hold on tight to my clothes, don't get separated."

There was indeed a surging crowd behind me.

Huang Rong was helpless. Although she was skilled in martial arts, she was overwhelmed by the crowd and couldn't very well use her lightness skill to walk on people's heads.

He could only reach out and gently tug at Yang Guo's waist sash.

This tug-of-war makes it seem like a young wife going shopping with her husband.

Yang Guo's lips curled slightly.

He could feel two soft mounds behind him, bumping against his back with each step he took.

It's soft and bouncy.

This market was totally worth the trip.

"Mother! Come quick!"

Guo Fu's shouts came from ahead.

She stood in front of a magnificent building, waving excitedly.

A golden signboard hangs on the pavilion – “Qianjintai”.

A large crowd gathered at the entrance, cheering and applauding.

"Where is this place?" Huang Rong asked as she approached.

"A gambling den," Yang Guo said casually, glancing at it.

"A gambling den?" Huang Rong's face darkened. "Fu'er, how dare you enter a place like this? Come back with me!"

"It's not gambling!" Guo Fu exclaimed anxiously. "Mother, look, it's insect fighting! And the prize is Phoenix Blood Grass!"

Following the direction Guo Fu pointed, they saw a sign standing at the entrance, which read the prize for today's insect fighting competition: a blood-red herb sealed in a crystal box.

"Phoenix Blood Grass?" Huang Rong's eyes narrowed.

This is a miraculous healing medicine, priceless and invaluable. Brother Jing has suffered many old wounds from years of battle; if only we could have this herb…

"Mother, I want to win it and give it to Father." Guo Fu said hopefully.

Huang Rong's heart softened.

Although this girl is willful, she is truly filial to her brother Jing.

"You know how to fight insects?" Huang Rong asked.

"I know how! Brother Da Wu taught me at Dasheng Pass!" Guo Fu said confidently. "Besides, I just caught a big black general by the roadside. It's black and shiny, I'm sure I can win!"

She pulled a bamboo tube from her bosom and shook it ostentatiously.

"Go ahead," Huang Rong sighed, "Be careful."

Guo Fu cheered and disappeared into the crowd.

Huang Rong and Yang Guo stood on the outer perimeter.

"Does Aunt Guo want that herb?" Yang Guo asked.

"That's Phoenix Blood Grass, it'll be good for your Uncle Guo's injuries." Huang Rong's gaze never left the crystal box.

"I'm afraid Sister Fu is going to lose." Yang Guo shook his head.

Why?

"Since Qianjintai dared to put up the Phoenix Blood Grass, they didn't intend for anyone to win it," Yang Guo sneered. "I've seen this kind of scheme many times before in Lujia Town. It's bait for fishing."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Guo Fu screamed from inside.

"You're cheating! My general clearly won!"

"Little girl, a bet is a bet." A sinister voice rang out. "Your bug is dead, so you've lost. You just signed a waiver of contract; if you lose, you not only have to pay back the money, but you also have to leave a prize."

"I'm out of money!"

No money? Then take people as payment!

Huang Rong's expression changed drastically.

He flashed forward, about to rush in.

A hand pressed down on her shoulder.

"Aunt Guo, don't move," Yang Guo whispered.

"Let go! How dare they bully Fu'er!" Huang Rong's eyes were filled with murderous intent, and her hand had already reached for the Dog-Beating Stick at her waist.

"Look over there." Yang Guo raised his chin slightly and pointed to the corner.

Several constables in their uniforms sat there, leisurely drinking tea, completely oblivious to the farce unfolding on the ground.

"This Qianjintai has the government backing it up." Yang Guo spoke very quickly. "Uncle Guo is now the garrison commander of Xiangyang. If his family members are arrested for gambling and fighting outside, where will Uncle Guo put his face? According to the laws of the Song Dynasty, gang fighting is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment."

Huang Rong froze.

She wasn't afraid of the authorities, but she was afraid of causing trouble for her brother Jing.

"What should we do? Just watch Fu'er get bullied?" Huang Rong gritted her teeth.

"Of course not."

Yang Guo released his grip, straightened his collar, and revealed a cynical smile.

"Since it's a gambling den, then let's follow the rules of a gambling den."

He leaned close to Huang Rong's ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe.

"Aunt Guo, shall we play something fun?"

"What?" Huang Rong shrank her neck uncomfortably.

"Robbing by force is the worst strategy; outsmarting them is the best strategy." Yang Guo's eyes gleamed with cunning. "Don't these people like to set up schemes? Then let's set up an even bigger one for them."

"What do you want to do?"

"I'll play the role of a spendthrift, the kind who's foolish but rich," Yang Guo pointed to himself, "as for Aunt Guo..."

He looked Huang Rong up and down.

His gaze lingered on her voluptuous figure for a moment.

"Please, just bear with it and play the role of my... concubine."

"What?!" Huang Rong's eyes widened, almost thinking she had misheard. "Nonsense! I'm your aunt!"

Yang Guo said with a serious face, "Only this kind of identity can make them lower their guard. A spoiled young master with a beautiful concubine is the most common thing in the martial arts world, and he is also the easiest to be seen as a fat sheep."

Huang Rong looked at Yang Guo.

That kid is incredibly bold.

How dare they let her play the role of a concubine?

but……

Looking into Yang Guo's unconventional eyes, Huang Rong's long-dormant wickedness was suddenly stirred up.

Since marrying Guo Jing, she has become the dignified Mrs. Guo.

She followed the rules and regulations, and devoted herself to her husband and children.

That "little demoness" who once called out "Brother Jing" and stirred up the martial arts world seems to have died long ago.

"Just this once."

Huang Rong bit her lip, her voice slightly strained.

"Yes, sir!"

Yang Guo was overjoyed.

The two went into a clothing store next door.

When it came out again, it had changed drastically.

Yang Guo changed into a purple brocade robe, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist, a folding fan in his hand, and his hair was combed until it was shiny and smooth. His face had a roguish air about him, making him look exactly like a rich young master who didn't know the immensity of heaven and earth.

And Huang Rong...

She changed into a crimson silk dress.

Her waist was cinched tightly, outlining a breathtaking curve.

Although she was over thirty, time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her. Her skin was as white as snow, her features were exquisite, and there was not a trace of hardship to be found around her eyes and brows. At first glance, she looked like a young woman in her early twenties.

Her crimson dress accentuated her rosy cheeks, making her look as beautiful as a peach blossom. Standing gracefully beside Yang Guo, who was dressed like a playboy, the two of them walking side by side would only make anyone think that they were some wealthy young master taking his pampered concubine out for a stroll.

Yang Guo even bought a box of rouge and used it to place a beauty mark under her eye.

That one mole instantly shattered her original composure.

Her eyes sparkled with allure.

"Tsk tsk." Yang Guo circled around her, his eyes burning with desire. "Aunt Guo, you look like you're about to tear this Qianjin Terrace down."

Huang Rong blushed slightly and awkwardly tugged at her collar: "Stop being so cheeky. What are we going to do later?"

"You don't need to do anything."

Yang Guo stretched out his arm, gesturing for her to take it.

"You just need to be beautiful, spend money, and... be spoiled and arrogant."

Huang Rong took a deep breath.

She reached out her delicate hand and took Yang Guo's arm.

She leaned in gently.

In that instant, she felt she was no longer Mrs. Guo.

She was a woman who went out to fool around with her lover.

This feeling is damn exciting.

"Let's go!"

Yang Guo laughed loudly and, with Huang Rong in tow, swaggered toward Qianjin Terrace.

The waiter at the door was about to stop him.

Yang Guo casually tossed out a gold ingot, which landed in the waiter's arms.

"Make way for me! The best private room, the best wine, and..."

He pulled Huang Rong close by the waist and, in full view of everyone, kissed her on the cheek.

"Find my concubine a comfortable seat!"

Huang Rong never expected Yang Guo to be so bold as to kiss her so openly.

His body stiffened, and then two sharp gazes pierced Yang Guo like swords.

But upon thinking of Guo Fu, she immediately gave a coquettish laugh and playfully punched Yang Guo in the chest with her small fist.

"You bastard, there are so many people watching."

That sound was so sweet it melted your heart.

The entire Qianjintai fell silent instantly.

All eyes were on the "cheating couple".