After the ghost-hunting master descended the mountain, his fame spread throughout the capital.

Xie Jinchen stepped down from his carriage first, still wearing his purple-brown duke's court robes, with his hair tied up in a jade crown, clearly having come directly from the palace.

After he stopped, he did not immediately enter the restaurant, but turned around and looked at the carriage.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a woman dressed in a scarlet brocade dress embroidered with gold butterflies and clouds, and wearing a veiled hat, gracefully stepped out of the carriage, supported by her maid.

The veil hanging from her hat obscured her face, revealing only her slender figure.

After she got out of the car, she nodded slightly in greeting to Xie Jinchen through her veil.

Xie Jinchen nodded slightly in return, without saying much. The two then kept their distance and entered the Fragrance Pavilion one after the other.

"Whoa!"

Wang Dazhuang quickly lowered his voice and pointed downstairs, "He's really here! Wearing a hat, all mysterious! Master, Young Master Xie, he... he wouldn't really..."

He didn't dare say the rest, but the meaning couldn't be clearer.

Jiang Dusheng didn't speak, his face revealing little emotion. He simply moved his fingertips slightly, and a talisman that concealed his aura silently affixed to the door frame of the private room, ensuring that their conversation and presence would not be detected by those outside.

She watched as the red and purple figures disappeared at the restaurant entrance downstairs, her brows twitching almost imperceptibly.

Although she rationally knew that Xie Jinchen was not the type to philander, seeing him standing with another woman still stirred up a vague annoyance that had been lingering in her heart since yesterday.

It made her inexplicably... dislike Xie Jinchen.

Ruan Guyan had been watching quietly, but suddenly spoke softly, "I recognize that woman."

Jiang Dusheng and Wang Dazhuang both looked at her at the same time.

Ruan Guyan's gaze remained fixed on the empty entrance downstairs. "She is the owner of Linglong Pavilion, known as Lady Linglong."

"It is said that the designs of all the jewelry in her shop, whether gold, silver, jade, or emerald, were originally hand-drawn by this exquisite lady. For some of the most ingenious and unique designs, she would even personally participate in selecting materials and supervising the craftsmen in polishing."

"Her craftsmanship and eye for detail were highly regarded among the noble ladies of Changling City. Even some of the imperial concubines would sometimes send people to her privately to have their headdresses made."

Ruan Guyan paused slightly at this point, seemingly considering her words, before adding:

"Perhaps... the young master wants her to commission some special jewelry?"

This speculation is reasonable. After all, it would be perfectly normal for Xie Jinchen to commission the best craftsmen to make a gift for Jiang Dusheng.

Linglong Pavilion is undoubtedly one of the best choices.

Upon hearing this, Wang Dazhuang immediately looked at Jiang Dusheng, his face displaying an expression of righteous indignation:

"Master! Custom-made jewelry? What kind of jewelry requires staying out late and having a private meeting?"

"I think something's fishy! Maybe... I should sneak down and listen to what they're saying?"

He was eager to get started, looking ready to go through fire and water for the master at any moment.

Jiang Dusheng remained silent, but picked up his teacup, brought it to his lips, took a small sip, and then leisurely turned his gaze back to the window.

Sunlight fell on the snow-covered eaves, and the street scene of Changling City appeared particularly vibrant in the sunshine after the snowfall. She seemed to be completely captivated by the scenery, and remained noncommittal about Wang Dazhuang's suggestion.

The private room fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sounds of people coming from downstairs.

Ruan Guyan sat quietly, Wang Dazhuang scratched his head, and Jiang Dusheng calmly enjoyed the scenery.

About half an incense stick's time later, Xie Jinchen reappeared at the entrance of the restaurant, but he was alone.

That exquisite lady did not come along.

Xie Jinchen was about to walk towards his carriage.

Just as he was about to step onto the carriage platform, a teacup, accompanied by a whooshing sound, flew out of the window of a private room on the third floor and hit him squarely on the back of the head.

Xie Jinchen's ears twitched slightly, but without turning his head, he scooped up the teacup and caught it steadily in his hand.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly turned around, his sharp gaze shooting towards the direction from which the teacup had flown.

Then, he saw Jiang Dusheng resting his chin on his hand, smiling at him from behind the open window on the third floor.

That smile was bright and radiant, as if he had simply tossed a piece of fruit to an acquaintance as a greeting.

But there was not a trace of a smile in those beautiful eyes; they were crystal clear, reflecting the cool, refreshing light of the snow outside the window.

Eyes facing each other.

The sharpness and vigilance in Xie Jinchen's eyes melted away like ice and snow meeting the sun the moment he saw the face behind the window, turning into astonishment.

Then, a hint of helplessness flashed across his face.

In the end, it couldn't be hidden.

No, perhaps she had already sensed it, and was just waiting for him to run into her.

Upstairs, Jiang Dusheng's red lips parted slightly. Her voice wasn't loud, but it clearly cut through the noise in front of the restaurant and reached his ears: "We caught a ghost."

Xie Jinchen resignedly turned around and stepped back into the restaurant.

Inside the private room, Wang Dazhuang was so excited his body was trembling slightly. He whispered, "Master! He's coming up! He's coming up!"

Soon, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Xie Jinchen's tall figure appeared in the doorway.

His gaze swept across the room, first landing on Jiang Dusheng.

Jiang Dusheng maintained his languid posture, and the harmless smile on his face was even brighter than when he was downstairs.

She blinked, her voice as soft as if discussing the weather, but what she said made Xie Jinchen's heart skip a beat:

"My lord, you must be very busy with official duties." She paused, her smile deepening, but her eyes remained cold and clear. "If you continue to use the excuse of being busy with court affairs to fob me off..."

Jiang Dusheng tilted his head slightly, seemingly deep in thought, before slowly uttering the second half of the sentence, each word clear and distinct:

"Then I might really have to start considering whether I should find a husband who can't lie."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinchen's expression darkened, and he lingered for a moment on Jiang Dusheng's face, which seemed to be joking but was actually serious.

Then, he glanced at Wang Dazhuang, who had a "Wow, this is so exciting!" expression on his face, and Ruan Guyan, who was looking down but clearly listening intently.

He composed himself, raised his hand to rub his temples, and said to Wang Dazhuang and Ruan Guyan, "You two, go out first."

Wang Dazhuang subconsciously said "Oh" and started to slip away.

After all, Xie Shizi's aura is quite intimidating.

However, before he could take a step, he heard Jiang Dusheng's voice, tinged with a hint of coldness:

"return."

The sound wasn't loud, but it made Wang Dazhuang stop in his tracks, his legs frozen in mid-air, unable to move forward or backward.