"Let’s go back to Lishui District," Chen Cheng said with a smile.

Mu Xiaowan nodded. "Mhm."

Chen Cheng was about to bid farewell to the two Shen brothers when Shen Qingpeng’s eyes lit up. He asked excitedly, "Young Master Chen, are you heading to Lishui District?"

Seeing his expression, Chen Cheng had a bad feeling. ’Don’t tell me this guy wants to tag along?’

"We’ve been out for a while and we’re tired. Xiaowan and I are heading home to Lishui District. You two should get some rest as well," Chen Cheng replied earnestly.

Shen Qingpeng waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, come on, Young Master Chen! It’s almost dinnertime. How about I treat you to a meal at the Drunken Immortal Tower in Lishui District? The chefs there are famous throughout Linji City, and their dishes are divine. I heard they recently started selling Tier Four Demon Beast Meat. It’s not just delicious—it’s also a great supplement for a Martial Artist’s vitality."

"Some other time," Chen Cheng refused flatly. ’If there’s Tier Four Demon Beast Meat available, I can just buy some and cook it at home. No need to freeload off them.’

Shen Qingpeng, who hadn’t had his fill of fun, looked disappointed. He turned to Shen Junmo. "Brother Junmo, how about we go then? This Tier Four Demon Beast is an Evil Flood Dragon—it’s incredibly rare! Our family bought some Demon Beast Meat too, but our chefs at home are nowhere near as good as the ones at the Drunken Immortal Tower."

Seeing Shen Junmo waver slightly, he pressed on. "Brother, haven’t you always wanted to see the sights at Jishui Lake? The Drunken Immortal Tower is on a floating pavilion right on the lake! You get a perfect, unobstructed view of all the scenery. It’s so relaxing. Just imagine it: we’ll be feasting on delicious Demon Beast Meat while enjoying the view of Jishui Lake, and we could even hire a few songstresses to perform for us. Wouldn’t that be perfect?"

It had to be said, the guy really knew how to appeal to Shen Junmo. After a moment’s thought, Shen Junmo said, "Alright. Since we’re taking a day off, we might as well relax properly. Xiaowan, Young Master Chen, why don’t you join us?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Chen Cheng was about to refuse, but Mu Xiaowan, a bright smile on her face, said, "That does sound nice. Brother Cheng, why don’t we go with them?"

It was rare to see Mu Xiaowan so happy. Chen Cheng gave a slight nod. "Alright."

...

In the carriage on the way to Lishui District, Mu Xiaowan noticed Chen Cheng’s somber expression. She smiled slyly. "Brother Cheng, you seem to have something on your mind."

"It’s nothing," Chen Cheng said flatly.

"Hehe..." Mu Xiaowan giggled, then leaned in and whispered a few words in Chen Cheng’s ear.

After she finished, Chen Cheng couldn’t help his shock. "What? Shen Junmo is a woman?"

"Of course. Why else would I have agreed to spend the day with *her*? Don’t forget, I’m a married woman of the Chen Family!" Mu Xiaowan squeezed Chen Cheng’s hand, her gaze soft and full of love.

Chen Cheng pulled her into his embrace, feigning anger. "Even so, you should still keep your distance from her from now on."

Mu Xiaowan rested her head on Chen Cheng’s sturdy chest and replied obediently, "Mhm."

A wave of tenderness washed over Chen Cheng. He gently kissed her on the cheek and grinned. "That’s more like it!"

"Brother Cheng, you really thought ’Brother’ Junmo was a man this whole time?" Mu Xiaowan teased, her cheeks flushing slightly as she giggled.

"Sigh..." Chen Cheng let out a soft sigh.

He couldn’t really be blamed for not realizing. After all, back in the South City Prison, he had met Master Xiu Chen, a man more gorgeous than any peerless beauty.

And Master Xiu Chen was unquestionably a man, balls and all—Chen Cheng had seen the proof with his own eyes while interrogating him for the secrets of the Iron Armor Skill.

Later, at the Double Courtyard, he had been misled by those two brutes, Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui, which had made him wary from the start. Add to that how Shen Junmo dressed all in white with a high collar that completely covered her neck, leaving nothing to give her away—how was Chen Cheng supposed to have known she was a woman?