A thin layer of mist covered the river's surface and surroundings, further enhancing the already beautiful scenery. Looking at this beautiful sight, one would quickly find themselves entranced, and their emotions soothed.
After a while, Jun Zishu and Wei Zinan stopped bickering with each other. Then, Jun Zishu and Shen Zheyan quietly listened to Wei Zinan playing the flute.
The sound that came out of the flute was clear and melodious. It coincided perfectly with the surrounding scenery.
The boat arrived at its destination around half a day later.
Coincidentally, as soon as the trio got off the boat, the sky started drizzling.
"Let's find an inn to stay at first," Shen Zheyan suggested.
Weishui City's prosperity was no less than that of Jinling City. Because of the sudden rain, the city's pedestrians began moving about hastily. As the rain's intensity increased, the stalls selling umbrellas gained a sudden influx of customers.
After asking around for directions, Jun Zishu, Shen Zheyan, and Wei Zinan made their way to the nearest inn. However, to their surprise, the first inn was already at full occupancy.
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to find another inn, young warriors."
"Why is the inn here full?" Jun Zishu curiously asked. There shouldn't be any major events in Weishui City around this period, so it was strange to see an inn run out of rooms.
"It is because of the martial arts conference that will be taking place next month," the innkeeper answered.
"I've heard of the conference before, but I don't think it's being held in Weishui?"
"You are correct; the conference isn't being held in Weishui. However, prior to the conference, the Bai family, one of the wealthy merchant families in Weishui, will be hosting a martial arts competition to find a groom for their young lady. Thus, many martial artists participating in the conference have made their way to Weishui for the marriage competition. Some of them came intending to participate, while others came to join in on the fun."
The martial arts conference would be held in Hangzhou City. Meanwhile, Weishui City was located closest to Hangzhou City.
"I see." Shen Zheyan nodded. Then, she turned to her companions and said, "We'll head to the next inn, then. Hopefully, our luck will be better, and the next inn isn't full."
"Mhm, mhm." Jun Zishu nodded.
Fortunately, their luck wasn't all too bad as the next inn wasn't completely out of rooms. The bad news was that the inn only had two rooms available.
"I guess the two of us will have to share a room again today," Jun Zishu said, shrugging with a nonchalant smile on her face.
Wei Zinan's and Shen Zheyan's expressions subtly changed when they heard Jun Zishu's words. Shen Zheyan had yet to get over yesterday's incident, so she couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the prospect of having to share a bed with Jun Zishu again so soon. Wei Zinan, on the other hand, worried that his sweetheart might become more and more bent.
"How about I find another inn to stay at? You two can have the two rooms here," Wei Zinan said.
Hearing this, Shen Zheyan turned to look at Jun Zishu and check her reaction.
"Wouldn't that be inappropriate? How about you two take the two rooms here while I head to another inn?" Jun Zishu said with a smile, her expression giving off no signs of anger whatsoever.
"How can I let a delicate girl suffer such hardships? I'll move," Wei Zinan sincerely said while shaking his head.
"I'm not a delicate girl. I'm used to enduring hardships," Jun Zishu said, maintaining her smile. Inwardly, though, she was cursing at Wei Zinan. Man, you're such an annoying person.
Jun Zishu and Wei Zinan kept on going back and forth with each other. On the surface, it seemed like they were speaking for each other's sake. However, if one paid close attention, one would notice the smell of gunpowder growing denser and denser.
"Stop arguing. I'll stay together with Yan Xi," Shen Zheyan hurriedly said when she sensed the tense atmosphere. For some inexplicable reason, she had a feeling that her two companions would start a brawl sooner or later if she didn't intervene in their exchange.
"You don't need to inconvenience yourself if you're unwilling to do so, Big Sister," Jun Zishu flatly said as she looked at Shen Zheyan.
"No, how can staying with you be an inconvenience?" Shen Zheyan hurriedly said.
Shen Zheyan was truly afraid that Jun Zishu would overthink things and secretly shed tears again.
Shen Zheyan normally wasn't the type of person to show tender feelings to the fairer sex. However, Jun Zishu was a special case. For some reason, she couldn't bear to see Jun Zishu cry even slightly.
Shen Zheyan's words were like the final nail in the coffin. After she voiced her decision, there was nothing Wei Zinan could say to change the situation.
After grabbing the room token, Shen Zheyan made her way to her room. Meanwhile, Wei Zinan and Jun Zishu tactfully remained outside and started a quiet conversation with each other.
Looking at Jun Zishu, Wei Zinan took the initiative to say, "What are you trying to do? Don't think I'm not aware that you're aiming for her."
"Aren't your words a little strange? You're saying that I am aiming for Big Sister? Are you trying to say that I am planning to harm Big Sister?"
"Don't change the topic. You know what I'm talking about."
"I really don't know what you're talking about. Big Sister and I have known each other since we were children. Now that we have reunited after so many years, shouldn't it be normal that I want to be close to her?" Jun Zishu said, shrugging with an innocent expression. "You, on the other hand, are different. I know exactly what you are trying to do, Wei Zinan."