Section 4 Family Reputation
In the martial arts world, there are various ways to address martial artists. If the other party is a hot-blooded young man who is just starting out, he can be called "Young Hero"; if it is a couple who travel the martial arts world together, even if they are not so loving, they must be called "Virtuous Couple"; if they have been in the martial arts world for most of their lives and have been lucky enough to avoid being infamous, they must be called "Great Hero".
Although I grew up in a secluded courtyard, my family was in a business that required cultivating good relationships, so I was quite familiar with the rules and regulations of the martial arts world.
Unfortunately, despite all this, I still can't find a suitable title to refer to Baili Chenfeng.
He's not young anymore; if I called him "young hero," I'd probably laugh myself to death.
He wasn't very old, and his whereabouts were always mysterious and his actions unpredictable, so he didn't deserve the shining title of a great hero.
What's worse, he doesn't even have a nickname!
This has made it impossible for me to even say things like, "So it's 'Swordsman So-and-so' who has graced us with his presence."
I could only say, "So it is the renowned number one expert of Baili City, Dajia, who has graced us with his presence. Gong Feicui greets you."
This was a long speech, and I paused three times in the middle. The first time I paused, that annoying spendthrift Xiao Zuo burst out laughing, but I was talking to a guest, so I could only curse him in my heart until his face cramped from laughing.
During the second pause, Baili Chenfeng walked towards me, and I finally finished speaking when he was right in front of me.
Compared to me, his words were much more concise: "Miss Gong."
It was a genuine exchange of pleasantries, and he didn't say "nice to meet you."
Pah! Thank goodness he at least remembered my surname is Gong!
"My father always hoped to witness the prowess of the masters of Baili City, but unfortunately, he never had the chance to meet them for decades. Today, Emerald is fortunate to have such an honored guest, which can be considered as fulfilling my father's long-cherished wish."
After another long speech, I was very impressed with myself for having improved my self-cultivation to a new level, and I also realized how difficult it is to be an heir.
Especially large families like the Gong family.
If I hadn't taken over the business myself, I would never have imagined that my father would leave me such a vast fortune. If I hadn't been so ambitious, I could have spent my whole life counting money at home for several lifetimes.
Therefore, I really admire Xiao Zuo. His family had monopolized the salt industry in the Central Plains for more than two hundred years, and he was able to squander his huge family fortune in just three years. That is truly a skill.
Thinking this, I couldn't help but look at him.
He was looking at me too, his shining eyes hiding a hint of a smile, his expression quite intriguing, as if... as if he could tell that I was only pretending to be polite to Baili Chenfeng for the sake of my family's reputation.
I couldn't help but feel suspicious. This expression was probably too serious for him, making him a little uncomfortable. He suddenly picked up the jade leaf in his hand, waved it at me twice, and then burst into laughter, staring at my fiery eyes.
That thug! He did it on purpose!
How dare he, how dare he provoke me! And he even takes pleasure in it!
I was furious and without thinking, I lifted my skirt, ready to rush over and kick him out the door. But just then, a polite voice rang out.
"Miss Gong, you flatter me."
It was the sound of Baili Chenfeng.
My hand loosened, and the heavy skirt fell down with a "whoosh".
Turning his head, Baili Chenfeng's mouth opened and closed: "From the city lord to the common people of Baili City, everyone has shown utmost respect to your father. Over the years, every invitation your family has sent has been imbued with a sense of humility and deference, a testament to your exceptional character and integrity. You are truly honored."
It must have been my refined and elegant demeanor that intimidated him; he finally felt too embarrassed to exchange pleasantries with me anymore.
I struggled to keep my expression from turning menacing towards him, and said in a soft voice, "In that case, you must be tired from your journey. Please go to your room and rest first. After dinner, the pearl exhibition will officially begin."
"I haven't seen Brother Xiao Zuo for many years. Could you arrange for us to stay together?"
Go to hell! Don't mention that name to me!
I nodded slightly, my face beaming with a smile, and said, "Of course, Zhong Ruo will arrange it for you."
Then, I watched helplessly as Zhong Ruo led that bastard and Baili Chenfeng away, chatting and laughing.
Very few people can make me this angry. This was a huge blow to me and tormented me all afternoon, so I ate a lot for dinner.
Soon, I regretted it.
To complement the grand occasion of this jewelry exhibition, I prepared a total of nine outfits, among which the purple-gold phoenix gown to be worn at the opening ceremony is the most magnificent and my favorite.
But now, with the opening ceremony about to begin, I've eaten too much and am unable to put on the exquisitely tailored purple-gold phoenix gown.
While cursing Xiao Zuo in my heart, I decided to give up the Purple-Gold Phoenix Robe and wear the Cloud-Colored Purple Skirt instead.
After getting dressed, I looked in the mirror and had to admit that I was quite narcissistic.
Because I suddenly realized that I looked just as beautiful in the Yunying Purple Dress.
I wore a green brocade blouse embroidered with lifelike birds perched on branches, and a narrow-sleeved blouse paired with a long skirt with dense pleats and emerald-green knots, which made me look tall and elegant.
Having good clothes is far from enough; the hairstyle is the key to showcasing the perfect outfit—a flowing, elegant purple dress is best suited for a flying phoenix bun.
Divide your hair into several strands, and bend each strand into a bun. The lines of each strand must be clear and the layers must be distinct. Then, insert ornaments such as flower hoops, hairpins, hair ornaments, and tassels into them... This is of course very troublesome, so I never comb my own hair, and I never open my eyes when I do.
—I'm afraid that if I just watch the process, I'll be so scared that I'll never want to comb my hair again.
Fortunately, I have a skillful maid who combs my hair, and every time she does it, my three thousand strands of hair are so beautiful that the word "wonderful" is the only way to describe it.
“Meiwu,” I said to the maid, my eyes fixed on the elegant and flowing hairstyle in the mirror, “you are such a skillful maid!”
Mei Wu smiled, pursing her lips, and said, "Actually, the tassel bun that goes with the purple-gold phoenix robe is the most intricate, and it looks especially beautiful when styled. It's a pity..."