Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

"Huh?" Zhao Dong was stunned for a moment. "Isn't it because he hurt you?" he asked, puzzled.

"You!" Leng Yue glared at him, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance. "Blockhead!"

"Forget it, I'm not talking about this with you!"

Leng Yue released Zhao Dong's hand and said gravely, "I've been targeted by assassins repeatedly these past few days. They are getting far too bold! To think they'd dare to assassinate the Inspector General... how can the people of Provincial City live in peace? I need to investigate this matter immediately!"

Zhao Dong voiced his concern. "Did you offend some powerful enemy who now wants to take your life at any cost?"

Leng Yue shook her head. "I have countless old enemies. I can't possibly investigate them one by one. But recently, many children have gone missing in Provincial City, and they all share the same blood type. I've been pursuing this case very closely. I think it might be connected to the assassination attempts on me."

Zhao Dong nodded slightly. "When it comes to investigations, I don't know as much as you do," he said earnestly. "But you must be careful. If you run into danger, you have to call me right away, understand?"

His words touched Leng Yue deeply. A blush crept onto her pretty face as she muttered, "Are you concerned about me?"

"Of course!" Zhao Dong said seriously. "You're my friend. How could I just stand by and watch something happen to you?"

"Just friends?" Leng Yue sounded a little dejected.

Zhao Dong was taken aback, but before he could say anything, Leng Yue nodded. "I'll remember what you said. But you've also offended Chen Jun. If you're in danger, you must contact me too, understand?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of myself," Zhao Dong replied with a smile.

However, Leng Yue's gaze lingered on him. She reached out and grasped his hand again, her beautiful eyes filled with reluctance.

"Zhao Dong... you must take care of yourself... And... if you have time... remember to come and see me."

Zhao Dong felt a bit unsettled by her demeanor. In his memory, Leng Yue had always been an ice queen. This sudden display of warmth was too great a contrast. Of course, Zhao Dong wouldn't disappoint her. He smiled and patted the back of her hand. "Don't worry, I'll definitely take care. And I'll come see you when I have time."

"Mm..."

Leng Yue nodded emphatically, finally letting go of his hand with great reluctance.

As Zhao Dong left the Inspector General's office under Leng Yue's watchful gaze, his phone rang. It was Qing Yu.

"Senior, are you busy?" came Qing Yu's hopeful and gentle voice.

"I just finished up. What's going on?"

Qing Yu answered shyly, "Did you forget that you promised to take me to the herb market?"

"Of course not," Zhao Dong laughed. "Do you want to go now?"

"Mmhmm, I happen to be free today," Qing Yu replied eagerly.

"Alright, I'm not busy right now either. Let's meet at the herb market."

「Provincial City Herb Market.」

Just like his last visit, the market was teeming with people. Zhao Dong and Qing Yu weaved their way through the various shops.

"Senior, do you think we'll find any useful herbs this time?" Qing Yu asked, looking up at Zhao Dong with admiration.

Zhao Dong shook his head. "That depends on luck. After all, high-quality herbs are rare finds."

"That's true..." Qing Yu nodded slightly, but she didn't seem too disappointed.

As long as I can be out with Senior, what does it matter if we don't find any good herbs?

The two of them continued onward. Finally, as they entered a shop near the center of the market, Qing Yu stopped in her tracks. The shop was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the common stalls. It was filled with a wide variety of herbs, and a saleswoman in a black, form-fitting dress stood inside.

Qing Yu's gaze was captured by a fiery red herb in a display case. "Is that Red Training Grass!?" she exclaimed excitedly.

"You have a fine eye, Miss!" The saleswoman, noticing Qing Yu's expensive clothes, immediately came over to give her sales pitch.

"This herb is indeed Red Training Grass, sourced from a volcanic crater with temperatures over a thousand degrees. It is an incredibly rare treasure! Because it grows in such a high-temperature environment, Red Training Grass contains innate Fire Spiritual Energy. If used as a catalyst in Alchemy to refine a Fire Spirit Pill, it can do more than just enhance one's strength. It's said that consuming it even gives one a chance to master the legendary Fire Spiritual Energy!"

"This Red Training Grass just arrived yesterday. Since fate brought you here, I can give you a twenty-percent discount. How about a flat price of 2,400,000?"

The saleswoman's pitch was flawless, and her eloquent introduction made Qing Yu's face flush with excitement.

The Fire Spiritual Energy part is probably an exaggeration, but I do know that the Fire Spirit Pill can increase one's strength.

Qing Yu was no fool. Even though she was taken with the herb, she wouldn't just accept the first price. She certainly knew how to haggle.

She frowned and said, "But this Fire Spirit Pill can only be refined by a three-star Alchemist or higher. Moreover, because the herb's fiery energy is so potent, there's a significant risk of going berserk during the refinement process. In my opinion, although the herb is good, there probably aren't many people who would dare to buy it, right?"

Hearing this, the saleswoman gave an awkward smile. "I didn't realize you were so knowledgeable. In that case, I won't play games with you. A flat price of 1,500,000. That's the absolute lowest I can go. If you still won't accept it, then there's nothing more I can do."

Qing Yu thought for a moment. One and a half million? Fortune favors the bold! The value of this Red Training Grass might not be the absolute lowest at this price, but it definitely isn't high. She finally nodded.

Seeing her agree, the saleswoman was overjoyed and immediately started to wrap up the Red Training Grass.

But just then, Zhao Dong suddenly stepped forward and whispered in Qing Yu's ear, "Don't buy this herb."

The hand Qing Yu was extending for her card trembled. "Is there a problem?" she asked, confused.

Zhao Dong gave a slight, imperceptible nod.

At his signal, Qing Yu, though confused, put her faith in his judgment. He's a three-star Alchemist! If he says no, then there must be something wrong with the herb!

Qing Yu withdrew her hand and shook her head. "Never mind, I don't want it." With that, she turned to leave.

This sudden turn of events completely dumbfounded the saleswoman, who was still in the middle of packaging the herb.

"Miss, I've already started wrapping it up! How can you just back out now?" she asked, displeased.

Qing Yu frowned. "A deal requires mutual consent. I don't want to buy it anymore. It's as simple as that."

After all, Qing Yu was a member of the Blood Sect. Though she might appear timid in front of Zhao Dong, she had an assertive side. She certainly wouldn't be polite to a saleswoman who questioned her like this.

At this, the saleswoman put down the herb and shot Qing Yu a scornful glance.

"Heh, and here I thought you were distinguished customers. Turns out you're just a couple of paupers? If you can't afford it, just say so. No need to stand here pretending you know anything."

Saying this, the saleswoman slapped the doorframe, motioning for them to get out.