Douluo: Martial Soul White Tiger, I am the White Emperor of Heaven

Chapter 642 Dai Chengfeng's Preparations
Dai Chengfeng watched Zhu Zhuqing's hurried departure...

He suddenly felt that the sunlight on the training field seemed to be focused on her, and her proud figure, wrapped in black tight-fitting clothes, drew a beautiful arc in the light and shadow.

For a moment, Dai Chengfeng felt his heart beat faster for no apparent reason.

"Zhu Qing..."

Dai Chengfeng murmured her name, a smile involuntarily creeping onto his lips.

"We need to be prepared..."

After a long while, Dai Chengfeng thought about it, then turned around and walked out of the courtyard, heading straight for the most bustling commercial district in Wuhun City.

The streets were bustling with pedestrians in the afternoon, and the cries of vendors rose and fell. But Dai Chengfeng had no interest in the street scene and went straight to the jewelry store called "Liuguang Pavilion".

This is the best jewelry shop in Wuhun City, catering exclusively to Soul Masters and nobles.

The store is elegantly decorated, with various jewelry pieces displayed on the counters, shimmering brilliantly under the soft, soul-guided lighting.

"Welcome, distinguished guest."

The shop owner was a middle-aged man with a refined and scholarly demeanor. When he saw Dai Chengfeng enter, he quickly went forward to greet him.

"I want to see a necklace, a black cat design, to match this."

Dai Chengfeng took out a small brocade box from his pocket, opened it, and inside was the picture of the black cat earrings that he had given to Zhu Zhuqing before.

The shop owner nodded, took the item with both hands, and examined it carefully.

“I want to get a matching necklace, and I need it today,” Dai Chengfeng continued.

The shop owner looked troubled: "Today? This kind of process usually takes at least three days..."

“I’ll pay three times the price,” Dai Chengfeng said without hesitation.

"But……"

Five times.

The shop owner was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Please wait in the VIP room while I go find the best craftsman."

"I wonder if the guest has any special requests?"

Dai Chengfeng thought for a moment: "The pendant should be small and exquisite, suitable for everyday wear, and the chain should be strong enough to not break easily, since she often needs to fight and train."

"I understand, please wait."

The shop owner put away the earrings and quickly walked to the back room.

Dai Chengfeng sat down in the VIP room, and a maid served him tea and snacks, but he had no appetite for them.

The light and shadow outside the window moved inch by inch, and from afternoon to evening, time slowly passed in waiting.

His mind drifted between images of Zhu Zhuqing's aloof face, and then to imagining her wearing the necklace, and finally to thoughts of what was to come that night, his heart filled with anticipation.
After an unknown amount of time, the shop owner finally reappeared, holding an exquisite black velvet box in his hands.

His forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat, but his eyes held an undisguised pride.

"I have fulfilled my mission. Please take a look, sir."

Dai Chengfeng took the box and gently opened it.

Inside the box, on a piece of black velvet, lay a beautiful necklace.

The chain is made of fine silver rings that shimmer with a soft luster. The pendant is a small black cat, which is exactly the same shape as the earrings, but is more slender and elegant.

The black cat's eyes were also made of deep purple ghost stone, which shimmered with a mysterious light as if it were alive under the lamplight.

Dai Chengfeng gently picked up the necklace. It felt warm to the touch. The chain was light yet sturdy, and the pendant was no bigger than a little fingernail. It was exquisite and understated, perfect for everyday wear.

"It's perfect," he exclaimed sincerely.

“As long as the customers are satisfied.”

"This craftsman is the best in our shop. He studied at the Royal Workshop of the Star Luo Empire when he was young. When he saw these earrings, he insisted on making the matching necklace himself, saying that he didn't want the perfect piece to have any flaws," the shop owner said with a smile.

Dai Chengfeng paid the money, carefully put the necklace box into his pocket, and then left Liuguang Pavilion. It was almost dusk, and the setting sun dyed the buildings of Wuhun City golden.

As Dai Chengfeng walked back to the Spirit Hall, his mood was completely different from when he came, and his steps were light and quick.

At dinner, he unusually had a poor appetite and only ate a few bites before getting up and leaving the table.

Zhu Hongxiu asked what was wrong.
Dai Chengfeng simply shook his head, saying he wasn't very hungry today.

Afterwards, he returned to his courtyard, took a bath and changed his clothes, and specially chose a dark silver robe, which made him look tall and dignified.

"When going to see your fiancée, you should dress presentably."

As darkness fell completely, the Spirit Hall was illuminated by soft soul-guiding lamps.

Carrying the small box containing the necklace, Dai Chengfeng walked out of the courtyard and headed towards Zhu Zhuqing's residence.

Zhu Zhuqing's residence was located in a relatively secluded courtyard within the Spirit Hall, where several bamboo stalks swayed gently in the evening breeze.

Dai Chengfeng arrived at the courtyard gate, took a deep breath, and gently knocked on the door.

A moment later, soft footsteps came from inside the door, and the door opened.

Zhu Zhuqing stood at the door. She had changed out of her training clothes and was wearing a deep purple long dress. The hem of the dress swayed gently, and her long hair was draped down, gleaming softly in the moonlight.

She wore light makeup, which softened her usually cool and aloof features, but there was still a hint of nervousness in her eyes.

"You've come." Her voice was softer than usual.

Dai Chengfeng looked at her and for a moment forgot to speak.

He had seen Zhu Zhuqing's fierceness in battle, her focus during training, and her occasional gentle smile, but he had never seen such a tender side of her.

The deep purple dress made her skin appear even whiter, and the coolness in her eyes was softened by the gentle light, making her look like a violet quietly blooming in the night.

"You won't invite me in?"

Dai Chengfeng finally regained his voice, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped aside, and Dai Chengfeng entered the courtyard, closing the gate behind him.

Moonlight spilled onto the bluestone slabs in the courtyard, creating a silvery halo. The bamboo grove in the corner rustled softly; everything was quiet and beautiful.

The two entered the room, which was simply and elegantly furnished, just like Zhu Zhuqing's personality.

A soul-guiding lamp was lit on the table, its soft light illuminating the entire space. A faint fragrance filled the air, the scent of incense that Zhu Zhuqing was used to.

"sit."

Zhu Zhuqing pointed to the chair next to the table, while she stood by the table, her fingers unconsciously twisting together, revealing her inner tension.

Dai Chengfeng did not sit down, but walked up to her and took out the black velvet box from his pocket.

"This is for you."

He gently placed the box on the table and pushed it in front of Zhu Zhuqing.

Zhu Zhuqing looked at the box, then at Dai Chengfeng, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "A gift?"

"Open it and take a look," Dai Chengfeng said softly.

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, then reached out, picked up the box, and gently opened it.

When she saw the necklace lying quietly in the box, her eyes widened slightly. She reached out and carefully picked it up. The black cat pendant swayed gently between her fingers, and the deep purple cat's eyes shimmered under the light.

“This…is a set with the previous pair of earrings.”

She said softly, her voice tinged with surprise.

“You said you can’t wear earrings, I think a necklace would be better.”

"Like it?"

(End of this chapter)