I can only beat noobs.

Chapter 69 Shelter
In front of the two of them, Chen Ming opened the letter and read it with a solemn expression.

In his letter, Lao Liu said that he had something he absolutely had to do, so he entrusted his two apprentices to Brother Chen.

If he doesn't return in two months, erect a cenotaph for him next to his master's grave. Then, the Wu Family Martial Arts School will be given to Brother Chen.

"He did go after all."

Chen Ming sighed inwardly, unable to describe the feeling.

Actually, Old Liu had a premonition about what would happen after that young master went to Wu's martial arts school to provoke them.

He also saw that young master at the martial arts tournament today. This man claimed to be from Gu County and surnamed He. He also came from a prestigious family with a third-rank expert in charge.

Old Liu's trip to the He family to seek revenge on the man who stole his fiancée years ago was practically suicide.

He was aware of this himself, so when he passed away, he entrusted his two apprentices to him, left a will, and even made arrangements for his funeral.

Holding the "suicide note" in his hand, Chen Ming asked the two boys dressed in coarse linen clothes, "Do you know what Old Liu is going to do?"

"I don't know."

The two shook their heads blankly, completely unaware of the matter.

In their memory, their master was very lazy. Since they entered the martial arts school, they had never seen their master leave the school.

A few days ago, he suddenly said he had to go out to run some errands, which surprised them all, but they didn't dare to ask.

This is the way they interact as master and apprentice.

Chen Ming said, "He entrusted you to me. From today onwards, you can stay here with me for the time being."

He felt like his place was turning into a shelter, with people entrusting themselves to him one by one.

Hong Mingquan is like that.

Li Jinchuan's Uncle Rui was the same.

Now Lao Liu has placed his apprentice with him again.

The two boys looked troubled. "But the restaurant is too far from here. It will take a lot of time to get there and back."

Chen Mingqi asked, "A restaurant? What are you going there for?"

“We worked as laborers. When our master left, he took all the money we had saved over the past two years.”

"..."

Chen Ming finally understood why Lao Liu had entrusted his apprentice to him. He guessed that Lao Liu had finally had a change of heart and realized that he had mistreated his apprentice too much over the years.

"From now on, none of you need to work at that restaurant anymore. I'll provide meals here."

The two boys looked at each other, somewhat at a loss, unsure how to react.

Seeing their reaction, Chen Ming added, "Your master has arranged for you to work as helpers here. Room and board are provided, plus a monthly stipend of five taels."

Their eyes lit up immediately. "Is this true?"

"of course."

Chen Ming thought to himself, "Now Li Jinchuan and Hong Zilin will finally have some company."

……

"This is Wu Ada, and this is Liu A'er. They'll be staying with us from now on."

At the dinner table, Chen Ming introduced the new family member to everyone present.

Both of them were orphans, adopted by Old Liu. One took his father-in-law's surname, and the other took his. They were thus carrying on the family line of both families.

"Alright, I'll give you some formal names."

Chen Ming said to the two of them, "From now on, your name will be Wu Bofu. And your name will be Liu Zhongda."

He was too lazy to think of another name, so he just used a name from Earth. Anyway, the surname was different, so it wasn't considered offensive.

His current family members include himself, his elder brother's family of four, and Li Jinchuan, who lives at home.

In addition, Hong Zilin comes here every day to freeload meals and only goes home at night.

We've just managed to get a table full of people.

The eldest sister-in-law, Madam Wei, already knew their background and felt great sympathy for them. Seeing them eating in silence, only picking at the dishes in front of them, she added several large pieces of beef to their bowls, saying, "Don't be shy, make yourself at home here." The two teenagers had never received such care before. Seeing the loving eyes of this beautiful and dignified hostess, their eyes immediately reddened, and their throats choked with emotion.

Wei said to Chen Ming, "I heard that Erlang displayed great prowess at the Governor's Mansion today, winning three matches in a row. Now everyone is saying that you are the number one swordsman among the younger generation in Qingfeng City, and even the Governor praised you."

The news spread so fast that even my sister-in-law, a woman who lives a secluded life, knew about it.

It seems that my sister-in-law is now mingling in a higher social circle of ladies.

The firsthand news from the Governor's Mansion would definitely come from the ladies and wives present.

Chen Ming shook his head and said, "It's just an exaggeration. I've only just broken through to the seventh rank. In terms of cultivation, I'm still no match for others."

Having known him for so long, Madam Wei knew his character and understood that he was being modest. She continued, "I've heard that there are three young masters from a prominent family in Jiangzhou who are not only handsome and dashing but also exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship. Some well-meaning people have given them the nickname 'The Three Swordsmen in White Robes'."

"..."

Wow, these people know how to market themselves. They came up with a catchy nickname and promoted the three of them together. Instantly, they gained widespread recognition.

At least in Qingfeng City, the three of them became famous.

Looking back now, those three people were indeed all dressed in white, and I wonder if it was pre-arranged.

Chen Ming found it difficult to comment at the moment.

However, Madam Wei felt somewhat indignant on his behalf, saying, "In terms of strength, Erlang, you are certainly no less than those three. You even won three matches. Why were you the only one left out?"

Chen Ming laughed and said, "How could I, a mere swordsman, associate with them? Besides, they are young masters from prestigious families. I am far above them."

He didn't want to be associated with those three guys, especially if they were given nicknames like "The Four Heroes." In a few years, it would probably become a stain on his reputation that his rivals would laugh at.

……

The next morning, Chen Ming got ready early, adjusted his mindset, and waited for Gu Yuantao to come to his door.

"The carriage has arrived!"

When Chunxiang came to report, he went to the door to greet her personally. He then saw that the carriage in front looked very familiar and seemed to be Zhang Mingyu's carriage.

Why did they all come together?

As Chen Ming was pondering this, he saw Zhang Mingyu alight from the carriage in front. Then, the person who alighted from the carriage behind him was someone completely unexpected.

They were both women, and he knew them both.

Xiao Zhuyun and Huo Qianqian.

"Why are they here?"

Chen Ming was taken aback.

Zhang Mingyu asked with a surprised look, "Junior brother, did you know we were coming in advance?"

I really don’t know about that.

Chen Ming remained calm and said, "It is an honor to have you three grace my humble abode with your presence. Please come in."

Xiao Zhuyun wore a light green dress, which further accentuated her elegance and gentleness. She gave a graceful bow and said, "I apologize for disturbing you, young master."

Chen Ming smiled and said, "It is my great honor that you could come, young lady. Please."

He led the three people into the house.

After taking his seat, he went straight to the point and asked, "I wonder what brings Miss Xiao here to see me today?"

As the saying goes, one does not visit the temple unless he has something to ask for.

This woman certainly didn't come to his house for no reason.

Based on his observations yesterday, this woman, the most beautiful he has ever seen in the world, is quite extraordinary.

At the martial arts tournament, she got to know almost everyone. Not only did Qin Jinlin express his affection for her, but another of the "Three Young Masters" also surrounded her.

Besides these two, there are several other people who seem to admire her quite a bit.

He immediately labeled this woman as a social butterfly!

What could a woman like that possibly want from him?
P.S.: It's on Sanjiang (a Chinese online literature platform), and will be available on Wednesday. Please vote with your monthly tickets in advance.

(End of this chapter)