Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 23 The third day has passed, and a guest has arrived!

The three-day period arrived in the blink of an eye.

There were guards every three steps and sentries every five steps in front of the Duke of Anguo's mansion. The mansion was brightly lit, and torches were even stuck in the gaps between the eaves and tiles. From a distance, it looked like a giant torch.

The powerful and influential figures appeared calm on the surface, but secretly they all sent people to keep a close eye on the situation.

Besides, countless self-proclaimed martial arts heroes and opportunists were eager to make their mark, seeing this place as the perfect stage to make a name for themselves, hoping to personally capture this famous thief who had made a name for himself in the capital.

But the scene in the streets and alleys was quite different. The people dared not speak out, but the anticipation and anxiety in their eyes were impossible to hide. Countless people silently prayed that this Robin Hood-like hero would be safe and sound.

Despite being at the center of a turbulent vortex, Li Chunfeng, the eldest son of the Duke of Anguo's mansion, was not significantly affected.

At this moment, he was still living a carefree life of debauchery.

Although he couldn't go out, the beautiful concubines he kept in his mansion were enough to keep him entertained every night.

However, he had long since grown tired of these women.

These days, whenever he closes his eyes, that elegant and beautiful figure involuntarily appears in his mind.

Cheng Zhiwei.

He was captivated by the quiet and intelligent girl, who was as serene as a secluded orchid in a valley.

If it were any other woman, he would have already snatched her away.

However, Cheng Zhiwei's grandfather happens to be Cheng Ming, a highly respected old constable of the Six Doors. Now, the safety of the Duke of Anguo's mansion still depends on this grandfather and grandson, so he can only suppress his thoughts.

Thinking of this, Li Chunfeng pushed away the beauty in his arms with some irritation and walked to the window listlessly.

Just then, Li Chunfeng saw Cheng Ming and Cheng Zhiwei, grandfather and granddaughter, patrolling the yard in the distance.

They inspected every corner to ensure there were no blind spots or flaws.

And the courtyard where he was located was of utmost importance.

When his gaze fell upon the figure he had been longing for, Li Chunfeng's breathing instantly became heavy, and his eyes were filled with undisguised greed, as if he wanted to materialize and peel off Cheng Zhiwei's clothes layer by layer.

Cheng Zhiwei was incredibly perceptive; she noticed Li Chunfeng's gaze almost immediately. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she quickly sped up her work, giving a brief inspection before leaving.

Watching Cheng Zhiwei's almost fleeing figure, Li Chunfeng behind the window chuckled and secretly made up his mind.

Once this matter of Ta Yue is settled, I'll definitely find a way to get that little wench into my bed and see how high and mighty she'll still be then!

However, he did not know that because of Cheng Zhiwei's hasty departure, several corners in the courtyard were not checked, leaving a slight but fatal flaw.

Meanwhile, in a secluded courtyard in the capital, Chen Ye was busy at work.

This courtyard was rented by him some time ago using another false identity. It serves as a safe house, where everything related to his identity, Ta Yue, is stored.

He carefully packed away the things he had made that he would need that night, and after making sure everything was in order, he changed into a regular set of shorts and clothes and prepared to return to the tenement.

As I passed the street corner, I saw a street thug who usually bullied and oppressed vendors standing with his hands on his hips, cursing and swearing.

Chen Ye brushed past him without pausing, his fingers lightly brushing past him like butterflies flitting among flowers.

The bully was completely oblivious, continuing to swagger and act arrogantly, unaware that his bulging money bag had already changed hands.

This is their daily routine as wall-followers.

As soon as Chen Ye entered the courtyard, he sensed that something was amiss.

Fang Tao and his fellow brothers, who were usually busy with their own affairs, were all gathered in the courtyard at this moment. When they saw him return, they all winked at him and gave him ambiguous looks.

Fang Tao strode over, slapped Chen Ye on the shoulder, and said in a low voice with a sly grin, "Kid, not bad! You didn't say a word, and the girl came knocking on your door!"

Girl? Which girl?
A hint of doubt flashed through Chen Ye's mind. "Stop playing dumb!" Fang Tao chuckled. "Remember that little bell that helped you at the art competition? The girl is here to see you, and she's waiting for you in your room right now."

Chen Ye was taken aback upon hearing this, then quickly walked to his dilapidated house and pushed open the door.

Sure enough, there she was, Wu Xiaorui, the little bell girl, sitting in a chair, her hands supporting her chin, her bright eyes smiling as she looked at the doorway, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

"Uh... what brings you here?"

Chen Ye was indeed somewhat surprised at this moment.

He couldn't understand how this girl had found her way here.

Wu Xiaorui, however, acted with composure. She stood up from her chair, put her hands behind her back, and smiled, "What? Not welcome?"

"No, it's just that I was a little surprised."

After his initial surprise, Chen Ye quickly calmed down.

He had at least had a few relationships in his previous life, although they all ended without a trace. But they gave him some experience, so he wouldn't be at a loss when he saw a girl.

Actually, Wu Xiaorui was also a little shy at this moment.

She didn't know what was wrong with her today; she inexplicably ran over and even went to find Chen Ye in front of so many people.

The worst part is that this guy is infuriating. He told him his real name that day, but he hasn't come looking for him since.

Chen Ye naturally had no idea what Wu Xiaorui was thinking, and even if he did, he wouldn't care.

He had no time to think about these things now, but since they were already there, he couldn't just turn them away. Besides, they had genuinely helped him at that art competition.

"have you eaten?"

"Are you talking about yesterday's or today's?" Wu Xiaorui asked with a grin.

"Of course, it's today's."

"We haven't eaten yet."

"I haven't eaten either, let's go, I'll treat you to a meal."

“Okay!” Wu Xiaorui nodded immediately, smiling like a flower.

Chen Ye walked out the door and said something to Fang Tao.

Fang Tao readily agreed, and secretly pulled out a handful of copper coins from his pocket, stuffing them into Chen Ye's hand. "Take this! Don't be stingy when you're taking a girl out!"

Chen Ye accepted the gift with a wry smile, and then, amidst the ambiguous and teasing glances of the group of brothers from Fuqiang'er, he led Wu Xiaorui out of the tenement.

After stepping out of the courtyard and out of everyone's sight, Wu Xiaorui's fair, almost translucent face couldn't help but blush.

"Are all you scoundrels this wicked?"

"Bad?" Chen Ye was taken aback at first, then shook his head.

"That's them! I'm a fine young man!"

Wu Xiaorui spat, "Pah! You make it sound so real, who would believe that?"

After she finished speaking, she started to giggle.

Chen Ye smiled but didn't explain, then asked, "What do you want to eat?"

"Big wine vat, it's rare that our Cai Zi Men has a day off today, I'd like to have a couple of drinks."

(End of this chapter)