Douluo Continent Villain Simulator: Persecuting Qian Renxue at the Start

Chapter 98 Let's go to your room

The Duke of the Underworld's Mansion.

Unable to refuse Su Cheng's request, Zhu Zhuqing eventually took him back to her home after the semester ended.

The two stood at the grand and spacious gates of the Duke's mansion and knocked on the door.

A moment later, the gate was opened by servants from the Duke's mansion.

Upon seeing Su Cheng standing next to Zhu Zhuqing, a hint of surprise flashed across their faces, but they didn't say anything more.

They bowed in unison and said, "Fourth Miss."

Fourth Miss?

Su Cheng was somewhat surprised.

He really didn't know how many daughters the Zhu family had; he never expected that Zhu Zhuqing actually had three older sisters.

The custom of marriage between the Xingluo royal family and the Zhu family was to select the best couples from the families and be betrothed to each other from childhood.

Of course, apart from the first engaged couple, the existence of the later ones was more to serve as an incentive, making them victims of this bloody system.

After all, the talent gap between outstanding successors is extremely limited, and the advantage of age often becomes an insurmountable chasm between them.

Unless the chosen one is blessed with continuous good fortune, or the older one gives up on themselves, the latter has almost no chance of surpassing them.

However, under the brutal competitive system of the Star Luo Empire, and with newcomers eyeing the throne, how could the first-in-line heir possibly relax his cultivation?

This also means that, in cases like Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, the chances of ultimately winning are actually extremely slim.

He was probably the unluckiest kid in the family.

But the other descendants who were not chosen as heirs through marriage might actually have a much better fate.

After entering the mansion, the two were led by servants to the main hall.

Su Cheng casually surveyed the surrounding scenery, inwardly sighing with admiration.

It can only be said that the Zhu family of Youming is indeed the second most powerful family in the Star Luo Empire after the royal family. The area of ​​the Duke's Mansion alone is several times larger than the Marquis's Mansion where he grew up.

The surrounding area is adorned with carved beams and painted pillars, and the fences and pillars are all constructed from precious purple yew and golden nanmu wood. The glazed tiles on the courtyard walls and roof shimmer with dazzling brilliance under the afterglow of the setting sun.

The group walked swiftly and silently through the front hall and garden, arriving at the entrance of the main hall.

The servants who had been leading the way withdrew on their own, and Su Cheng followed Zhu Zhuqing into the main hall.

It was already dinnertime, but only Duke Zhu Hongtao and his wife were in the hall. Zhu Zhuyun and the other young ladies of the Zhu family were nowhere to be seen.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward, maintaining her expressionless and aloof demeanor, and greeted them calmly, "Dad, Mom."

The atmosphere was indeed strange.

Su Cheng quickly changed his mind and stepped forward to bow, saying, "This junior is Su Cheng from the Fire Leopard Sect. I am Zhu Qing's classmate in the academy. I greet Your Excellency and Your Excellency."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him upon hearing this, but didn't say anything more.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Hongtao's eyes. Wasn't this the emperor's illegitimate son?

However, these expressions were fleeting and did not garner much attention.

They seemed indifferent to his arrival, showing no other special reaction, and their attitude was neither warm nor cold.

He nodded to him and said calmly, "So you are the young master of the Su family. No need for formalities. Since you're here, let's have a meal together."

No, this attitude wasn't limited to him alone.

Even towards his biological daughter Zhu Zhuqing, whom he hadn't seen for a year, he maintained an unusually calm demeanor.

"Xiao Qing, please sit down too."

Upon hearing this, the two took their seats at the luxurious dining table in the hall.

Su Cheng silently observed the expressions of the Zhu family members at this moment.

The atmosphere was indeed a bit strange.

No, it's not just a little strange, it's really too strange.

Although the hall was decorated in a magnificent and luxurious style, the food on the table was also plentiful and delicious.

He felt as if he were having his last meal in a death row prison, the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

During the meal, the group remained silent. Su Cheng suppressed his discomfort and took the opportunity to secretly observe Zhu Hongtao.

This observation was extremely subtle.

Most of the time, I just glance at it out of the corner of my eye.

After all, the other party was a powerful expert with a cultivation level as high as that of a Soul Douluo. If he was not careful, he would easily be discovered, arousing the other party's vigilance and suspicion.

In the ensuing silence, the group quickly finished their dinner.

Immediately afterwards, servants entered the hall and began clearing away the tableware and the large amount of food left on the table.

The four of them took their seats as host and guest, and began to rest and chat in the hall.

The main focus was on the questions and answers between Zhu Hongtao and Zhu Zhuqing.

I learned a little about the current situation in the academy and their current training progress.

At this point, both Su Cheng and Zhu Zhuqing had broken through level ten and added their first spirit ring to their martial souls, becoming spirit masters.

This cultivation speed is extremely fast, even considering their innate soul power level.

But Zhu Hongtao didn't say much.

He simply nodded and moved on from the topic.

Throughout the entire conversation, Zhu Zhuqing simply recounted her experiences normally, without mentioning a single word about her experiences at the academy.

Su Cheng watched coldly, not surprised by her actions.

This isn't just a matter of personality; it's simply that talking about it is pointless.

He saw it all clearly from the side.

Zhu Hongtao's words seemed concerned, but in reality, they contained nothing of substance.

The question-and-answer session was merely a routine matter, even bordering on perfunctory.

Zhu Zhuqing must have been aware of this as well.

The conversation did not last long.

Less than half an hour later, Zhu Zhuqing's parents left together.

Only then did the oppressive atmosphere finally ease a little.

Zhu Zhuqing, however, seemed to have long been accustomed to this, and her expression remained unchanged.

As they walked out of the hall, a pair of eyes silently turned to Su Cheng.

It's obvious that he's implying he should leave too.

Su Cheng pretended not to know, stood up and stretched his body a little.

Looking back at the other person, she smiled and said, "Go to your room and have a look. I'll be leaving after sitting for a while."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing felt a sense of rejection.

It wasn't that she was worried Su Cheng would do anything to her.

That room was her only private space.

In this home, and even in this world, only that place could bring her a little sense of security.

However, after seeing Su Cheng's expression, she ultimately did not refuse.

She silently turned and walked out of the hall, heading towards her bedroom.

Su Cheng followed silently from behind.

"As expected of the Duke's mansion, it's really luxurious, much better than where I live."

After entering the room, Su Cheng casually looked around and couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration.

This is the truth.

Zhu Zhuqing's room is not just a single bedroom, but rather resembles a complete detached house.

The house has all the necessary rooms, including the front hall, main hall, bedroom, and side hall, and is exceptionally spacious.

Although the Su family is considered a powerful family in the Star Luo Empire, it is clearly far inferior to the Zhu family.

Su Cheng had been living a life of luxury since childhood, and his living conditions were at least no worse than when he was in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Compared to the Zhu family, they are nothing but a small fry.

However, although Zhu Zhuqing's room was designed to be extremely elegant and filled with a sense of understated luxury, it was not decorated much and did not resemble a girl's room at all.

"Are you the fourth young lady in your family? How many children do you have?" Su Cheng asked casually as he walked into the main hall the day before yesterday.

"...Four." Zhu Zhuqing silently followed behind him.

"Where are your other sisters? I haven't seen them today. Aren't they home?"

"..."

After waiting a moment, seeing that Zhu Zhuqing did not answer, Su Cheng stopped and turned to look at her, withdrawing his gaze from the room.

Seeing Su Cheng looking at her like that, Zhu Zhuqing knew that she had to answer this question this time.

"My eldest sister is studying at a prestigious college and rarely comes home. My second and third sisters..."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "I don't know where they are right now."

"You don't know?" Su Cheng asked, somewhat surprised.

He had originally thought that Miss Zhu, who didn't have to bear the burden of a marriage alliance, might have a more comfortable life, but now it seemed that this was not the case.

However, upon closer reflection, it's not surprising.

Even the most talented descendants have to go through this cruel and bloody competition.

Those with even less talent will likely not fare any better; there will undoubtedly be other trials awaiting them.

It seems that it will be difficult to understand the Zhu family's affairs from this young girl, Zhu Zhuqing. She herself doesn't know much information, so we can only wait and see if there is an opportunity to dig deeper in the future.

These seemingly insignificant pieces of information may play a very important role in the future.

Su Cheng continued walking inside. The main hall was much larger than the front hall, with bedrooms and side halls connected to it on both sides.

He glanced casually into the bedroom and noticed a rag doll on the table near the door.

However, it is obviously quite old. Although it has been cleaned very well, it already has a somewhat worn look.

"Huh, I didn't know you knew how to do this kind of thing."

Su Cheng said casually, but he was a little curious and wanted to walk closer to take a closer look.

"Don't move!" Zhu Zhuqing's expression suddenly changed drastically. She quickly took a few steps forward, squeezed into the bedroom beside him, and blocked his way.

His face was full of determination.

Su Cheng was somewhat surprised to see this; it seemed that the doll held a very important and special meaning for her.

But he didn't force him; these things weren't really his concern.

He smiled, turned and left the bedroom door, walking back into the living room.

Where is your toilet located?

"?" Zhu Zhuqing was a little confused. The toilet was right next to the side hall, and Su Cheng should have seen it just now.

"What, you're not going to let me use your room, are you?" Su Cheng raised an eyebrow.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing blushed; she hadn't realized this before.

He quickly whispered, "I'll take you there."

"No need, just tell me and I'll go myself."

After Su Cheng left, Zhu Zhuqing stared blankly at the teddy bear on the table.

This was a gift her father gave her when she was young.

Unfortunately, the other person hasn't been to this room for many years.

Just then—

"Knock, knock, knock..." A series of gentle but firm knocks suddenly rang out.

Zhu Zhuqing was somewhat puzzled.

Given Su Cheng's personality, why would he knock on the door and come back so quickly?

Could it be that they just couldn't find the place?

The Duke's mansion covers a very large area.

Even the nearest restroom takes seven or eight minutes to get there and back, and with the time spent relieving oneself, it should take at least ten minutes.

She hesitated for a moment, but still quickly walked over and opened the door.

The figure outside the door startled her.

"dad?"

There should be another chapter this afternoon, I'm aiming for 10,000 words a day! PS: Bravely resist school bullying, bullies, die!

(End of this chapter)