A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 2237 - 1517: Tour Guide (Eating Instant Noodles in the Snow Has Its Own Flavor) (Part 2)
No one had any objections about Bao Butong being killed; that foul mouth was intolerable not only to Duanmu Huai but to any Martial Arts expert with a hot temper. Hence, nobody discussed Bao Butong’s death. Instead, they were more interested in understanding why Duanmu Huai acted the way he did, trying to decipher the thoughts and inclinations of this Undying Slaughter God.
At least there was one certainty: this person has no good feelings toward those Barbarians from the Outer Domain. This revelation brought a sigh of relief to the Martial Artists of the Central Plains.
They had been worried that those Barbarians from the Outer Domain would cause trouble and try to recruit Duanmu Huai. But since Duanmu Huai publicly exposed Murong Fu’s secret dealings with the Outer Domain and displayed his contempt, it was clear he had no favorable feelings toward the Barbarians.
No one cared about Murong Fu’s fate; instead, it was Wang Yuyan who grabbed everyone’s attention.
Because Duanmu Huai actually kept her around!
According to intelligence, Wang Yuyan was indeed beautiful, but upon further investigation, people discovered she was just an ordinary woman without Martial Arts skills. Despite her beauty, she wasn’t famous. Most of the time she stayed at Manduo Manor, rarely venturing out, so few in and surrounding the Martial Arts world knew of her existence.
And Duanmu Huai knew her name and even kept her by his side?
What was going on?
Incidentally, at this moment, Wang Yuyan’s mother, Li Qingluo, was completely numb.
To be honest, when she first heard that Wang Yuyan had been taken by Duanmu Huai, Li Qingluo was furious, raging helplessly, but with no recourse. Soon enough, when the officials raided Murong Fu’s home, her concern shifted from Wang Yuyan to herself.
After all, rebellion is a crime that condemns nine generations, and their Manduo Manor was included among those!
Li Qingluo waited anxiously for a long time, but no one from the court came to their door. Eventually, Murong Fu and his associates were executed, yet no one sought Manduo Manor. Li Qingluo was not foolish; she understood the reason very well. Clearly, since Wang Yuyan was with Duanmu Huai, the court did not want to conflict with Duanmu Huai. Moreover, Li Qingluo had long severed ties with Yanzi Dock due to Murong Fu’s insane ambitions, leaving no substantial evidence. Thus, the court ultimately decided, out of respect for Duanmu Huai, to spare Manduo Manor.
Otherwise, they would have executed her family long ago.
Given this realization, Li Qingluo felt conflicted, but what else could she do?
She couldn’t really let the court execute her entire family!
As for her daughter... well, it’s better than being alongside that idiot Murong Fu.
So, why did Duanmu Huai want Wang Yuyan?
It’s actually simple.
Duanmu Huai knew Wang Yuyan had read many books and knew a lot.
So he wanted Wang Yuyan to stay, to be his... tour guide.
Yes, a tour guide.
Basically, Duanmu Huai expected Wang Yuyan to introduce him thoroughly to each place they visited — its culinary delights, fun activities, scenic views, and historical anecdotes. In essence, she was to be his personal guide.
Initially, Wang Yuyan refused this; she indeed disliked Duanmu Huai. Not just because of his fierce appearance, but due to his actions leading Murong Fu to a hopeless demise, Wang Yuyan despised him. However, Duanmu Huai didn’t care; he simply demanded Wang Yuyan obey him or leave.
Wang Yuyan truly wanted to leave, but... she knew she couldn’t!
On the one hand, Wang Yuyan knew she didn’t know Martial Arts; previously, she had her cousin to support her, but with him executed for rebellion, who else could back her?
On the other hand, she understood only by staying with Duanmu Huai could her family survive. If she left Duanmu Huai, people would assume she had lost his favor, and their family’s fate would be uncertain.
Thus, despite her displeasure, Wang Yuyan had to comply with Duanmu Huai’s request and unwillingly become his guide.
As she continued, Wang Yuyan found herself somewhat enjoying it.
Indeed, Wang Yuyan had read numerous books, and as the saying goes: read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles.
While Wang Yuyan had read thousands of books, she had lived a recluse life at Manduo Manor, without venturing out. The records in those books were mere descriptions she had never personally witnessed.
Following Duanmu Huai, Wang Yuyan had the chance to cross-reference book descriptions with real sights, which became somewhat entertaining.
Unfortunately, her "guest" was entirely unappreciative.
Just like now.
"The shimmering waves take on a magnificent hue in clear weather, the misty mountain colors hold a mystic charm in rain. Comparing the West Lake to Xizi, whether lightly or heavily adorned, it’s always delightful..."
Walking by West Lake, gazing at the scenery, Wang Yuyan couldn’t help but sigh.
"Always heard of West Lake’s beauty; now seeing it, it indeed stands out. The harmony of water and mountains, right before the eyes."
"It’s just a big water pool, what’s there to look at."
Duanmu Huai yawned.
"I heard the most famous thing here is West Lake Vinegar Fish, which restaurant serves it best?"
"......"
Wang Yuyan was speechless, being with such a man devoid of poetic sentiment was truly frustrating.
"Don’t these beautiful sights move you?"
"Scenery can only be seen, not eaten; I’m more interested in food. When it comes to West Lake, probably only the singing remains."
Duanmu Huai stretched his body, glancing around. Quite a few scholars were visiting West Lake together, and many stopped in their tracks when they saw Wang Yuyan, eager to showcase their talents to capture the beauty’s attention. However, upon noticing Duanmu Huai beside Wang Yuyan, they turned pale as if seeing Underworld’s minions, stumbling in their steps, with some poor scholars collapsing on the ground, shivering.
A bunch of useless fellows.
"Singing?"
"Absolutely, let me recall how it goes... West Lake’s beauty, days of March... Spring rain like wine, the willow like mist..."
"Oh......"
As Duanmu Huai sang heartily, Wang Yuyan’s expression altered slightly, wishing she could cover her ears. As for the nearby scholars, they were so frightened they fled, seemingly resenting their parents for not giving them extra legs.
"The lyrics are quite poetic, though your singing......"
It was thanks to Wang Yuyan’s good upbringing that she swallowed back the words "unbearable to listen to."
No choice, the occupation of a tour guide can be so miserable.
"Alright, I know my singing is off-key."
Duanmu Huai didn’t force Wang Yuyan to flatter him, casually waving his hand.
"Okay, we’ve seen the sights, sung the song, now it’s time to find a place to eat, which restaurant serves West Lake Vinegar Fish, any recommendations?"
"Although you’re asking..."
Wang Yuyan was also speechless; she had read thousands of books, but not culinary magazines — only local customs and traditions at most — where would she find a restaurant?
Fortunately, this was West Lake, never short of talented people nor gossip material. After contemplating for a while, Wang Yuyan found a useful piece of information.
"The ’West Lake Preface’ once mentioned a Louwailou by West Lake. Its cuisine is diverse, its flavors superb, blending taste with scenery, scenery into taste, receiving high praise."
"Does it serve West Lake Vinegar Fish?"
"...... I suppose it does."
Wang Yuyan couldn’t understand why Duanmu Huai was so fixated on West Lake Vinegar Fish, but as he asked repeatedly, she became curious about it too.
As many had penned poems about West Lake Vinegar Fish, Wang Yuyan also wished to taste it, wondering what exactly it was like.
