Chapter 22: Must Win Her Over!

However, Lu Jing’s attempts to sow discord were precisely what Ye Chen wanted. After hearing her words, his expression grew even darker.

This, of course, pleased Lu Jing inwardly. But she quickly feigned guilt, her face filled with a self-reproachful look. “Have I said too much? Fellow Daoist Ye, really, please don’t overthink it. Lin Ke’er is solely focused on her cultivation. She cares nothing for matters of love. She’s not interested in romance. Most cultivators are like this, with no interest in anyone or anything other than their own cultivation. Even if that leader’s younger brother is exceptionally talented, it doesn’t concern her. She won’t get involved with him.”

Ye Chen couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. She had already begun subtly criticizing Lin Ke’er for being selfish. Lu Jing truly had a sharp eye for people.

Yet, Ye Chen’s expression grew even more despondent. “So, that means she wouldn’t be interested in me either.”

Lu Jing silently praised Ye Chen’s insight. This was exactly what she had been hinting at. However, she quickly shook her head and reassured him. “It’s not like that. Ke’er acts differently towards you, Fellow Daoist Ye. You’ve helped her so much, and Ke’er definitely feels grateful to you. With a little more effort, perhaps you could really succeed.”

But once that seed of doubt had been planted, any normal person would start to think that Lin Ke’er must treat them differently, simply because they had offered gifts. And once those gifts were no longer coming? It was certain that Lin Ke’er would abandon them without hesitation. And in truth, that was the way it would likely unfold.

Ye Chen had long seen through everything. Yet, his expression grew even more distressed. Unable to sit still any longer, he suddenly stood up, his voice tinged with discomfort. “Apologies, Fellow Daoist Lu, I don’t feel well. I must rest now….”

Lu Jing hadn’t expected Ye Chen to be so emotionally affected, reacting so strongly after the truth was revealed. Her heart swelled with anticipation. Such a passionate simp would soon be hers.

She immediately put on a sympathetic expression, her voice full of concern. “In that case, please rest well, Fellow Daoist Ye…. By the way, I have a low-grade Clear Heart Talisman here. It’s the first talisman I’ve ever crafted, and I’ve kept it with me as a memento. Seeing you so troubled, I’d like to offer it to you.”

This was one of Lu Jing’s tactics. Lin Ke’er had always taken what was offered without giving anything in return. She might say she would repay the favor, but had taken no real action.

And what about herself? She was not only generous and warm-hearted but also took the initiative to offer Ye Chen a gift. Though the Clear Heart Talisman wasn’t worth much, it was the first one Lu Jing had ever crafted. The sentimental value was undeniable. The difference between the two was clear. It would surely cause Ye Chen to feel even more disillusioned with Lin Ke’er.

As expected, seeing the Clear Heart Talisman, Ye Chen was momentarily surprised. It seemed as though something had occurred to him, and he shook his head inwardly.

Then, with a casual gesture, he took out a small pill bottle from his sleeve. “To let you leave empty-handed would be impolite of me. This pill is for you, Fellow Daoist. Inside are ten middle-grade Qi-Nourishing Pills.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Jing’s eyes gleamed with hidden delight. She was very familiar with this pill bottle. For the past two months, every week, Ye Chen had sent Lin Ke’er a bottle just like this.

Ten middle-grade Qi-Nourishing Pills were worth roughly one and a half low-grade spirit stones. Forty pills in a month, that’s six low-grade spirit stones. It was nearly the same amount as her earnings working as an apprentice at the talisman shop.

Lu Jing had long coveted those pills. This bottle, clearly prepared for Lin Ke’er, was now being offered to her, because Ye Chen had grown disappointed in Lin Ke’er and wished to return her gesture. This meant that her words had indeed left an impression on him.

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However, Lu Jing had no intention of accepting the gift. Instead, she wanted to establish a clear divide between herself and Lin Ke’er, to completely crush Lin Ke’er and take Ye Chen, the little simp, for herself. Once Ye Chen was entirely hers, wouldn’t she be able to get anything she desired?

With this thought in mind, she immediately shook her head and said, “That Clear Heart Talisman was a token of my sincerity. There’s no need for a return gift! Fellow Daoist, I’ll take my leave now.”

Ye Chen watched as Lu Jing deliberately acted as if she were indifferent to the pills. He couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Those who initially refused gifts were always the ones who wanted more in the end.