Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 112 | A Modern Qixi | Novela.app

“I hope our cooperation will be a pleasant one.” “Mhm,” Nan Muxue glanced at her watch. “I should be going.” The man across from her rose to stop her. “Since it’s already this time, why don’t we have lunch here before you leave? The food here is quite good, and the red wine is excellent. My treat.” She didn’t linger, nor did she offer a polite refusal. She simply replied with two emotionless words: “No need.” However, the man stood up and followed her out, a faint, mocking smile on his lips. “Let me drive you back. You didn’t bring your car today, did you? My car might be a step below yours, but it’s still quite nice. You’ll see once you try it.” “No need.” Still those same two words. It was clear he was losing his patience; a vein throbbed slightly on his forehead. “Walking so fast... you aren't heading off to spend Qixi with a boyfriend, are you? I heard from the people at your company that you don’t have one.” “I don’t.” She admitted it quite candidly. Upon hearing this, the expression on his face shifted back into a smile. *No boyfriend*—wasn't that a hint for him? Despite her foul mood and sharp tongue, her face was truly the pinnacle of perfection. A woman like this was a prize to be won. “Haha, well, a great beauty like you must have many suitors. If you don’t have a boyfriend, is it because you’re spoiled for choice?” “Why would I be spoiled for choice? Those people are nothing special.” “Hahaha, you have such an interesting way of speaking. Is there really no one who catches your eye?” “There is.” In his arrogance, he assumed she was about to name him. After all, he had never failed before. He straightened his suit and tilted his head up. “Oh? Who?” “You don’t know her.” “Tell me. Perhaps I do.” “Chu Ruo.” His smile froze. He had thought she was playing hard to get, but she had actually produced a name. Subconsciously, he pressed further, “Who is Chu Ruo?” “My disciple.” “You’re quite the comedian. You said she was the one who caught your eye, so how is she your disciple? There’s no one named Chu Ruo in your company, and as far as I recall, you don’t take on proteges.” “She is my disciple and my beloved. In your terms, she would be called my... girlfriend. Is there a problem?” Seeing her deadpan expression, he laughed. He decided this woman with the face of a temptress was either a bit delusional or intentionally testing his reaction. “Haha, you’re very witty...” “I am not.” “Muxue, look, we’re already so familiar. You don’t mind if I call you that, do you?” Nan Muxue pulled out her phone, not bothering to look up. Her eyes were fixed on the screen as she spoke. “You have already said the name, yet you ask for my opinion. If you truly respected me, you wouldn't have used it before asking. This hypocritical posturing of yours is disgusting.” If anyone had been eavesdropping, they would have thought this woman was incredibly blunt. Indeed, such words were a massive blow to his ego. The man’s face darkened with rage. “No wonder I heard others saying that you—” Nan Muxue cut him off ruthlessly. “Since you’ve heard others speak ill of me, why be so pathetic as to seek me out? By coming to me, you should have known what kind of person I am. You are nothing more than a lowly creature lusting after beauty.” “Who do you think you’re talking to? Stop acting so high and mighty! You’re always putting on these pretentious airs. Wake up! Do you think you’re filming a period drama?” She tucked her phone back into her bag and shot him a sidelong glance. In that instant, the man shuddered and recoiled. The chill in that single look was indescribable—utterly terrifying. It was a gaze he had never encountered in his life, let alone from a woman. But the moment Nan Muxue raised her hand, he scrambled back another step. “W-what are you doing?” Instead of striking him, she picked up the contract they had just signed. *Riiip!* She tore it into tiny shreds. Furious, he shouted, “You—you’re breaching the contract!” “Mhm.” She nodded, having reached the entrance. However, what he never expected was for a woman like Nan Muxue to climb into a battered little scrap heap of a car parked out front. It was so old and worn that it probably wasn't worth a fraction of a fraction of his luxury vehicle. He could see the person inside clearly—a tomboyish figure. After Nan Muxue got in, she didn't just fasten her own seatbelt; she leaned over to fasten the belt for that androgynous individual. The scene that followed was even more... “Finished talking?” “Mhm.” Chu Ruo glanced at the man standing outside and guessed what had happened. “It didn't go well?” “I tore up the signed contract.” “Again? I say, my rich lady, even if you are wealthy, this kind of loss is a bit much, don't you think?” “A mere pittance of silver. Besides, did I say I would compensate him?” “I’ve realized you’re exactly the same as you were back at Hundred Flowers Palace—just as willful and unreasonable.” Nan Muxue shook her head. “This era is not convenient at all. In the past, in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, his sect would have ceased to exist.” “But this isn't the ancient world anymore. They aren't called sects; they’re called companies. How does the saying go? 'When in Rome.' You’ll just have to make do.” “I only came here for the sake of a certain heartless wretch.” She leaned over to adjust Chu Ruo's seatbelt again, but this time she didn't pull away. Instead, she stared at her intently. Chu Ruo leaned back slightly, and Nan Muxue pressed closer. “And yet you dare mention 'following customs' to your Master.” “Ahem... that,” Chu Ruo was incredibly nervous. “That guy is still watching you. People will see. You...” “Didn't someone just mention following customs to their Master? I seem to recall,” Nan Muxue’s hand brushed lightly against Chu Ruo’s chest, her lips beginning to graze hers seemingly by accident, “that in this era, kissing in public is of no great consequence.” “You... mmm~” Nan Muxue’s lips had already surged forward in a fiery assault. Chu Ruo’s hands on the steering wheel slowly relaxed, and then she pulled the other woman into a tight embrace. “I say,” she gasped for air, “you’re doing this on purpose, you Little Scorpion.” A poke to her back. “Say that again?” “This is the modern world!” “So what? Your Master hasn't lost her martial arts. Besides, since I cannot easily use my hands in this place, my muscles will get stiff over time. I’ll have to trouble Ruo’er to be my sparring partner...” “Today is Qixi. Do you really have the heart?” “I still remember the formula for the Hundred Flowers Venom. Furthermore, the medicinal ingredients of this era are even more abundant than before.” “Cough, cough... Let’s go, let’s just go.” Chu Ruo started the car and sped away. “Don’t you have to work today?” “I took the day off to be with you. Between work and my wife, you’re obviously more important.” “Hypocrite,” Nan Muxue said, though her eyes were brimming with laughter. “Mhm. This year will be the same as usual. Let’s go home; I’ll cook. You don’t like eating out anyway, so we’ll eat at home. A candlelit dinner.” Nan Muxue turned her head to look at the scenery outside. “Boring. Lighting two candles and calling it 'romance.' In the past, which room didn't have candles? Modern people are truly dull and childish.” “You’re just too stubborn. You’re happy every year regardless.” “Your Master is merely humoring you. Every year you act like a fool...” “Now that’s uncalled for!” “Hmm?” “Changing the subject, changing the subject! Say, back in the ancient world, you were the one supporting me. How is it that even now, you’re still the one supporting me? How does an ancient person like you thrive wherever you go?” Nan Muxue turned back to look at her and laughed. “A glutton like you will be a glutton no matter where you are.” “...Would it kill you to let me win just once?” “That job of yours is no good. You aren't allowed to go back tomorrow.” “What’s wrong with it?” “The pay is too low, there’s too much work, and the people there are subpar. You should come to my place instead.” “I’m not going. I was teased enough for being a 'pretty boy' back at Hundred Flowers Palace. Now that I’m finally here, I want to stand on my own two feet.” “By relying on that measly salary of yours?” “Ahem, well, even if it is a bit small...” “Ruo’er,” they had just arrived home. Chu Ruo parked the car in the garage of their large villa. *Tsk, tsk.* Rows of luxury cars. Looking at her own little scrap heap, anyone else would think a car thief had driven it to the wrong place. Nan Muxue called her name softly, leaning in close. “At most, I won't let anyone else know your identity. If you feel idle, I’ll arrange some tasks for you.” “I’m not going, I’m not going! No matter what you say, I’m not going. My current job is fine.” With a gentle tug from Nan Muxue, the seatbelt snapped. Thank goodness they were in the modern world; this woman’s combat power was off the charts. Chu Ruo swallowed hard, sounding both fierce and cowardly. “What are you doing?” “Fine? They dump all the messes on you, you leave early and return late, and they speak ill of you behind your back—you call that fine? You insist on suffering like that; you really have no sense at all.” “I... no, how do you know so much? Did you go and ask them?” Nan Muxue replied nonchalantly, “Your Master is giving you a chance. Come and work for me of your own accord. Otherwise...” “Otherwise what?” Chu Ruo asked in a small, defiant voice. “I won't yield. What can you do to me?” “Nothing much. I’ll simply buy the place where you work. Don't think about switching; wherever you go, I’ll buy it. Besides, you signed a three-year deed of sale. You can’t leave now, and don’t even think about trying.” *Damn it.* How was this Little Scorpion rich no matter where she went? In the ancient world, she inherited the family business, but in the modern world, she built it herself. It was enough to make someone die of envy. And "deed of sale"? It was called a labor contract! A contract! “Xue’er, my good wife...” Nan Muxue’s heart softened, and she spoke gently. “Be good. Besides, don’t you want to see me every day?” “I do!” Chu Ruo nodded like a chicken pecking at grain, then shook her head. “I still don’t want to go to your company.” “Ruo’er,” this time, Nan Muxue pulled Chu Ruo toward her, reversing their previous positions. “I want to watch over you. Every single moment.” And then, Chu Ruo kissed her, her resolve crumbling instantly. Of course, this came with a price. After Nan Muxue "obediently" cooperated with the kiss, she curled her lips into a smile. “So, you agree?” *...I’ve been tricked. You're a liar, you Little Scorpion...* “Xue’er~” No, no, the hard approach wouldn't work; she had to try the soft one. “Can’t we negotiate, Xue’er?” “No negotiations. Get out of the car. Go inside and cook.” ... Of course, this was just a small interlude between the two. Moreover, since it was a holiday, they wouldn't let such things affect them. They drank some wine and were already feeling a bit tipsy. Chu Ruo’s cheeks were flushed red. “Xue’er, the gift... the Qixi gift.” “I put it in the study drawer this morning. Some... game console, and that watch you liked but couldn't bear to buy, and some jade...” “No, no, I mean, uh, my gift to you. That bracelet you liked, I saved up to buy it, and, and...” The two had already moved from the table to the bed. Nan Muxue took the initiative to pin her down, her fingers tracing Chu Ruo's lips incessantly. “To me, the best gift is you.” “Mhm,” Chu Ruo’s mouth was occupied, but she heard her clearly. “Mhm?” Nan Muxue smiled and bit her lip. “Lie still. Here is your gift.” ***