I Was Sold to My Mortal Enemy (Double Transmigrations)

Zhao Hong cleared his throat and coughed, but he couldn’t stop glancing at the captivating performer on the round platform. He took a sip from his teacup, attempting to hide his interest, and spoke earnestly, “I am here for business, not such thoughts.”

Shi Yi couldn’t help but comment, “Your face is cold and serious all day, it won’t help you win anyone over, no matter how much you like them.”

Zhao Hong stiffened momentarily, then casted a sidelong glance at Shi Yi, and after a quick, almost imperceptible look at the performer on the platform, he cleared his throat. He turned to Shi Yi and asked Pei Xing, “Isn’t shuanger should prefer a serious individual?”

Pei Xing’s mouth twitched, realizing that this was probably why Zhao Hong was still unmarried.

“General Zhao has a unique temperament that is not comparable to ordinary people. Don’t worry about it. Those who like him will like him.”

Pei Xing added by gently squeezing Shi Yi’s waist.

Shi Yi gave a small shake of his head, finding it intriguing that General Zhao could be so candid beneath his stoic facade.

“If you like someone, you should pursue them. Staring won’t get you far.” Shi Yi advised.

“How does one pursue someone? Do you know?” Zhao Hong inquired.

Shi Yi, who had never pursued someone before, thought for a moment and admitted, “I don’t have experience of pursue someone. I ended up with Pei Xing by chance, and we naturally fell in love with each other.”

In his past life, he and Pei Xing had been entangled with each other, and it was largely a result of coercion and manipulation. Since coming here and being accidentally rescued by Pei Xing, their affections had naturally blossomed.

Zhao Hong continued, “Pursuing someone isn’t as simple as it may sound.”

Just like Zhou Yan and Song Ning’s relationship had been a result of fate. They were now happy together.

Shi Yi responded, “Sometimes, it’s best not to think too hard about it. Just be nice to them, show you care, and give little gifts from time to time.”

“Is it really that simple?” Zhao Hong asked, looking thoughtful as he considered Pei Xing. “Is that how you pursued each other?”

Pei Xing awkwardly cleared his throat, having never been known for his proficiency in pursuing people, as he thought about his two lifetimes’ worth of attempts to win over Shi Yi.

Pei Xing then questioned, “How is the progress at the firearms warehouse?”

“It should be ready for use this month,” Zhao Hong replied. He had spent nearly half a year in Xizhou, and with the completion of the firearms warehouse, it was time for him to return to his post.

Recent reports from Nanzhou City indicated that nearly all the lost cities had been reclaimed. Nanyi had recently dispatched an envoy seeking peace.

Zhao Hong, however, reluctantly glanced at the performer on the round platform downstairs. He wasn’t sure when he would return, but he wished he could bring someone back this time.

.

After Li Ruo’s dance performance, he bowed in gratitude to the audience, turned, and glanced slightly upwards toward the direction of their private room. He seemed to have a pleasant thought, with his red lips curving into a charming smile. Ignoring the applause and cheers of the audience, he gracefully exited the stage, headed to his room, changed out of his dance attire, and donned a simple white robe. He removed his veil to reveal a pure and elegant face, featuring a captivating beauty mark between his brows and a soulful smile.

After changing clothes, he served wine and brought it to Zhao Hong’s room personally.

When Shi Yi heard the knocking at the door, he swiftly went to open it and found a beautiful young shuanger standing outside, holding a glass of wine. He was somewhat surprised, initially thinking the shuanger might be a waiter from the establishment.

However, upon closer inspection, he found the shuanger looked somewhat familiar. After racking his memory, Shi Yi connected the dots and recognized him as the enchanting performer from the stage earlier.

“You’re the performer from earlier.”

Li Ruo smiled, observing the man of Hu ethnicity inside the room, Zhao Hong, and the bright young shuanger at the door. He quickly deduced that the two were together and were the two individuals who had fallen into the sea together with Zhao Hong.

Shi Yi warmly welcomed Li Ruo inside, still somewhat taken aback by the performer’s transformation. When the performer was dancing, he appeared sultry and almost like a male siren. Yet now, wearing plain white attire, Li Ruo came across as a gentle noble person.

“I didn’t expect that General Zhao would also bring friends.” Li Ruo remarked, leaning in toward Zhao Hong. He moved to pour a glass of wine, then brought the glass to Zhao Hong’s lips with his slender white fingers.

Zhao Hong shifted awkwardly and, grabbing the fair wrist, quickly let go as if he had been burned. He took the wine glass and drank it in a single gulp.

Li Ruo rolled his eyes playfully and moved closer to Zhao Hong, extending his hand to hook onto his belt.

Shi Yi observed the two of them closely. Li Ruo’s body was practically pressed into Zhao Hong’s arms, yet Zhao Hong remained calm. It was almost as if he hadn’t spent a significant part of the evening watching the enchanting performer on the stage. His expressionless face gave no indication of his true thoughts.

Li Ruo introduced himself and shared numerous customs and traditions of Xizhou with them. He had grown up in Xizhou and had taken on the responsibility of running the teahouse since he was twelve. He had seen and experienced a lot, giving him a unique perspective. During his explanations, he would reach out and playfully hook onto Zhao Hong from time to time.

Pei Xing had come to the teahouse for some relaxation, as he had been very busy with the construction of the firearms warehouse. He had not had much time to spend with Shi Yi recently.

They felt they had enough and said farewell, Pei Xing and Shi Yi didn’t expect that Zhao Hong would also say his goodbyes to Li Ruo.

Li Ruo’s expression darkened for a moment, and a hint of disappointment crossed his eyes. Nevertheless, he didn’t prevent Zhao Hong from leaving.

When they stood outside the teahouse, Pei Xing and Shi Yi exchanged puzzled glances. They were sure about Li Ruo’s feelings and didn’t know why Zhao Hong had joined them instead of staying with him.

“Do you really like Li Ruo?” Shi Yi inquired.

Pei Xing looked at Zhao Hong curiously, wondering what had happened between them during their brief interaction. Didn’t Zhao Hong have feelings for the shuanger? It was surprising that he was acting so indifferently. The fact that Zhao Hong chose to leave with them instead of staying with Li Ruo was equally baffling.