Beauties in Simulation Cross over into Reality

Chapter 42: Chapter 39: I Think, Ruxue… You Should Go

Ever since Bai Ruxue learned that Xiao Mo wouldn’t be marrying the County Magistrate’s daughter, she had once again become a carefree, “heartless” young woman.

Bai Ruxue was full of life and energy every day, even humming little tunes while she stir-fried their meals.

The truth was, Xiao Mo never had any intention of marrying the County Magistrate’s daughter in the first place.

At the time, Xiao Mo had wanted to politely decline Magistrate Sun’s kind offer, but Magistrate Sun cut him off, telling him not to rush his answer and to think it over.

Xiao Mo couldn’t say much more at that moment. He just planned to pay a personal visit to Magistrate Sun in a couple of days to thank him for his high regard.

Today, Xiao Mo went to Magistrate Sun’s residence and politely declined his offer.

Although Magistrate Sun felt it was a pity, he was understanding. After all, Xiao Mo had told him he already had a woman he loved.

So, Magistrate Sun didn’t bring up the marriage arrangement again. Instead, he and Xiao Mo discussed scholarly matters and some affairs of the Imperial Court, intending to impart some advice on the ways of being an official.

In Magistrate Sun’s eyes, it was a foregone conclusion that Xiao Mo would serve in the Imperial Court.

This was because Magistrate Sun had later heard that Xiao Mo was able to become a Provincial Scholar this time because he had earned the appreciation of that Mr. Zhang.

That Mr. Zhang was a man of great virtue and prestige, known for authoring books and establishing theories. Although he currently held a minor post, his influence in the Imperial Court was immense—even the current Prime Minister was his student.

“Xiao Mo, after you go to the Capital City, be sure to deliver a visiting card to Old Zhang’s residence at your earliest convenience,” Magistrate Sun advised.

“Mr. Zhang?” Xiao Mo asked, confused.

“The very same—Old Mr. Zhang Qianzhi. He is currently in the Hanlin Academy and also serves as a Sacrificial Officer of the Confucian Academy,” Magistrate Sun said, stroking his beard. “Your title of Provincial Scholar was Mr. Zhang’s recommendation.”

“Then I certainly should pay him a visit.”

Xiao Mo nodded.

“However, you don’t need to try too hard to curry favor, or you will only displease Mr. Zhang,” Magistrate Sun said. “Just pay him a visit, have a cup of tea, and express your gratitude for his support. That will be enough.”

“I understand. Thank you for the advice, Magistrate,” Xiao Mo said, bowing with his hands clasped.

“Hahaha, this is hardly advice! In the future, this old man will be relying on Lord Xiao for guidance!” Magistrate Sun said, raising his cup.

Xiao Mo just smiled faintly and raised his cup as well.

…

“Goji berries… longan… mushrooms… chop the old hen into pieces and blanch…”

Meanwhile, back at home, Bai Ruxue was making chicken soup for Xiao Mo.

“Finally, simmer on low heat for two hours, and all done!”

Bai Ruxue happily clapped her hands and placed the earthenware lid on the pot.

While tending to the low fire under the stove, she watched the courtyard outside, waiting for Xiao Mo to return.

An hour later, Xiao Mo had not returned, but a woman appeared at the courtyard gate.

The woman had an ethereal, immortal-like bearing. She held a Duster in her hand and wore a Daoist Robe. “Young lady, might this humble Daoist trouble you for a bowl of water to drink?”

“Of course you can.”

Bai Ruxue didn’t refuse. She quickly fetched a bowl of water for the female Daoist priest.

While the Daoist priest was drinking, Bai Ruxue studied the woman carefully. ’She’s so beautiful.’

“Thank you, young lady.” After drinking it all in one gulp, the Daoist priest handed back the clay bowl, her gaze fixed on Bai Ruxue.

Bai Ruxue blinked, tilting her head as she asked, “Immortal Elder, is there something you need?”

“Nothing in particular.”

The Daoist priest shook her head.

“This humble Daoist is an Elder of the Tianxuan Sect, and my name is Duster. I have observed that you, young lady, possess a remarkable talent and a touch of immortal fate. I wonder if you would be willing to ascend the mountain with me to cultivate?”

“Huh? Cultivation? No, I won’t go.” Ruxue quickly waved her hands. “I have someone to take care of. If I’m gone, there will be no one to cook for him.”

The Daoist priest smiled. “There is no need to answer so hastily, young lady. You may consider it carefully. With your Root Bone, it would be a true pity not to cultivate. This humble Daoist will return in two days.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the Daoist priest performed a salute, turned, and stepped into the sky. In an instant, she had vanished without a trace.

Standing at the courtyard gate, Bai Ruxue’s eyes sparkled.

It was the first time she had ever seen someone fly.

As the sun began to set, Xiao Mo returned home.

“Xiao Mo, you’re back! Come quickly, I made you chicken soup.”

Seeing him return, Bai Ruxue quickly ladled a bowl of chicken soup and placed it in front of him.

“Mm, I was just getting hungry.” Xiao Mo sat at the stone table and took a sip of the soup. The broth was rich but not greasy, and it was bursting with savory flavor.

He had to admit, Bai Ruxue’s cooking was getting better and better.

“Is it good?” Bai Ruxue asked, sitting across from Xiao Mo. She propped her chin on her hands, her charming, almond-shaped eyes curving into crescents as she watched him.

“It’s delicious.” Xiao Mo nodded.

“If it’s good, then have some more.” Bai Ruxue placed two more pieces of chicken in his bowl. “This soup is all there is for tonight; I didn’t cook anything else. You have to finish the whole chicken.”

“Then what will you eat?” Xiao Mo asked.

“I ate the leftovers from lunch… It would have been a waste not to,” Bai Ruxue said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Xiao Mo was at a loss for words.

“Hurry up and eat, the soup won’t be good if it gets cold.” Bai Ruxue ladled another bowl for him.

“You have some too. I can’t finish it all by myself,” Xiao Mo said.

Bai Ruxue shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

“You should still have a few bites, otherwise it’ll go to waste.”

“Alright then. But you have to feed me. Ah…” Bai Ruxue opened her mouth, revealing her delicate, pink tongue.

Xiao Mo could only pick up a piece of meat and place it in her mouth.

Bai Ruxue chewed happily. ’Food tastes so much better when Xiao Mo feeds it to me.’

“Oh, by the way, Xiao Mo, a female Daoist priest came to our courtyard earlier.”

“A Daoist priest?”

“Mhm.” Bai Ruxue nodded. “She was really beautiful. She said she was from the Tianxuan Sect, an Elder, and that I have some kind of immortal fate. She wants to take me away to cultivate.”

“Hm?”

Xiao Mo was a little surprised.

He had heard of the Tianxuan Sect. It was the foremost sect in the Qi Kingdom, one of the Renowned and Righteous Sects with an excellent reputation in the Mortal World. Furthermore, it was said they taught all comers without discrimination—as long as one had the heart to seek the Dao, they would even teach members of the Demon Race.

There was even a female Elder within the Tianxuan Sect whose true form was a Vermilion Bird.

’Her asking for water must have been a pretense. She must have been passing by and saw that Bai Ruxue, this White Snake, had a remarkable talent. Her true intention was to take her as a disciple.’

“So, did you agree?” Xiao Mo asked, looking up.

“Of course not…” Bai Ruxue waved her hands. “If I left, who would take care of you?”

Xiao Mo lowered his head, his spoon stirring the shimmering droplets of oil in his bowl.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Mo? Why did you stop eating? There’s still more than half a pot left,” Bai Ruxue asked, seeing that he had put down his bowl and chopsticks.

“Ruxue.” Xiao Mo looked up, his gaze meeting hers directly. “If you didn’t have to take care of me, would you go to the Tianxuan Sect?”

“Eh?” Bai Ruxue froze for a moment, her eyes trembling as she stared at Xiao Mo. “Xiao Mo, what… what do you mean?”

“Ruxue, an immortal opportunity is hard to come by. I think… Ruxue, you… should go.”