They all want to change my future.

Chapter 45 Relationship Reversal

Li Zhi had naturally thought of this as well, but it wasn't enough for him.

That's not interesting enough.

So he asked with a smile, "Are there any other benefits?"

"What else do you want?"

Qu Hongxiao frowned and held up her fair fingers to count: "Power, wealth, or women?"

When she spoke of the last woman, her eyes sparkled with seductive charm, hinting at something.

Li Zhi did not accept this suggestion. He began to question himself about what he wanted.

The answer was given instantly, without even needing to think about it:

"I want something interesting."

"Interesting?" Qu Hongxiao repeated, seemingly unable to understand, or rather, not understanding.

Instead, they didn't understand Li Zhi's request: why would he give up tangible benefits for these vague and intangible things?

Also, what does "interesting" mean, and what is your understanding of "interesting"?

Qu Hongxiao had no intention of understanding Li Zhi, so she acted according to her own understanding.

"Is it interesting? So you just want fame."

Both are ephemeral things, but fame equals being interesting.

Li Zhi thought this understanding was good; after all, it was quite interesting to watch Qu Hongxiao do this.

He asked directly, "So, what are you planning to do?"

"Perfect timing, I don't want to perform on stage tonight."

"What?"

"There will be no auctions at the Red Silk Pavilion tonight, and no performances by any artists."

Qu Hongxiao approached slowly, her red sleeve lightly brushing against Li Zhi's cheek. Her breath was as fragrant as orchids. "Only one distinguished guest will be entertained here, Young Master Li. After hearing this, do you find it interesting?"

Li Zhi didn't expect this answer and raised an eyebrow: "You're actually going to go this far?"

If this news gets out, Qu Hongxiao's reputation as a renowned scholar will be overshadowed by Li Zhi.

As for Li Zhi, he will likely become a thorn in the side of many people in the capital.

He achieved early success, was valued by influential people, and admired by beautiful women.

I can't even imagine how many people are starting to envy me.

"So, this should be interesting enough, right?" Qu Hongxiao repeated with a chuckle.

"It's alright for me."

Li Zhi gave an evaluation.

"Just 'okay'?"

Qu Hongxiao leaned closer, her eyes glistening with tears: "Then I'll add another bargaining chip."

"You're not going to say it's you, are you?"

You're dreaming.

Qu Hongxiao touched his heart with her fingertip and said slowly, "How about I give you Ji Baizhi?"

Li Zhi's mind was full of question marks. What do you mean by this? Does Ji Baizhi need you to give it to her?

What right do you have to give me Ji Baizhi? By what right?

No, I used Angelica dahurica to drag you into this mess.

Now, how come you've reversed it?

Noticing the confusion in Li Zhi's eyes, Qu Hongxiao became even more smug: "Judging from your reaction, it seems this matter is quite interesting to you, isn't it?"

"Indeed, a little." Li Zhi nodded frankly, "I don't understand why you wanted to do this."

"It's very simple."

Qu Hongxiao smiled slightly, a smile that could launch a thousand ships, but her words were venomous:

"I will ask the Empress to bestow a marriage upon you, as long as you come in first place in the Dragon Gate Examination and remain loyal to the Empress in the end."

Li Zhi paused for a moment, his mind racing as he began to sort out Qu Hongxiao's logic and the possibilities of this matter.

It's highly likely that Ji Baizhi wouldn't object to an arranged marriage; she originally wanted to be bound to him anyway.

No, Qu Hongxiao didn't know about this. In other words, she thought it was very simple: was the Empress's power really that strong?

Or is she already confident that she has persuaded the Empress?

It seems there really is one; isn't that me?

Li Zhi had thought it through, and he looked at Qu Hongxiao:

"You're using a lot of money to buy a horse's bones, what a brilliant plan. If it's for the sake of the princess, then I have a reason to betray my sect and join you."

"That's right." Qu Hongxiao clapped her hands and chuckled.

"As arranged by the sect, you entered Zhaoyang Prefecture and gradually developed feelings for the Princess as you spent time together day and night. However, there is a great gap in your social status, and you know that you are not worthy of her. Therefore, you went to the Princess and asked her to grant you a marriage."

Qu Hongxiao is right, and it fits the public's expectations. It can be said to be a reasonable and good story.

Li Zhi, however, asked a direct question: "What if Ji Baizhi objects?"

This is the most difficult part of Qu Hongxiao's logic: the person involved does not agree.

However, upon hearing Li Zhi's words, Qu Hongxiao revealed a mischievous smile: "As expected, you're interested in that phoenix."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi was somewhat confused. Why did you have that expression? Shouldn't you be dissatisfied?

How did you become so happy about it? You weren't like this before. Give back Qu Hongxiao, who thinks she's prettier than Ji Baizhi.

"Didn't you say before that you would let that phoenix fall to the mortal world? There must be a chance."

Qu Hongxiao looked at Li Zhi with a deep gaze: "Now tell me your plan. I will help you win that woman over. At that time, you will be in love with each other, so how could she disagree?"

Li Zhi was speechless. What did you mean by speaking in such a bossy tone?

Where can I find a strategy guide for Ji Baizhi?

No, wait, there actually is one, though it's a bit outrageous. But if I say it now, something even more interesting might happen.

Li Zhi smiled confidently: "My plan is actually very simple: to show off my talent and strength and make her fall for me."

Qu Hongxiao fell silent. "You're only at the third realm at eighteen? Where did you get such talent? Do you know how quickly that phoenix reached the third realm?"

As for strength, those at the third realm can hardly be considered strong.

After a long while, Qu Hongxiao finally spoke, her tone somewhat helpless: "Regarding your plan, you'll have to follow my instructions from now on."

"Please speak, everyone," Li Zhi said, adopting an attentive listening posture.

Qu Hongxiao, however, was somewhat displeased and said coldly, "Don't call me Master Qu."

Li Zhi understood this attitude somewhat, but he still needed confirmation. He said softly, "Hongxiao?"

"You want to die again."

Qu Hongxiao's face darkened, and the red silk wrapped around Li Zhi's neck again. This time, one end of the silk was on the beauty's fingertips.

Because the two were standing quite close, close enough that Li Zhi could see the emotions in Qu Hongxiao's eyes.

This is a feeling of dissatisfaction with subordinates.

So that's how it is. Has your status changed?

This woman is really pragmatic. In Qu Hongxiao's eyes, Li Zhi is no longer an equal to her.

Therefore, it would be an even greater insult to have someone of lower status than oneself marry Ji Baizhi.

If my subordinate marries you, won't you be inferior to me?

This is what kind of winning strategy is.

Li Zhi shook his head inwardly, but this woman was indeed starting to show some interest.

"Hongxiao, you won't kill me." Li Zhi's voice was even softer and more affectionate. As he spoke, he laughed again, "I think I've said this many times before."

A murderous glint flashed in Qu Hongxiao's eyes again, but then she calmed down.

She let go, and the red silk slipped down.

"Very good, you really know how to handle women. Now I believe you can really attract Ji Baizhi."

Qu Hongxiao smiled radiantly: "So, I can tolerate you, as long as you succeed."

"If you put up with me, there's no point in the relationship."

Li Zhi rubbed his neck: "But don't use that to threaten me next time. It's annoying that you're not going to kill me or not."

Qu Hongxiao stared at him for a long time before saying, "You're a really strange person. I can't figure out what you want."

"Didn't I already say it was something interesting?"

Li Zhi continued, "The fact that you want to kill me but can't is quite interesting."

"So, you're saying you're playing me for a fool?"

Qu Hongxiao's voice grew even colder, and her red hair fluttered again.

"I already told you, change it."

Li Zhi waved his hand: "Besides killing, don't you have any other methods?"

Qu Hongxiao realized for the first time how difficult it is when someone knows your bottom line but you can't kill them.

He is still useful, extremely useful, and I cannot kill him.

I'm a little angry.

Qu Hongxiao's chest heaved rapidly, but she held back. It was alright; he understood women so well, he would surely find Ji Baizhi's bottom line.

The thought that Ji Baizhi's feelings would be toyed with by such a man made her feel guilty.

Qu Hongxiao cheered up again and said with a smile, "Young master, you are truly skilled."

"Hongxiao, you're quite capable too."

Li Zhi met Qu Hongxiao's alluring eyes with a deep, affectionate gaze.

This round was another victory for Li Zhi.

Qu Hongxiao withdrew her gaze; she couldn't compete. This person was too shameless.

"Oh, right," Li Zhi said, as if remembering something, "Didn't you say I booked the whole place? How about a song?"

Qu Hongxiao was taken aback because Li Zhi's voice was very frivolous and disrespectful to her.

There were people like that in the past, but Qu Hongxiao always saw them off with a smile.

Now that Li Zhi cannot be sent away, Qu Hongxiao originally intended to kill him again.

But then she remembered Li Zhi's words and put it down. Doing useless things was just a waste of time.

"I don't want to play."

These words sound like a coquettish complaint, or perhaps someone who has been wronged.

She was more like a respectable woman forced into prostitution by a bully.