Section 3, Covert Misconduct

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Just now, while walking alongside Ning Xiang, I deliberately leaned closer to him. There was a faint, uniquely feminine fragrance emanating from Ning Xiang. In this regard, his sense of smell was exceptionally keen, able to detect scents that ordinary people could not.

Yi Han expressed in surprise, "What does Brother Ning mean by that"

After a while, I will probe again to see if there is substance in the other person's chest. Thinking of this, my mind begins to indulge in fantasies, yet my expression remains one of feigned propriety.

Yi Han, Ning Jian, and the man in white sat down, and some small dishes were brought to accompany the wine. A jar of unopened "Daughter's Red" was placed on the table, indicating that Ning Xiang had made arrangements in advance. Strangely, there were four chairs, yet Ning Jian only stood behind Ning Xiang and did not take a seat.

Ning Xiang said lightly: "Clouds observe the night"

Yi Han was taken aback, astonished that such a woman existed in the world, yet he did not know if he would have the fortune to meet her again in the future

Ning Jian occasionally cast a hostile glance at the man in white, who seemed to sense Ning Jian's animosity but remained completely unfazed.

Yan Luo and Ning Jian quietly watched as the two of them took turns drinking from the bowl. Before long, a jar of wine was finished by the two.

Yi Han smiled and said, "Alright, I'll finish it all in one go." After saying this, he drank it all without hesitation and praised, "What a fine wine! I didn't expect Brother Ning to have such a good wine hidden away."

Yi Han wore a look of regret and said, "Brother Ning, my room is nearby. If you change your mind, you may come find me"

The man in white suddenly stood up and coldly said, "Lead the way," without even glancing at the ten thousand taels of silver notes on the table. Meanwhile, the young waiter beside him stared at the silver notes on the table, his legs trembling. Ten thousand taels, my goodness, that could buy a hundred wives

Both Ning Xiang and Ning Jian believed that Yan Luo was being shamelessly boastful. Although Yan Luo could be considered a master, comparing himself to the renowned Yun Guanye was utterly presumptuous. Ning Jian did not hide her disdain, as Yun Guanye was the only rival of her master, while the man before her was merely unworthy of being her opponent. Ning Xiang, however, merely smiled slightly and said, "Brother Yan, you have great ambition"

Ning Xiangmeng's expression suddenly changed when he was seized by Yi Han. Ning Jian, who was behind him, noticed this and looked icy, ready to draw his sword, but was subtly restrained by Ning Xiang. "Brother Yi, you are drunk, and the night is deep; why don't we just end it here"

Yi Han smiled awkwardly and said, "I rarely go out, and I only just learned downstairs that it coincides with the Qinhuai Lantern Festival. As for the Ten Beauties of Qinhuai, I have never heard of them before"

Yi Han's heart is cold, her waist is slender and shoulders narrow, yet her chest muscles are so robust. Young lady, you have certainly taken this mute loss for granted

Yi Han smiled and said, "Qinhuai," and after finishing his words, he picked up the wine jar and poured a cup for Ning Xiang and himself

Ning Xiang laughed heartily and said, "Brother Yi, your words are mistaken"

Ning Jian stood respectfully close behind Ning Xiang, while the man in white followed at a distance

Ning Xiang's expression showed a moment of surprise, which quickly faded. He was puzzled as to why this man in white had suddenly changed his mind, and he smiled and said: "Alright"

Yi Han's eyes revealed a drunken delight as he said: "Brother Ning, I do not know if your bed here is large enough. Since we are so familiar with each other at first sight, how about we four share the same bed and pillow?"

Ning Xiang was immediately displeased and said, "What kind of talk is this? Come here." After saying that, he personally took action and filled the cup again.

Yi Han said: "Brother Ning, this small cup doesn't satisfy me. How about we switch to a larger bowl?" Hehe, Yi Han was already quite sure that Ning Xiang was a woman. Having grown up among women, he was well-acquainted with their physical characteristics and mannerisms. If I get you drunk, I can also pretend to be drunk.

Ning looked at Yi Han, their eyes met briefly before they suddenly averted their gaze. Ning smiled and said, "At this moment, it happens to be the Qinhuai Lantern Festival. I guess Brother Yi is going to enjoy the flowers. It is said that the ten beauties of Qinhuai and the books are unparalleled in the world. Does Brother Yi also share this interest, unwilling to travel a thousand miles just for this?"

Yan Luo observed the scene with a cold gaze, fully aware of the situation in his heart, yet remained calm and composed

Yi Han laughed heartily and provocatively said: "Brother Ning, why not just switch to a smaller cup instead"

Ning Xiang was taken aback, not expecting Yan Luo to repeatedly disregard his face. A fleeting coldness flashed in the corner of his eye, but he soon burst into hearty laughter, displaying a carefree demeanor, and said: "Brother Yi, come, let us drink"

Yi Han smiled as he looked at Ning Xiang. Ning Xiang's hands were long and fair, flexible and soft, and her demeanor was elegant, almost reminiscent of a young lady. The first time he saw Ning Xiang, he had his doubts, wondering if she was a woman disguised as a man, but he couldn't be certain at first glance since her chest did not appear prominent.

Ning Jian, standing to the side, wore a frosty expression, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly with his right hand. The moment his master signaled, he would immediately slay this disrespectful man

Yi Han gently caressed Ning Xiang's small hand with his own, saying, "I am not drunk; I can still drink"

Ning Xiang gently took a sip, and through her delicate lips, one could see a rosy little tongue rolling the wine down her throat. Her eyes were half-closed, displaying an expression of savoring the fine wine. Yi Han merely glanced at her, momentarily stunned, and felt his heart racing wildly. He realized he had already been captivated by this woman disguised as a man.

Ning Xiang smiled and said, "Brother Yi, I am accustomed to sleeping alone, so I think it would be better to let it go."

Upon hearing these words, the white-clad man’s expression turned icy, and he coldly said: "I advise you to mind your own business; I will drink as I please"

Four individuals arrived at the room where Ning Xiang resided. This was not an ordinary guest room; the room was spacious and was a suite, with the bedroom separated from the hall by a screen, which alleviated much of the awkwardness.

Ning Xiang smiled and invited Yi Han to the door. Just before leaving, Yi Han suddenly gave Ning Xiang a bear hug. Ning Xiang's expression changed dramatically; she was not mentally prepared for this, as it was the first time she had been embraced by a man

Ning Xianglian quickly eased the atmosphere, saying, "Brother Yi, Brother Yan is likely unable to handle his liquor, there is no need to press him."

Ning Xiangdao: "Brother Yi, where are you headed this time"

Suddenly, the man in white beside him cast a meaningful glance at Yi Han

Ning Xiang laughed and said: "Brother Yi, it is truly enjoyable to drink with you today; a true confidant is hard to find"

Yan Luo suddenly waved his sleeve and left the table, causing Ning Xiang's expression to show a hint of surprise. However, Yi Han was too lazy to pay attention; that pretty boy's absence was for the best, allowing me to enjoy it alone.

Ning Xiang smiled and said: "Although the Ten Beauties of Qinhuai are beautiful, I know that at least one person surpasses all ten beauties gathered together"

After pouring a drink for Yan Luo, Ning Xiang also poured a glass for Yi Han, saying, "Brother, how should I address you?"

As the lid of the jar was opened, a rich and pure aroma of wine wafted out. There are distinctions in wine: first is the fragrance, second is the taste, and third is the essence. This wine's aroma is already of the highest quality; one wonders how the taste is. Yi Han could not help but feel a strong desire to try it, his mouth watering.

Ning Xiang waved his hand and said nonchalantly: "Brother Yi, I must say your words are misguided. It is not because Yun Guanye is extraordinarily beautiful, but because you compare her to those women of the brothels. No matter how stunning the Ten Beauties of Qinhuai may be, they are ultimately women of the pleasure quarters. And who is Yun Guanye? She is the world's most extraordinary woman. Not to mention her radiant beauty like the bright moon, just her demeanor and grace alone have made countless renowned heroes willingly submit. What kind of woman can be compared to her? Thus, when I heard your words just now, I could not help but exclaim that you are mistaken."

"Yan Luo," the man in white still spoke in a cold tone. This unsmiling man was not swayed by Ning Xiang's warm hospitality

Yan Luo stated without reservation: "This is confidence, unrelated to ambition"

Although Ning Xiang used other scents to cover it up, he ultimately could not escape his nose. Nevertheless, he still only had a fifty percent certainty. Previously, he had encountered some peculiar men, who also possessed this unique fragrance of women.

Ning Xiang, however, was not as bold and brash as Yi Han. He slightly covered his drinking posture with his sleeve and slowly took a sip. After finishing one cup, Ning Xiang's lips became even more moist and red, while the man in white gently took a sip.

This person possesses considerable ability as a bodyguard, but his emotional stability is lacking. One day, if he were to lose control, his life could be inexplicably at risk. Considering this, my interest in Yan Luo has significantly diminished

"Brother Ning, I am Yi Han," Yi Han responded to Ning Xiang's enthusiasm with a smile. The man in white beside him suddenly trembled, his eyes flashing with a strange light, before quickly returning to his usual indifference. This slight movement did not escape the notice of Ning Jian, who had been observing him closely.

"Yun Guanye, could it be that she is extraordinarily beautiful, unmatched in the world?" Yi Han could not help but ask

Yan Luo, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "What is so remarkable about the Cloud Viewing Night? I would like to see for myself"

Ning Xiang first poured a cup for the man in white, using a wine jar that was as wide as a plate and a small cup that was no larger than a finger. The combination appeared peculiar; however, strangely enough, the wine jar felt as light as a living creature in Ning Xiang's hand, not cumbersome at all. A fine stream of liquid, resembling silver threads, slowly flowed into the small cup, filling it to the brim without spilling a single drop. He then addressed the man in white, saying, "What is your name, my friend"

Yi Han is not foolish; his pair of eyes is constantly observing the surrounding situation. He is on the brink of life and death, yet in the presence of beauty, he is audacious. After a few more touches, feeling the delicate sensation as soft as cicada silk, he is reluctant to let go.

Yi Han smiled and said, "Brother Yan, Brother Ning both said they have finished, why did you only take a light sip?"

Ning Xiang poured himself a cup and said: "Brother Yan, Brother Yi, let us first drink a cup to taste the wine, and then we can chat freely about how to proceed"

When the situation between Ning and Tu was on the verge of exploding, Ning released Ning Xiang's hand, and only then did Ning Jian's tense face relax.

The two exchanged large bowls, and without any idle chatter, after saying "Cheers," Yi Han downed the drink in one go. Ning Xiangxue observed Yi Han's demeanor; as the strong liquor went down her throat, she accidentally swallowed it wrong and coughed a few times. However, this feeling of being unrestrained was indeed refreshing. Born into a noble family, she had been graceful and courteous in every action since childhood, adhering to propriety and decorum, which had become a habit. Even when alone, she maintained this demeanor, never imagining she would be so carefree in front of others today. Yet, this feeling of being unrestrained was indeed refreshing. Born into a noble family, she had been graceful and courteous in every action since childhood, adhering to propriety and decorum, which had become a habit. Even when alone, she maintained this demeanor, never imagining she would be so carefree in front of others today.

Yi Han expressed in surprise: "Who could possibly make Brother Ning believe that it is more sensational than the gathering of ten beauties"

Ning Jiandao: "Brother Yi, let us end it here. I feel somewhat fatigued"

Yi Han feigned drunkenness, grasping Ning Xiang's hand with one hand, thinking to himself, "Wow, such a smooth and tender hand. This woman must come from a wealthy background; look at how well-maintained this little hand is, flawless and perfect. With the scent of alcohol on his breath, he said, 'Brother Ning, a true confidant is hard to find.'

"Let's do it" This time, Ning Xiang took the lead out of respect. Having done it once before, this time was much better, and she discovered that drinking could also be so enjoyable.

Ning Xiang was taken aback; he had never tried it this way before. He usually drank in a very refined manner. Since Yi Han had said so, it would not be appropriate to refuse.

At this moment, how could Yi Han allow the bodyguard he had his eye on to be taken away by someone else? He awkwardly got up from the ground, casually brushed off the dust from his clothes, and said with poise, "May I accompany you, young master, to taste some fine wine?" Ning Xiang smiled slightly and nodded, not minding Yi Han's rustic appearance.

Ning Xiang said, "Oh, what a coincidence, I am also going to Jinling. It seems that I have a connection with Brother Yi. May I ask what brings you to Jinling?" Yi Han drank it all in one go, dispelling the thoughts in his mind, and straightened his expression, just about to respond when Ning Xiang suddenly raised his hand to stop him, saying, "Brother Yi, please hold on. Let me guess first." Yi Han smiled slightly, gazing at the other person.