Chapter 433: I’ll Be Your Maid
Jiang Xinghai smiled, and there was something intriguing about his expression.
He said nothing, simply watching Zhang Rui in silence.
As he watched, a faint blush crept onto Zhang Rui’s cheeks, giving her a unique charm that captivated the onlookers.
"I... I really don’t remember."
Zhang Rui said softly. She didn’t want to be a maid, but even more, she didn’t want to lose the bet in front of so many people.
"Don’t remember?" Jiang Xinghai was still smiling, his fiery gaze fixed on Zhang Rui. "How about we have another match, then?"
Zhang Rui felt her cheeks grow hotter and hotter. She began to regret ever making a bet with Jiang Xinghai, but what could she do now?
’Do I really have to fight him again?’
’I really can’t afford to lose again.’
Zhang Rui looked toward Zhang Shangfeng, hoping her father would step in and say something.
But Zhang Shangfeng just pressed a hand to his forehead with a wry smile.
If the other party had malicious intentions, he would have thrown him out, even at the cost of his own life.
However, the man had shown nothing but goodwill, was all smiles, and was far more powerful than him. He was truly at a loss for what to do.
"You... What exactly do you want?" Zhang Rui asked, mustering her courage.
"It’s simple. According to our bet, since I won, you have to be my maid," Jiang Xinghai said, looking at Zhang Rui with a smile.
"I..." Zhang Rui bit her lip. She really didn’t want to be a maid, but she had lost the bet in front of all these people.
Looking at Zhang Rui’s rosy lips, Jiang Xinghai felt a sudden urge.
He really wanted to steal a kiss, but he knew he couldn’t just do that.
"Are you trying to back out of it?" Jiang Xinghai’s tone shifted.
"I... I..." Zhang Rui bit her lip, her face flushing with shame and anger.
Her hands clenched into fists so tight that her nails dug into her palms.
"Fine, I’ll be your maid!" Zhang Rui suddenly looked up at Jiang Xinghai, her expression resolute.
She didn’t want to agree to be his maid, but since she’d lost the bet in front of so many people, she had to honor it.
’Sooner or later, I’ll find a way to get even!’
"Very good. First, go change out of that outfit. I’m not used to this look," Jiang Xinghai said, frowning slightly as he looked at Zhang Rui’s training uniform.
"What do you mean? Change into what?" Zhang Rui asked, not quite understanding.
"Since you’re my maid now, shouldn’t you change your clothes?" Jiang Xinghai said in a deadpan voice.
"You... You pervert!" Looking at Jiang Xinghai’s expression, Zhang Rui knew exactly what he was thinking.
’He wants me to change into a maid outfit!’
"I just want you to look the part of a maid. Don’t get the wrong idea," Jiang Xinghai said, quickly taking a step back as if to prove his innocence.
’Though he did, in fact, kind of want to see it.’
"Hmph!" Zhang Rui glared at Jiang Xinghai.
"Fine, forget it." Jiang Xinghai didn’t want to take the joke too far in public either.
Zhang Rui crossed her arms, looking a little smug. "That’s more like it."
"However, I’m thirsty now. What should be done about that?" Jiang Xinghai continued with a smile.
Of course, Zhang Rui knew what he was getting at and pretended not to hear him.
But her father, Zhang Shangfeng, said gravely, "Xiaorui, you must honor your bets. Since you are now Mr. Jiang’s mai—AHEM—then you should listen to Mr. Jiang’s instructions. Go brew a pot of tea. That Da Hong Pao I brought back from Wuyi Mountain this year is quite good. Go on."
"Dad..." Zhang Rui pouted, clearly reluctant.
Jiang Xinghai gave Zhang Rui a meaningful look. "Well? Get a move on."
"Yes, Master," Zhang Rui replied, turning and storming off in a huff.
’She wasn’t at all used to that title, but she had to endure it just to ease the current awkwardness.’
’As long as this man doesn’t spend all day thinking up ways to mess with me, it’ll be fine.’
"Mr. Jiang, please, come inside and have a seat. Shall we talk in more detail?" Zhang Shangfeng invited.
They still hadn’t finished discussing Jiang Xinghai’s offer to recruit experts at the Master Realm and above to be his guards.
Of course, what he was really interested in were the Ancient Martial Arts Techniques.
Jiang Xinghai accepted the invitation, and the two of them entered the main hall of the martial arts school.
The surrounding disciples all gathered around to watch.
Zhang Shangfeng pointed to a few of them and said to Jiang Xinghai, "These lads have been practicing Martial Arts for fifteen years, and they are all Grandmasters now."
His tone made it clear that Zhang Shangfeng was very proud of these disciples.
Jiang Xinghai gave a slight smile.
Zhang Shangfeng then pointed to several other disciples. "Those lads are also quite diligent; they’ve reached the Master Realm."
The disciples he pointed out all looked confident.
However, when they recalled Jiang Xinghai’s incredible power, their confidence faltered.
After all, Zhang Rui’s strength ranked in the upper echelons among the disciples, and she was a Fifth-Grade Grandmaster.
Yet against Jiang Xinghai, she had been utterly powerless.
’In that case, could Jiang Xinghai’s power have reached the Venerable Realm?’
’That would put him on par with their master!’