The Ethereal Domains

Let me lend you some money . . .

Instantly, a spark of hope ignited in Zuo Wu-Ji's eyes, only to be swiftly extinguished by the reality of his situation. "It won't be that easy... I didn't know it was so precious. Such a small thing could actually be worth 500 kilograms of gold... How pathetic that I was incited by you rascals to steal and sell it for only 50 kilograms of silver. What a colossal loss..."

With a hint of bitterness in his voice and teeth grinding audibly, he continued, "You rascals have made me the number one black sheep in the world... I should never have mentioned it and should have clung to it with my teeth and blood... Now that there's another jade ruyi present, what can I possibly do to obtain it?"

Cha Eun Xiao lowered his voice conspiratorially and said, "Heh heh heh... It's just about money, isn't it? That's not a problem. I only want to ask you, do you want that jade ruyi?"

"Of course! What a silly question. Why wouldn't I want it? When I get it, I'll finally shed the title of 'the number one black sheep in the Kingdom of Chen'... Only God knows how desperately I want to do that," Zuo Wu-Ji replied, nodding with a resolute expression but still grinding his teeth. "But I ran out of money when that nonsense happened. My allowance has been slashed from 15 kilograms of silver per month to just a measly quarter kilogram... What can I possibly do with a quarter kilogram of silver?" 𝐛𝗲𝐝𝐧𝗼𝐯𝐞𝐥．𝐜𝐨𝗺

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but think, "You want to get rid of the number one black sheep title... It's actually quite easy, only... You're about to become the unprecedented number one black sheep in the universe..."

He chuckled heartily, thumping his chest with mock seriousness, and said, "If you really want it, I could lend you some money..."

"Really?" Zuo Wu-Ji's surprise was evident, mirrored by Lan Lang-Lang.

Had the world turned upside down? Since when did Cha Eun Xiao become so generous?

"Absolutely!" Cha Eun Xiao affirmed, his demeanor unwavering.

Zuo Wu-Ji's suspicion flared, prompting him to contemplate, "This rascal... he wouldn't be planning some business venture with me, would he? Could there be a possibility that he's genuinely fond of me?"

Cha Eun Xiao exploded with indignation, pretending that his magnanimity had been unappreciated. "You scoundrel! Zuo Wu-Ji! What did you just insinuate? I'm helping you because I regard you as my brother, and it involves taking a considerable risk. Who knows when a scoundrel like you would return my money? And you... dare to doubt me. Very well! I shall take my leave!"

"Forget it! I can save the money for the ladies, can't I... Lan Lang-Lang! Let's go!" Fuming with anger, Cha Eun Xiao stood up, ready to depart. "We no longer have a 'friend' like this scoundrel who fails to appreciate our kindness!"

Lan Lang-Lang, always adept at creating a ruckus, seized the opportunity and rose with a flourish, shouting cheerfully, "Absolutely! We'll never speak to this scoundrel again if he doesn't want to be our friend!"

"No... Please don't... Brother Ye, Brother Lan, stay! Oh, please, my dear brothers..." Zuo Wu-Ji rushed forward as quickly as his legs could carry him, gripping Cha Eun Xiao's waist with an almost desperate fervor. His tone turned obsequious as he pleaded, "Oh, I merely misspoke, just one small slip of the tongue... Please, we're brothers, aren't we? We're brothers for life. You wouldn't truly be angry with me, would you?... Come on, just stay! Steward! Bring us some tea! The finest available! The imperial tea bestowed upon my grandfather by the king himself! Hurry..."

He then ushered Cha Eun Xiao to a seat of honor, bowing with a servile smile. "Hey hey... Brother Ye, hah hah, Master Ye, my brother... Would you genuinely consider lending me some money?"

Cha Eun Xiao, with one ankle resting casually on his opposite knee, remarked, "I was considering it..."

"Oh, you can't change your mind, bro..." Zuo Wu-Ji was on the verge of kneeling in supplication.

He wouldn't let go of this hard-earned opportunity to correct his mistake. God only knew the kind of harsh life he had endured in the past months, unable to escape because his tormentors were none other than his own family.

"Humph, fair enough," Cha Eun Xiao responded, nonchalantly blowing the tea leaves floating on his tea with a poker face. "Since I've mentioned it so soon, why don't you write me a receipt and provide something as collateral? With that, I'll lend you 750 kilograms of gold... Just to be clear, you'll have to repay the money someday. Don't even think about negotiating!"

"Absolutely!" Zuo Wu-Ji replied with a contented expression. However, his joy was short-lived as he soon realized a problem. He asked with a despondent look, "But what can I offer as collateral?"

"Do you comprehend the human language? Anything will suffice; just give me something. We're brothers, after all. I don't expect anything extravagant from you," Cha Eun Xiao replied.

Zuo Wu-Ji suddenly felt relieved. "That's indeed a good idea... Let me see. What should I 'acquire' this time?" He rolled his eyes, indicating his willingness to play the role of the family's thief once more.

"Oh, my!" Cha Eun Xiao sighed, sounding disappointed. "Could you just hurry up and select something from the collections in this house? It doesn't have to be valuable. Anything will do..."

Upon receiving this clear instruction, Zuo Wu-Ji finally grasped the situation. "Well... is it alright if I use this as collateral?"

"Forget about the collateral. That's what I meant. Come on, we're brothers!" Cha Eun Xiao displayed generosity and understanding.

Zuo Wu-Ji was overjoyed, unable to contain his excitement. He was finally able to relieve the burden on his heart. He laughed heartily and said, "Well then! Although every piece in this collection was amassed by my grandfather, and he cherished them all... it won't matter if one or two items go missing. Brother, tell me which one you like, and I'll give it to you directly! We won't take it back! I'll certainly repay the money, and you can keep whatever you choose!"

Zuo Wu-Ji's generosity knew no bounds.

Cha Eun Xiao raised a questioning eyebrow and replied, "What do you mean? What do you take me for? I'm only trying to help you. Do you think I'm interested in your collection? You can give me a gift after you've repaid the money to show your gratitude. The gift itself may be small, but it conveys goodwill. However, if I accept it now, it might be seen as you trying to bribe me!"

"Bribing?" Zuo Wu-Ji thought, his mouth twitching. "Why does he sound like an honorable official?"

"I've had enough of your procrastination. This one. I like the feeling of flying," Cha Eun Xiao casually pointed to the Pure Heavenly Crystal.

"That... Isn't that too modest?" Zuo Wu-Ji was suddenly moved and thought, "It seems that Cha Eun Xiao genuinely wants to help me. There are so many treasures in the house, and he's chosen one of the least valuable. What a good person. Why didn't I realize this earlier..."

"Alright, alright. You understand my intentions. That's sufficient," Cha Eun Xiao replied with depth. "What are we? Brothers should assist each other... By the way, keep it a secret. If others find out that I've lent you a substantial sum, they might all come to me seeking loans. It could become troublesome if I have to decide whether or not to lend money to each of them."

"You can count on me. I'll keep my lips sealed!" Zuo Wu-Ji promised earnestly. "I'm not that kind of person, am I..."

"Why don't you... just take it now?" Zuo Wu-Ji was anxious, fearing that Cha Eun Xiao might change his mind, so he tried to persuade him.

"You fool!" Cha Eun Xiao chided him in a hushed tone. "Can't you think for yourself? If I take it right in front of all these people in your house, how can we keep it a secret?"

"Right, right," Zuo Wu-Ji agreed, then whispered to Cha Eun Xiao, "How about I bring it out to you when it gets dark?"

"Excellent idea!" Cha Eun Xiao responded with praise. "At that time, I'll wait for you in the corner of the alley south of here with the money."

Zuo Wu-Ji smiled upon hearing this. "I should thank you for this, bro. As long as it saves my reputation in the family, I'll quickly secure the money through my business and pay you back. Rest assured, I'm a man of my word!"

"Alright, my friend. Would I trust you with my money if I didn't have faith in you?" Cha Eun Xiao and Zuo Wu-Ji stood shoulder to shoulder, displaying the camaraderie of close brothers.

Meanwhile, Lan Lang-Lang, who had been dumbfounded by these sudden developments, stood there with his jaw on the floor.

After all the details were settled, Zuo Wu-Ji saw Cha Eun Xiao and Lan Lang-Lang off with boundless gratitude, while they departed with an air of satisfaction.

"When it gets dark, remember it, bro!" Zuo Wu-Ji shouted, and even from a considerable distance, Cha Eun Xiao and Lan Lang-Lang could hear his enthusiastic farewell.

...

"Hey, listen, are you really going to give him the money?" Lan Lang-Lang watched Cha Eun Xiao suspiciously. "Come on... you're not exactly a kind-hearted guy, are you? Are you planning to betray that guy..."

"What are you talking about? You're just a lackey, whereas I possess a magnanimous heart! Do you think I'm like you, always breaking my promises?" Cha Eun Xiao looked at Lan with disdain. "Go home and prepare a promissory note for 500 kilograms of gold for me. I need it!"

It appeared that he didn't have enough money to lend to Zuo Wu-Ji.

"Oh, so you need it? Alright, I will. Wait... What? What did you just say? You told me to prepare a note for 500 kilograms of gold, so you can lend it to Zuo? Why should I? Give me a reason first!" Lan exploded with fury when he finally comprehended Cha Eun Xiao's words.

"Why should I give him the money to make some good deals?" he pondered.

"A reason? Can't you see the obvious? If you don't prepare the note for me, what will I lend to Zuo Wu-Ji? Isn't that clear enough? You're too talkative!"

Cha Eun Xiao rolled his eyes, then said nonchalantly, but with a hint of threat in his tone, "Lan Lang-Lang, if you don't bring me the note and cause me to break my promise, that's fine. I'll simply tell your grandfather, your father, your mother, and your aunt that you fought with Zuo Wu-Ji over a woman's favor in the brothel and ran around naked... If that's not enough, I can even graffiti your name on every wall in the street! I'll ensure your notoriety matches that of Zuo Wu-Ji!"

"What? You!" Lan Lang-Lang was so furious that he nearly passed out. His eyes even returned to their normal state due to his anger. He shouted as if he were bleeding, "How ruthless can you be? You're dredging up my darkest moments..."

"Stop whining! You dare to refer to your juvenile exploits as 'moments'?" Cha Eun Xiao retorted. "Ultimately, this won't even cost you anything. Let me ask you again, will you do it or not?"

"I'LL DO IT! What other choice do I have?" Lan Lang-Lang was on the verge of tears. "I'll bring it to you..."