This Hedonistic Young Master

Chapter 13: A Thousand Miles or Just One Nap?

A few days had passed since Tian Hao discovered the overgrown garden. He'd spent his time there lounging, indulging himself in rich food, good wine, and experimenting with his pleasure-based cultivation method. As he settled back against a mossy rock, he eyed the feast he'd laid out and chuckled to himself. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (千里之行,始于足下), huh?" He picked up a steamed bun, taking a hearty bite. "Well, maybe a feast or a nap makes for a better first step."

He sighed contentedly, letting the warmth of the sun lull him into a drowsy comfort—after all, he needed to stay well-fed for that long walk, right? Cultivation was tough work, and someone had to do the grueling job of testing just how many naps and snacks it took to reach enlightenment. The garden had become his own little haven, a place where he could avoid the prying eyes of the sect and cultivate in peace.

One sunny afternoon, Tian Hao decided to take a break from the garden and wander the sect grounds. He strolled along the winding pathways, humming to himself, his hands clasped behind his back. He wasn't looking for anything in particular, just enjoying the rare sense of freedom that this new life afforded him.

As he rounded a corner, he spotted a familiar figure up ahead, the woman from the Moonlit Pavilion. She was walking alone, her expression focused, her mind clearly elsewhere. Tian Hao's eyes lit up as he remembered their conversation at the tavern—the bold promises he'd made, the laughter they'd shared. He cringed a little as he remembered those promises and his boisterous, boastful behavior, but the thought only made him more determined to follow through.

With a grin, he picked up his pace, calling out awkwardly, "Hey! Fancy seeing you here, Moonlit Beauty!" He called out with a playful grin, realizing too late he still didn't know her name. "You from the Moonlit Pavilion, right?"

The woman paused, turning to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly. Tian Hao approached, scratching the back of his head. "You know, I never actually got your name that night," he said, his smile a bit sheepish. "Wouldn't feel right to keep calling you 'Hey you.'"

She sighed, clearly still wary of his intentions. "It's Lin Mei," she said, her tone guarded.

"Lin Mei," Tian Hao repeated, rolling the name around in his mind as if tasting it. He grinned, his confidence returning. "Lin Mei, huh? Sounds as graceful as a petal drifting on the breeze. I like it, but I think I'll call you Mei Mei."

Lin Mei blinked, her expression shifting from surprise to something between amusement and exasperation. "Mei Mei? Are you calling me 'little sister' or 'beautiful beauty'?"

Tian Hao shrugged, his grin widening. "Why not both?" He gave her a wink, and Lin Mei shook her head, her lips twitching as though she were trying not to smile.

Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of confusion and amusement crossing her face. "I didn't expect to see you again... let alone remember our conversation." There was a note of disbelief in her tone, her brow furrowed as if trying to figure out what his intentions were this time.

Tian Hao came to a stop in front of her, his grin never faltering. "Of course, I remember," he said, a playful glint in his eye. "How could I forget someone as intriguing as you, Mei Mei? With that mix of sharp wit and mysterious charm, you're impossible to overlook."

Tian Hao gestured for her to follow him, his eyes bright with excitement. "Come on, I want to show you something. I found this nice, secluded spot—perfect for training. I promise, it's nothing like the formal sessions. Just... something different, something unorthodox." He gave her an earnest look, his voice softening slightly. "I meant it when I said I could help you."