If his guess was correct, someone was originally supposed to guide him to the Xu Mansion and find a way to get him to participate in the tournament. Yet, unexpectedly, Maxwell Jing suddenly intervened, forcing Master Xu to change his strategy at the last minute.
The abrupt suspension of the competition yesterday was likely so he could consult with the people behind him.
A cold glint flashed in Roxy Shangguan's eyes. Master Xu's ultimate goal was still unclear, but judging by his behavior, he truly wanted to marry his daughter off to Quentin.
Maxwell Jing and Ethan Gu immediately sensed something was wrong. They exchanged glances, remaining silent, seemingly unwilling to interfere. But after a moment’s thought, Maxwell Jing reminded Quentin Hua, "Don’t forget to give me the Celestial Aroma."
Roxy Shangguan snorted, "Uncle Ethan, Uncle Max, don’t you think you’re being a little disloyal? Now that you want to slip away—it’s too late!"
Maxwell Jing sighed, trying to earn some sympathy. "Roxy, you know things aren’t what they used to be! Quentin Hua has the Lotus Sect backing him, but we have nothing. If something happens to us, what will become of Nameless?"
Xiaoyao Ren looked at Maxwell Jing’s mournful expression and couldn’t help but rub his arms. Nathan Saint, meanwhile, watched Maxwell Jing with a faint smile, as if finding him amusing.
Roxy Shangguan gave a sweet smile and said, "Uncle Max, don’t worry. If anything happens to you, I won’t let your body be left out in the wilderness. I’ll take care of Nameless for you too!"
Maxwell Jing twitched his lips, speechless. This girl was truly... heartless!
Just then, a servant from the Hua Mansion ran up to Quentin Hua. Seeing so many people around, he didn’t dare speak openly, so he leaned in and whispered in Quentin’s ear.
Quentin Hua listened quietly and nodded, "Understood."
The attendant brought news of Wendy Hua's death. Quentin Hua's expression remained indifferent, but inwardly he was surprised by Ethan Gray's speed—he'd dealt with those two women overnight? That boy seemed cold on the surface, but he truly cherished Roxy.
The matchmaking tournament had ended, and people gradually departed, leaving only Quentin Hua and his group behind.
In the hall, Miss Xu sat shyly beside Quentin Hua. At the main seat, Master Xu cheerfully ordered the servants to fetch the Celestial Aroma. He'd previously said it was a wedding gift for his daughter, but now, eager to show his sincerity, he hurried to present it to Quentin Hua.
Sylas Ren sat to one side, sipping tea and watching the drama unfold. Maxwell Jing wore a roguish smile, waiting to claim his share of the Celestial Aroma, clearly pleased with Master Xu's straightforward attitude.
Nathan Saint observed quietly, waiting to see how things would develop. He doubted Quentin Hua was truly satisfied with this marriage, which puzzled him—wasn't the Lotus Sect Master rumored to be a notorious flirt, always surrounded by beauties? Even if Miss Xu was merely delicate, she was still a lovely girl, and with the Celestial Aroma as a gift, why was Quentin Hua so unwilling?
He couldn't help glancing at Roxy Shangguan. Was it because of her? But that seemed far too unbelievable!
Who would ever believe that a notorious playboy would give up his garden of beauties for a two-year-old little girl?
"Ha ha..." Just then, hearty laughter rang out from outside the door.
A handsome man entered, holding a small wooden box. He looked at Quentin Hua and smiled, "Lotus Sect Master, I've long admired you!"
Roxy Shangguan frowned. It seemed this man was the mastermind behind it all!
"I am Ignatius Yan, and this is the Celestial Aroma!" He extended the wooden box toward Quentin Hua as he spoke.
Roxy Shangguan's gaze grew cold. Ignatius Yan, Master of the Inferno Sect? Clearly, he hadn't taken her earlier warning seriously! If all he wanted was to use the Celestial Aroma to win over Quincy, she wouldn't mind, but he just couldn't resist sending a woman to Quincy as well. The last two women were seductive, but he'd sent them away—did the Inferno Sect Master think Quincy wanted a change of taste, so now he brought a demure girl instead?
Quentin Hua's lips curled slightly. "Thank you."
Before his words had even faded, a hand shot out and snatched the wooden box from him. No surprise—it was Maxwell Jing, ever the impulsive one!
Maxwell Jing opened the box, and a faint fragrance wafted through the air, instantly refreshing everyone. Clearly, the Celestial Aroma was truly valuable!
Inside the wooden box was a small brocade pouch. Maxwell Jing could already judge the authenticity of the Celestial Aroma by its scent, but he still opened the pouch. Inside was a small, twig-like object—this was the Celestial Aroma!
Maxwell Jing nodded approvingly. "Not bad, not bad!" He handed half to Ethan Gu and said, "Split it with me, will you?"
Ethan Gu snatched it away, snorting, "Planning to use it to charm another young lady, aren't you?"
Maxwell Jing twitched his lips. "Ethan Gu, must you always think so poorly of me? What do you mean, 'charm'?" With a crisp snap, he opened his folding fan, fanning himself twice, looking every bit the carefree playboy. He shot Ethan Gu a sidelong glance, "Do I need to charm young ladies? Clearly, they're always trying to charm me!"
With another crisp snap, Ethan Gu snatched the fan and tapped Maxwell Jing on the forehead.
Maxwell Jing's face darkened. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly struck out at Ethan Gu, and the two immediately began to brawl.
Sylas Ren and Nathan Saint watched with great interest, while Roxy Shangguan and Quentin Hua simply ignored them.
Ignatius Yan looked displeased at having the box snatched from his hands, but knowing those two were with Quentin Hua, he couldn't make a fuss. Miss Xu watched the fight with curiosity, while Master Xu just laughed, "Inferno Sect Master, it's an honor to have you here. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner!"
Ignatius Yan waved his hand, "Master Xu, you're too polite. It's I who should be congratulating you for finding such an excellent son-in-law!"
Quentin Hua finally spoke, "All I want is the Celestial Aroma." His tone remained languid, as if he had no idea of the impact of his words.