"Oh, Young Master Bai truly knows how to put on a show. Using a fake Revival Pill to gain the admiration and respect of the masses... such cunning and theatricality are typical of him, the play of hand was truly interesting,"
The saintess couldn't help but feel a small tinge of pride for him.
His cold-hearted and scheming nature is known to her better than anyone else after all, inside the secret tomb she had seen how cruel and cunning he was.
But beneath the facade, there is still some semblance of humanity left in him for person really really really close to him.
She looked upon the amazed and impressed expressions of the crowd surrounding Bai Lung.
'They are all clueless, fooled by his act of benevolence. They don't realize that he couldn't care less for that old woman, and surprisingly even Saint-level alchemist couldnt figure out that he didn't use a real Revival Pill... He's just using this opportunity to gain influence and power, like he always does,' she thought in her mind.
Not always but she had always seen him gain the favor and fondness from the crowd, even when dealing with Ling Fei or any other person such as Li Fan or Mu Chen.
Despite her knowledge of his true nature, a part of her couldn't help but be secretly pleased with his charade.
He's so damn good at it, too. So confident and charming. It's almost admirable, in a twisted sort of way.
She watched as her 'husband' soaked in the adoration and respect of the crowd.
'They're all swooning over him, thinking he's some kind of hero. If only they knew the truth...'
No one could guess a destined daughter in law of heaven had no sympathy for a old woman.
She glanced around, observing the faces of those who were praising Bai Lung.
Most of them were young and impressionable including some alchemy grand masters.
But the one who were happy with Bai Lung using revival pill were mature persons.
"Hmm!? They're all blinded by his act, falling for his fake kindness, idolizing him like he is some Superman... He even managed to hook the grandmasters right under his fingers,"
...
While there was a sense of satisfaction in knowing that only she could see through his facade, there was also a pang of loneliness.
She 'had' married this man well, her father had handed her to him, knowing full well his sociopathic tendencies.
"How many times have I watched him twist the emotions of others to his advantage?" she thought to herself.
"And yet, here I am, standing by his side like a loyal maid, silently watching as he manipulates those around him..." despite all that she was still happy since she had managed to obtained perfect sowrd foundation pill from him.
Not to mention, she was also able to absorb the soul of immortal inside the tomb so, she can't be sad with him.
Despite so many things playing in her mind, she maintained her composure and continued to watch her master's performance.
He's so adept at playing the role of 'good guy' always in control and never faltering.
---
At the same time,
Zhao Ling, who was watching from a distance, furrowed her brow slightly as she observed the situation unfolding in front of her.
Bai Lung using a revival pill, a rare and highly sought-after alchemical treasure, to save the life of that old woman!?
She couldn't help but feel amazed by his generosity and compassion.
Despite Saintess and her both being the woman who were supposed to stand by chosen son, Zhao Ling was nowhere near Ling'r.
"What a selfless act," Zhao Ling said to herself, but the voice leaked out which was heard by Saintess.
It only made saintess think how naive Zhao Ling was.
A cold villain like would never give a revival pill.
"To even use a rare and valuable treasure like that, just to give someone a new life..."
She couldn't help but admire his kindness, feeling a slight flutter in her heart.
Dhup! Dup!
Her heart was beating faster.
Her eyes lingered on him, noticing the way he looked handsome and gentle when he was being righteous.
It felt like there was a separate heavenly aura on him.
She believed under his stoic his cold face, he has a gentle and caring heart.
She looked at Saintess.
"Ney! Ling'r do you think, Young Master Bai would be interested to take me as his concubine too? I can cook," She said as if cooking was highly sought out thing.
Saintess rolled her eyes to Zhao Ling.
"You're being so naive," Saintess teased, shaking her head in a playful manner seeing how Zhao Ling was attracted to Bai Lung.
It she knew it was about to happen after all her father had sent them to roam on garden too.
It's hard to say but Saintess felt like being a third wheeler where Zhao Ling was showing the garden and places to Bai Lung in Zhao family.
"Sigh! You really think he would be interested in someone like you as a concubine just because you know how to cook?"
"But don't worry," she said with a smile. "I believe that if you put in the effort and show him your worth and loyalty, he may be persuaded to take an interest in you..."
"Young Master Bai values loyalty and respect above all else," she continued.
"If you show him that you are willing to serve and obey him, he may see your potential and consider you as a suitable concubine... However if you wished to be with him because if your family pressure-" she was saying something but Zhao Ling suddenly said something.
"Hmm! You have been living with him for sometime... Don't mind me for asking it... But have you shared the bed yet!? Like- like- you know..." Zhao Ling had flushed cheeks.
Saintess raised an eyebrow at the audacity of Zhao Ling's question.
"It's true that I have spent some time living with Young Master Bai," she replied, her voice calm and composed.
"But I'm afraid that's none of your business, especially regarding something as private and intimate as what goes on between a husband and wife,"
She gave a small, knowing smile, as if silently confirming Zhao Ling's suspicions.
Hearing this Zhao Ling became a little excited and looked at Saintess's belly.
"hehe! I want a little daughter..." she said on a loud excited voice.
Saintess: "..."
If Zhao Ling wasn't her best friend and her only fried, she would have definitely killed her.
You can't randomly muster those words loudly.
"Sigh! You stupid..." Saintess continued, her expression turning slightly more serious. "I can assure you that our marriage is based on more than just physical intimacy..."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Young Master Bai values loyalty and obedience above all else, as I mentioned before. I have proven my loyalty to him, and as a result, he has taken me as his wife,"
( once the father hands over the daughter, it's basically a marriage for someone to be concubine, however maybe later on I might actually write where Bai Lung marries all of his harem with literal ceremony on name of god )
---
She looked deep into Zhao Ling's eyes, her expression firm. "And that's all you need to know about our relationship,"
"As for your desire to become his concubine, it's not just about cooking or whatever skills you think you have," Saintess continued. "It takes more than that to earn his respect and trust."
She took a deep breath, knowing that her next words would likely sting. "If you really want to be with him, you need to show him that you're worth it. And he is very hard to impress..."
"And let me be brutally honest," Saintess added, her voice hardening.
"He can be a difficult man to deal with. A cruel and cold-hearted man who doesn't care about the feelings of others."
She paused, silently contemplating how much she should reveal to Zhao Ling. "But he also has his own code of honor, and if you're able to prove your worth to him, he may reward your loyalty in ways you never imagined, but you have to be really good in bed,"
Saintess's words stung into Zhao Ling's ears like needles.
She's right, there were so many women in the Zhao family who were more beautiful and more talented than her...
Not just Zhao Family too, he was from capital, there is actually no lack of women.
Zhao Ling felt a pang of insecurity and doubt welling up inside her.
She looked at Saintess with a mix of hurt and determination. "I know I'm naive," she admitted. "But I can improve myself! I'm willing... I'll prove to him that I'm worthy, just give me a chance."
She bit her lip, her hands clenching into small fists.
"Help me in this on big Sister..." Zhao Ling added.
Saintess could see the determination burning in Zhao Ling's eyes.
She knew her friend well enough to know that when she set her mind to something, she was willing to put in the effort and dedication it required.
"Hm," Saintess hummed, still trying to act aloof.