After thinking for a moment, Gu Sheng said, "Come with me to buy clothes."
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn’t quite believe their ears.
"Brother Sheng, you said to do what? Buy clothes for you?"
"Yeah, Hong Mei is still injured, yet we’re not going to find Real Ling Xiao, but buying clothes instead?"
"That’s right, we’re buying clothes. Hong Mei’s clothes are soaked with blood and can’t be worn anymore. We need to buy clothes for her first. As for Real Ling Xiao, I’ve already cut off two of his fingers, and he’s probably fled. It’s pointless to waste time on him for now."
Understanding his meaning, everyone nodded repeatedly and followed along.
In the clothing store, Gu Sheng picked out a few pieces and then held up a red one, saying to the shopkeeper, "This outfit is a bit loose; could you alter it to be more fitted?"
"No problem, sir. Please wait a moment."
While Gu Sheng sat to the side, Shi Lou and a few others exchanged glances, continuously making funny faces.
After the exchange of looks, Er Gou came over.
"Brother Sheng, you even know what size clothes Hong Mei wears? You guys... you guys..."
As he spoke, he stuttered a bit, and the Eight Diagrams jade in his eyes kept gleaming.
Seeing him like this, Gu Sheng flicked his forehead lightly.
"I treated her wounds, so I have some idea. We’re just regular friends now, but surely in the future, we won’t be. Is that satisfactory?"
Hearing his answer directly from his mouth, Er Gou’s eyes lit up.
"Brother Sheng, what do you mean by ’in the future, we won’t be’?"
"I like her, but I haven’t told her yet—is that clear enough?"
Upon hearing this, Er Gou and Shi Lou couldn’t stop nodding.
"Crystal clear, crystal clear, couldn’t be any clearer."
Seeing their mischievous smiles, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but laugh.
After purchasing clothes, everyone returned to the inn together.
Shi Lou searched for a while, but Lan Yao still hadn’t returned.
"That Lan Yao is slower than us—could it be he’s avoiding tonight’s treat?"
"No way, he’s a typical playboy who doesn’t care about Silver. He probably couldn’t find the herbs and isn’t back yet."
"That’s good; I’m looking forward to tonight’s meal."
While the group chatted, Gu Sheng entered Hong Mei’s room with the clothes.
"How do you feel now? Better?"
"I’ve been fine for a long time. You healed me and even transferred so much spiritual energy to me. My body is actually better than usual. Where are the clothes you bought? Let me see."
Gu Sheng brought over a pile of clothes and stacked them in front of her.
Seeing so many clothes, Hong Mei was a bit bewildered.
"You bought so many?"
"You’re a girl, so having more clothes is normal. I wasn’t sure what style you liked, so I got them according to your usual style. Check them out, do you like them?"
Hong Mei took out the dresses one by one, nodding ceaselessly like a chicken pecking at grains.
"I like them, every one is beautiful."
"Try them on."
Hong Mei made a choice and pulled out the red dress.
"Gu Sheng, go out."
"Kicking the donkey after grinding?"
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow as he said this, causing Hong Mei to laugh.
"So, you’re the donkey?"
Amused by his words, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but laugh as well.
"Go ahead and try it on; I’ll step out. Call if you need me."
Gu Sheng stepped out but stayed guard outside the door without leaving.
Seeing him stay, the others also didn’t leave.
As they chatted, Hong Mei pushed the door open and came out.
Seeing her in red, looking valiant and spirited, everyone was dazzled.
"Hong Mei, you don’t look like someone who’s been injured at all."
"Yeah, you look healthier than me."
"No kidding, Brother Sheng picked an outfit that’s perfect for you, like it was tailored just for you."
Listening to the others, Hong Mei blushed and glanced at Gu Sheng.
"Gu Sheng, I really like the clothes you picked. Thank you."
"Why be polite with me."
"No need, Hong Mei is already well, you don’t need to go back. You lousy rascal, hurry and eat, everyone’s been waiting for you."
Hearing Gu Sheng’s words, Lan Yao was puzzled and turned to Bai Yu.
"What’s up with him? Hong Mei is okay?"
Bai Yu stepped forward and meaningfully patted him on the shoulder.
"Lan Yao, take care in the future and mind your tongue, don’t rush into things, or if Gu Sheng made you look for Thousand-year-old Ginseng today, tomorrow he’ll make you look for Ten-thousand-year-old Ginseng."
After Bai Yu finished, Shi Lou and the others couldn’t suppress their laughter.
Seeing them like this, Lan Yao became even more confused.
"Bai Yu, what do you mean? I can’t understand you, and why are they laughing?"
"Don’t ask, or Gu Sheng will send you looking for Ten-thousand-year-old Ginseng tonight. Go eat quickly; we’ve been hungry waiting for you. Didn’t we say no return until we’re drunk? It’s a rare chance, hurry up."
Bai Yu didn’t give him a chance to speak and pushed him downstairs.
Lan Yao originally wanted to find Gu Sheng for more answers, but Shi Lou and the others, worried he might say the wrong thing again, kept him engaged. Once the liquor arrived, Lan Yao forgot about the matter and joined everyone for a drink.
Everyone managed to relax for a change, thoroughly enjoying the drinking session.
As midnight approached, everyone eventually returned to their rooms.
With daylight breaking, Gu Sheng woke everyone and they continued on their journey.
Leaving the town behind, they traveled south quickly.
The entire day they hardly rested, until dusk fell and Gu Sheng finally slowed down and looked at Hong Mei.
"How are you, tired?"
"Not at all, I’m completely fine. This little distance means nothing to me; I’m full of energy now—even going another day wouldn’t be a problem."
At that moment, Gu Sheng suddenly reached out and grasped her wrist, placing his fingertips on her pulse.
Knowing he’s still concerned, Hong Mei quietly settled down, letting him take her pulse.
After a moment, Gu Sheng released her wrist and relaxed.
"Let’s push ahead a bit more and find a good place to rest."
"Okay."
Hong Mei agreed cheerfully and skipped ahead of everyone.
Watching her figure, Gu Sheng couldn’t help but smile.

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