章 46: Chapter 46

Chapter 46: This Lady Can't Order You Around Anymore?

"I…"

Bibi Dong felt like screaming. Lately, that woman, Ah Yin, had been deliberately cozying up to Zhao Ling in front of her, with their interactions growing increasingly intimate.

It wasn't as though Bibi Dong could simply step in and claim Zhao Ling outright—not with her Spirit Hall companions watching. She had to restrain herself, no matter how infuriating it was.

Right now, she wants nothing more than to confront Ah Yin directly, drag Zhao Ling to her side, and declare her dominance. But Bibi Dong knew she couldn't let her emotions get the better of her.

Taking several deep breaths to steady her nerves, she ignored Ah Yin's provocative display and smiled warmly at Zhao Ling.

"Brother Zhao, as the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate. We in the Spirit Hall are not the kind of people who take without giving back. Since you were so generous as to treat us earlier, it's our turn to invite you this time.

I hope you can give Dong'er this face. Otherwise, I'd be too embarrassed to continue imposing on your kindness."

Her words were echoed immediately by Yue Guan, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Exactly! Brother Zhao, the lady is absolutely right. The Spirit Hall is a powerful institution with vast resources. We can't simply take advantage of your hospitality without offering something in return.

Tonight, the Spirit Hall will treat you both. Only by giving and taking equally can friendships last forever."

The other members of the Spirit Hall nodded in agreement, supporting Bibi Dong and Yue Guan's sentiment.

Zhao Ling mulled it over briefly and then nodded. He had only invited the Spirit Hall to dinners in the first place to strengthen his relationships with them, especially with Bibi Dong. He didn't particularly care who paid.

In fact, being treated by a powerful organization like the Spirit Hall didn't make him feel awkward at all. If anything, he wouldn't mind eating on their dime forever.

'If Bibi Dong becomes the Pope in the future and I manage to win her over, I might even become the first gigolo of Douluo!' The thought brought a smile to Zhao Ling's face.

Of course, he couldn't let his inner thoughts show so blatantly. After pretending to hesitate for a while, he finally nodded under Bibi Dong's hopeful gaze.

"Alright, then let the Spirit Hall treat us today. I'll return the favor tomorrow."

Hearing his agreement, everyone eagerly left the Great Douluo Arena and headed to the restaurant where they had been dining together frequently.

---

Once they arrived, a young man from the Spirit Hall named Qian Hu immediately rushed to prepare a table. Using his sleeves, he quickly wiped two chairs clean before respectfully addressing Zhao Ling and Ah Yin.

"Boss Zhao, Sister-in-law, please have a seat. I've cleaned these just for you."

Without hesitation, Zhao Ling and Ah Yin sat in the designated seats, as if the arrangement were entirely natural.

Ah Yin, in particular, seemed perfectly at ease with being called "Sister-in-law." After all, the Spirit Hall members had been calling her that for days now, thanks to her increasingly harmonious relationship with Zhao Ling and the group.

Initially, Zhao Ling had tried to stop them from using the title. Although he was thrilled at the prospect of being with Ah Yin, he was cautious. They had only known each other for a couple of weeks. If she found the title offensive and stormed off, all his efforts would be wasted.

But to his surprise, Ah Yin never seemed angry when called "Sister-in-law." On the contrary, she often responded with a smile, and there was even a hint of pride in her eyes whenever she glanced at Bibi Dong.

Realizing that Ah Yin had tacitly accepted the title, Zhao Ling was overjoyed. Her calm acceptance meant they were on the verge of becoming a real couple.

'Finally, as a 31-year-old bachelor, there's hope for me to escape singlehood. If I'm not happy about this, what could possibly make me happy?'

---

Of course, not everyone shared his joy.

Bibi Dong, for one, was seething. She couldn't stand how readily the Spirit Hall members called Ah Yin "Sister-in-law." Recently, anyone who had done so had found themselves on the receiving end of her subtle wrath.

Just now, after Qian Hu addressed Ah Yin as "Sister-in-law" while cleaning their seats, Bibi Dong's icy gaze bore into him, sending shivers down his spine.

When Qian Hu nervously turned to look at her, however, Bibi Dong's expression had already transformed into a warm smile, leaving him doubting what he'd felt.

True to her cunning nature, Bibi Dong had quickly masked her emotions. Even Yue Guan, who was typically observant, hadn't noticed her fleeting glare.

She approached the table gracefully, stopping by a chair to Zhao Ling's right. Looking at Qian Hu, she ordered, "Wipe this chair for me."

Qian Hu froze, unsure of what to do. Bibi Dong's smile vanished instantly, her narrowed eyes and cold tone sending a clear message.

"What's the matter? Does this lady's word not carry any weight?"

Terrified of offending her, Qian Hu hurriedly wiped the chair again and gestured for her to sit. "Please, Little Miss, have a seat."

Satisfied, Bibi Dong sat down beside Zhao Ling, casting a subtle glance at Ah Yin as if to challenge her.

Zhao Ling, seated between Ah Yin on his left and Bibi Dong on his right, couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness.

[Ah Yin sitting next to me is understandable. After all, our relationship has been steadily growing closer. But why is Bibi Dong sitting here too?]

He stifled his grin, forcing himself to remain composed.

[As a normal man, of course, I'd want to embrace all the beauties around me. But I know I can't act recklessly. To everyone in the Spirit Hall, I'm a Titled Douluo—the strongest person on the continent.]

[I need to project an image of calm authority. Even if I have to pretend, I must look composed and dignified.]

As his thoughts swirled, he resolved to maintain his image.

[Still… the road ahead is long. Pursuing Ah Yin and Bibi Dong won't be easy. But Zhao Ling, you must believe in yourself. You're the fattest fish in the sea!]

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