Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1108 - 578: I Have Someone in My Heart

Following a bit of conversation, the shopkeeper's eyes began flickering back and forth between Gu Sheng and Lan Hua. Then, with a grin, she commented, "Gu Sheng, Lan Hua has never brought a visitor to meet me before. You must be quite important to her."

Upon hearing those words, Lan Hua felt her face heat up uncontrollably.

"Don't say such nonsense."

She chided lightly in jest, stealing a quick glance up at Gu Sheng before hastily looking away, appearing just like a bashful young woman.

"Oh my, did my remark strike a chord? Lan Hua, I never thought you'd go for this kind of guy. Gu Sheng, our Lan Hua has never paid attention to anyone else, so you should seize this chance."

Right away, Lan Hua's cheeks burned a vivid crimson, as she tugged repeatedly at her companion's sleeve without managing to halt her chatter.

While the pair giggled and teased, Hong Mei's face grew remarkably grim.

Lan Yao and the rest picked up on the heavy mood in the air, breaking into a sweat. Lan Yao kept elbowing Gu Sheng, urging him to say something.

"You've got it all wrong. Lan Hua and I don't share that sort of bond you're imagining. We're simply good friends."

Once Gu Sheng uttered those words, the flush on Lan Hua's face eased somewhat, shifting to an expression of unease.

"That's right, I've been telling you, we're not in any romantic relationship."

Gazing at Gu Sheng, Lan Hua's companion knitted her brows.

"How could you not be attracted to a remarkable woman like our Lan Hua? What kind of man are you?"

At that statement, Gu Sheng's forehead creased.

"Who I'm fond of has nothing to do with my manhood. I already have feelings for someone else, and she's standing right here, so I won't treat this lightly."

Without thinking, Lan Hua's eyes landed on Hong Mei's features. She clamped her lips shut, showing obvious signs of disappointment in her gaze.

Hong Mei hadn't anticipated Gu Sheng's directness either, leaving her unsure how to respond.

With both parties silent, Gu Sheng pivoted to face Hong Mei.

"Though I've never voiced it outright, you understand my sentiments, don't you?"

Meeting his eyes, Hong Mei nodded vigorously.

He had been ready to exhaust every bit of his spiritual energy to mend her wounds; how could she miss his affection? It was merely that both had chosen to uphold their quiet accord, so she had borne it quietly.

Witnessing Hong Mei's nod, Gu Sheng's mouth formed a gentle smile.

"My dear one confirms she understands."

As Gu Sheng declared this, the face of Lan Hua's friend soured instantly.

"You harbor feelings for another yet still charm our Lan Hua? Are you out of your mind? If you're ill, seek treatment soon—don't stir trouble here! Scram, scram, you're no longer welcome in our inn!"

While saying this, she lifted her arm, unleashing a surge of divine power from her palm, aimed directly at Gu Sheng.

Sensing that divine power, Gu Sheng's countenance shifted. He extended his hand to seize it, dissolving it in a flash.

Observing how Gu Sheng effortlessly neutralized her divine power, she scoffed, "Strength means nothing if your heart's already claimed; you're unfit for our Lan Hua!"

Lifting his eyes to meet hers, Gu Sheng's demeanor turned stern as well.

"I've stated clearly that Lan Hua and I are merely casual friends. You're the one who twisted our connection into something more. Now, aware of the facts, you lash out so harshly. It's truly unfortunate for Lan Hua to have a companion like you!"

"Rubbish! It's Lan Hua's misfortune to associate with the likes of you!"

Noting her rage and mortification, Gu Sheng chuckled icily.

"Our paths crossed due to shared aims, allowing mutual aid. Had you not uttered those words today to create discomfort, we might have gotten along effortlessly, perhaps even as close allies. But with what you've said, you've already damaged our bond. If anyone dwells on it, how could we continue associating?"

Gu Sheng's response was shrewd, directed seemingly at Lan Hua's friend while assuring Lan Hua that he dismissed her companion's remarks as mere meddling, preserving their camaraderie unscathed.

Lan Hua grasped the intent behind Gu Sheng's words and exhaled a deep breath of relief.

As her friend prepared to retort, she hurried to intervene.

"Alright, enough. It's not like you believe. We've only met recently and are truly just friends. Hong Mei has been by Gu Sheng's side all along, so it's natural if she's his true love. Cease causing unease for everyone."

After Lan Hua spoke, her friend's eyes bulged with fury.

"You idiot, after all our years together, do you think I can't read your mind? I was obviously aiding you, yet you're driving them off. Have you lost your senses?"

With her emotions laid bare once more, Lan Hua felt completely humiliated.

Prior to learning of Gu Sheng's attachment to Hong Mei, she had hoped her friend would convey her interest, perhaps drawing them nearer. Yet now, with Gu Sheng's candor, further words would only deepen her shame.

"That's sufficient! Halt it! I've never entertained such notions—stop teasing about our connection!"

Lan Hua was evidently irate, her features reddened with ire, a stark contrast to her earlier self.

To salvage what pride remained, she stretched out to seize the nearby keys.

Spotting her move, her friend clutched her wrist.

"He already loves another, and you still wish for him to remain? Send him packing! He may return once his affections are sorted! Else, I refuse to host him!"

"Cease this nonsense!"

"I'm dead serious! All of you except her—out!"

Faced with the insistent orders to depart, Gu Sheng shot her a chilly look before addressing Lan Hua, "Southern City boasts many inns; we'll seek another. You remain here, and we'll meet again tomorrow."