Xia Qingqing and Song Qingshu looked at each other with a smile, and hurried out of the palace.
"Thanks to you being prepared for this situation early in the morning, otherwise you would be touched by that pervert, huh~ I would be disgusted just thinking about it." After leaving Yanjing City, the two changed back to their original attire, and Xia Qingqing was finally able to speak in her original voice. .
"Do you think I'm telling the truth or lying?" Song Qingshu hesitated for a moment, then smiled strangely.
"What is a lie, and what is the truth?" Xia Qingqing was puzzled by him.
"It's a lie, it's my master's clever calculations, I expected that pervert to come up with such a move." Song Qingshu replied.
An ominous premonition suddenly rose in Xia Qingqing's heart, and hesitantly asked: "Then what's the truth?"
"To be honest," Song Qingshu looked a little embarrassed, "Actually, I just want to find a reason to touch you in a fair way."
"Song Qingshu, I'm going to kill you!" Xia Qingqing was furious, she drew out her sword and stabbed Song Qingshu, but the opponent had already fled away.
Until the two of them sat down in a small town inn, Xia Qingqing still didn't calm down, Song Qingshu quickly apologized and said with a smile: "Just now I just saw that you were unhappy, and I deliberately made a joke to tease you, in order to make amends, I will accompany you to Huashan first, How about carrying out Kangxi's mission?"
Xia Qingqing finally calmed down, and said, "Who cares about your company?"
Song Qingshu picked up the teapot on the table and poured her a cup of tea, and smiled coquettishly: "There is a flower protector who brings tea and water along the way, so it's not a bad thing..."
Seeing that his voice suddenly stopped, Xia Qingqing raised her head to find that Song Qingshu's eyes were staring behind her, and she couldn't help following his eyes curiously.
A man and a woman came into the inn. The man was tall and handsome, with a package on his back. He was thirty-seven or eighteen years old. The girl is about twenty-two or three years old, with a snowy complexion and picturesque features, she is actually a stunning beauty. The man was holding the young woman's hand, and the two looked intimate, as if they were a newlywed couple. The two came to an empty table, and the man pulled a bench and helped the young woman to sit down, looking very gentle and considerate. The clothes of these two people are very expensive, on the young woman's head is a golden crested hairpin inlaid with beads, the pearl is about the size of a little finger, smooth and round, it is very precious.
Seeing Song Qingshu staring at the woman intently, Xia Qingqing was quite displeased and snorted coldly.
As if woken up, Song Qingshu murmured in admiration: "Delicate appearance, fair complexion, not to mention that such a beauty is rare in the North, even in the south of the Yangtze River. The green brocade leather jacket she was wearing was already in color. It is very bright, but under the reflection of her radiance, even the most splendid brocade has become dimmed."
"Have you said enough?" Xia Qingqing only felt extremely annoyed, and there was a hint of anger mixed in her tone.
"Why, madam is jealous?" Song Qingshu turned around and said with a half-smile.
Xia Qingqing was about to speak, when suddenly Chapter 96 is blind
Seeing the changes in the restaurant, I couldn't help but spit: "Men are not good things."
Song Qingshu looked up in astonishment, and found that the people at the next table looked like Jiang Yang's robbers got up and leaned towards the couple.
"We are doing business in Heihuzhai. If you don't want to die, don't watch it." One of them yelled, and many diners in the restaurant slipped out one after another.
"I didn't expect to be so lucky this time. Not only did I meet a fat sheep, but I also had such a seductive little lady, hehehe." The rest of the people smiled lewdly and looked at the young woman wantonly.
"Bastard!" The man slapped the table and stood up.
Song Qingshu shook his head secretly, this man suffered serious internal injuries, and he might be doomed.
Several thieves kicked up the stool and smashed it, and took the opportunity to slash at it with a simple knife.
"Guinong be careful!" Seeing the cold light, the woman turned pale with fright.
"Guinong?" Song Qingshu was startled, wondering if it was those two people
The man called Guinong did not rush, dodged the flying bench, shrank his body, and crashed into the arms of a robber.
The gangster spat out a mouthful of blood, and stepped back. The man grabbed one of them by the wrist, twisted it slightly, and raised the knife in his hand to face the others.
"This man's martial arts are very good, but why does he always feel that he is short of energy and his figure is a bit obscure?" Xia Qingqing also kept paying attention to the field, and asked puzzled upon seeing this.
As soon as she finished speaking, the man was kicked in the back by a gangster and lost his balance. How could the other gangsters miss this opportunity and slashed at him with simple knives.
The man dodged in embarrassment, but he was able to avoid the knife, but he couldn't dodge the other fists and feet. He retreated to the young woman, and a mouthful of blood couldn't help it anymore. He looked at the young woman and smiled sadly: "I didn't expect that!" I, Tian Guinong, did not die at the hands of the invincible golden-faced Buddha Miao Renfeng, but I would have died at the hands of a few Xiaoxiao."
The young woman was trembling all over, obviously extremely frightened, hugging the man tightly, and there was a hint of crying in her voice: "It was I who killed you."
"Lan, Tian will not be in vain if he can get your attention." The man looked at the young woman with tenderness in his eyes.
"Hey, I've watched this kind of drama of life and death too much. Don't worry, we will take good care of your wife after you die. Brothers will take turns to feed her well every day. Guaranteed for a month Afterwards, she will want to stop and forget about you completely." Several bandits burst out with obscenity and laughed loudly.
The man was furious, but at this moment his dantian was empty, he couldn't even stand up, he could only look at the crowd in despair.
Thinking of the coming humiliation, the young woman turned pale. She took off the phoenix hairpin from her head and pressed it against her snow-white neck, her hands trembling.
"Are you stabbing? Brothers, I have seen many women want to die at first, but there is no one who is really willing to fight... Little lady, it’s so damn good Chapter 96 I’m blind
It's better to be alive. If you die, you will have nothing. If you are alive, we will worship you like Guanyin Bodhisattva. Several bandits were also taken aback, and the leader said calmly in a hurry.
As expected, the young woman hesitated, the hairpin moved a little away from her neck, the bandit leader knocked out the phoenix hairpin in her hand with quick eyesight and quick hands.
"Ah!" The young woman screamed from inside the inn.
"It seems that these two people are Tian Guinong and Miao Renfeng's wife, Nan Lan." Song Qingshu could not help sighing, "Like Nan Lan, who is so beautiful in appearance, but not very intelligent." , a shallow woman who only screams when things happen... I really want as much as I have!"
With a flick of a finger, a few chopsticks were inserted into the opposite table, preventing the thief leader's salty pig's hand from touching the young woman, and the robbers were furious: "Stinky boy, I'm so impatient, how dare you control our black tiger village?" thing!"
"Isn't this nonsense?" Song Qingshu shrugged, pointing to the surrounding scene, "Look, after the accident, all the other guests have run away, and we are the only table here standing still, which still doesn't make it clear that we are bosses A super person, are you blind?" Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking of the other party Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking of the other party Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking of the other party Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking of the other party Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking of the other party Chapter 97 Uncomfortable Nan Lan
Although the few people didn't quite understand the meaning of Song Qingshu's words, the irony in his tone was beyond words, and the bandits couldn't help being furious, and swung their knives to attack him.
With a slap of the palm on the table, the chopsticks in the bamboo tube were thrown into the air one after another. With a wave of Song Qingshu's sleeve, the chopsticks were attached to his inner strength, and shot towards several people like sharp arrows.
After a few screams, the hands of the bandits were pierced by chopsticks one after another. They didn't know whether it was pain or fear. They all sweated coldly, looked at each other, and fled in embarrassment.
Tian Guinong's eyes lit up. Although he is not a first-class expert, his eyesight is not bad. Seeing that Song Qingshu can accurately stab everyone's palms with slender bamboo chopsticks, this internal strength and accuracy are really shocking. His heart moved : This person is probably one point better than Miao Renfeng in martial arts.
"I'm in Xia Tian Guinong, thank you two for saving me, ahem..." Before Tian Guinong could finish his sentence, he started coughing violently, obviously causing internal injuries.
Song Qingshu stretched out his palm and spread it in front of Xia Qingqing: "Bring it."
"What?" Xia Qingqing was taken aback and asked in confusion.
"Fuling Shouwu Wan, I don't have healing medicine on me." Song Qingshu laughed.
"Hmph, you're really welcome." Even so, seeing that the man was seriously injured, Xia Qingqing took one out of her bosom.
"Ma'am, here is a holy medicine for healing, please take it for you." Song Qingshu handed the Fuling Shouwu Wan to Nan Lan, and said softly. Xia Qingqing who was on the side saw him take his medicine away. She was so courteous in front of the beauty that her lungs almost exploded, she snorted coldly, and turned around, out of sight and out of mind.
Seeing his handsome face clearly, and thinking of the chicness with which he retreated from the enemy just now, Nan Lan's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly leaned over and said, "Thank you benefactor for saving my life, I haven't asked benefactor Gao's name yet."
When Nan Lan took the medicine, Song Qingshu slid his hand lightly, taking the opportunity to brush her slender fingers with his fingertips, and sighed in his heart: "It's not slippery, Tian Guinong is really a blessing."
Nan Lan was taken aback by a numb feeling in her hand, she turned her head subconsciously, and saw that Tian Guinong was in a semi-comatose state, and the woman's head was turned to the other side, obviously she didn't see the scene just now.
Feeling a little annoyed in my heart, I looked up and saw Song Qingshu's serious face, I couldn't help wondering, could it be that the other party just met by accident, did I think too much
"Madam, you can call me Song Qingshu. This is my friend Youyou." Song Qingshu dare not tell them Xia Qingqing's real name. Tian Guinong is under Prince Sheng Jingbao. I can't finish walking around.
"So it's Mr. Song and Miss Youyou," Nan Lanwei smiled and nodded while helping Tian Guinong to take the pills.
"I don't know what to call Madam?" Song Qingshu came behind Tian Guinong and used his kung fu to help him heal his injuries.
Nan Lan looked embarrassed, thinking that the other party