As usual, Bibi Dong summoned Li Chang'an and Hu Liena to her bedroom today. Compared to before, she looked completely refreshed, as if the dark cloud hanging over her had finally lifted. Her demeanor had taken a notable turn for the better, which showed just how effective Li Chang'an's solution had been in resolving her troubles.
Today, Bibi Dong wore her Pope's robes, though she wasn't wearing her crown. Her long hair was loose and flowing, radiating the charm of a mature woman from head to toe.
She lounged lazily in her chair, with a plate of pastries that Li Chang'an had prepared before leaving placed in front of her. From time to time, she would pick one up and take a bite. Her rosy lips looked especially alluring as she ate.
"Come, Nana, have a taste of the pastries your junior brother made first, then tell me about your recent mission and what you've gained." With a wave of her hand, Bibi Dong floated the plate of pastries to Hu Liena.
Hu Liena glanced at Li Chang'an, then gave Bibi Dong a small nod before taking a bite. The moment it touched her tongue, her taste buds were enveloped in comfort.
"Teacher, to be honest, we were a bit careless during this mission. I failed to protect Senior Sister properly and let that Soul King snatch her away. I…" Before Hu Liena could continue, Li Chang'an stepped forward and took full responsibility for the incident.
This was where Li Chang'an's cleverness shone through. A man had to know when to shoulder the blame, especially in front of Bibi Dong.
Given Bibi Dong's past, a man who dodged responsibility would never score points in her eyes.
Sure enough, when she saw how readily Li Chang'an admitted fault, Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes curved slightly as she nodded approvingly. She was clearly pleased with his attitude.
"That's enough, Chang'an. I'm not blaming you. I already heard the full details of what happened. What I do want to criticize is your reckless overconfidence. You charged into the enemy camp all on your own, even knowing they had a Soul King. That was foolish!"
To everyone's surprise, Li Chang'an didn't back down. If he admitted fault now, wouldn't that make Hu Liena feel disappointed in him?
"Teacher, I beg to differ. I don't think I was wrong. When Senior Sister was captured, my only thought was to rescue her. Even if it meant dying, I would've done it without hesitation!"
Hu Liena's body trembled at those words. Her eyes reddened slightly.
That was a Soul King they were up against! But he had still charged in recklessly, just to save her. He would've given his life...
Recalling the moment she'd shared with Li Chang'an, Hu Liena suddenly felt something stir in her heart—something unfamiliar.
Bibi Dong, too, looked at Li Chang'an with a complicated gaze. She then glanced at the dazed Hu Liena and instantly picked up on something between them.
Strangely, Bibi Dong felt a tinge of inexplicable disappointment in her chest. She couldn't quite explain where the feeling came from.
"It's good for you two to care for each other," she finally said. "But as your teacher, I hope you'll think twice before throwing your life away so recklessly. Do you understand?"
Li Chang'an immediately nodded and agreed, giving a sincere reflection on his mistake.
The three of them chatted for a little longer. Bibi Dong even invited the two to stay for dinner before dismissing them.
As they left, Bibi Dong specifically said, "From now on, come to my place after class every day for lessons, and dinner will also be here. Alright, off you go."
With that, it was clear their relationship had reached a new level. Otherwise, she wouldn't have said something as casual as inviting them for daily meals.
Hu Liena, however, was still a bit stunned. She had no idea that the real reason Bibi Dong was being so kind was all thanks to Li Chang'an.
Hu Liena's residence was near the Pope's Palace, but she didn't return right away. Instead, she accompanied Li Chang'an for a walk along the city streets.
By now, night had fallen, but Spirit City was still brightly lit. Tonight was a full moon, casting silvery light over the entire city.
Hu Liena walked quietly beside Li Chang'an under the moonlight. There was something she wanted to ask him, but she didn't know how to bring it up.
Too much had happened today—her emotions were still tangled and not quite settled. But one thing was certain: Li Chang'an's place in her heart had risen dramatically.
"Senior Sister, do you have someone you like?" Li Chang'an suddenly asked.
"Ah—no, I don't! I'm still young…" Hu Liena stammered. Gone was the graceful, imposing senior sister. Her face turned bright red like a shy girl.
"Mhm. That's good. I'll be heading back now. See you tomorrow." Li Chang'an gave a small wave and left, saying nothing more than: That's good.
The teasing was already enough. Those three words would linger in Hu Liena's mind, sparking endless imagination. Saying any more might ruin the effect.
As she watched him walk away, Hu Liena stomped her foot and muttered with a pout,
"What the heck… First he asks if I like someone, then says that's good? What's that supposed to mean?"
Waving her fist at his back, Hu Liena finally headed home. But her mind kept replaying the events of the day, and her cheeks flushed red once again.
…
When Li Chang'an returned to the hotel, he saw his parents and several stewards in the middle of a meeting. As he walked in, the reception girls greeted him with warm smiles, and Li Chang'an returned their greetings one by one.
After saying hello, he casually sat down at the conference table and clung to his mother's arm, asking, "Mom, what are you all discussing?"
Father Li chuckled from the side and patted Li Chang'an's head.
"You came at just the right time. Today's discussion actually has a lot to do with you. We've decided it's time to expand our family business."
The reason the Li family hadn't expanded earlier was that they lacked strong backing. But now? Li Chang'an was the Pope's personal disciple. Their backing couldn't get any stronger. Expansion was inevitable.
Father Li had a sharp eye for opportunity. The plan was to expand into the capitals of the two great empires—Heaven Dou and Star Luo. And in addition to hotels, they would open a line of pastry shops, selling the desserts Li Chang'an had been developing.
"Mhm, sounds good," Li Chang'an nodded. "My pastries definitely have potential on the continent. Keep up the good work, Dad. Oh, and try this out when you have time. See if we can make anything from it."
He grabbed a pen and paper and scribbled down a list of ingredients before handing it over.
Quartz sand, limestone, soda ash…
That's right—these were the raw materials used to make glass. While Douluo Continent already had glass, it wasn't yet crystal clear. This was a business opportunity that Li Chang'an intended to seize.
"Dad, make sure they record all the data—find the ideal temperature for each batch. Detailed records are a must…"
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