Faced with Jin Yue'er's resentful little gaze, Qian Renxue forced an awkward smile and said apologetically, "Sorry, Yue'er~ I really didn't mean to."
As soon as the words left her mouth, the embarrassment on Qian Renxue's face vanished, replaced by a bashful flush. In three quick steps, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Ye Tian's, chuckling lightly as she said, "But don't worry, Yue'er, Ye Tian definitely won't laugh at you! Right, Ye Tian~"
Qian Renxue looked at Ye Tian with bright, smiling eyes. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed her delicate face, lending it a perfectly soft softness.
"Y-Yes, there's nothing to laugh about," Ye Tian responded, nodding as he came to his senses. Gazing at Qian Renxue's radiant smile, he couldn't help but feel there was a hint of schadenfreude in her expression—even a touch of enjoyment?
"Yue'er, you heard him, right? It's fine." Qian Renxue held onto Ye Tian's arm, her eyes carrying a trace of apology as she looked at Jin Yue'er. After all, Yue'er was always clinging to Ye Tian, leaving her with no chance to join in—not even to get a word in edgewise. Forgive me, Yue'er!
The apology in Qian Renxue's eyes faded in an instant, quickly replaced by a sly gleam. She quietly leaned her head closer to Ye Tian. Her Jade Nose twitched slightly as her eyes slowly narrowed, a faint blush blooming on her cheeks. A light smile curled at the corners of her lips, betraying her enjoyment. Yue'er was right—this guy Ye Tian had become even more fragrant. It smelled wonderful~
Jin Yue'er didn't notice the subtle changes on Qian Renxue's face. In her view, Sister Xue never played underhanded tricks. With a woeful expression, she looked at Ye Tian and asked, "Really, Ye Tian? You won't laugh at me or look down on me?"
"Come on~ You're my good friend," Ye Tian replied with a helpless twist of his lips. He wanted to step forward, but his right arm was pinned by Qian Renxue, forcing him to stay put as he explained, "Putting that aside, given your background, how many people would dare look down on you anyway?"
"Hmph~ You're not allowed to put that aside!" Jin Yue'er pouted and grumbled, her little mood swings coming and going quickly. As if sensing what Ye Tian intended to do, she stepped forward proactively. "You can only touch them this once, okay~"
"Haha! Then I won't hold back." Ye Tian laughed heartily and reached out to playfully flick the strands of her Sky-Piercing Braid. Instantly, Jin Yue'er's braids trembled and swayed as if caught in a fierce gust of wind.
Clutching her small hands and shrinking her neck, Jin Yue'er stared at Ye Tian, her face flushed bright red—clearly embarrassed from being teased.
Witnessing this scene, Qian Renxue was struck speechless. Was this Yue'er's unique way of fighting back? Should she try out a trendy hairstyle too? But the moment she imagined herself sporting a Sky-Piercing Braid, she shook her head vigorously like a rattle-drum—it was utterly unthinkable!
"Alright!" Qian Renxue tugged at Ye Tian's arm, reminding him, "Didn't Yue'er say she was treating us? We should get going soon."
"Ah!" Hearing Qian Renxue's voice, Jin Yue'er snapped back to reality and quickly covered her head with both hands, dodging Ye Tian's playful touches. "Okay, okay, let's go right away!"
"Heh~" Ye Tian couldn't help but chuckle.
Jin Yue'er's hairstyle wasn't particularly attractive, but playing with it was quite stress-relieving.
"Let's head out then!"
"Mhm~"
Qian Renxue nodded with a smile, wisely releasing him before Ye Tian could exert any force.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder behind Jin Yue'er, their black and golden hair respectively swaying in the cool evening breeze as they enjoyed the sunset.
Ye Tian admired the setting sun, while Qian Renxue's gaze frequently drifted toward him. Bathed in the faint scent of medicine, she murmured softly, "Ye Tian~ Did she have any reaction when I didn't come yesterday?"
"Uh, seems not." Ye Tian paused awkwardly, glancing sideways. "I was in seclusion breaking through, so I didn't really notice. Sorry, Little Xue."
"It's fine." Qian Renxue opened her mouth as if to say more but hesitated, feeling slightly disappointed. She had actually wanted to ask if Ye Tian had missed her.
Jin Yue'er, however, had no such reservations. She turned and bounced over, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she asked coyly, "Then, Ye Tian, Ye Tian, did you miss us?"
Hearing this, Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes lit up subtly, quietly awaiting Ye Tian's response.
"Sort of... yes." Ye Tian nodded uncertainly. "Like wondering why you didn't come, whether something delayed you. That should count as missing you, right?" He chuckled.
"Tch~ How does that count?" Jin Yue'er rolled her eyes but dashed away with a clear, cheerful laugh.
"Huh?" Ye Tian watched her skipping figure with bemusement. Why was she so happy despite her apparent dissatisfaction? He turned to Qian Renxue. "Little Xue, it should count, right?"
"Why wouldn't it?" Qian Renxue replied with a delighted smile. Ye Tian's answer had already satisfied her greatly. Yue'er must have felt the same way!
Qian Renxue glanced at Jin Yue'er, feeling somewhat troubled. Their relationship seemed to be growing more complicated.
"Haha... that's good then!" Ye Tian patted Qian Renxue's shoulder reassuringly. "Little Xue, don't be discouraged. The teacher isn't as cold-hearted as she appears. Who knows, she might be watching us from behind the window right now?"
"Mhm~ Thank you, Ye Tian." Qian Renxue nodded with a smile, unable to resist glancing back.
And at that very moment, the window belonging to Bi Bi Dong was indeed slowly closing. Jin Yue'er's voice had simply been too loud.
"That lass went from a sickly child to having level seven Innate Soul Power." Click!
Bi Bi Dong shut the window, turned, and leaned her hips against the desk edge, supporting herself with her hands on the table. She looked down at the leather-bound book beside her, softly sighing, "It seems the boy's guess was correct again. His Marrow Cleansing Pill might genuinely have the effect of enhancing Innate Soul Power level!"
"Moreover, his other hypothesis... might also hold true." Bi Bi Dong reached out a jade-like hand, casually flipping through the leather book. "Could taking the Marrow Cleansing Pill for a period even allow early awakening of the Martial Soul?"
"Heh..." She couldn't help but laugh, picking up a pen to lightly check a mark in the book. Tilting her head back to expose her snow-white swan neck, she narrowed her eyes in intoxication. "What a monster of the support system, or perhaps the uncrowned king of Soul Master theory?"
"Heh! I'm almost reluctant to kill him now~" Swish! The curtains were suddenly drawn, plunging the entire room into darkness.
"I hope you won't defy me, Ye Tian."
"Otherwise... hmph!"
"..."
——————
Spirit Hall City, Saint Soul Winery.
Unbeknownst to Ye Tian, Bi Bi Dong had once again eavesdropped on their conversation.
At this moment.
He had already brought Hu Liena and the others from the orphanage and reunited with Qian Renxue and her group in the winery's private room.
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