Meng Zhao, however, felt that they were humiliating him.
Humiliating him because his inner core had been destroyed, humiliating him because he could no longer cultivate.
His expression grew increasingly ugly. The veins on his forehead gradually bulged, and the bloodshot in his eyes deepened.
Just as he could no longer hold back and was about to flick his sleeves and leave, his father and elder brother arrived.
Meng Mingde's smile was far more sincere than before. "Anli, we prepared all your favorite dishes."
Meng Anli said apologetically, "Sorry, Father, we've already eaten."
Meng Mingde's smile nearly slipped, but he still coaxed her gently.
"Eat a little more. We spent the entire morning preparing it."
Meng Liangmiao also persuaded her, "Even if you've eaten, you should be hungry after returning home from the academy. If you don't eat, your two classmates will likely feel too embarrassed to eat either."
Mo Ziqian was gentle and courteous. "Thank you for your trouble, but we aren't hungry either. When cultivating, it's not unusual to fast for many days."
Guang Ling said bluntly, "I don't want to eat."
Meng Zhao demanded coldly, "Since you had already decided not to eat, why didn't you say so when Father and Elder Brother went to fetch it just now?"
Meng Anli's ears twitched. She tugged at Guang Ling, who was about to speak, then lowered her brows meekly.
"It's all my fault."
"So lively?" The Crown Prince's voice drifted closer from afar. "What has Anli done wrong again?"
Meng Mingde was so startled that he hurriedly set down the bowl and chopsticks, then led Meng Liangmiao and Meng Zhao in a salute.
"We did not know Your Highness would grace us with your presence. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar."
Meng Anli and Mo