At Qing Lin's quarters, Xiao Chen pushed open the door. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, reading. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, and when she saw Xiao Chen, she smiled.
"What brings you here?"
Xiao Chen sat down beside her.
"I'm planning to go to Shimo City."
Qing Lin paused.
"What for?"
"To find two ingredients for refining pills."
Qing Lin nodded without asking anything else.
"Come with me."
She paused again, surprise flashing in her eyes.
"I'll take you out for a change of scenery."
A smile spread across Qing Lin's face, and warmth welled up inside her. Ever since Queen Medusa had captured her and brought her to the Snake-People Tribe, she hadn't left. Xiao Chen treated her well, and her lodgings were comfortable, but sometimes she still missed Shimo City.
"Okay."
Xiao Chen stood up.
"Let's go."
Qing Lin quickly set down her book and followed him. The two of them left the room and headed down the corridor toward the tribe's main gate.
Halfway there, they ran into Yue Mei coming toward them. She had just left Queen Medusa's palace and was heading back to her own quarters. Seeing Xiao Chen walking with Qing Lin, she stopped.
"Where are you going?"
Her gaze swept over the two of them.
"To Shimo City."
Yue Mei frowned.
"What for?"
"To look for medicinal ingredients."
Yue Mei glanced at Qing Lin, then looked back at Xiao Chen.
"You're taking her with you?"
There was a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Mm."
Yue Mei bit her lip, jealousy welling up inside her. She wanted to go out with Xiao Chen too, but before she could say anything, he had already continued on with Qing Lin.
Standing where she was, Yue Mei watched them walk away,