"Thanks for explaining everything, Senior. It's getting late, and since the final assessment doesn't start for another five days, we won't keep you any longer. We'll come back in five days." Mu Qian said casually, putting on an easygoing air.
The coldness Hu Liena had shown Yan was long gone, replaced by tenderness and a faint shyness.
"It's my pleasure. You've only just arrived in Spirit City, right? Why don't... why don't I treat you to a meal at the best restaurant nearby, so you can sample the local food?"
Mu Qian froze for a moment. He hadn't expected her to be so forward. This was their first proper meeting, after all!
Yesterday didn't count as a proper meeting. They hadn't even known each other's names. Today was the first time they'd actually gotten acquainted.
Apparently noticing Mu Qian's reaction and worrying he might misunderstand, Hu Liena hurried to explain, "Don't worry, I... I'm not that kind of person. It's just..."
Hu Liena had eyes only for Mu Qian, seeming to have completely overlooked Zhu Zhuqing standing beside them.
Before she could finish, Mu Qian felt someone clutching the hem of his clothes. When he turned around, Zhu Zhuqing had her head bowed and her lips pressed together, looking a little nervous.
Zhuqing... Was she worried he'd be put in an awkward position? She hadn't said a word.
"No need, Senior. We'll look around on our own. It wouldn't be right to keep troubling you." Mu Qian declined.
"N-no trouble..." Hu Liena stammered, her eyes full of anticipation and just as much nervousness.
The corner of Mu Qian's mouth twitched. He'd only declined out of politeness, but somehow she'd managed to turn even that into an invitation.
Sigh~
Seeing the hope in Hu Liena's eyes, Mu Qian couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
So being too outstanding could be a source of trouble for a guy, too.
Still, he shook his head. "We have a few other things to take care of, so let's leave it for today."
"After all, once we pass the assessment, we'll be classmates. There'll be plenty of opportunities."
He'd let things with Hu Liena take their course. Mu Qian wasn't so devoted to only one person that he couldn't love anyone else; otherwise, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't be at his side.
But he wasn't a womanizer, either. Once he truly cared for someone, he'd protect her with his life, so he wouldn't make a decision lightly.
There was no guarantee that rushing into things would be for the best.
"All right." A trace of disappointment flickered through Hu Liena's eyes, but she soon recovered.
Mu Qian was right. They'd be at the same academy. Why worry about not having another chance?
As for Zhu Zhuqing, Hu Liena didn't think she was any less worthy. It was a fair competition, after all. Until the very end, nobody could know how things would turn out.
As for the idea of sharing him, that had only been a joke.
With Hu Liena's pride, how could she really be willing to share?
Unless Mu Qian became so outstanding that she felt she didn't deserve him...
Forget it. There'll be other chances. I should head back and tell Teacher about him. Hu Liena thought to herself.
As the Saintess of Spirit Hall, her future partner had to be the most outstanding person among their peers. Otherwise, she would face opposition from all of Spirit Hall.
In Hu Liena's view, Mu Qian's talent was certainly good enough. But if she wanted to be with him someday, she would still need her teacher's approval.
Hu Liena wanted to help him and see if she could get her teacher to take Mu Qian more seriously.
After leaving Spirit Hall Academy, Mu Qian walked along the brightly lit street beside the lovely figure at his side, his expression relaxed.
"I didn't expect we'd have to wait another five days. I checked out of the hotel this morning. If only I'd known, I would've booked a few more nights."
Mu Qian felt a little helpless. He could only go back to the hotel and check. Given the current situation in Spirit City, he didn't know if there would be any rooms left.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't reply. She walked along with her head lowered, as if lost in thought.
Suddenly, she stopped and looked at Mu Qian, who seemed confused. Her beautiful eyes trembled slightly.
"Mu Qian... do you like me?" Zhu Zhuqing asked in a very soft voice. It seemed to have taken all her strength just to ask.
"Why all of a sudden..."
The unexpected question made Mu Qian stumble.
Did she just confess to me?
He looked up at the night sky, glittering with stars, and fell silent, asking himself the very same question.
Did he like her?
Memories of the past year came flooding back.
Mu Qian realized that their relationship had begun with him approaching her for a purpose. Then he'd done everything he could to keep his promise. And then... whenever danger arose, his first concern hadn't been for himself, but for her safety.
This girl was so thoughtful it hurt to see. She seemed cold on the outside, stronger than anyone.
But deep down, she was more fragile and tender than anyone...
Mu Qian was sure he liked her.
But the girl who had eyes only for him made him feel a trace of guilt.
Because his world would never be filled by her alone.
Besides her, Mu Qian cared about other people, too.
What exactly was love?
Perhaps there were ten thousand different answers for ten thousand people.
Zhu Zhuqing gazed intently at Mu Qian, filled with both hope and apprehension.
Did I just... confess to him?
She hoped he would give her the answer she wanted, yet feared hearing a devastating rejection from Mu Qian.
Over the past year, this sunny boy had come to fill Zhu Zhuqing's world. He was also the last bit of light left in her heart.
To tell the truth, she knew Hu Liena had spurred her into this. If he rejected her, would the two of them even be able to face each other afterward?
After that, they might never be able to go back to the way they'd been before.
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't bear to imagine the darkness she'd have to face if he turned her down.
Would she even be able to face him then?
Mu Qian was certain of his feelings for Zhu Zhuqing. But remembering what Snow Maiden had told him before he left, he felt reluctant to go on.
He didn't want to deceive her or let any interests or impurities taint their relationship.
With that thought, Mu Qian's expression grew resolute. "Zhuqing, I like you..."
As Zhu Zhuqing looked at him with eager hope, Mu Qian gave her the answer she wanted.
Mu Qian continued, "But I don't want to deceive you, either. I want to tell you about the things I carry on my shoulders..."
At that, Mu Qian's gaze suddenly sharpened. Her beautiful face was reflected in his eyes, and it was as if there were no one else in the whole world.
Something cool and soft touched his lips. Mu Qian's heart shuddered, and his mind went completely blank.
For the first time in his life, he felt as if their hearts had touched.
It was a deeply fulfilling, beautiful feeling...
Zhu Zhuqing's warm, soft red lips touched Mu Qian's, then quickly pulled away.
The girl's pretty face burned, and she glanced away, unable to meet Mu Qian's gaze.
"Don't say anything. This is enough." Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Mu Qian's chest, pressing her cheek to it so he couldn't see her expression.
Mu Qian's body stiffened slightly, then he relaxed and gently pulled the girl into his arms.
At that moment, their hearts had never been closer. They left an indelible mark on each other's lives.
Before you continue