Meng Hongchen stood in front of this inconspicuous little courtyard on the edge of the imperial city, straightening her clothes for the third time.
The setting sun cast its glow on her red hair, making it appear as if it were burning flames, dancing on her shoulders.
She took a deep breath and reached out to ring the doorbell.
"Ding-dong..."
The crisp sound of bells echoed in the courtyard, and Meng Hongchen could hear hurried footsteps coming from inside.
Inside the courtyard, Kong Xuan, who was cultivating in his room, opened his eyes.
He frowned slightly, wondering who it could be at this time.
"Brother, I'll go open the door."
Before Kong Xuan could make a move, he heard his younger sister Kong Ling's voice.
He shook his head, got up, and walked outside.
Outside the courtyard gate, as the gate opened, Kong Ling's figure came into Meng Hongchen's view.
The two did not speak, but they exchanged glances.
The news that Gu Yuena had moved into Kong Xuan's home was passed on to Meng Hongchen by Kong Ling.
Meng Hongchen looked slightly nervous, as if asking about the situation.
Kong Ling calmly shook her head, indicating that nothing had happened, which relieved Meng Hongchen.
She was genuinely worried that if she arrived and saw Kong Xuan and Gu Yuena together, she would truly regret it and have nowhere to hide.
But it seems it's not too late.
The courtyard wasn't large; Kong Xuan hadn't walked far when he saw Kong Ling leading Meng Hongchen in.
Why is she here?
Kong Xuan, who was somewhat oblivious to emotions, was also slow to realize the reason for Meng Hongchen's visit.
Meng Hongchen walked gracefully to Kong Xuan, glanced around, and asked, "I heard that Gu Yuena is here, where is she?"
Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan glanced at his younger sister Kong Ling, and guessed that she had tipped him off again.
At the same time, he finally understood why Meng Hongchen had come.
At that moment, the door to Meng Hongchen's room opened, Gu Yuena came out, calling out, " Senior Hongchen!"
Meng Hongchen turned around, looked at Gu Yuena, and asked, "Junior, aren't you planning to go home for the holidays?"
Hearing Meng Hongchen's words, Kong Xuan felt as if he had suddenly been placed in a palace intrigue drama.
Although the tone was normal and the attitude was mild, it still gave people a sarcastic and aggressive feeling.
However, Gu Yuena had only recently become a "human" and had not yet realized the deeper meaning behind Meng Hongchen's words.
She thought about it seriously for a moment, then said, "My elders will be coming to pick me up in a few days."
Hearing Gu Yuena's calm tone, Meng Hongchen felt as if he had punched a cotton ball.
Gu Yuena thought less, while Meng Hongchen couldn't help but think more.
She felt that Gu Yuena was so calm because she believed she had already gained the upper hand.
Thinking of this, Meng Hongchen's gaze towards Gu Yuena became even more tinged with jealousy and apprehension.
Looking at Meng Hongchen's complicated gaze, Gu Yuena felt that humans were truly difficult to understand.
Meng Hongchen suddenly turned around, looked intently at Kong Xuan, and said, " Kong Xuan, I have something to say to you alone."
"Alright!" Kong Xuan nodded, pointing to the stone table and benches under the evergreen tree in the courtyard not far away, and said, "Let's sit down and talk."
Seeing this, Kong Ling stepped forward and took Gu Yuena's arm. "Let's go inside, I still have some cultivation-related matters to ask you about."
Kong Ling's sudden intimate gesture made Gu Yuena stiffen for a moment, then she loosened her clenched fists, her breathing gradually became steady, and she nodded, saying, "Okay!"
Watching Kong Ling take Gu Yuena away, Meng Hongchen silently gave her a thumbs up in her heart, and then turned her gaze to Kong Xuan's face.
Now almost twelve years old, Kong Xuan's face has become increasingly mature. His golden pupils still exude an invisible majesty, while his androgynous appearance adds a touch of gentleness.
It was this unparalleled beauty that made Meng Hongchen unable to forget her.
As she learned more, she discovered that Kong Xuan was not only good-looking, but also more talented than her narcissistic brother.
Meng Hongchen took a deep breath, then looked earnestly at Kong Xuan and said, " Kong Xuan, I like you!"
Kong Xuan was stunned upon hearing this; he truly hadn't expected Meng Hongchen to say such a thing.
He had always known that Meng Hongchen had feelings for him, but Meng Hongchen had always been very reserved. He never expected her to be so direct this time.
Kong Xuan had originally planned to chat casually for a few minutes, as before, before seeing Meng Hongchen off.
Now it seems unlikely that this time it will happen.
Looking at Kong Xuan, whose eyes were wide open, Meng Hongchen continued, "Although my brother is often unreliable, he's right about one thing: directness is always the best approach."
Meng Hongchen's heart suddenly raced, but having already made up her mind, she still asked, "Do you... like me?"
After asking the question, Meng Hongchen's face showed anticipation, but her eyes flickered with trepidation.
The reason she didn't ask before was probably because she was afraid of being rejected.
As long as she hasn't gotten an answer, she hasn't lost yet!
Now, because Gu Yuena's threat to Aoshi has emboldened her, she wants to know the exact result!
However, she didn't know if this outcome would be the one she wanted.
What Meng Hongchen didn't know was that Kong Xuan was even more nervous. This was the first time he had ever experienced such a scene in both his lifetimes.
Faced with Meng Hongchen's direct question, he knew he couldn't try to smooth things over like before.
Otherwise, Meng Hongchen might really give up on being with him, and he would have no chance.
Taking a deep breath, Kong Xuan said, "Actually, I'm not ready to accept a relationship yet."
Upon hearing this, Meng Hongchen's expression darkened, and she seemed to have instantly lost all her strength.
But Kong Xuan continued, "However, if this person were you, my answer would be... I like you!"
Meng Hongchen raised her head instantly, her slightly red eyes welling up with glistening tears.
Upon hearing Kong Xuan say those words, tears finally broke free and streamed down her face!
Meng Hongchen sniffed, excitedly saying, "You... you're not lying to me, are you?"
Kong Xuan reached out and wiped away the tears from Meng Hongchen's eyes, and smiled, "Of course I wasn't lying to you?"
How could Kong Xuan not like a girl who had liked him for four years?
After all, people aren't plants or trees, and Meng Hongchen is outstanding in every way, enough to fulfill any fantasy Kong Xuan might have about a girlfriend.
Meng Hongchen asked again, "What about Gu Yuena?"
"He and I are just friends. You can ask Kong Ling; there's nothing intimate between us."
Kong Xuan did not tell the truth, but he did mention Gu Yuena's identity, and their relationship could indeed only be described as friendship.
Upon hearing this, Meng Hongchen's face finally broke into a bright smile, but thinking about it, she suddenly felt a sense of gratitude towards Gu Yuena.
After all, if it weren't for Gu Yuena, she wouldn't have been so brave to ask, and naturally, she wouldn't have understood Kong Xuan's feelings so soon.
Meng Hongchen looked directly into Kong Xuan's golden pupils, which now seemed devoid of any majesty, only filled with tenderness.
Suddenly relaxing, Meng Hongchen rested her elbows on the stone table and propped her chin up with her hands. "Then you're not allowed to hide from me anymore. I won't disturb your cultivation, but I'll miss you terribly when I can't see you."
Kong Xuan looked at him with doting eyes and nodded. "Okay!"
Meng Hongchen then said, "Then when the next semester starts, I want you to hold my hand and walk around the college, to tell everyone that you're my boyfriend, so that many people won't just lust after you!"
Kong Xuan smiled and said, "No problem."
Meng Hongchen shook her head and continued, "When you see my brother again, go and beat him up."
"Ah?!"
Kong Xuan was taken aback by these words, not understanding what they meant.
Meng Hongchen whispered, "My brother has said a lot of bad things about you behind your back, and I've remembered them all. Beating him up will be the best way to vent your anger!"
Xiao Hongchen, sitting in the academy, couldn't help but sneeze. Rubbing his nose, he figured it must be his sister missing him again!