Chapter 294: Friendship
Chapter 294: Friendship
"What do you want to talk about?" Xiang Ling asked as she followed Su LiangLin inside the private dining room of a really famous restaurant in Dongzhi City. What she didn’t expect was to find more people waiting inside the room for her.
Su LiangLin gave her a big smile as she dragged her toward the dining table and made her sit on one of the empty seats before she too settled down next to Wu Tian.
"Sister Ling, you are finally here. Let’s bring in some food because I’m starving." Wu Ding requested with his puppy eyes.
"Go and ask the manager to deliver the dishes I ordered him to prepare." Jiang Li told her personal maid who immediately left the room to carry out the task.
"Why are you all gathered here for lunch?" Xiang Ling asked after she thanked Jiang Li for the tea that the young woman poured for her.
"It’s been nwarly two months since we came here. During this time, we have obviously grown closer as we worked together. You and Jiang Li are business partners. Seventh Prince considers you his senior sister and always stops by to show you his improvement in cultivation. I’m your best friend, and even my husband has been a frequent visitor to your family. You can’t really deny that we haven’t developed a close bond. So, we are gathered here to celebrate this friendship of ours." Su LiangLin answered Xiang Ling’s question.
"Are you all leaving?" Xiang Ling asked as she looked at the four people sitting around the table who were indeed closest to her after her family.
"Senior and other disciples have finished investigating all the possible hideouts in Nanxia County, but found no trace of any demonic energy. It’s time for us to return to Jingsheng Academy and report to the Elders. Once I will return to the Academy, I will not be able to meet you again anytime soon. Please consider this cup of tea as my gratitude and respect toward you, Sister Ling." Wu Ding spoke before he stood up from his seat with a cup of tea in his hand.
With a warm smile, Xiang Ling followed the Seventh Prince and also stood up. "I only have elder brothers, but no younger siblings. During the past two months, you treated me like an elder sister and I was also happy to spend time with you. I will repeat what I told you when we met for the first time - you are talented, Xiao Ding. If you will keep practicing with dedication, you will sure reach great heights in the future. I wish you nothing but the best."
The two shared a warm smile before they drank their teas together. Once Wu Ding settled down on his seat, Jiang Li stood up with a cup of wine.
"The two of us met in a really unexpected place and situation, but it was like a fate. When we met again, I was only looking forward to our business deals. It was only after I spent so much time with you, did I realize just how good of a person you are, Xiang Ling. I’m so happy that I decided to make you my business partner, because it made me find a rare and genuine friend. Since my business is settled here, I will also be leaving for Capital the day after tomorrow. But I want you to know that you have a friend who will write to you every now and then. Make sure to reply, and visit me during your next journey to the Capital City."
Xiang Ling smiled as she poured herself a cup of warm wine. "Thank you, Jiang Li. You are indeed a nice friend, and I’m happy that we met."
The two women toasted to each other before they drank their wine and Jiang Li settled down on her seat.
"It’s my turn now." Su LiangLin spoke as she stood up next. "Ah Xiang, our first meeting and the story after that, we both know all about it. I just want to tell you that no matter what happens, it seems like the two of us are meant to be around each other. Let’s live a good life and make beautiful memories together. I will eventually defeat you."
"What is she talking about?" Jiang Li asked the question to Wu Ding who just shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Sure. Let’s do that." Xiang Ling responded before she and Su LiangLin emptied their cups.
Finally, Wu Tian stood up with an entire jar of wine in his hand. He cleared his throat before he focused his gaze on Xiang Ling’s face and started speaking, "There’s a lot that I need to apologize about. I suspected you from day one just because you were Su LiangLin’s friend. I followed you all the way to Dongzhi and continously created trouble for you in one way or another. Though you never tried to hide your annoyance toward me, you never really disrespected me. You made sure of our safety. You made sure that our identities were very well hidden. You also made sure that we weren’t sort of anything. Your family, they treated us nicely too even though they were clearly uncomfortable by my presence. It was stupid of me to act like that, but it was also because of this foolishness that I got to know someone as great as you. Xiang Ling, accept my aplogy and let’s be friends. You are getting the big end of the stick since I’m the Crown Prince and future ruler of this realm."
Xiang Ling smiled at the man’s words. "Indeed. Being friends with you is such a big reward for me after all the time I spent handling your annoying presence. It’s Chen family’s fortune to be associated with the Crown Prince of the Mortal Realm."
"Hah! I offered my friendship to you, but you want it for your entire family." Wu Tian was quick to call her out. But then he smiled and added, "As you wish! I’m giving you my word today - as long as the Chen family will continue being loyal to the Realm and the throne, I will always protect them."
"I thank you on behalf of entire Chen family, Your Highness."