As she spoke, Mu Xi gently pushed her tray of food toward Li Chang'an, leaning forward slightly. It was as if, the moment Li Chang'an uttered the words "I'm hungry," she would immediately run off to fetch him another helping.
She had always remembered the dishes he liked most.
Li Chang'an fondly ruffled Mu Xi's head and said gently, "No need, I'm not hungry. You two eat. Look at you—you're getting thinner…"
Mu Xi touched her belly and said in a soft voice, "N-No, actually, I gained a pound…"
As she said this, her head lowered shyly, as if gaining a pound was something shameful.
Hearing this, Li Chang'an couldn't help but laugh.
Li Chang'an hadn't forgotten about his "fox" of a senior sister. With a mischievous smirk, he glanced at Hu Liena.
"It's been a while, Senior Sister. Did you miss me?"
"Pfft, who'd miss you? Disappearing like that and never writing back!" Hu Liena huffed playfully, shooting a flirtatious glance at him—but the longing in her eyes was impossible to hide.
With her cultivation improving, Hu Liena's natural charm had become increasingly potent. Even the small amount she unconsciously released toward Li Chang'an was enough to make it hard for him to keep himself in check.
Seems like… it's about time for their relationship to evolve from casual teasing to something more intimate.
"Mu Xi, I suddenly feel a little hungry…" Li Chang'an said pitifully after taking a seat, gazing at her with puppy-dog eyes.
Since he had just returned, it wasn't the right time to take the girls out anywhere. Some feelings needed time to rekindle and be gently released. Sharing a meal together in the cafeteria was the perfect way—warm, romantic, and just right for reconnecting.
"Okay! I'll go get your food!" Mu Xi's eyes crinkled into crescent moons as she smiled and skipped off to get his meal. With the void in her heart finally filled, she was naturally elated.
Mu Xi wasn't good at expressing her feelings, but there were some things she held close to her heart. Doing whatever little things she could for Li Chang'an—that was her greatest happiness.
Once Mu Xi was gone, Li Chang'an reached out under the table and gently nudged Hu Liena with his foot. His gaze turned soft and deep as he looked at her and said:
"Senior sister, let's go shopping tonight—just the two of us."
Li Chang'an had considered inviting both of them, but Mu Xi was still just twelve. Her situation was different from Xiao Wu's. Besides, managing a three-way outing would be tricky. He had to take it one step at a time.
Hu Liena, on the other hand, was different. They'd already flirted plenty, and she was sixteen or seventeen now—more than ready for his… attentions. Choosing her was clearly the best option.
He wasn't going to be like those typical MCs who, even with dozens of girlfriends, still pretended to be virginal saints. No—he was going to be a seasoned player sooner rather than later.
Though Hu Liena didn't fully understand the depths of adult relationships, she could still sense Li Chang'an's intent from that little kick. Given her age and experience, she had a pretty good guess.
She instinctively wanted to refuse—but then remembered her junior brother's "methods," so she just rolled her eyes adorably and said, "We'll see… depends on my mood."
Li Chang'an nodded without pushing further. That was good enough for now. The rest would be up to his relentless persistence.
By this time, Mu Xi had returned with his food, and Li Chang'an began serving both girls enthusiastically, chatting and teasing as their bond grew closer. That one meal ended up lasting more than an hour.
Afterward, Li Chang'an didn't rush to the Pope's Palace. He knew that if he left now, the girls would understand, but they'd still feel a little hurt. So he spent the entire afternoon with them, making both girls feel incredibly touched.
In truth, girls can understand a man's responsibilities—but what they care more about is how much that man is willing to sacrifice for them.
Li Chang'an's act of setting aside important duties just to be with them? Even if they kept saying that work was important, their hearts were already melting.
Why? Because in Li Chang'an's heart, they were more important than work—and that was enough.
But Li Chang'an wasn't stupid enough to truly waste his time.
Right now, if he went to see Bibi Dong, she would most likely still be busy. Better to wait until evening when she was free.
That way, not only could he have dinner with his teacher and deepen their bond, but he could also take advantage of the emotional vulnerability that comes in the evening to chat, share his hardships, and express how much he missed her…
The Importance of Time Management!
As dusk fell, Li Chang'an finally made his way to the Pope's Palace. Just as he stepped inside, he saw Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo about to leave.
"Uncle Ghost, Uncle Yue, long time no see," he greeted warmly. He had always respected these two Title Douluo who had served Spirit Hall faithfully—plus, they had always gotten along well.
"Chang'an? Where have you been this past half year—wait, your soul power…?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo was stunned. Last time they saw him, he was just a Spirit King. How had he become a Spirit Sage in just six months? And his aura was steady and powerful!
"Haha, Uncle Yue, you're flattering me. Just a bit of luck is all. But look at you two—aren't you both on the verge of hitting Level 95?"
Li Chang'an could tell. With their twin spirit fusion technique, Level 95 was a huge breakthrough. Once they crossed that threshold, their fusion skill would be powerful enough to threaten even a Limit Douluo. Their status would skyrocket.
Ghost Douluo chuckled. "We have you to thank for that, Chang'an. Without those immortal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, we might never have had a shot at reaching this level."
Chrysanthemum Douluo understood the value of the Yin Yang Well, and since they were Bibi Dong's closest aides, they'd been the first to benefit. The two immortal herbs gave them a real chance to break through to Level 98. It was no less than a second lease on life.
Li Chang'an quickly waved his hands. "Without Uncle Yue's guidance back then, I wouldn't have been able to unlock the Well's full potential. So this opportunity was well-deserved."
It didn't take a genius to realize: once they broke through Level 95, their power would massively bolster his teacher's strength. Li Chang'an was more than happy to see them get stronger.
"Alright, enough chatting for now. The Pope just went to the back courtyard. Go find her. We'll have a meal together some other time," Ghost Douluo said with a smile, knowing what was more important at the moment. He and Chrysanthemum Douluo left shortly after.
But seeing Li Chang'an now—a Spirit Sage with such solid advancement—left them both astonished.
"Old Ghost," said Chrysanthemum Douluo, finally breaking the silence as they walked side by side, "I don't think it'll take ten years before His Highness surpasses us."
Ghost Douluo rolled his eyes. "I'd say even less than that. The Holy Son's martial soul is the most powerful tool-type spirit I've ever seen. Even that prodigy from back then can't compare."
"Just wait—we'll get our revenge for all that humiliation sooner or later."
"Mm, no doubt about it." Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded firmly, eyes gleaming with determination.
"So from now on, we're backing the Holy Son without hesitation?"
"Of course. Who else would we support?"
"True that…"
____
T/N:
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