Chapter 51: You’re Finally Back
Chen Yin was at a loss for words.
Luo Qiaoqiao fell silent as well. She propped her head up, gazing at the stream flowing by her feet. After a long while, she kicked off her shoes and dipped her bare feet into the cool water.
The water flowed between her white toes and over her delicate feet, bringing a refreshing sensation.
“Mmm… so comfortable,” she sighed contentedly.
Chen Yin stared at her feet.
“What are you looking at? Are they that interesting?”
“They are quite beautiful,” Chen Yin replied seriously, nodding.
Luo Qiaoqiao glanced at him with a playful smile. “So, do you like them?”
“You can touch them if you want~”
Chen Yin immediately put on a serious expression. “I’m not that kind of person.”
“…But your hand is already on them.”
Chen Yin looked down and realized that his fingers were gently touching Luo Qiaoqiao’s delicate foot.
Beneath the hem of her red dress, her long, slender legs rested on the rock, her skin as smooth and white as jade.
Chen Yin couldn’t help but gently squeeze her ankle, earning a playful slap and a soft gasp from Luo Qiaoqiao.
“Bad boy. You really have dirty thoughts.”
“Well, maybe it’s just because Sister Qiaoqiao’s body is too alluring.”
As he spoke, Chen Yin scooped up some water and poured it over her feet, his movements gentle.
“…I don’t need you to think I’m more important than you,” he said softly.
“I’m not that important. I shouldn’t be more important than your parents and your sect.”
“Spend more time with your parents, and don’t waste too much time on a scumbag like me.”
Luo Qiaoqiao curled her toes, a frustrated expression on her face.
“What? I’m just worried about you.”
“Thank you, but there’s no need to worry.”
Chen Yin flicked the water droplets from his hand and chuckled. “I’m a coward who’s afraid of death. So I won’t do anything reckless.”
Luo Qiaoqiao stared at him for a long time, then whispered, “You’re not a scumbag at all. If all scumbags were as cowardly as you, there wouldn’t be so many heartbroken women in the world.”
“Haha, well, the same goes for scumbag women.”
Chen Yin teased, “You don’t have to force yourself, Sister Qiaoqiao. If you don’t have the talent for it, don’t try to be a scumbag.”
“Bah. What a horrible word.”
She pouted and retorted, “It’s just a night of fun. It’s normal for both men and women, isn’t it? As long as it’s consensual, there’s no need to call anyone a scumbag.”
Chen Yin chuckled. “That’s not how you reacted that night, Sister Qiaoqiao.”
“Someone’s heart raced and face flushed just from a kiss on the forehead. I won’t say who.”
Splash! Luo Qiaoqiao kicked him into the stream, glaring at him playfully. “Don’t say it!”
After a while, Chen Yin emerged from the water, soaking wet and looking miserable.
“…Couldn’t you be a little gentler?”
“Who told you to tease me?”
Luo Qiaoqiao snorted, then asked, “What about you? What are your plans?”
“I’ll probably stay in Fragrance City for a while.” Chen Yin thought for a moment. “If you find out anything from your parents, you can come find me here.”
Hearing that Chen Yin wasn’t planning to leave, Luo Qiaoqiao beamed with joy. “Okay! It’s settled then. You’re not allowed to wander off.”
Chen Yin nodded seriously.
“Can I come visit you whenever I want?”
“Of course.”
“Hehe.” She narrowed her eyes and said excitedly, “Then I’m going to find my mother now!”
“Wait for me in Fragrance City, all clean and pretty!”
With that, her red dress flashed through the forest as she disappeared into the distance.
Chen Yin was surprised by her sudden departure and stood there for a moment, then chuckled softly.
…What a straightforward and innocent girl.
***
Walking along the streets of Fragrance City once again…
The Fairy Conference was over, and the city seemed a bit quieter than before, but it was still bustling with activity.
He walked along the familiar streets, stopping at a street vendor selling candied hawthorns. After a moment of thought, Chen Yin said:
“Give me a bag.”
“A bag? All of these candied hawthorns, Young Master?”
“Yes, all of them.” He repeated.
After buying the candied hawthorns, he bought some pastries and dried fruits. He continued buying until his hands were full, then headed towards the inn he had stayed at before.
It seemed to have rained recently. The moss on the stone steps was vibrant green, and the air was damp.
Chen Yin pushed open the inn door. The waiter recognized him and greeted him enthusiastically:
“Welcome back, Young Master! Are you staying with us again?”
“I’d like the same room as last time.”
“Alright, I’ll get it ready for you right away.”
While the waiter was preparing the room, Chen Yin sat in the lobby, sipping tea and listening to the conversations of the other guests.
“…What a waste. In the end, they didn’t even choose a Number One Fairy.”
“That’s right. The conference was so lively, but it ended so abruptly. The Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion hasn’t given a public explanation, so everyone is just speculating.”
“I wonder if that demonic witch was real or not?”
“I doubt it. It’s probably just those old geezers from the Mist Spirit Sect who couldn’t accept defeat. They interfered when their chief disciple was about to lose!”
“But I heard that the dark horse, Yin Mengwan, was very mysterious. No one had ever heard of her before.”
“Who cares? What do these immortal matters have to do with us?”
…
Chen Yin listened with interest.
…So the news of the Fairy Conference had even reached the mortal world?
But from their conversation, it seemed that there was no mention of him. Could it be that the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion had deliberately suppressed the information?
Lost in thought, the waiter came over and said that his room was ready. Chen Yin slowly went upstairs.
Entering the familiar room, he sat down at the table and let out a sigh of relief.
Then, he took out a candied hawthorn, held it up in the air, and said playfully:
“Candied hawthorns! Sweet and sour, free of charge.”
“First come, first served~”
As soon as he finished speaking, ripples appeared in the void, and a pair of fluffy fox ears emerged. The next moment, a white figure rushed towards him excitedly.
Just as Chen Yin was about to throw the candied hawthorn into her mouth as usual, the white figure bypassed the treat and leaped straight into his arms.
“Waaah!”
Chen Yin was startled, watching the fluffy fox tail wagging before him. After a moment, he sighed and patted her head gently.
“Alright, alright. Did you miss me that much?”
In his arms, the little fox slowly lifted her head, her red-rimmed eyes filled with tears, her voice choked with emotion:
“Young Master… you’re finally back.”
“Luo Luo was so worried.”
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