Chapter 53

Chapter 53 The speaker's unintended words may fall on unlistening ears, but Li Qingyuan, apart from Qi Ying Zhe, was the most esteemed disciple at the Cold Mountain Sword Sect. The reason was simple; aside from Qi Ying Zhe, he was one of the most influential disciples, overseeing the daily affairs of the sect. Indeed, being overshadowed by both Qi Ying Zhe and Zhou Ye Ran's children was infuriating. This year's recruitment of new disciples brought in several remarkable talents, which made Li Qingyuan quite uneasy. "Senior brother, don't pay too much attention to the gossip outside. Those people tend to exaggerate. Where in the world are so many geniuses? In my opinion, as long as our master values you, why does it matter what others do?" Li Qingyuan frowned, thinking that though it sounded reasonable, what if these disciples surpassed him later on? He could end up as just a steward overseeing mundane affairs in the sect, which wasn't what he desired. "Are those new disciples behaving themselves?" Li Qingyuan asked with a furrowed brow. "Everyone else is doing fine. It's just that Song Weizhi got scolded by the third elder during her early morning class on her first day, but she admitted her mistake, and the third elder just gave her a few words," the reply came. Li Qingyuan nodded, took a sip of the spring water beside him, and said, "After all, they are new, and they need a bit of discipline. In a few days, I'll go meet these so-called geniuses." "Of course, they can't compare to Senior Brother Li," was the reassurance he received. After Qi Ying Zhe's class, Song Weizhi and the others were preparing to return to their residence when they saw a figure approaching from a distance. Song Weizhi could make out that it was Zhou Qingxue. Of course, Wei Zhao also saw her and hurriedly said to Song Weizhi, "Master, you and Miss Song can go back on your own. I have something urgent to attend to, so I should leave." She attempted to run away but was stopped when Song Weizhi grabbed her wrist. "Hmm, what's the rush? Haven't you seen Miss Zhou coming over? Let's chat with her for a while," Song Weizhi said, looking at Wei Zhao with suppressed laughter. She hadn't expected her stoic bodyguard to be afraid of someone. She was truly delighted by the spectacle. Wei Zhao was shocked. She had only wanted to avoid Zhou Qingxue, which was why she had planned to escape. How could her master do this? While the two were talking, Zhou Qingxue had already arrived. She had a smile on her face, but as soon as she saw Song Weizhi grabbing Wei Zhao's wrist, her expression turned cold. Following Zhou Qingxue's gaze, Song Weizhi promptly released Wei Zhao's wrist and said, "Senior Sister Zhou, is there something you need to discuss?" "I came to find Wei Zhao," Zhou Qingxue said, directing her gaze from Song Weizhi to Wei Zhao. Song Weizhi's eyes fell on the earring on Zhou Qingxue's right ear, and then she glanced at her own guard's left ear, revealing a bemused expression. "Well, in that case, Summer and I will head back. Wei Zhao, please accompany Senior Sister Zhou," she said. Seeing that Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia were quite considerate, Zhou Qingxue immediately wore an approving smile. Wei Zhao, on the other hand, grimaced at being left alone to face Zhou Qingxue without her master. "What are you laughing about?" Song Zhixia and Song Weizhi had already walked quite far, and the young girl couldn't help but ask. "Didn't you notice the earring on Zhou Qingxue's right ear? It's the same as Wei Zhao's. It seems she fancies Wei Zhao. I think they make quite a good match," Song Weizhi said, chuckling as she pinched the girl's hand. Unexpectedly, the young girl suddenly stopped in her tracks, stepped forward, and stepped on Song Weizhi's foot. Song Weizhi was at a loss. What had she done to provoke her? The young girl then shot a glance at Song Weizhi and said, "Senior Sister, you're quite observant about others. You even notice the earrings they wear?" Only then did Song Weizhi realize that her little apprentice was feeling jealous. She had turned into a vinegar-soaked little rabbit. Song Weizhi hugged the girl and said, "Alright, I was wrong. From now on, I will only look at my little partner and never cast a glance at anyone else." The young girl leaned against Song Weizhi, pouting and remaining silent. She didn't say whether she was content or dissatisfied, simply looking around, then quickly kissing Song Weizhi's lips before shyly hiding her face in her chest. Song Weizhi hugged the girl and planted a light kiss on her head. Sensing that the girl in her arms was feeling unsteady, she smiled and said, "Why are you blushing after claiming your benefit? Besides, in our relationship, you can claim any benefit you like." As Song Weizhi spoke, the girl's cheeks turned redder. "Senior Sister, don't speak nonsense. If you do, I'll sleep alone in my own room tonight." Song Weizhi laughed and looked at her little apprentice. The girl was quite clever; she knew what she feared. "Okay, I was wrong. Summer, you mustn't leave me alone tonight. I can't sleep well without holding you," Song Weizhi said as she tried to add more, but her mouth was covered by her little partner. She had no choice but to indulge her dear partner. Meanwhile, Wei Zhao bit her lip and asked, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. I, I have something to do soon." Zhou Qingxue looked at Wei Zhao's attire, feeling that it was somewhat different from the black clothing she wore in the secret realm. But Wei Zhao's face naturally exuded coldness, and whether she wore black or moon-white attire, she always looked exceptionally beautiful. They were still in the martial arts arena, and disciples passing by would occasionally cast probing glances at the two of them. Zhou Qingxue's gaze fell on Wei Zhao's wrist, which had just been grabbed by Song Weizhi. On an impulse, she grabbed Wei Zhao's wrist and led her to a nearby tree. Puzzled, Wei Zhao looked at Zhou Qingxue and asked, "What are you doing?" "You can leave if you want. Why so many unnecessary words?" The voice of Zhou Qingxue was heard. After some difficulty, the two managed to stand still. Zhou Qingxue pursed her lips, feeling a bit uneasy, and said, "Why didn't you talk to me last night?" She glanced at the earring on the left ear of Wei Zhao and smirked slightly. She hadn't expected the ice queen to be quite obedient, always wearing it. "What do you want me to talk to you about if nothing's wrong?" Wei Zhao was dumbfounded. Why would she look for Zhou Qingxue if she had nothing to discuss? There was no time to avoid her! Zhou Qingxue looked at her and said, "Can't I talk to you even if nothing's wrong?" Wei Zhao thought she had nothing to say to her, so she refrained from speaking her mind. "I'll find time to talk to you if I have it. I have to leave now if there's nothing else." "Where do you think you're going? Come with me; I have something to show you," Zhou Qingxue said, before pulling Wei Zhao's wrist. "Where are we going? Why are you in such a hurry?" Wei Zhao was led by Zhou Qingxue, both sporting the same earring, and soon everyone knew about it. Finally, Zhou Qingxue led Wei Zhao to a courtyard and then into a room. Wei Zhao looked around and asked, "Where are we? What does Miss want from me?" Zhou Qingxue flashed a shy smile and said, "This is my room. Do you remember the fruit pastries made from the spirit fruit that you liked in the secret realm? My mother made them, and she made some new ones today, so I wanted you to try them." Zhou Qingxue's tone was devoid of her usual arrogance, and her cheeks were tinged with a faint blush. Wei Zhao felt that the young lady seemed more pleasing at that moment. Amid their conversation, Zhou Qingxue took out the spirit fruits from her storage bag. Initially intended for her and her brother, she had taken them all hoping Wei Zhao would have enough. Wei Zhao was speechless while looking at the table full of spirit fruits. For the first time since she arrived in this world, apart from her master, Zhou Qingxue was the nicest person to her. She glanced at the smiling Zhou Qingxue and said, "Thank you. I can't eat all of this myself. Let's eat together." Zhou Qingxue raised an eyebrow and said, "We ate together last time, didn't we? Do you want me to watch you eat secretly?" Wei Zhao smiled and looked at Zhou Qingxue without retorting, then picked up a piece of peach blossom pastry. Although she wasn't particularly fond of eating, she found the aroma of the pastry tempting. "It's delicious. Please thank your mother for me. I really like it," Wei Zhao said. Hearing this, Zhou Qingxue's cheeks blushed slightly and she scolded herself internally. She chastised herself for not being fond of this Ice Queen. As the room's tranquillity dashed, the sound of voices outside disrupted it. "Qingxue, where are the desserts mother made? I just went to see mother, and she said they were in your room," Zhou Chengwen's booming voice was heard. The two inside the room heard him, and Zhou Qingxue inwardly cursed herself. She wanted to block the door but Zhou Chengwen just gave it a symbolic knock, then pushed the door open to find Wei Zhao eating the desserts in his sister's room. Zhou Chengwen's eyes widened in disbelief. "No, why are you in my sister's room?" Wei Zhao glanced at Zhou Chengwen and said in confusion, "She asked me to come. Is that not alright?" Zhou Chengwen was furious. How could Wei Zhao even ask him? He was ready to let it all out. Wei Zhao had laid hands on his sister in the secret realm, and now she was in his sister's room. There was definitely something inappropriate about her actions towards his sister. Zhou Qingxue pulled Wei Zhao, who was still sitting on the chair, and whispered, "My brother's here. I'll call you next time." She then escorted Wei Zhao out of the room under Zhou Chengwen's bewildered gaze. Observing the two outside the door, Zhou Chengwen noticed that both of them were wearing the same pair of earrings that his sister usually wore. He stared at his sister as she returned and asked, "Qingxue, what's with the earrings on her ears?" Zhou Qingxue took a glance at Zhou Chengwen and said, "Brother, I gave them to her to make it easier for us to stay in touch." "Tell me honestly, why are you so concerned about this Wei Zhao? Do you have feelings for her?" Zhou Chengwen didn't finish his sentence, but Zhou Qingxue naturally understood what he meant. She pursed her lips, and with her ears burning, she nodded in agreement. Author's Note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions from 20:26:13 on 2021-05-28 to 20:48:57 on 2021-05-29! Special thanks to the little angels who provided nutrient solutions: "溟" for 8 bottles; "何以解忧，唯有暴富" for 1 bottle; "_思_兔_文_檔_共_享_與_線_上_閱_"