“Really?” Nangong Mian was overjoyed to hear the object of his envy would grow taller. “That’s splendid!”
As they talked, a new match commenced on stage. After seven more duels, it was finally Feng Jiuyuan’s turn.
Seeing him take the platform, Huang Quan breathed deep in relief – thankfully his match had come, lest she be forced to endure several more waits. As she regarded Feng Jiuyuan eagerly, he suddenly turned and met her gaze.
Caught off guard by the unexpected eye contact, Huang Quan looked back in surprise. Feng Jiuyuan raised his brows questioningly – why did she seem so pleased and relieved at the sight of him? Huang Quan casually glanced away as if she hadn’t noticed.
Yet Feng Jiuyuan had caught her look, and his smile broadened. Everyone could see he was in high spirits, though none but the most observant knew why.
Teacher Xi Wu’s eyes shifted suspiciously between the two. His frown furrowed deeply enough to trap flies. Feng Jiuyuan joking about Huang Quan’s interest was clearly no joke at all.
On stage, riding his wave of delight, Feng Jiuyuan swiftly bested his opponent and knocked him from the platform. Turning, he met Huang Quan’s eyes again and flashed her a roguish grin.
Nangong Mian, seated beside her, frowned as he sensed the exchange. “Why does he keep looking over here?”
“Who knows?” said Huang Quan flatly. She faced the dean. “We’ve seen their matches. Third brother and I will take our leave.”
The dean permitted their exit. “Go on then. And be safe – don’t stay out too late. Return to the inn before dark.”
“Okay,” Huang Quan replied. She set off down the stands with Nangong Mian. As they approached Di Qin to call out, Nangong Mian suddenly tugged at her sleeve.
“Third brother?” Huang Quan halted. “What’s wrong?”
Nangong Mian cleared his throat awkwardly. “Too many eyes.”
They had scarcely drawn up before Di Qin when all around turned to stare – those appraising looks made one deeply uncomfortable. It was one thing for them to evaluate Di Qin as a potential match, but Nangong Mian disliked their weighing gaze on Huang Quan, as though sizing up an object.
Hearing his words, Huang Quan understood his meaning at once.
She had long been accustomed to being casual and carefree. Unafraid and unconcerned, she simply did as she pleased, naturally paying the opinions of others no mind. But her nonchalance worried those who cared for her.
Today felt different though – now she had someone she cared about too. Reassuring those worried souls would do no harm. Thinking this, Huang Quan smiled and said, “Third brother, I apologize. I’ll be more considerate going forward.”
“It’s alright,” Nangong Mian replied with an easy smile. “Let’s go on.”
Huang Quan nodded and together they continued towards Diqin. Seeing their approach, Di Qin turned to the high priest at his side, exchanging a few quick words before standing to greet them.
