41: Chapter 41 The infatuated Shui Yue'er, the aloof Shui Bing'er

The next day, near noon.

Ji Xuan left Shenfeng Academy.

Having just arrived in Element City, he had not yet had the chance to properly taste the local delicacies, so he decided to look for a decent restaurant today.

Gold Crocodile Douluo did not accompany him this time, choosing instead to protect him from the shadows.

Yesterday, after Feng Xiaotian finished absorbing the Whale Glue, Dean Feng took him straight to the Star Dou Great Forest early in the morning.

The round trip would take about a week.

Ji Xuan and Gold Crocodile Douluo temporarily stayed at Shenfeng Academy.

...

The bluestone streets of Element City were spacious and tidy, with shops lining both sides.

The streets were bustling with pedestrians, most of whom were young Spirit Masters from the Element Academies.

Ji Xuan walked slowly through the crowd, observing this city—famous for its elements—with great interest.

His tall, upright stature and extraordinarily handsome appearance stood out from the crowd like a crane in a flock of chickens, causing passersby to cast frequent glances at him.

Many young girls whispered to one another, their gazes lingering on him for a long time.

Half an hour later.

Ji Xuan walked from the east side of the city to the north.

He stopped in front of an exquisitely decorated restaurant. Seeing the endless stream of diners coming and going at the entrance, he figured the food must be good, so he prepared to go in and have a taste.

Just then, a burst of crisp, bell-like laughter reached his ears.

Ji Xuan turned to look and saw two young girls walking out of an accessory shop opposite him.

Both were dressed in long, water-blue dresses, with tall, graceful figures and somewhat similar features.

The girl on the left had a cold and aloof temperament, with a pair of light blue eyes, waist-length blue hair cascading down like a waterfall, and skin as fair as snow.

The girl beside her, however, appeared much more lively.

She had shoulder-length hair of a brighter, light blue shade, and her face was filled with a youthful, radiant smile as she held the arm of the cold girl, speaking excitedly.

Looking at their attire and temperament, Ji Xuan secretly guessed, could they be the sisters from Tianshui Academy, Shui Binger and her sister?

"Big sister, look, the accessories in this shop are so pretty..."

As Shui Yueer was speaking excitedly, the moment she looked up, she precisely captured Ji Xuan's figure in the crowd.

Her voice came to an abrupt halt, her steps faltered, and her beautiful eyes widened instantly, locking directly onto Ji Xuan, unable to look away even an inch.

"Yueer? What's wrong?"

Sensing her sister's unusual behavior, Shui Binger also stopped and looked in the direction of her gaze.

When she saw Ji Xuan, a flash of imperceptible surprise crossed her cold eyes.

That young man's temperament was indeed extraordinary; he seemed born to be the center of attention.

"Si... sister... he, he is so good-looking!"

Shui Yueer shook Shui Binger's arm vigorously, a faint blush rising on her face as she spoke incoherently in her excitement.

Shui Binger couldn't help but cover her forehead and sigh, "Yueer, can you be a bit more reserved?"

Her younger sister was perfect in every way, except for being too infatuated...

Every time she saw an attractive man, she couldn't bring herself to move.

However, once Shui Yueer's infatuation kicked in, it was impossible to suppress.

She pulled the somewhat reluctant Shui Binger and walked quickly toward Ji Xuan.

Soon, the sisters arrived before Ji Xuan.

"Hi! Hello there!"

Shui Yueer kept staring at Ji Xuan, a shy blush on her face.

Shui Binger, on the other hand, had a calm expression, her eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny and helplessness.

"Young Miss, is there something you need?" Ji Xuan looked at Shui Yueer.

"Um... we are from Tianshui Academy. My name is Shui Yueer, and this is my sister, Shui Binger. May I ask what your name is?"

Looking at Ji Xuan's gentle smile, Shui Yueer's cheeks turned even redder, and her heart began to race.

Shui Binger secretly tugged on her sister's sleeve, but when she met Ji Xuan's gaze, she maintained basic etiquette and gave a slight nod.

"My name is Ji Xuan."

"Ji Xuan..." Shui Yueer repeated softly, completely ignoring Shui Binger.

"I've never seen you before. You aren't from Element City, are you?"

"Yes, I just arrived in Element City and am just wandering around."

"Then... you aren't familiar with this place, right? Do you want me to show you around? I know Element City very well!"

"I'm sorry, I'm about to go in and have a meal." Ji Xuan pointed to the restaurant behind him.

"Then can we go together?"

"Sure."

"Really? That's great! Sister, let's go in!"

"Then we will intrude."

Shui Binger had originally wanted to refuse, but seeing that her sister had already agreed, and being a bit hungry herself, she gave a slight nod.

"Greetings, distinguished guests!"

The three entered the restaurant, and a waiter greeted them.

Ji Xuan spoke, "I want the best private room."

"Understood, distinguished guests. The Tingfeng Pavilion on the top floor! Please, follow me!"

Seeing Ji Xuan's extraordinary demeanor, the waiter dared not be negligent and quickly bowed to lead the way.

...

"Wow, the environment here is really nice!"

As soon as Shui Yueer entered the private room, she couldn't help but exclaim. She walked quickly to the window, looking at the bustling street below, appearing very excited.

"Miss Binger, please." Ji Xuan raised his hand to gesture for Shui Binger to take a seat.

"Thank you."

Ji Xuan sat opposite Shui Binger.

Seeing this, Shui Yueer, who was by the window, quickly ran over and sat in the empty seat next to Ji Xuan.

After ordering, Shui Yueer looked at Ji Xuan, "Ji Xuan, where are you from?"

"Spirit Hall."

Ji Xuan's expression remained unchanged as he took a gentle sip of hot tea.

"Spirit Hall!" Shui Yueer exclaimed.

Shui Binger's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and her previously relaxed posture unconsciously became guarded.

She hadn't expected that Ji Xuan was actually from Spirit Hall.

"What's wrong? Young Miss Binger, you seem to have... some opinions about Spirit Hall?"

Ji Xuan keenly sensed the shift in her attitude, set down his teacup, and smiled faintly.

Shui Binger did not answer directly, but instead asked with a hint of scrutiny in her eyes, "May I ask what brings Young Master Ji Xuan to Element City?"

In recent years, Spirit Hall had been trying to bring the three independent Element Academies under its banner.

And since Ji Xuan clearly had an extraordinary background, she couldn't help but be a bit guarded.

"I am just traveling." Ji Xuan met her gaze calmly. "What, does Element City not welcome people from Spirit Hall?"

"That's not it."

The private room fell into silence, the atmosphere becoming somewhat stagnant.

Seeing this, Shui Yueer quickly tried to smooth things over, "Oh, Ji Xuan, don't misunderstand. My sister doesn't mean any harm..."

Just then, the waiter pushed the door open, carrying the dishes.

"Distinguished guests, excuse me. Please enjoy your meal!"

After setting the dishes down, the waiter bowed and backed out.

"Ladies, please." Ji Xuan said.

The three began to eat.

Shui Yueer chatted away while eating.

"Ji Xuan, try this. It's a specialty of our Element City. And this... and this..."

"Thank you." Ji Xuan replied politely.

Shui Yueer put down her chopsticks, cupped her face in her hands, and asked full of anticipation, "By the way, Ji Xuan, do you have a girlfriend right now?"

"I have a fiancée." The image of Qian Renxue appeared in Ji Xuan's mind.

"Fi... fiancée?!" The smile on Shui Yueer's face froze instantly, and her eyes widened into circles.

She deflated like a punctured ball, picked up her chopsticks, and poked at the Spirit Beast meat in her bowl with grievance, muttering softly, "How could you already have a fiancée..."

For the rest of the time, she was absent-minded, only occasionally stealing glances at Ji Xuan and letting out a barely audible sigh.

She had lost her love before it had even begun, *sob sob sob*...

By comparison, Shui Binger ate quietly the whole time, her posture dignified and proper.

Half an hour later, Shui Binger put down her chopsticks and took out a handkerchief to gently wipe the corners of her mouth.

"Yueer, we should head back." Shui Binger stood up, "We have training this afternoon."

"Ah..." Shui Yueer pouted in dissatisfaction.

"Sorry, this is for today's meal." Shui Binger took out a few gold coins and placed them on the table. "We have other things to attend to, so we will take our leave."

Ji Xuan didn't try to keep them, just smiled faintly, "No problem. We shall meet again."

Shui Binger walked past Ji Xuan, pulling the reluctant, constantly looking-back Shui Yueer out of the private room.

"Ji Xuan, you must come to Tianshui Academy to play with me!"

Ji Xuan nodded slightly, watching their departing backs with a thoughtful expression.