Chapter 25 - 25: To Be Honest, I Like Both You and My Senior Sisters!
Judging by her tone, Luo Jiuyan was clearly satisfied.
Ye Shu let out a quiet breath of relief.
But just as he looked up, he found Luo Jiuyan's captivating eyes locked onto him, her gaze deep and unreadable.
"Master?"
Sensing something off, Ye Shu quickly called out to her.
"Hm?" Luo Jiuyan snapped out of her trance, her fair face flushing slightly. Had she really just lost herself in thought—publicly, no less?
She had been dwelling on what her junior sister Wu Meiyue had said earlier. The fruit of love...
The thought had spiraled, and before she realized it, her mind had wandered.
"Ahem!"
But Luo Jiuyan was experienced. She quickly composed herself, clearing her throat and regaining her usual icy demeanor.
Then, with a glance at the gathered disciples, she spoke with authority:
"You all must remember today's victory. Your Senior Brother Ye fought for the honor of this sect!"
She swept her gaze over them, her voice commanding.
"You should follow his example—train hard and strive to bring further glory to the sect!"
For a disciple to defeat a rival sect's talent was an achievement worthy of recognition.
And, Luo Jiuyan had to admit, seeing her foolish junior sister's face twist in humiliation made this moment even sweeter.
At her words, the disciples erupted in cheers.
"We will take Master Mozi as our example and cultivate diligently!"
Their gazes burned with admiration as they looked at Ye Shu's tall, imposing figure.
This was the man they aspired to become.
To be praised by their head master in front of everyone—what an honor!
After delivering her words, Luo Jiuyan's gaze lingered on Ye Shu for a moment longer before she shifted her attention to Bai Rourou.
There was a hint of something complicated in her expression as she asked, "I heard there was some conflict between you and your junior brother?"
She still hadn't forgotten what had happened earlier.
And yet, when she had arrived today, she saw them standing together as if nothing had happened.
This... made her think.
Ye Shu's heart skipped a beat.
Senior Sister Bai, please don't say anything unnecessary right now!
This concerns my life!
Bai Rourou, feeling the weight of Luo Jiuyan's stare, exchanged a brief glance with Ye Shu.
Her face flushed, and she hesitated before softly replying, "Master, I appreciate your concern. The misunderstanding between Junior Brother Ye and me has been resolved. We are back to normal."
Hearing this, Ye Shu inwardly sighed in relief.
Thankfully, Senior Sister Bai was sensible.
Luo Jiuyan gave a small nod, not showing much reaction. However, she glanced at Ye Shu again, as if reading between the lines.
Some things were better left unspoken in public.
"Very well," she said. "You should both focus on your cultivation."
"Do not let your minds wander unnecessarily. Understood?"
Both Ye Shu and Bai Rourou bowed deeply. "We will follow Master's instructions."
Satisfied, Luo Jiuyan let a small, almost imperceptible smile tug at the corner of her lips.
Then, without another word, she turned, her violet robes fluttering as she transformed into a streak of light and disappeared toward Tiansha Peak.
Watching her leave, Ye Shu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Luo Jiuyan was finally gone...
Every time she was around, it felt like standing before the King of Hell.
Beside him, Bai Rourou also let out a quiet breath of relief.
She looked... guilty?
Seeing her expression, Ye Shu couldn't help but ask, "Senior Sister Bai, why are you so nervous?"
His own anxiety was understandable. If Luo Jiuyan found out he was involved with another woman, his life would be in danger.
But why was Bai Rourou reacting this way?
At his question, Bai Rourou's face turned even redder. She shot him a slightly annoyed look.
What else could she be nervous about?
In just a few days, the two of them were supposed to attend the Lantern Festival together. If Master found out, they would both be doomed!
But she couldn't say that outright.
She had a strong feeling that Ye Shu was planning a surprise for her, and she didn't want to ruin it.
So instead, she simply said, "Junior Brother Ye, anyone would be nervous in front of Master."
Ye Shu nodded in agreement. "That's true."
She was the Nine Nether Demon, after all. Even her own parents might be afraid of her.
Who wouldn't be?
Just then, Bai Rourou hesitated before saying, "Junior Brother Ye, in two days... the Lantern Festival—"
Before she could finish, Ye Shu quickly glanced around, then subtly signaled her to lower her voice.
"Let's talk somewhere else."
Bai Rourou's face instantly turned crimson.
She felt a little embarrassed, but she still obediently followed him to a quieter corner.
Her mind began to race.
Was he going to say something... intimate?
Junior Brother Ye, you couldn't wait any longer, could you?
Once they were alone, Ye Shu said in a hushed tone, "Senior Sister Bai, I almost forgot to tell you—thank you for giving me the ticket to the Lantern Festival, but please don't tell anyone else about it."
He was worried.
If word got out that he was attending the festival with someone else, rumors would spread.
That would be... problematic.
Bai Rourou rolled her eyes at him. "Of course I know that."
What kind of idiot would go around announcing it?
She wasn't that reckless!
Ye Shu grinned. "Senior Sister Bai is really dependable!"
If she agreed to keep it a secret, then everything would be fine.
But Bai Rourou furrowed her brows. Dependable?
That was a strange way to put it.
Ye Shu didn't notice her expression. Instead, a thought suddenly occurred to him.
He looked at Bai Rourou carefully, his eyes brightening.
Senior Sister Bai was such a nice person. She even gave him the opportunity to go on a date.
Wouldn't it be rude if he didn't do something for her in return?
With that in mind, he asked, "Senior Sister Bai, do you have any favorite foods? Just tell me your preferences."
"Eh?"
Bai Rourou blinked, covering her lips with her delicate fingers.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Why was he asking this now?
Couldn't he just surprise her at the festival?
Still, she lowered her head slightly and whispered shyly, "Guess."
Ye Shu froze.
Guess?
Why make him guess?
He just wanted to know so he could bring her a treat when he went to the festival with Master.
Why make this difficult?
Suppressing his frustration, he tried, "Candied haws? Sugar figurines? Fried chestnuts?"
Bai Rourou's eyes sparkled, but she giggled. "Guess again."
Ye Shu frowned. "Osmanthus cake? Dragon's beard candy? Tortoise jelly?"
At the mention of sweets, Bai Rourou nearly drooled, but she pressed on.
"I'll give you one last chance."
Ye Shu sighed.
Enough was enough.
"Fine. Maltose? Mung bean cake? Poria cake?"
That was nearly every festival treat he could think of.
Bai Rourou finally nodded.
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Then, she smiled sweetly.
"To be honest, I like them all."
"I like anything delicious!"
