Chapter 78 Going to the Party
Liu Qian hesitated for a moment on whether to answer Long Tian's call or not. Her relationship with Ye Chen had improved, and she didn't want to strain it again.
On the other hand, she had made a promise with Long Tian the previous day to accompany him to the Long family's party.
After contemplating for a while, she finally decided to answer the phone.
"Hello, Long Tian?" she initiated the conversation.
"Liu Qian, are you coming with me? If so, I'll come to pick you up," Long Tian's voice came through.
Hearing his voice again, Liu Qian felt strangely comforted. Still, she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Nevertheless, Long Tian was her childhood friend, and their relationship was purely platonic. Going out with him should be fine, right?
"Alright, I'll wait for you here," she finally said.
"Okay, I'll be there soon," Long Tian replied.
After that, the call ended. Liu Qian set her phone down and promptly headed to her closet.
"Now, what should I wear?" she said to herself, feeling her heart race unconsciously.
As she browsed through her wardrobe, her eyes fell on a selection of beautiful dresses. She chose the finest one, a blackish-purple dress, and gracefully slipped into it.
Meanwhile, outside her room, a woman in her thirties, with striking blonde hair and beautiful face strolled past Liu Qian's room.
However, she sensed something unusual - unfamiliar sounds emanating from the room.
Curiosity piqued, she approached the door, listening intently. After a few second, she opened the door and caught sight of Liu Qian changing.
"Mom!" Liu Qian immediately exclaimed, her cheeks flushed.
"Oh, I'm sorry," the woman quickly closed the door.
Liu Qian was genuinely embarrassed. Despite the fact that the woman was her mother, she couldn't help but feel shy.
She was Alexia Qian, her mother. Her name wasn't Chinese, originating from the Roman Empire, but she had resided in China for over a dozen years, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the culture.
Not long after, the door swung open once more, and Alexia entered the room. Seeing her daughter adorned so elegantly, she sported a fox-like smile.
"Where are you off to, my dear? Dressed so beautifully?" she asked, her tone playful, her smile mischievous.
"Mom, you should knock before entering," Liu Qian said, her cheeks still flushed.
"Alright, alright," she conceded, her smile persisting. She approached and hugged her daughter from the back. "So, where are you going, my beautiful Liu Qian?" she inquired, teasingly.
"Going out with a friend," Liu Qian replied.
"Is it a boy or a girl?" Alexia probed again, her smile broadening.
"A boy," Liu Qian responded, her voice bashful.
"Your boyfriend? Come on, Qian'er, why didn't you tell me?" Alexia playfully protested, devoid of anger in her words.
"No, Mom, I'm going with a friend. In fact, it's my childhood friend, and you might remember him. His name is Long Tian," Liu Qian swiftly clarified.
Alexia raised an eyebrow, a hint of recognition in her eyes. A few seconds later, her memory stirred. "Ah, that cute boy? Xia Yunfei's son?" she asked.
"Yes, that's him," Liu Qian affirmed.
Alexia nodded, recalling Xia Yunfei's son, Long Tian. They had played together with Liu Qian during her childhood.
"So, where are you two going?" she inquired.
"To Beijing, the Long family is hosting their annual party, and Long Tian invited me," Liu Qian explained.
Alexia nodded approvingly. "I see. Well, if you're going with Long Tian, I don't mind," she said, smiling warmly.
"Thanks, Mom," Liu Qian replied with a smile.
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Meanwhile, Long Tian was seated behind the wheel of his sleek Ferrari, dressed in a luxurious suit typically reserved for special occasions.
Presently, he had arrived in front of Liu Qian's residence, smoothly parking his car. Thankfully, the gate was wide open.
Exiting the car, he was met with an unexpected sight: both Liu Qian and a woman emerging simultaneously from the house.
He arched an eyebrow, and though he didn't remember much, he was fairly certain that woman was Liu Qian's mother.
Both women gracefully approached him. Alexia seemed somewhat surprised to see Long Tian, but her smile radiated warmth. "So, you're Long Tian. It's been a long time. You used to be such an adorable child, and now you've grown quite handsome," she complimented.
"Thanks. And you must be Liu Qian's mother?" he inquired.
"What? Have you forgotten already? I'm Alexia Qian, her mother," she replied with a touch of playful exasperation.
"Ah, yes, that's right," Long Tian acknowledged with a smile.
Alexia beamed as she examined Long Tian. He had changed quite drastically, and she was delighted by his transformation. She hoped her daughter would find happiness with him. Besides, with her martial spirit, the blue Phoenix, she was undoubtedly a formidable match.
"Alright, I already know where you two are going. So, be careful on the way," she advised, still wearing that warm smile.
"Yes, we might be back a bit late," Long Tian replied.
"If Qian'er is with you, Long Tian, I'm not too worried," Alexia said.
Long Tian nodded. "Alright, Ms. Alexia, we'll be on our way," he said.
Alexia nodded back, and with that, Liu Qian and Long Tian stepped into the car.
After bidding their farewells, they set off towards Beijing.
Fortunately, the distance between Tianzhou and Beijing wasn't too far. In fact, it was quite close due to their proximity to the border.
The journey from the Tianji district to the Long family's residence was merely an hour's drive.
*****************
As they continued their journey, Long Tian couldn't help but cast a faint, appreciative smile at Liu Qian.
"You look beautiful tonight," he complimented.
Liu Qian returned the compliment with a smile of her own. "Thank you, you also look... great," she responded in kind.
Long Tian smiled and then proceeded to turn on the car's entertainment system. "What kind of music do you like? The Smiths, perhaps? I still remember how we used to sing their songs together back in junior high," he reminisced.
"The Smiths is good," Liu Qian replied.
"Alright," Long Tian agreed with a nod before selecting a track by The Smiths to set the mood.
The melodious tunes filled the car, and both of them couldn't resist singing along, enjoying the music wholeheartedly.
****************
While Liu Qian and Long Tian were thoroughly engrossed in their musical journey. On the other hand, Ye Chen was diligently cultivating in the backyard of Xiao Lin's residence.
Suddenly, an eruption of spiritual aura burst into the sky, signifying a major breakthrough.
"Finally, the peak of body tempering realm! I'm only 18 years old, and I still have so much potential!" Ye Chen exclaimed with excitement.
For the past two months, he had been stuck at the 9th level, but today, he had finally reached the pinnacle.
Gratitude swelled within him, directed towards Xiao Lin for providing him with several middle-grade spiritual stones. Of course, it wasn't without cost; it was his reward for successfully healing his father's internal injuries.
Today had been a day of tremendous fortune, with 50,000 yuan received from Xiao Lin's father, a breakthrough in his cultivation, and the reconciliation of his relationship with his girlfriend, Liu Qian.
He had vowed not to repeat his past mistakes and was now wholeheartedly dedicated to becoming stronger.
While Liu Qian possessed an S-Class martial spirit, the blue Phoenix, his own was a humble little Sparrow, categorized as E-Class. The significant disparity in their strengths had stirred his insecurities.
As a man, he believed he should be stronger than Liu Qian. Yet, he wouldn't yield to discouragement; his determination was unwavering. He firmly believed in his potential to grow stronger.
His self-assurance was not mere words; unbeknownst to all, he held a secret that he couldn't afford to reveal; he cannot die.
****************
One hour passed, and Long Tian and Liu Qian reached the Long family's prestigious residence. Near the gate, four vigilant cultivators stood guard, while several opulent cars gracefully entered the premises. It was clear that these were the esteemed guests.
Long Tian lowered the volume of the music and powered it off. "That was fun," he commented.
"Indeed, I didn't expect this ride to be so brief, all thanks to our singing," Liu Qian replied, smiling brightly.
"Yeah, perhaps we should indulge in it more often," Long Tian nodded thoughtfully.
Liu Qian smiled warmly, basking in the camaraderie she felt with Long Tian. It transported her back to their carefree years.
Long Tian guided his car toward the entrance gate. He lowered the car window, exposing his face to the guards.
The guards immediately recognized him and bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Young Master," they greeted.
Long Tian acknowledged their salutations and proceeded to drive his car into the compound. He parked it alongside the other luxurious vehicles.
In this assembly, there was no shortage of opulence; the guests consisted of tycoons, elite family members, and even nobility from the imperial court.
The ambiance exuded luxury, befitting a gathering of the wealthy elite. Many young individuals his age were present, and he recognized them; they were the prodigies of the Long and Xia families.
"You might attract quite a few people, you know. These young masters won't settle for just one girl," Long Tian commented.
Liu Qian had been thinking along the same lines. She wasn't really interested in getting to know anyone other than Long Tian. Coming here might feel like her time at the Tianjia Pavilion.
"So, what if we become a couple? I mean just for tonight, for both our sakes," she proposed, smiling.
Long Tian raised an eyebrow, then smiled, saying, "That sounds like a plan."
He then extended his hand slightly, gazing at Liu Qian with a clear intention. Liu Qian smiled, understanding Long Tian's suggestion, and responded by holding his hand.
They walked into the party area hand in hand.
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