Chapter 28: A Habit?
"Aiya, you have no idea how my friend is, she's hopeless."
Nuo Nuo and Lan'er nodded in unison, their mistress friend was too dense!
"Then Grand Tutor, in such a situation, what can your other friend do?" Lan'er asked curiously.
"Him?" She said as she took another bite of her osmanthus cake, as she mulled over the question, "He too is kind of hopeless, he's so quiet, and doesn't speak much, he only knows how to show his feeling through actions not words."
The maids thought the couple Zhao Xing told them about was really pitiful.
"Such a friend, cold on the outside, warm on the inside, how did you become friends with him?" Nuo Nuo asked.
Zhao Xing thought for a while and suddenly smiled, "I must say, our dear Xiao Lu is very cute."
The girls listened attentively, Zhao Xing continued. "That day was the first day of high school, it's another stage of a school." She explained.
"He had been my desk mate for three years now. That is we sat next to each other in class. That day he read a book (manhua) I knew very well, I told leaned him and asked if he liked reading those kinds of books, that I liked them a lot as well. Do you know what he did?"
The maids shook their heads. "He out rightly ignored me."
The maids: "…."
"Oh well, I didn't disturb him after that, I have my pride, ok? But guess what happened during recess? He pulled out another book and out it into my hand. I had no idea why he did that, but after that day, he would bring two copies of the book he read and hand me one."
"Your friend is really generous!" They said in chorus.
"Isn't he? After that I considered him to be my sworn brother, we'd go through thick and thin together."
Zhao Xing spent her morning telling the girls stories about her world and her friends in them. They sat on the ground, like obedient little kids, as Zhao Xing spoke. They had never known their mistress travelled through worlds, all they knew was that at a point she'd just disappear out of the blue. But they weren't used to asking too much. Especially when it had something to do with their master's secrets.
Zhang Zhengyang had returned from court this morning, then attended a meeting with some people, he also attended to some unwanted guests.
By the time he was free, it was already way passed lunchtime. He came alone to visit Zhao Xing at her quarters and found her under a pavilion busy telling stories while eating snacks.
He saw how her maids were engrossed in the story and couldn't help but become curious, he stood behind the closest tree to the pavilion, and this was the conversation he heard. It suddenly made him a bit curious about what Zhao Xing's world was like. Just a little bit curious.
It seemed like there was nothing more to hear and so he came out from behind the tree and walked up to them.
"Your stories are indeed interesting, I wonder if Grand Tutor would also spare some time to tell me about your world when you're free?"
"Crown Prince." The two maids quickly saluted.
The smile on Zhao Xing's face slowly faded when she saw who had arrived. "Sorry, when I'm free, you're busy and vice versa."
The Crown Prince smiled, "Does Grand Tutor hold a grudge against me?"
'It's good you know.' She said to herself. Yes, she did hold a grudge for all the scolding she had received when she was sick. She knew it was for her good, but she was still mad, ok?
The Crown Prince approached and sat next to her, while the maids quickly took their leave.
"I'll be going somewhere far away next month, so you have to take care of yourself in the mansion. Everybody knows you so you won't get bullied no matter what."
The way he talked sent shivers down her spine. "Why are you talking like you're about to die? So unlucky!" She twisted her lips in displeasure.
Zhang Zhengyang didn't say anything, making Zhao Xing suspicious. "Aren't you going to attend the Emperor's birthday?"
Zhang Zhengyang nodded, "But after that I'd be going."
"Right after that? Where are you going? To look for the poison master?"
The Crown Prince shook his head. Zhao Xing felt something was probably wrong with this prince's brain. When was he ever one to beat around the bush? He always went straight to the point, if he wanted to tell her something he wouldn't hesitate, if he didn't, he'll just sarcastically throw away her questions.
"My men just recently found him, but they're just keeping watch for the time being."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Well, you should be aware, since you promised you'd take me wherever you went as long as it wasn't something official, like court, make sure you keep your words. If I find out you're trying to do otherwise, see how I'll annoy you to death."
Zhang Zhengyang nodded. Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed, she suddenly really hated seeing him being so obedient. She raised her hand and touched his forehead. It wasn't hot so he must not be sick in the head.
Zhang Zhengyang smiled at her actions.
She stood up, "I'm leaving, you're acting weird, don't think I won't investigate."
Watching her leave Zhang Zhengyang's smile broadened, he also thought he was acting weird. These days he rushed back from court, and refused to waste time with unnecessary discussions, unless it was something very important. Then he would rush home hoping to see Zhao Xing playing in the garden, being her mischievous self, then ask her if she had taken her medicine, when night came he'd scold her so she could sleep on time.
But since she recovered she was able to return to her world, like she used to, and yesterday night was not the same, today he had been really busy, and only came back in the evening, in a few hours she'd be gone once again. The time was too short. He just wanted to have a longer talk then they normally did today, since she would be leaving soon. Who would have thought she'd get annoyed and leave?
So what was wrong? Did it become a habit after only a bit over a week to come back home and go through all the routines?
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