7 Arriving At The Capital - 2.4 (1/2)

”Bai Nian Zu, this is my daughter, Fan Zhu Xia.”

Looking proud, Fan Hui Zhong introduced her happily as he strode over and affectionately draped an arm over Fan Zhu Xia's shoulders and guided her closer to the surprised Bai Nian Zu.

Looking at the confused man, Zhu Xia couldn't help but stifle a smile before pulling down her hood to reveal her face which made Bai Nian Zu suck in a breath the moment he saw her features.

When Bai Nian Zu laid eyes on Fan Zhu Xia, he couldn't help but think that just her mere countenance could cause kingdoms to fall and how her enchanting pale blue eyes can root someone in place; looking at his dumbfounded expression, her cherry red lips curved into an amused smile making her look all the more breathtaking.

Stepping forward, Fan Zhu Xia cupped her hands and then bowed as she said, ”Xia'er greets Elder!”

Hearing her soft, tinkling voice filled with amusement, Bai Nian Zu snapped out of his daze as he shot a dark look at his old friend, Fan Hui Zhong.

”Ahh, no need to be so formal with me girl. You'll make this senior feel ancient! Besides, I'm a sworn brother of your father so just call me Uncle.” Bai Nian Zu replied calmly then coughed as he directed his gaze to Fan Hui Zhong who was shamelessly snickering.

”My daughter's a beauty aint't she?” Hui Zhong boasted while smirking as he patted Zhu Xia on the shoulder making her shake her head wryly as she glanced at him.

”That she is... So much so that she doesn't even look like you!” Nian Zu retorted and grinned when he saw Hui Zhong's face grow ugly making both him and Zhu Xia laugh when Hui Zhong started sulking.

”No need to tease Father, Uncle Zu! I'm actually adopted.” Fan Zhu Xia said with a soft smile; her eyes filled with gratitude when she looked at Fan Hui Zhong which wasn't missed by the two men.

Seeing the young woman give his friend a tender look, Nian Zu couldn't help but feel happy for Fan Hui Zhong so he said, ”Ahh, fine! I'll stop teasing your father... Besides, you being adopted are just minor details.”

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Fan Zhu Xia grew to like this loud, boisterous friend of her father.

”Thank you Uncle Zu!”

Waving her thanks away, Bai Nian Zu then asked, ”So what are your plans then?”

”We're going back to see the Fan Family later.” Fan Hui Zhong replied with a small grin.

”Does that mean both of you will be staying at the capital now?” Bai Nian Zu asked excitedly as soon as he heard Hui Zhong tell him their plans to see his family.

”Not sure if we'll be staying here permanently, but we might be staying for some time.”

Hearing Fan Hui Zhong's answer, the excitement on Bai Nian Zu's face dimmed slightly and a tense atmosphere enveloped them before he shook his head and then smiled widely as he said, ”Pah, it doesn't matter if you leave again, the important thing is that you're here now!”

Seeing the awkward silence dissipate quickly, Fan Zhu Xia coughed lightly, drawing the attention of the two middle-aged men.

Beaming brightly up to them, Fan Zhu Xia innocently asked, ”Since things are good between Father and Uncle Zu now, can we go get some breakfast?”

Hearing her request, both Fan Hui Zhong and Bai Nian Zu simultaneously burst into laughter making Fan Zhu Xia pout while staring daggers at them which just made the two laugh even harder.

After several minutes, the two finally got a hold of themselves andthen Bai Nian Zu suggested a good restaurant that was already open in spite of how early it is and served good food and high-quality tea.

Agreeing to Bai Nian Zu's suggestion, both of them followed him when he told them that he'll also join them.

A short while later, the three of them got out of Bai Nian Zu's beast carriage and followed him as they entered a tall and elegant tea house named The Golden Pheasant and disappeared inside.

Unaware of the attention that their unusual attire drew since both of them were still wearing their cloaks and kept their hoods on, they just ignored most of the commoners that had bustled to and fro in the streets, completely oblivious that most of them were speculating on who they were and why the captain of the city and imperial guards, Bai Nian Zu was accompanying them.

The news of two mysterious individuals slowly spread in the imperial city and no one expected that by the next day, all of them would find out who they were!

While people gossiped outside, Bai Nian Zu, Fan Hui Zhong and Fan Zhu Xia were led to one the tea house's private rooms before they were given a menu to choose from.

Settling down inside the room, both Fan Hui Zhong and Fan Zhu Xia took off their cloaks and sat comfortably and leaving the ordering to Fan Zhu Xia, she started picking numerous dishes without blinking an eye and then inquiring if they have any high-quality spiritual tea available.

Surprised, the attendant nodded and informed them of the different kinds that they have and of its corresponding price.

Nodding lazily, Zhu Xia chose the Spring Jade Spiritual Tea which almost made Bai Nian Zu choke when he recalled the price of her choice and the attendant's eyes widen in astonishment before he asked, ”Miss, the Spring Jade Spiritual Tea is the most expensive one we have, are you sure you'd like to order that?”

Fan Zhu Xia just looked at the attendant and her lips slowly curved and her lashes fluttered softly, making her look alluring before she responded in a low, soft voice, ”I am quite sure. Is there a problem with that?”