Chapter 97 - Loggerheads (1/2)
”I don't want it.” Was Tung Mei's response to taking back the bracelet. The two were discussing in a corner, out of earshot of others.
Ah Jin frowned, ”Well, she doesn't want it either.”
”In that case, she can throw it into a lake.”
Ah Jin frowned, ”How can you say that? Do you know ho-”
”Ahh, I get it...I am well aware of how valuable it is and how hard it was to find, I've had years of it being ingrained into my head...I need some space, so she can keep it or toss it into a lake...Actually, have it locked in a chest and then drop that in the lake.”
”Xiao Ying!”
”What? I'll go pick it up eventually.” Tung Mei then pouted, ”If I take it back now, I'll get in trouble and it'l-”
”You're already in trouble since she has it!”
”Well, at least I'm not getting constantly yelled at so I say I'm doing very well.”
Ah Jin sighed, ”Why are y-”
”How about this? You can have it instead! Just tell Xing jie I sai-”
”I don't want it either! My lif-”
”Found you!” A voice suddenly called out in their direction. The two knit their brows in annoyance at the interruption and turned to see An Hao storming towards them. He stopped in front of Ah Jin and she lightly bowed while Tung Mei stood there looking him over.
An Hao narrowed his eyes at Ah Jin, ”You remember me, don't you?”
Ah Jin raised an eyebrow, then shook her head, ”No.”
An Hao frowned, ”Look very well! Don't try to make me look like a fool again. I was the one you and that consort attacked in the army camp, you attacked me! It was you, right?! I know it's been a few years and I've grown a lot, but you couldn't have forgotten. I have quite the memorable face to-”
Tung Mei snorted and then burst into laughter. An Hao frowned at her, ”What's funny?”
Tung Mei reined in her laughter and asked, ”Aren't you general or something? Why are you advertising the fact that you got outsmarted and beaten up by a girl? Shouldn't you be covering your face and running off to hide instead of coming here for a confrontation? What could you gain from this sort of harassment?”
An Hao raised his head and swiftly responded, ”Harassment? I am trying to prove tha-”
”That you're not crazy?” Tung Mei finished
”Exactly!” An Hao then knit his brows, ”Wait! How do you know that?”
”You just said it yourself and your memorable face has that look too.” Tung Mei then shook her head in pity, ”Some people really cannot be helped, so young too.”
An Hao frowned but before he could speak, they heard Lei Yong's voice, ”What's going on?” He asked as he walked up to them.
Tung Mei smirked and glanced at An Hao and motioned for him to respond, in a taunting manner. An Hao's frown deepened in annoyance.
Tung Mei then smiled up at Lei Yong, ”Oh, I saw you two were pretty close and so thought to introduce myself when he passed by and Ah Jin is here an errand for Xing jie.”
An Hao looked at the three of them and then walked off and went back to the banquet. Tung Mei snorted and turned to Ah Jin, ”Tell Xing jie I'll come get it later.”
Ah Jin narrowed her eyes at Tung Mei, who smiled in response. She then glanced at Lei Yong then bowed and left.
Tung Mei then smiled at Lei Yong, who was looking at her suspiciously, ”Did you say something to An Hao? He seems to be in a bad mood.”
Tung Mei snorted, ”What could I possibly say to him? He came here like that.” When she saw Lei Yong's skeptical expression, she pouted and said, ”I didn't do anything. He's the one who came to -” She caught herself then smiled, ”Anyway, it's nothing important. Let's go, I don't want to miss the entrance of the harem's latest addition.” She said with a bitter tone, pulling Lei Yong along.
Lei Yong stopped and asked with a raised eyebrow, ”I thought you didn't like the Emperor?”
Tung Mei frowned, ”I don't. But I like Xing jie and if they're going to be together, he should at least be faithful to make up for his shortcomings.”
Lei Yong snorted and said while laughing, ”You really shouldn't be saying things like that.”
Tung Mei smiled and nodded, ”I'll try.” And then pulled him to return to the banquet.