AST 2074 - A serving girl to warm the bed, Phoenix City (1/2)

Azure Rainbow City had been restored and Yu Xixuan was back. She was visibly surprised by the sight of Qing Shui and Shen Huang. Qing Shui had left her a letter previously, informing that he was going to take a trip and would be gone for a month or so. For that reason, she hadn’t expected him to be back this soon.

Qing Shui didn't mention his destination at the time, neither did he tell her who he would be traveling with. Now the sight of Shen Huang left her stunned.She had seen Shen Huang once and was shocked by her beauty. While she was a beauty herself, she felt inferior when compared with Shen Huang. She felt jealous; there wasn’t anyone who had made her feel inferior before.

”Back so soon? By the time I saw your letter, you were already gone. Did something happen?” Yu Xixuan asked Qing Shui with concern lacing her words.

”It's nothing. I went out to look for a medicinal herb and found it.” Qing Shui took a glance at Shen Huang, knowing that she didn't want to explain her own situation, so he chose to spin another reason for his departure.

Yu Xixuan didn’t probe any further. ”Well, all’s well as long as you’re back.”

”This lady is beautiful.” Yu Xixuan shifted her gaze towards Shen Huang.

”You are Xixuan, right? You are very beautiful yourself.” There wasn’t much content between the two ladies’ conversation. At least, to Qing Shui, there wasn’t much about the compliments they exchanged. After all, there was never a doubt about either of their beauty, so was there really a need for their compliments…?

The friendship between women was wonderful and often incapable of being explained by reason. It was unexplainable to Qing Shui, the way these two ladies could interact as though they were long lost sisters after just a few words.

Qing Shui became insignificant. Shen Huang and Yu Xixuan were both graceful ladies. However, there was a distinction between them; Yu Xixuan possessed a type of inner beauty, sophisticated and mature in comparison. After all, she had to interact with all types of characters as an inn owner, while Shen Huang was the master of a sect, there were others who handled matters on her behalf, coupled with her personality; she was more passive in terms of communication with others.

That said, upon their return, Qing Shui noticed a change in Shen Huang. Qing Shui didn’t think the woman would have warmed up to Yu Xixuan this quickly. It seemed as though her personality had changed too. This was a good thing; it was good for her to gain more friends. This way, she wouldn’t feel lonely.

”Qing Shui, why don’t you cook something and the three of us can have a drink together? The New Year’s celebration hasn’t ended yet.” Yu Xixuan asked Qing Shui while busying herself with her conversation with Shen Huang.

There was nothing Qing Shui could do but prepare the dishes in the kitchen, and then came back out with some wine.

”This wine is still the best. Qing Shui, I’m afraid I’d die if you disappear in future. Why don’t you let me follow you? At least I’ll be well fed.” Yu Xixuan spoke up as she was enjoying their meal with a sip of wine and another bite of the delicious meal.

Qing Shui chuckled. He said, ”What a coincidence. I happen to be in need of a serving girl to warm the bed.”

”Go to hell, like I’d be a serving girl to warm your bed.” Yu Xixuan said with a snort and glared at Qing Shui.

”Then, I guess it can’t be done. I have both wives and children, just lacking a serving girl,” Qing Shui replied with a frown.

”Alright, Princess, we are in collaboration now. You promised that we would expand our inn across the continent.” There was a shift in Yu Xixuan’s expression.

Qing Shui smiled. ”Of course, that will definitely become a reality.”

”Oh, that’s right. I got a manor in Northern Blue City. Oh—no, not yet. There was an influential person who wanted to consult with you regarding his illness but found me instead. He said that if you could treat him, the manor would be mine.” Yu Xixuan spoke up after some thought. “What do you think? Should we expand this inn and your Imperial Cuisine Hall into Northern Blue City?”

”If there is a patient in need of treatment, then treating them goes without saying. Get his details and information for me. This way, I’ll be able to determine how much to charge for his medical fees,” Qing Shui responded with a smile.

”That’s not a problem. They’ll probably need some time to get here for their consultation.”

”No problem!”