79 Massage 2 (1/2)

Early in the morning, Xiao Fang visited Hu Ning at his residence.

”Xiao Fang, I didn't think you'd come so early.”

”I apologize if I woke you up. I tend to wake up earlier than most people.”

”No worries, I tend to do the same.”

Truth was, Xiao Fang just didn't want to be around when Li Lian woke up.

”So, you had a favour to ask of me?” Xiao Fang jumped to the point.

”Ah, yes. It's quite simple actually, I was hoping you could give me a month to study the Divine Sword technique.”

Xiao Fang's face darkened.

”That's worth more than 200,000 merit points. Don't you think you are asking too much from me?

”Then can you at least give me 2 weeks?”

”How about you tell me which province you came from and I'll give you 1 week.”

”...” He didn't reply.

Xiao Fang sighed, ”Alright 10 days, but I'm not going any higher than that.”

”Deal! I come from the capital. I will say no more.”

Judging by his sudden change in expression, Xiao Fang felt like he got played. However, what surprised him was that by listening to his heartbeat he could tell that he was telling the truth.

'The capital, huh... Could he be from the Royal court?' Xiao Fang wondered.

If that was the case then there was nothing for Xiao Fang to be worried about.

The 'Divine Sword' technique's profound texts were carved into the face of a large ancient wall at the center of the sect, so if Hu Ning wanted to study it he would need access to it first.

”Alright, 10 days. Follow me.” Xiao Fang said before running towards the heart of the sect.

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Wu Yue's Quarters.

In the middle of the day, Xiao Fang was massaging his grandmother's naked shoulders, neck, and arms, as she occasionally took a sip of her tea. Yesterday she wouldn't even let him touch her skin, but today she didn't resist when he casually exposed her shoulders. That only meant she was becoming more accepting of his touch.

”You know, your grandmother might be old, but she certainly isn't weak.” She referred to herself in the 3rd person.

Catching the hint, Xiao Fang press a little harder.

”Ah, there we go. Much better.”

She turned her attention back to her notes then continued to show him what she had drawn since his last visit. When she was done, she looked back at Xiao Fang to get some feedback.

”What do you think?”

”It could use some work,” he replied nicely.

”Alright, then tell me what you have in mind.”

Xiao Fang thought for a moment then said, ”Water.”

”Hm?”, she hummed as she took a sip from her cup.

”Geographically speaking, the sect is well guarded by mountains from 3 fronts, deterring rival sects from attacking. Although it is effective in keeping enemies out, it also makes the people within feel trapped.”

”What I'm trying to say is that we should give people something other than rocks to look at. Make a lake, add some fish, construct a bridge, build a water park, but most importantly you should construct a public unisex bathhouse for the disciples to cool off in. I'm sure my half-sister would love that.” Xiao Fang said as a lustful thought crossed his mind.

”Aish, what are you imagining right now. You had me till you said unisex. At least try to make an effort to conceal your thoughts.”

Xiao Fang continued to give her some decent ideas, but her hand didn't move, she just continued to stare at the blank piece of paper trying to figure out how she could draw all of it.

Xiao Fang stopped massaging her shoulders then casually reached for her right hand as his head hovered over her left shoulder.

”Allow me,” He spoke softly.

His hand lightly rested over hers making her let go of the writing utensil, but not before feeling him gently touch the back of her hand.

After pulling her hand away, Xiao Fang began to draw.

”Let's start with a garden here...”

Xiao Fang was so focused on drawing that he didn't even notice her looking at him instead of the paper. She eventually fell deep in thought.

'When did he get so good at this sort of stuff. What's even more surprising is that he can draw blindfolded. I practically watched him grow up and every years I'd watch him accomplish something impossible, and he'd do it all blindfolded. I suppose there are a lot of things I should be amazed about.'

As she was staring at his blindfolds, she remembered a saying her husband often told her:

'Hate is the greatest motivator for success.'

She started to become remorseful.