CH. 6 ~ The Next Day

Lou Qi Ran glanced at Xiao Li nodding her head. "I'm sorry for the wait, Gu Shi. I was preoccupied with something, even though I called you here."

Gu Shi looked at her, half her face was covered with her face veil, and her eyes which were directed at him held an emotion he couldn't quite place but it vanished as soon as he noticed it. "It's alright, I'll just wait until you're ready to speak."

Lou Qi Ran went to the table and sat down. "I just wanted to know if you found anything suspicious or anyone suspicious. Or if there were other people from other countries here too."

Gu Shi was a secret and non-secret guard for Lou Qi Ran. Xiao Li glanced at Gu Shi who was wearing his uniform as a guard. She knew that outside of his work he also works for her Young Miss, who suddenly one day had told her to get a guard for her. It was strange, but she was amazed that her Young Miss would be smart to think like that. Gu Shi doesn't speak much, but he listens to the orders her Young Miss tells him to do. Xiao Li had thought then that her Young Miss was the coolest!

She, Xiao Li, was proud to be her maid! Gu Shi was the guard that protects her Young Miss, arranged by Young Miss herself. She remembered back then, after speaking to Gu Shi alone, although she was worried something bad were to happen. Nothing did, except that Gu Shi suddenly started serving her Young Miss, and was approved to do so by their Crown Prince and the Emperor and Empress.

Gu Shi was the top of top soldier who doesn't speak much and for her Young Miss to be able to make him serve her was amazing! She doesn't know what they talked about that day but she was glad someone like Gu Shi was appointed to protect her Young Miss.

Lou Qi Ran gestered for Gu Shi to sit down across from her and he did. One because she's done this before and she's quite stubborn as he knows it so he obediently sat down. "Your Highness, there's nothing suspicious as yet. And I've looked around there's no one that looked eye-catching. But I'll find more and I'll come to report if there is anything I find."

"Good, that's all I needed to hear and remember to report no matter how small it is. I don't want anything to happen." Lou Qi Ran glanced at Gu Shi.

Lou Qi Ran spoke in a very icy tone, as she looked at Gu Shi with a rare sternness in her eyes. That he has seen before that fateful day he first met her when she called for him. He would never forget that look and the words she told him. She left a very deep impression on him and that's why he's willing to serve her.

The aura she gave off at the moment was also the same too. Extremely cold, he has never seen anyone other than her brother release such a frightening, no, more like an even more frightening aura than her brother.

Gu Shi slightly gulped and nodded his head as he bowed his head and turned to leave. When he came out, Xiao Li saw him and quickly entered as he left.

Xiao Li excitedly asked Lou Qi Ran if she was ready to bath because while they were talking she stopped someone on the way to ask for them to prepare a bath. "Young Miss, Young Miss! They've already prepared a bath ready for you! They're coming soon. I had asked while you guys were talking. Aren't I smart?"

Lou Qi Ran nodded her head, "Yes, you're extremely smart."

Lou Qi Ran walked towards the window again and glanced up at the moon that had already come out. Sighing, she stayed there for a few moments, and closed the window. Xiao Li had opened the door for the maids and servants carrying a bath for her Young Miss.

Lou Qi Ran unhurriedly walked towards the bath and waited until the workers got out for Xiao Li to set up the screen. Then, she slowly immersed herself into the warm water.

•••

Lou Qi Ran had already woken up and she was getting ready to go out to the carriage that was already fixed and brought into town. As Xiao Li reported to her about both the carriages and the room for the maids and servants and guards who had come with them.

Today, Xiao Li was making Lou Qi Ran wear a mint-green colored hanfu, with her hair adorned in two white butterflies on each side. Xiao Li had styled Lou Qi Ran's hair into a simple up and down hairdo like always. Then, lastly she couldn't forget the face veil that Young Miss always wore whenever they were outside the palace.

When they finished, Xiao Li proudly looked at her Young Miss, and put both thumbs up. Really, she's head over heels for her Young Miss! If she were a guy she would've tried to snatch her Young Miss's heart and hand in marriage!

Lou Qi Ran glanced at Xiao Li's foolish appearance and poked her forehead with her forefinger. "Xiao Li, stop being foolish. We have to hurry, we have one more day until we reach Hua Country. Remember that once we reach there don't be rash and carefully consider your actions."

Xiao Li rubbed her poked spot and stuck out her tongue. "Young Miss, I've already taken care of that. Once we reach there my behavior will be the most perfect! Unless, someone aggravates me first or talk bad about you! I won't stand back!"

Lou Qi Ran sighed, "Xiao Li, never mind that, just remember what I said. But if someone does do something I'll handle it, don't do anything."

Xiao Li nodded her head and then helped Lou Qi Ran put on her jacket. They both headed out of the room and down the stairs to the main entrance where the carriages were already waiting. Lou Qi Ran also saw her that her parents were already climbing onto the carriage in front.

{I'll greet them once we settle down at Hua Country. They should rest more.}

Lou Qi Ran then entered her carriage with Xiao Li.