Outing

"Wenwu, let me introduce to you, this is your Aunt Wen's daughter, called Wen Die, she often accompanied Mother to chat and relieve boredom a few days ago, she's an understanding and caring girl."

The two of them looked at each other.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Wen." Xu Wenwu said, bowing in greeting.

Even though her heart was pounding, Wen Die still managed to make a graceful curtsy: "Nice to meet you, Young Master Xu."

Mrs. Zhang thought they looked more and more like a good match. She could tell that Wen Die was interested in her son.

Madam Wen also secretly studied Xu Wenwu's expression. No man could resist giving her daughter a few extra glances.

But Xu Wenwu acted like nothing was unusual. His mind wasn't lost because of her looks. Such a young man was hard to find, and he would probably be immune to other women's charms in the future.

Magistrate Wen said: "Young people should spend time together. Yun'er, it's still early, and you know our city well. Take Wenwu out and show him around. Your grandfather and I have something to discuss."

"Yes, Father!"

So the three of them went out the door.

Wen Die asked: "Young Master Xu, where's Qibao?"

Xu Wenwu replied: "Miss Wen, please wait a moment. My sister is in the back yard. I'll call her."

Qibao had been standing at the entrance with her grandfather, waiting for the Wen family to arrive. Suddenly, she heard Xiaoling's voice in her head. Qibao excused herself and returned to her room.

It wasn't clear what was wrong with Xiaoling. Over the past few days, he seemed exhausted, and Qibao was concerned.

Xiaoling had been advancing in his cultivation!

Before, the spiritual secret method of practicing could only leave a spiritual imprint on people or animals, but this time, the upgrade can launch a spiritual attack on any creature. To put it simply, as long as a person is hit by Xiaoling's spiritual power, he will become crazy nor stupid.

Qibao thought she was definitely Heaven's favorite daughter, once again giving her such a great surprise.

"What's all this, and why me?" Qibao asked.

Xiaoling replied: "Wishful thinking! And remember, I still can't leave this place. Besides, only our fox race can learn this secret technique."

Qibao sounded a bit wistful: "So that's how it is. But why have you been so weak these past few days?"

Xiaoling explained: "To advance my technique, I had to focus all my mental energy. That used up a lot of my energy, leaving my body quite drained. Even though I've progressed, now I can only use it three times a day. Any more would damage my fundamentals, and I'd need half a year to recover."

"Sister, are you in your room?"

Qibao was about to say more when her big brother's voice came from outside the door.

Qibao said: "Since you're feeling better, Xiaoling, I'm relieved. I'm going out now." With that, she flashed out of the space.

Xiaoling rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Big brother, I'm here." Qibao called, opening the door.

"We're just heading out." Said Xu Wenwu: "Would you like to come along?"

"Sure, I'm bored anyway." Qibao replied: "We're going back to Xujia Village tomorrow, and I wanted to buy some more things to bring home."

The brother and sister met up with Wen Yuan and Wen Die in the front hall.

"Sister Xu, we were wondering where you'd gone." Wen Die said, taking Qibao's hand as she approached.

Qibao said: "I was delayed by something just now." Qibao replied with a smile.

Wen Yuan said: "We're meeting again, Miss Xu. I'm really sorry about what happened last time."

Qibao said: "It's okay, it's over, and we didn't suffer any loss."

Wen Yuan said: "There is a scenic spot in Qingyun City. I will take Brother Xu and Miss Xu to see it."

Xu Wenwu said: "That's great."

So the four of them set off towards their destination together.

Wen Die walked with her arm linked through Qibao's, trailing after the two men. Her eyes kept involuntarily drifting toward Xu Wenwu, who was walking at her brother's side.

Qibao noticed this and asked: "Sister Wen, do you like my brother?"

Wen Die blushed, but she still nodded.

"Sister Xu, do you think I'm too unreserved?" Wen Die asked in a low voice.

"How come! I appreciate Sister Wen's character without being pretentious, but whether or not you can make my big brother like you too is up to you, I won't interfere." Qibao thought it best to clear things up first. After all, romance between two people is their own business.

Wen Die said: "I understand. If my fate doesn't align with your brother's, I won't force it. We'll still be good friends."

Qibao noticed that Wen Die was different from most noble young ladies of this era. She was gentle yet straightforward, without any ulterior motives or hidden agendas. Spending time with her felt incredibly comfortable.

The group reached a pavilion, where Wen Yuan pointed out: "Brother Xu, this is the largest lake in Qingyun City, called Lanyang Lake. There is a small island in the middle with beautiful scenery, but you need to rent a small boat to get there."

Xu Wenwu said: "Since we're here, let's go have a look. We might as well make the trip count."

Wen Yuan agreed. The group exited the pavilion and found a passenger boat that specializes in ferrying people to the island.

Wen Yuan handed the boatman one taels of silver, and the four of them boarded. They entered the cabin and sat down, fitting perfectly.

Xu Wenwu remarked: "I didn't expect the island to be so close by. I can't believe it costs a whole taels of silver."

Wen Yuan spoke up: "The people who usually go to the small islands to enjoy the scenery are either scholars or rich young masters. They wouldn't care about a few silver taels. These boatmen make a living by ferrying them."

There wasn't just their boat on the lake, another small boat was also heading towards the central island not far from them.

Wen Yuan continued: "The sun is setting now. Many people come here just to watch the sunset. If we're late, we'll miss out on good spots."

Through the cabin window, golden sunset rays danced on the water's surface, like a dazzling blanket of gold that was almost too bright to look at.

Tea was available in the cabin. Wen Die pulled her sleeve aside with her right hand and picked up the teapot with her left, serving everyone a cup. Her movements revealed glimpses of a wrist as pale as snow.

"Thank you, Miss Wen." said Xu Wenwu.

Wen Die smiled: "You're welcome, Young Master Wen."

Wen Yuan chimed in: "Brother Xu and I call each other brothers. If Miss Xu doesn't mind, you can call me 'Brother Wen'. Sister, please don't call him Young Master Xu. It's too formal! How about calling him 'Brother Xu'?"

Wen Die looked at Xu Wenwu, her eyes showing clear anticipation, waiting for his reply.

Xu Wenwu replied: "I'd be very honored."

Wen Die smiled and called him: "Big Brother Xu."

Xu Wenwu nodded in response.

Soon, the small boat reached the island's shore.

"We've arrived, young masters and miss!" the crewman announced.

The four of them stood up, with the crewman using his oar to steady the boat.

Wen Yuan was first to jump from the bow onto the shore, followed by Xu Wenwu.

Wen Die lifted her skirt and raised her foot, but before it could touch the ground, the boat rocked.

"Ah!" Wen Die cried out in surprise, closing her eyes in panic, afraid Xu Wenwu would see her clumsy fall into the water.

"Sister, look out!"

Feeling off-balance, Wen Die leaned toward the water on her left.

Just as she thought she was falling in, strong arms wrapped around her waist, and her body spun twice.

When Wen Die opened her eyes again, she was looking at a defined jawline and handsome profile, with eyes filled with cool determination, which momentarily mesmerized her.