LingLing used her ability to create fragrances, and refined the essence of that first mountain lily and still wears the unique scent to this day. Her infatuation with Feng Tian is unknown even to her brother, Yun Tai
She is waiting until she becomes the Cloud Mountain Sect Leader to share her true feelings with Feng Tian. She wants to feel she is his equal even though she is not of noble birth. Right now it is taking all her internal energy to suppress her killing intent while silently glaring at XiXi on the chair, snuggled Feng Tian's coat.
LingLing has the urge to kick the girl off the chair and take the coat but restrains herself. She needs to maintain the image Feng Tian has of her as a gentle and compassionate woman.
She holds his arm and in a sweet voice purrs, "Feng Tian, where did you go with her, did you show her the Cherry Blossom Grove? It is so very beautiful this time of year." LingLing is interested in where they might have been until this hour. Zhang Yu is wondering the same thing.
While they are engaged in conversation XiXi peacefully snores in her sleep They all look over at her curled up like a cat, covered in the oversized coat. Each one has their own reaction to the guttural noises that she is making.
LingLing breathes a sigh of relief, there is no way the noble prince, Feng Tian would like a girl that makes these horrible sounds. She sounds like a hideous Sloth Boar from the Lowlands.
Zhang Yu wonders if XiXi had wine, the only time at home she snores is after a wedding banquet when she drank several glasses of wine. He shoots an accusatory look at Feng Tian.
Feng Tian thinks XiXi looks adorable with her hair draped on the back of the chair and her little hands barely peeking out from the sleeves of the coat. Her pink lips are parted and he can see her breath.
Although he has never heard a girl snore, he thinks it is funny. He remembers all the wine she consumed and feels a bit guilty.
Zhang Yu interrupts their thoughts when he says, "Since Miss Yun is back may I put XiXi in the third room down the hall? I noticed it was empty." He bows to Yun LingLing," I appreciate you and your brother's hospitality and will repay your kindness one day."
She gracefully responds, "Yes, that would be fine, that room faces the morning sun though...will that bother her. It shines through the windows very early there." She inwardly marvels at her ability to sound concerned.
"There are extra covers in the fourth drawer of the large wooden dresser with the swans carved on it.
"Many thanks Miss Yun, I'm sure it will be very comfortable, she needs to get up early to study." Zhang Yu hopes she will able to begin her lessons they don't have much time and today was wasted
He walks over to pick up XiXi when Feng Tian steps in front of him and says "Please allow me to carry her for you, you must be still be recuperating from your trip here"
"..." Both Zhang Yu and Yun LingLing stare at Feng Yian with complicated expressions.
Concerned about Feng Tian's interest in his daughter, Zhang Yu is the first to speak, "Feng Tian, I have recovered quite nicely and will take my daughter to her room."
Although they appear about the same age they are from two different worlds and he doesn't want XiXi to be entangled with anyone in this strange world. Zhang Yu wants to complete the mission and rush home. He shakes his head. XiXi attracts the bees and the butterflies wherever she goes.
LingLing looks at Feng Tian and thinks she detects he has some interest in this girl. Otherwise, why would he offer to carry her? It is inappropriate for a man to carry a woman.
After Zhang Yu leaves with XiXi, Feng Tian feels LingLing staring at him with an intense questioning gaze.
He quickly looks around to make sure they are gone and explains , "Zhang Yu just awoke from me hitting his accupoint. He was asleep for two and a half days and one the after effects is his legs can give out at any time.
He is unaware of this, I was merely concerned carrying her they might get injured if this happens. They are leaving on a journey in seven days."
LingLing digs her fingernails into her palms furious about the situation. She squints her eyes, "They are staying here for seven more days?"
"Yes, then we are leaving"
LingLing really hates the two intruders., "Why are you going with them? Where?
Feng Tian doesn't want to go into detail right now, seriously, it is none of her business. She should just worry about becoming Sect Leader, it has been her dream for many years.
He walks towards the hallway, "It's a long story I will tell you at a later time, I'm going to retire to my room now." Your brother should be back within two days."
With a worried expression she stops him. "Wait...two days, why isn't Tai staying in the cave for ten days or longer? He has been fighting the Demon Wars for fifty years, he needs to replenish his spiritual energy."
Why do women ask so many damn questions! I want to go see XiXi on the way to my bedroom. "LingLing ask him when he gets back."
Feng Tian hurries away before LingLing can spit out another word.
LingLing stands frozen in place watching him hurry out the outer room. What is going on here! Feng Tian is acting strange.
Yun Tai always goes into seclusion for at least ten days and there are these two odd strangers here in Tai's house.
Agitated, she wants to kick something to vent her frustration. LingLing goes into the back courtyard and raises her arms, her long white sleeves are a blur as she spins around releasing her internal energy. The pressure blasts out a wave across the trees knocking into several of Yun Tai's prized peonies turning them to mere particles that blow away in the fierce wind she created
Afterwards she feels much better. She stretches her arms out and flexes her hands, Feng Tian! I will get more answers from you in the morning! I want to know more about that ugly girl and her father.
Zhang Yu placed XiXi in the bed then covered her with the quilted blankets. As he leaves the room he looks back, the little girl looks so peaceful when she is sleeping. Sleep well. Tomorrow we have much to do.
Feng Tian goes into his room and lays on the bed with his hands behind his head. He wanted to stop by XiXi's room just to look at her one more time, but her father was still there.
Feng Tian's mind pictures all the faces the little beauty made during the day, he has never seen such an expressive face. Everything she is feeling you can read on that cute little face of hers.
One minute she is angry, then she is curious, then she is happy. The only look I don't like is when she is sad. It caused a pain stabbing in my heart... even when she was angry she was hilarious stomping her foot ordering mearound like her servant.
It has only been four days since I met Zhang XiXi but I feel as though I have known her for a very long time. I can't rid self myself of the strange feeling we have some connection.
She is so natural around me as though she has no ulterior motives and it is so comfortable being around her. Zhang XiXi doesn't try to impress me like the other women I know.
Feng Tian laughs trying to imagine XiXi sitting with perfect posture, dressed in an ornately embroidered dress. Her hair in an elaborate hairstyle with precious gems, heavy makeup on her face, with a zither bowing to him.
"Feng Tian, may I play the zither for you?
Feng Tian, look, I painted this for you.
Feng Tian, here is a poem I created for you.
Feng Tian ... droning on and on with endless flattery.
He laughs so hard his side hurts. Zhang XiXi you are an interesting girl!
Down the hall in another room someone is not laughing, rather cursing that 'interesting' girl. LingLing came here to see her brother then planned on going to see Feng Tian in the Feng's palace in Myriad Cloud City. She didn't expect to find this unpleasant situation in the bamboo house.
Her dark brown eyes narrow as she looks at the scene in her bedroom, and her jade like skin turns a vibrant shade of red. The bed is messy and clothes strewn on a chair. That girl certainly made herself at home here, that is my favorite blue dress.
She picks up the silk dress up and notices a large red stain.
Furious, she angrily shreds the dress and vows, You may have used my things little pest, but you will never have Feng Tian!