After discussing matters of the southernmost lands, Yunxiao glanced leisurely at Shui Wu You before slowly extending an invitation.
"By the way, Sister Wu You," he began. "It's getting late—would you like to join me for dinner?"
As the saying goes, food is the fuel that keeps one going. Skipping even a single meal leaves one famished. With dusk settling in, Yunxiao had already planned to dine at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Hotel.
"Sure, a stroll sounds nice," Shui Wu You replied without hesitation. Having been reborn into a second life, she was determined to savor every moment of her new existence.
Soon, the two departed the Elf Residence. Before long, they arrived at the top floor of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Hotel, where the ever-portly Ning Pangpang, clad in a crisp suit, greeted them with a beaming smile.
"Greetings, Elf Crown, and to this exquisitely beautiful lady as well," he said. Though he didn't recognize the aloof beauty accompanying the Elf Crown, such trivialities never troubled Ning Pangpang. Women of all ages adored compliments, and he had mastered the art of weaving flattery like flowers in bloom.
"Heh, Ning Pangpang, it's been a while," Yunxiao chuckled. "Let me introduce you—this is Shui Wu You, Titled Ice Douluo and a senior elder of our Elf Clan. For tonight's meal, the usual arrangement will suffice."
Yunxiao had no intention of concealing Shui Wu You's identity. Since Su Xiaoli had already "revealed" her four black Soul Rings, it was time to flex some "muscle" and remind those with ulterior motives not to underestimate the Elf Clan. If Huo Wu Lu weren't still in the Frozen Forest, their dinner party would have included more than just the two of them.
Sure enough, upon learning that Shui Wu You was not only a Titled Douluo but also an elder of the Elf Clan, Ning Pangpang's expression shifted to astonishment. "So it's the Ice Crown! My apologies for failing to recognize you earlier. To make amends, tonight's expenses are on the house."
Good heavens—what had he just heard? A Titled Douluo elder from the Elf Clan? Managing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Hotel in the prime real estate of Heaven Dou City, Ning Pangpang was no fool. This revelation meant the Elf Crown had a lineage and sect behind him. Even if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had never heard of the Elf Clan, it mattered little. The Elf Crown's presence alone validated their existence. Besides, the Douluo Continent was vast—hidden families and reclusive sects were hardly surprising.
And even if the Elf Crown had a sect, what of it? Ning Pangpang was merely a six-ringed Soul Emperor. Such weighty matters were best left to Ning Fengzhi, the actual leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. As for himself? He'd stick to minding his own business. The thought prompted an internal sigh.
"It seems Ning Fengzhi's plan is doomed to fail."
"Still thinking of having your useless sons pursue Su Xiaoli?"
"Hmph, as if they could compete with their rival."
Regarding Su Xiaoli's Soul Power level, Ning Pangpang had naturally received the report. After all, within the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he interacted with Su Xiaoli the most.
As for Ning Fengzhi's good-for-nothing sons, this uncle knew them all too well.
Extravagant, ignorant, spoiled young masters—that was putting it mildly from an uncle's perspective. Did they really think they could compete with the refined, virtuous Crown Prince for Su Xiaoli's affection? Hmph, Ning Pangpang could only laugh silently at the thought.
Though these thoughts ran through his mind, he quickly ushered Yunxiao and the others into the private room. It was the same exclusive chamber reserved for Yunxiao, with the same procession of young, beautiful maids filing in. After arranging the exquisite dishes on the table, the attendants promptly withdrew.
Glancing at Shui Wuyou across from him, Yunxiao asked, "Sister Wuyou, care for a drink?"
It was then he realized something—though Shui Wuyou was his clansman, he knew surprisingly little about her. This made him feel somewhat negligent as clan leader.
Noticing Yunxiao's intense gaze, Shui Wuyou flashed a sly smile. "Oh? Clan Leader," she teased, "I can handle my liquor. But staring at me like that... what exactly are you plotting? Don't tell me you want me to be your Bed Warmer too?" Without waiting for his reaction, she casually poured wine for them both.
Yunxiao: "???"
What in the world had he just heard? Was the usually aloof Shui Wuyou actually flirting with him? This was completely out of character. Something was very wrong here—how had she changed so much in such a short time apart?
"Ahem, Sister Wuyou, please," Yunxiao coughed awkwardly. "Be serious—you're making me nervous. And... did Xiao Xue say something to you again?" The mention of a Bed Warmer immediately made him suspect Qian Renxue's interference, especially given Su Xiaoli's precedent.
Shui Wuyou merely smiled enigmatically at his question. "Clan Leader, you seem fond of the cuisine here," she deflected. "Perhaps I should cook for you personally from now on?" Neither confirming nor denying, she clearly enjoyed watching Yunxiao's bewildered reaction—it was far more entertaining than straightforward answers.
"..."
Yunxiao's eye twitched at her evasive smile. He opened his mouth but swallowed his words. This was definitely not normal. Had Qian Renxue really influenced her? Could Shui Wuyou actually have feelings for him too? The thought made him massage his temples in exasperation.
"Hehe, Sister Wu You, let's eat first, let's eat first."
Without knowing the exact situation, I chose to avoid these topics for now.
After all, I wasn't sure what kind of mindset Shui Wu You had when teasing me.
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