The tension grew thicker between Li Ping and Gong Feng, Johan observing the exchange.
"See, little miss? Learn how to talk to your elders." Gong Feng smirked, idly tossing a purple grape into the air and catching it in his mouth as he took in Li Ping's displeased expression.
"Young master..." Li Ping gritted her teeth.
"But of course, if you begged, I might consider letting you see the dragon and if he likes you, I'll consider letting you fly with us." He added.
"Senior Gong Feng is absolutely right," Johan agreed smoothly, taking a few steps ahead, stepping further into the room with a faint, polite smile.
"Li Ping's eagerness sometimes overrides her manners. I apologize on her behalf." He motioned to the small travelling bag.
"As you heard, we were discussing this absurd journey." Johan sighed, projecting a subtle air of vulnerability and high-class frustration.
"A hundred kilometers... I am recovering from an unfortunate incident, and to traverse that distance on foot, at midnight, simply to see a waterfall... it is an imposition." His gaze swept over Gong Feng's pristine white robes and back to his face.
"Incident? Are you perhaps the one who saved my first cousin?" Gong Feng dropped the grape he was about to feast on.
He got up, walking towards Johan. Gong Feng was shocked as he realized that the Golden Flower whom the servants had whispered about saving his cousin was in fact a very physically appealing man.
As he approached him, he began circling him only to be blocked by the protective Li Ping.
"Young Master Feng, what are you doing?" Li Ping asked, stretching a hand protectively before Johan.
"...No wonder why you were mistaken for a woman. Look at that hair and face." Gong Feng threw his head back in laughter.
"Interesting. Word sure spreads fast here." Johan commented, eyes never leaving Gong Feng."
Li Ping leaned in as she began to whisper in Johan's ear. "Please take no offense, young master. You are presumed to be a woman because of the supposed manner in which the crown prince brought you back. I can't say much because I was not present but everyone in the palace thinks you are a woman."
"Is that so..?" A light smirk appeared on Johan's face.
Johan was yet to find out the full story behind Qian Yun's presence in the palace.
If my first cousin were to find out that I had a hand in helping his savior recover, he'd surely let Uncle give me a solid position in the imperial court.
"Alright I'll take you guys." Gong Feng declared.
"But on one condition. You'll tell my cousin that I contributed to the recovery of his saviour and in return, he should speak to uncle to grant me a position in the court." He added, his eyes never leaving theirs.
"Thank you, Senior Gong. I'll surely let your good deed be known." Johan smiled, bowing lightly.
"We depart by midnight." Gong Feng waved his hand dismissively, leaving them alone with their thoughts.