Chapter 386

Chapter 386: Could it be that Cici no longer likes Brother Xu?

On the third morning since Zhu Cici arrived at the Dragon Palace, also the day after she met Xu Ming.

The morning sunlight sprinkled through the strands of the young girl’s hair.

Zhu Cici slowly sat up from her bed.

The once drowsy mind of the girl gradually became clear.

Cici recalled the words exchanged with Xu Ming during their leisurely stroll in the Imperial Palace the previous night, and a blush tinged her cheeks.

After uttering her final words last night, she had hastily run away, leaving Xu Ming alone, as if fearing he might say more.

Cici admitted to herself that what she said last night was indeed a bit too unrestrained.

Especially when she declared that she would never be friends with him—she didn’t want to be just friends, yet still wanted to get closer. What else could she do?

And so, the more she thought about it, the redder her face became. Cici couldn’t believe how bold she had been the night before, actually saying such things.

But deep down, Cici didn’t regret it.

Xu Ming might think he has changed, but in Cici’s eyes, Xu Ming remained exactly the same as before—unchanged. He was still the little boy she used to like; he hadn’t really changed.

If there was any change, it was that there were now two other women in Xu Ming’s heart.

But no matter!

“I won’t give up!”

Cici clenched her small fists, earnestly cheering herself on.

“Cici… Cici…”

Just as Cici was contemplating how she should work hard to regain an important place in his heart, Ling Bisheng’s voice echoed from outside the courtyard.

“Wait a moment, I just woke up.”

Cici’s voice carried out of the courtyard.

She got out of bed, changed into proper attire, and freshened up quickly.

The whole process took Cici less than half an incense stick’s time.

Primarily because Cici was naturally beautiful and didn’t need much makeup—just combing her hair was enough.

When Cici opened the door, she found Yu Wen Xi, Fang Yu, and others all standing by the entrance.

Looking at them, Cici asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

These people suddenly appearing in front of her courtyard made Cici wonder if there was something that needed her attention.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Yu Wen Xi smiled. “Isn’t the Four Seas Ceremony starting tomorrow? Once it begins, we’ll likely have little time. So, we thought maybe we should go out for a stroll, play around a bit.”

While going out for fun wasn’t entirely false, more importantly, they were concerned about Cici’s state of mind.

After all, Cici went through so much yesterday—waiting for years for a man who ended up saying such hurtful words. They truly feared Cici might become overly disheartened.

So, they planned to take Cici out to cheer her up.

Of course, in Ling Bisheng’s mind, he also hoped to leave a deeper impression on Cici while she was feeling down.

“Alright, let’s go then.” Cici smiled and nodded. “Eh, really?” Yu Wen Xi paused in surprise.

The others were equally astonished.

They had prepared themselves for Cici to refuse and even thought of ways to persuade her.

But unexpectedly, Cici agreed without hesitation, which caught everyone off guard.

Cici laughed lightly, “It’s you guys who invited me, and when I agreed, you question whether I’m serious. Do you really want me to go out with you or not?”

Everyone: “…”

That was true, but logically speaking, shouldn’t you have refused us due to being in a bad mood?

However, upon reflection,

they noticed there seemed to be little sadness left on Cici’s face.

It was as if she had come to terms with everything, letting go of everything…

This gave Ling Bisheng a sudden glimmer of hope.

Could it be! Cici has already let go of Xu Ming? In that case, don’t I stand a better chance?!

“No, no, Cici, your agreement is great news! Let’s go then. We’ve heard there’s a coral sea in the Dragon Capital, incredibly beautiful. Let’s go see it together!” Ling Bisheng hurriedly said.

“Then let’s set off.” Cici smiled and nodded again.

Seeing Cici’s gentle smile, everyone was momentarily entranced.

Although most of them admired Cici only out of respect (except for Ling Bisheng), one cannot deny that when such a beautiful girl smiles at you, anyone would feel a sense of unreality.

They walked towards the coral sea.

Yu Wen Xi glanced at Miao Feng, his gaze seemingly asking, “What’s going on? Does Cici no longer like Brother Xu? She let go of him awfully fast!”

Miao Feng shrugged, his eyes filled with confusion, “What do you want from me? I don’t know either.”

Meanwhile, at the residence of the Minister of Rites in the Dragon Palace.

Xu Ming once again visited Lord Turtle’s estate.

This time, Lord Turtle wasn’t wandering around in the Qinglou but instead welcomed Xu Ming courteously in the main hall.

“Ho ho ho, please forgive me, Master Xu. Yesterday, this old man went to East Street to oversee some work, making Master Xu visit in vain.” Lord Turtle chuckled.

“Lord Turtle, you’re too kind. It was my visit to your esteemed residence, quite unexpected, and I’m grateful you didn’t blame me.” Xu Ming smiled and handed over some neatly wrapped gifts, “A small token of appreciation. Please don’t reject it, Lord Turtle.”

“Oh dear, Master Xu, why bring gifts? This makes me uncomfortable. Please take them back.” Lord Turtle politely declined.

“Lord Turtle, you’re too formal. How can one visit without bringing a gift? Please accept it without further ado.” Xu Ming pushed the gifts forward again.

“Well, since Master Xu insists, then this old turtle will reluctantly accept it.” Lord Turtle took the gifts with no sign of reluctance whatsoever.

Still, Lord Turtle genuinely appreciated this young man—not a trace of youthful arrogance, rather smooth and well-versed in human relations.

“Is there anything specific, Master Xu, that you require assistance with?” Lord Turtle inquired.

Since the other party was so considerate, he couldn’t let them feel unwelcome.

“It’s like this,” Xu Ming smiled, “I actually wanted to ask about the North Sea Abyss.”