Chapter 177: Su Xiaoxiao’s Feeling of Bliss Has Increased
No one knew how long had passed, but Su Xiaoxiao finally stabilized her emotions after Lin Zhongyu’s mom comforted her.
She felt much lighter after bawling her eyes out and letting out all those years of pent-up emotions.
Though, the reality was still far from ideal.
At least on the surface, Mu Jixue and Su Xiaoxiao managed to “reunite,” shake hands, and recognize each other, but both had their hidden agendas.
Su Xiaoxiao was quite sensitive internally, and with this long-awaited reunion now turning out to this way—even though she was now soothed—she still felt a bit disappointed and melancholic.
Her trust in the word “friend” was also shaken.
Yet, both Lin Zhongyu and Mu Jixue swore that Yun Zhonghe was completely trustworthy.
Could she really have friends?
Was she good enough to be his friend?
If even the other person truly wanted to be her friend, what if she messed up somewhere along the line and was rejected?
Then she would rather they never be friends from the start than being thrown away in the end.
But no matter how many times Lin Zhongyu and Mu Jixue assured her that Yun Zhonghe was absolutely reliable and wouldn’t give up on any friends, a little bit of hope started bubbling up inside her.
On Mu Jixue’s side, she was going through her most miserable phase.
Truly, she only felt apologetic towards Su Xiaoxiao.
But at the same time, she couldn’t let go of the feeling Su Xiaoxiao and Yun Zhonghe had. This constant unease was driving her nuts.
Yet, she didn’t want to mess things up for Yun Zhonghe; otherwise, wasn’t that making her a detestable person? Hence, she was trying every method to make amends.
After all, this whole incident was undeniably her fault, which caused a very tense relationship between Yun Zhonghe and the rest.
Deep down, she secretly hoped that Su Xiaoxiao and Yun Zhonghe wouldn’t get too close.
But alas, what she said just made Su Xiaoxiao possibly get closer to Yun Zhonghe.
But she had to make amends for her mistakes, and since she and Su Xiaoxiao used to be friends, she couldn’t just ignore it and could only push forward with tears.
Ugh, what kind of misery have I created? Why am I going through such torment?
Xuě Er, “Just now, you did great, so don’t feel bad anymore.”
“Lín Zhòngyù, I’m not feeling bad at all.”
Xuě Er was still trying to stick to her tough exterior. She had already etched the words “feeling bad” onto her face.
Zhōng Yù couldn’t help but shake her head in despair seeing how pitifully vulnerable Su Xiaoxiao was.
It wouldn’t hurt giving her more gentle nudges.
But snow girl was still a touchy subject—though Zhōng yù also understood Xuě Er’s feelings, the obvious priority was on Xuě Er, the focus of Yún brother’s attention. She didn’t need to worry so much.
The three girls were temporarily peaceful, and before long, they realized they were hungry.
“Who knows how long Brother Yun will be back, why don’t we sit first?”
Zhōng Yù proposed, breaking the awkward silence. Right then, her role as a mediator was crucial.
Xuě Er nodded, agreeing—it was true, they felt very hungry, especially after another round in the forest, which was really tiring. Naturally, their moods had plummeted.
Maybe they could lift their spirits by eating some good food.
“I’m also hungry. Let’s go eat first,” Xuě Er agreed, but Zhōng Yù gave her a sly glance, scanning Xuě Er and Su Xiaoxiao.
Xuě Er felt deeply frustrated.
“Linzhong, why are you… even you…”
Gulp! Why not k*ll me instead!
Xuě Er found herself cornered; just moments ago, she spewed so much, and now avoiding Su Xiaoxiao’s presence seemed hypocritical.
And Xuě Er was never like that; she was always considerate. It was just complicated with Su Xiaoxiao; she both liked being near and far from her.
She was caught between these feelings and struggled with where to stand.
Unfortunately, her mind provided no answer.
“You, Little…Little…Let’s go eat together.”
In the end, she settled on something Huan Ao Tian would say.
Su Xiaoxiao’s heart trembled; slightly nervous, she bowed her head silently, “Y-Yeah… Alright, Xuěer …big sister…”
Though she got her old name back, there was no joy in a reunion.
Entering the inn…
“Ma’am, what would you ladies like?”
A waiter approached them with his professional smile.
The inn had two floors, with a hall on the ground floor and private rooms upstairs.
Right now, the hall was packed with people. Su Xiaoxiao was very nervous—it was like entering a testing ground; she felt as if countless eyes were watching her.
Su Xiaoxiao spotted familiar faces in the hall, companions from her boatride, including those who once mocked her and looked down on her.
Afraid, she whispered, “Um… maybe I shouldn’t eat here…”
Before she could move, Zhōng Yù pulled her: “Little, don’t be scared.”
“But…” Su Xiaoxiao hesitated, her eyes wandering when they met those of familiar “friends” in the hall.
Shaking violently, she quickly lowered her head:
Don’t look, don’t see me, don’t notice me…
She frantically wished to minimize her presence, but fate had no mercy; someone already noticed her.
“Huh, no wonder it stinks so much; is that our unlucky star?”
“She has the nerve to come here to eat?”
“Watch us teach her a lesson in a bit.”
With these cold barbs, Su Xiaoxiao’s face went pale.
Later on, having to sit in the same hall as this group might mean getting humiliated.
“Did I just book a table for a young master named Yun?”
Xuě Er didn’t pay much attention to that and continued talking with the waiter.
“Yes, young master Yun has booked a table on the second floor, my ladies,” said the waiter, “Please follow me.”
Xuě Er: “Okay.”
Zhōng Yù didn’t think much and led the always-escape-ready Su Xiaoxiao, “Little, let’s go upstairs and eat.”
Su Xiaoxiao exclaimed, “Huh?”
Wait, upstairs to eat?
Wasn’t it supposed to be in the hall?
Though this was Su Xiaoxiao’s first visit to this inn, she had heard the meals were very expensive from others on her spirit boat.
You couldn’t order single dishes; only table orders were accepted, and each table cost 100 spirit stones in the hall alone!
Most people gathered with their close friends, while Su Xiaoxiao, unpopular as she was, had no right to even join in.
She couldn’t afford it herself, nor did anyone want to split the bill with her.
Therefore, eating a meal in the hall was such luxury to her, and now they were heading to the second floor—a place even those who despised her couldn’t afford.
Admission to the second floor required 1,000 spirit stones. One table of dishes cost another 1,000 spirit stones, and drinks were 1,000 spirit stones as well.
Three thousand spirit stones for a meal—it was a sum that surpassed the wildest imagination of cultivators like them.
Just now, those people who intended to give Su Xiaoxiao a taste of humility watched in shock as she followed Xuě Er and Zhōng Yù upstairs to a private room.
Their jaws dropped.
What?! Su Xiaoxiao went to the second floor?!
Why does she deserve that?!
Even they had to huddle uncomfortably on the crowded first floor, but Su Xiaoxiao…
Many couldn’t help grinding their teeth. They had been waiting for her, hoping to teach her a lesson, yet she simply headed straight upstairs, leaving them feeling slapped in the face.
Envy even shrouded some of the females.
What kind of luck had this Su Xiaoxiao stepped into? Wasn’t she an unlucky star? Why would someone rich invite her?
…
Su Xiaoxiao could feel the intense resentment behind her, almost living in a dream—how could someone like her possibly get this kind of treatment?
This was the first time in her life she felt this welcomed.
Seeing Su Xiaoxiao’s tension, Zhōng Yù gave a comforting smile, “Little, don’t worry. You won’t have to spend any money; it’s all Brother Yun’s goodwill. Just accept it gratefully.”
Confused, Su Xiaoxiao murmured: “Cloud Brother treated us?”
Though she knew Yun Zhonghe was wealthy, this extent surprised her.
Can one simply spend 3,000 spirit stones for a meal without a care?
Could it be that Yun Zhonghe, too rich for his own good, was seeking fresh meat out of boredom with beauties and instead targeting Su Xiaoxiao, a plain and unimpressive girl?
It certainly seems the rich love a different flavor.
Will I be sold off after this meal?
Certainly, Su Xiaoxiao’s wild imagination expanded.
Zhōng Yù chuckled, “You know how he is, Brother Yun is always generous with his friends. If you keep doubting him, that itself shows disrespect. He won’t mind the expenses.”
“And you’ll understand in due time just how trustworthy and reliable Brother Yun can be.”
Of course, I understand your anxiety and guilt, but not accepting would truly hurt him. We must strive not to let him down and become his ally in the future, repaying his kindness.”
Zhōng Yù earnestly counseled the grown-up, “Look how big you’ve grown already.”
Listening to Zhōng Yù’s mother, Su Xiaoxiao pondered.
Still, she couldn’t help feeling euphoric at boldly ascending the second floor before those who bullied her, making them gape in astonishment.
To think she’d feel so relieved—
Kind of… a touch… enjoyable.
Being mocked and bullied for so many years, despite her self-doubt and lack of confidence, Su Xiaoxiao had grudges too.
She had fantasized too about standing tall someday, making those who belittled her look up to her.
But she was too weak, unable to accomplish anything.
Even earning the qualification for the Xuantian Sect as a disciple brought scorn.
But seeing those shocked faces, and knowing they couldn’t even step foot into the second floor, filled her with satisfaction.
And it was Yun Zhonghe who brought all this to fruition.
Yun Zhonghe is dependable and doesn’t give up on any friend.
These soothing words resurfaced in her mind, spoken by Zhōng Yù.
In truth, Su Xiaoxiao savored this sense of protection.
Maybe… she could take the chance and trust again?
