Since Wen Yan’s date with Rong Xiao, the aftereffects were quite apparent.
For several days, he actively avoided Rong Xiao. He wouldn’t even raise his head to look at Rong Xiao when sitting at the same table. Occasionally, their eyes met, and he accidentally spilled milk.
After some time, even the housekeeper noticed that something was amiss.
Taking advantage of the time Wen Yan was at school, the housekeeper, arms crossed, looked at Rong Xiao with an expression as if catching a criminal. “What exactly did you do to Wen Yan? He’s been avoiding you like a little mouse these past few days.”
Rong Xiao was displeased, his face cold. “You’ve got it backward. It’s what he did to me.”
The housekeeper didn’t believe a word.
He reluctantly swallowed the phrase “have some dignity” and tactfully reminded Rong Xiao, “Wen Yan is not yet eighteen, a defenseless human. Even after cultivating for eight hundred years, he can’t match the most powerful force in the demon realm.”
Rong Xiao: “…”
He couldn’t argue with that.
In the end, he could only resort to threatening with a simple and brutal salary deduction and sent Yu Bu Wen to the garden.
However, he could roughly guess why Wen Yan was avoiding him.
The young rogue was still too young, and his face not thick enough. After kissing someone, he felt embarrassed and didn’t dare to come and seek an explanation. He could only hide.
Fortunately, Wen Yan’s shyness had a time limit. When Rong Xiao’s patience was about to run out, and he was ready to bring Wen Yan over for a conversation, Wen Yan finally returned to normal.
This was evident during breakfast. He could now greet Rong Xiao calmly and no longer accidentally spill milk or drop spoons.
After a few more days, when Wen Yan returned from his university classes, he immediately noticed two envelopes on the table.
Deep blue envelopes with elegantly written golden characters. When he approached with a drink, he saw his name on one envelope and Rong Xiao’s name on the other.
He opened the envelope with his name on it and found an invitation. It was an invitation to the Feather God Celebration in Shadow Mountain City next month, signed by the Lord of Shadow Mountain City.
During his time at the demon school, he had learned quite a bit. He could sense the demonic energy on the envelope; clearly, it wasn’t sent by a human.
While he was still puzzled, he saw Rong Xiao walking in.
“Who sent this? Inviting me to some Shadow Mountain City, and here’s another one for you that I haven’t opened,” he asked Rong Xiao while holding the envelope.
Rong Xiao walked over, glanced at the invitation, and explained, “Shadow Mountain City is where demons gather. Although most demons now live among humans, there’s still a portion that chooses to live in seclusion in the mountains. Over time, it has developed into a city. The Feather God Celebration is a traditional festival, held every two hundred years. During the celebration, the next clan leader will be announced, so I’m invited to witness it.”
In the past, he was too lazy to go and left it to Qi Kong to handle.
Wen Yan probably understood. He had heard at the demon school that some ancient races refused to coexist with humans, forming their own sects and preserving their traditional customs.
“Why would they invite me? I’m not a demon,” Wen Yan said, looking puzzled.
Rong Xiao glanced at him. “Although you’re not a demon, you’re considered a demon family member.”
Wen Yan paused for a moment before understanding Rong Xiao’s meaning. It was because he was, in an official sense, Rong Xiao’s fiancé that he was included in the invitation.
Uncertain about what to say, he coughed to change the subject. “Are you going?”
“Yes, I need to inspect the Seal of Demons in Shadow Mountain. So, I’m planning to go, and Yu Bu Wen is coming along too.”
“Ah, I see,” Wen Yan said, thinking that Rong Xiao was going on a business trip again. It seemed like he would be left alone to hold the fort.
Unexpectedly, Rong Xiao continued, “You should come too. Ask Yu Bu Wen to help you get leave from school.”
“Me too?” Wen Yan was surprised. “Won’t it affect your work?”
Rong Xiao shook his head. “It’s primarily a vacation, and work is just a side thing.”
Wen Yan instantly became happy. He had wanted to go out with Rong Xiao last time but didn’t get the chance. This time, attending a celebration in a demon gathering place sounded very interesting.
“I’ll go pack my things.” He took the invitation and headed upstairs.
Rong Xiao chuckled as he followed him.
Indeed, still a child. He was so delighted to go out.
Three Days Later
Wen Yan, carrying his small suitcase, set out with Rong Xiao and Yu Bu Wen.
When he packed, he called Li Zheng and informed him about the trip. Li Zheng, upon hearing it, was utterly sorrowful and envious, shedding tears of bitter resentment.
“Shadow Mountain rarely accepts external visitors. Even if they’re demons, they have to apply to enter,” Li Zheng told him. “But I heard that it still retains the appearance of an ancient demon city and preserves many things that have disappeared outside. There’s even the last remaining mermaid living there. I want to go see the mermaid!”
Wen Yan consoled him sympathetically. “I’ll bring you local specialties.”
Li Zheng felt even more bitter, thinking that he was truly unfortunate.