Ling Chunxi’s response didn’t anger Ling Yichen. Instead, he simply strode straight into the house and walked to the dining area, where he placed an oil paper bag on the dining table.
“Mmm, what is this? It smells great!” Ling Chunxi sniffed the air and took in the fragrant scent pouring out of the oil paper bag.
“Roasted chicken.” Ling Yichen replied blankly.
“Ling Yichen. Good person. Long life.” Ling Chunxi carelessly abbreviated and recycled her standard compliment for him. The presence of the roasted chicken made her feel much more hospitable than usual so she instructed Aunt Wang to fetch another bowl and a set of chopsticks for Ling Yichen.
Ling Yichen found himself numb to the perfunctory mantra Ling Chunxi used as a means of praise. It seemed to be that so long as one bought her meat, one would be considered a good person. The label, ‘good person’ was really tacked on too cheaply.
“So, tell me. Why did you come looking for me?” Ling Chunxi turned to look at Ling Yichen straight in the eyes. She was certain Ling Yichen did not come looking for her at this late hour just to ply her with roasted chicken.
“Accompany me to White Stone Academy.” Ling Yichen enunciated each word clearly and pointedly.
Ling Chunxi stopped midway through yanking off a drumstick for Little White. A frown weighed down her brow and she studied Ling Yichen with a quizzical expression. “Huh?”
“The first-place prize of the White Stone Academy’s experiential competition this year—I want it,” continued Ling Yichen coolly. “Be my teammate.”
After being properly stunned for a beat or two, Ling Chunxi said the only thing she could think of. “Wow!”
Her exclaimation shocked not only Ling Yichen, but Aunt Wang as well, who was already struggling to understand the situation at hand. Aunt Wang’s mind teemed with confused thoughts. ‘What is this? Why would Master Yichen want Miss to be his teammate when his own abilities already surpass most? And at White Stone Academy too. Was he feverish? Did he take the wrong medication? Everyone knows the standards of Miss’ abilities would not even make it past the family clan assessment. How could she possibly even gain acceptance to White Stone Academy? And even if she somehow did, how would this partnership between her and Master Yichen work out? How would they claim first place?’
Aunt Wang surreptitiously pinched herself. Maybe this was merely an illusion. ‘Ouch! My goodness, this isn’t a dream!’ Master Yichen was indeed standing before her and he did indeed just say all those things.
Ling Yichen met Ling Chunxi’s gaze wordlessly as he waited for her answer. Would she accept or reject his proposal? Of course, Ling Chunxi’s thoughtful answer was…
“Just, wow! This is the most words you’ve ever spoken. This… this is historic! Let me count exactly how many words you said. One, two, three… Twenty-three! A whole twenty-three words! What a time to be alive!” Ling Chunxi gleefully gnawed a huge chunk of meat off a roasted chicken drumstick to punctuate her dismissive statement.
The corners of Ling Yichen’s lips twitched and an undiscernible expression came over his usually blank face. He took a seat opposite Ling Chunxi in a deliberate manner. “Do you agree, or not?”
“How do you know of my abilities?” Linc Chunxi asked with carefully curated nonchalance. She really wanted to know how Ling Yichen had found out about her abilities which she had intentionally kept hidden.
“I just do,” retorted Ling Yichen with typical brevity. “If we work together, we’ll definitely get first place.”
“I want all my food expenses to be fully covered for the whole three-year duration of study at White Stone Academy.” Ling Chunxi persisted with her nonchalant tone.
“Deal!” replied Ling Yichen.
Upon hearing Ling Yichen’s straightforward answer, Ling Chunxi became overwhelmed with happiness. This wasn’t a simple term to agree to, it would cost a lot as Ling Chunxi was a total foodie! “Ling Yichen, your generosity never ceases to amaze me. You are such a good person. I’m sure you’ll…”
Ling Yichen cut her off before she could complete her sentence.
“I thank you. But there’s no need to compliment me as such in the future.” He matter-of-factly dug out another oil paper bag and placed it in front of Ling Chunxi. It was another roasted chicken.