You're calling me 'Sister'?” Ao Ying asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
The title 'Sister' wasn't inherently strange, but depending on the context and situation, it could carry various meanings. Given the current circumstances, it was hardly a normal interaction, so Ao Ying couldn't help but overthink it.
"Please don't read too much into it, Sister. It's simply because you are Sister Su's wife. Since I call her 'Sister,' it's only natural that I call you 'Sister' as well."
Bai Rou'er might not have been the most delicate thinker, but she was perceptive enough to catch Ao Ying's drift.
Hearing this explanation, Ao Ying remained silent for a moment before nodding. She decided not to press the issue further. After all, the girl had explained herself clearly; to keep hounding her would make Ao Ying look narrow-minded.
Ao Ying nodded and said, "I see. It seems I was being oversensitive. By the way, Su Qing probably hasn't told you my name yet, has she?"
"Sister Su has mentioned your names, of course. But since there are two of you, I wasn't sure which was which," Bai Rou'er explained with a beaming smile as Ao Ying inquired.
Ao Ying couldn't tell how much of Bai Rou'er's explanation was genuine, but she found the answer remarkably clever. She didn't ask anything else, simply introducing herself and Leng Xiang in passing.
"So you're Sister Ao Ying! Sister Su often mentions you to me!" Bai Rou'er nodded with a cheerful grin. "But truly, Sister Ao Ying is the most beautiful member of the Dragon Clan I've ever seen."
Bai Rou'er's praise was sincere. After all, the number of dragons she had met could be counted on one hand, and most of them were male. Ao Ying truly was the most beautiful dragon she had encountered.
However, Ao Ying didn't show much of a reaction to the compliment. She simply nodded and remarked, "That's likely because you haven't seen many dragons."
Bai Rou'er narrowed her eyes and smiled, neither confirming nor denying the statement.
Seeing this, Ao Ying didn't dwell on the subject. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "Standing around chatting is quite tiring. Why don't we sit down and talk properly?"
Although she didn't particularly like Bai Rou'er, as the mistress of the house, she couldn't very well leave a guest standing. Besides, she and Bai Rou'er definitely needed to have a 'good' chat. Standing there awkwardly would only make things more uncomfortable.
Bai Rou'er kept her smile as she heard the invitation. "Then I shall thank you, Sister. My legs were starting to feel a bit heavy."
Ao Ying said nothing more. She walked over to a seat and gestured for the other woman to sit opposite her.
Bai Rou'er walked over and sat down, fully prepared for a long verbal sparring match with Ao Ying. It wouldn't be an argument, exactly—more like countering every move the other made.
Once they were seated, Ao Ying didn't resort to harsh words. Instead, she smiled and picked up the game pieces Red Boy and Morning Glory had left behind, fiddling with them while she began her questioning.
Nearby, Su Qing watched the scene in silence, letting out a faint, internal sigh. She wasn't sure whether to be worried or relieved. Even she couldn't quite tell what Ao Ying's current state of mind was.
Su Qing felt a bit of a headache coming on, but there was nothing she could do. Since Ao Ying and Bai Rou'er were talking, she couldn't exactly butt in.
Feeling helpless, Su Qing sighed and decided to just let things be. As long as the situation didn't escalate to the worst-case scenario, it was acceptable. Besides, she didn't think Ao Ying would do anything truly outrageous. If she had wanted to scold or hit someone, she wouldn't have waited this long.
So, Su Qing simply sat down at another table to drink tea, waiting for things to develop. Unfortunately, peace was not in the cards for her.
Shortly after she sat down, three little figures crowded around her. These three were the type to love watching drama and wouldn't mind if things got a bit messy. As soon as they sat down, they began whispering questions about Bai Rou'er.
Naturally, the main inquisitors were Red Boy and Chen Chaoyan. Yudie was mostly there to enjoy the show. She didn't participate much in the questioning, only chiming in occasionally. After all, Yudie already knew quite a lot about Bai Rou'er.
Facing the barrage from Red Boy and Chen Chaoyan, Su Qing felt a bit helpless. Despite her resignation, she still answered their questions. Of course, she knew what to say and what to keep to herself to avoid creating unnecessary trouble for herself.
And so, a 'cheerful' atmosphere filled the courtyard.
By the time Su Ying'er returned, she was completely baffled by the scene. She had no idea what had happened or what everyone was chatting about so happily.
Fortunately, Leng Xiang was free and could explain the situation to the girl. Otherwise, she would have been lost in confusion for quite a while.
Time flew by, and soon it was noon.
After a long session of talking, Su Qing finally managed to dismiss Red Boy and Chen Chaoyan. Once they were gone, she intended to go over and see how the chat between Ao Ying and Bai Rou'er was going.
However, just as she walked over to eavesdrop, she realized they had finished. Furthermore, the hostility between Bai Rou'er and Ao Ying seemed to have dissipated significantly; they almost looked like friends.
This made Su Qing incredibly curious about what had transpired between them and what they had discussed. She had been so busy dealing with Red Boy and Chen Chaoyan that she hadn't been able to listen in. How could she possibly know what they had talked about?
Noticing Su Qing's approach, Bai Rou'er called out, "Sister Su!"
Su Qing looked into her eyes and asked with a smile, "Are you two finished talking?"
Bai Rou'er nodded naturally. "Yes, we talked for quite a while! I was worried Sister Ao Ying would be difficult to talk to, but after our conversation, I realized I was overthinking it. Sister Ao Ying really is a wonderful sister!"
Su Qing couldn't tell if this was the truth or a lie—after all, foxes were masters of deception. But she didn't really care about the truth of it. Since Bai Rou'er had said it, she would just play along.
"Mhm, Ao Ying is indeed easy to talk to, and she is a good sister."
As she spoke, Su Qing glanced at Ao Ying.
Seeing the look, Ao Ying couldn't help but say, "Of course I'm a good sister. Why? From the look on your face, did you think I was going to tear this girl apart?"
Hearing this, Su Qing shook her head. "I know what kind of person you are. You wouldn't do something like that."
"Do you really think so?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"Good! But why are you suddenly staring at me?"
"It's nothing. I'm just curious about what you two talked about..."
Su Qing's curiosity was justified. After all, Ao Ying's initial attitude toward Bai Rou'er had been extremely hostile. Yet after this talk, the hostility was gone. They even seemed to be on good terms.
Ao Ying, sensing Su Qing's curiosity, decided to tease her. She propped her cheek on her hand and said with a playful smile, "That? Why don't you try to guess?"
Su Qing was slightly speechless. "I'm asking because I can't guess."
"Oh, that's true, isn't it?" Ao Ying laughed. "Actually, we didn't talk about anything special. We just cleared up some misunderstandings."
"Is that really all?"
"Does there need to be a special reason?" Ao Ying said with a chuckle. "Some things are much simpler than you think!"
Hearing this, Su Qing couldn't help but scratch her head. Perhaps she really was overcomplicating things.
She smiled and shook her head. "I suppose I was making it too complex."
Su Qing ultimately decided not to press for more details. Regardless of what they had discussed, as long as the two of them hadn't reached an uncontrollable breaking point, it was perfectly fine. Even if it ended this simply, it was better than a disastrous outcome.
Seeing that Su Qing seemed to have let it go, Ao Ying smiled. "Alright, let's leave this matter for now. There's no point in dwelling on it."
Su Qing nodded and said no more.
Ao Ying continued, "It's getting late. Leng Xiang and I will go start lunch. We have a guest today; we can't let her go hungry."
Su Qing nodded. "In that case, I'll go handle the matter with the Spider Spirits. It won't take long. By the time I'm finished, I should be back just in time for lunch."
"That sounds about right. But it depends on how efficient you are."
"Then it's settled," Su Qing said.
After lunch, she would be taking Ao Ying and the others to the Northern Continent. Therefore, she wanted to handle the Spider Spirits' affairs now to avoid a frantic rush later that might lead to mistakes.
However, just as Su Qing was about to set off, Bai Rou'er suddenly spoke up, offering to go along and help.
Su Qing was surprised. She didn't think Bai Rou'er would be of much help in this specific matter. However, she didn't refuse. Having the girl along would give her a chance to ask a few questions on the way.
Su Qing nodded. "If you want to come, that's fine..."
Bai Rou'er immediately beamed and said, "Thank you, Sister Su."
"You're coming to help, so why are you thanking me?" Su Qing asked, amused.
"It's nothing, I just simply wanted to say thanks," Bai Rou'er replied with her usual silly grin.
Su Qing was baffled but didn't pay it much mind. She simply said, "Fine, whatever you like. Let's head out now."
Bai Rou'er had no objections and nodded happily. "Okay!"
Su Qing turned and led Bai Rou'er out of the courtyard, heading toward the town at the foot of the mountain.
Ao Ying watched them leave but didn't say anything. She simply turned to find Leng Xiang and said, "Let's go. We need to start cooking."
Leng Xiang looked up at Ao Ying and asked with a hint of confusion, "I thought for sure you'd find a way to drive her away. Why did you end up making peace with her?"
Since Leng Xiang hadn't been part of their conversation, she was naturally curious.
Aoy Ying's crimson lips curved into a slight smile. "She was dumped here by Senior Guanyin. Even Sister Su couldn't just throw her away, let alone us."
"Besides, our misunderstandings have been cleared, so there's no need to remain hostile."
"Though I don't know how much of what she said is true, since she's said those things... if she ever thinks about 'devoting herself' to Su Qing in the future, you and I will have more ground to stand on."
Leng Xiang listened, looking a bit dazed. She didn't seem to fully grasp what Ao Ying was saying. However, she did understand one thing: Ao Ying claimed there had been a misunderstanding.
"What misunderstanding?"
"The part about her wanting to devote herself to Su Qing."
"Is that so? But with her staying by Master's side, and given Master's personality..."
"That... is another matter entirely. On that front, you and I will just have to keep a close eye on Sister Su," Ao Ying said with a helpless smile. "After all, we likely can't drive her away for now."
At this, Leng Xiang finally understood Ao Ying's intent. She nodded helplessly. "I see. I understand now."
"It's good that you understand," Ao Ying said, shaking her head with a smile. "Come on! Let's cook. Otherwise, when Sister Su gets back, she'll be staring at a cold stove."
Leng Xiang said no more and followed Ao Ying into the kitchen.
On the other side, Su Qing and Bai Rou'er walked toward the town, carrying the flower basket.
They didn't walk very fast. On one hand, they wanted to admire the scenery of Changbai Mountain; on the other, Su Qing wanted to ask Bai Rou'er some questions. If they went too fast, they would arrive before she could finish.
Su Qing turned to look at Bai Rou'er, who was glancing around at the mountain scenery. "What exactly did you and Ao Ying talk about? Why did her attitude toward you change so much after your chat?"
Bai Rou'er wasn't surprised by the question. She simply smiled and said, "Didn't Sister Ao Ying already tell you? We just cleared up some misunderstandings. Other than that, we just talked about the past and some casual things."
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