Ao Tian chuckled, "I don't think I ever said I was the coachman, did I?"
"But you were sitting outside the whole time."
"Does sitting outside automatically make me the coachman?" Ao Tian asked.
"Then you are..."
"This carriage is mine."
Zhu Zhuqing was mortified, utterly embarrassed. She had completely overlooked the actual owner, assuming he was just the coachman.
She remembered the Silver Soul Coin she'd deliberately not given to Ao Tian, instead giving it to Xiao Wu. Thinking about it now was excruciatingly awkward.
Her usually expressionless, cold face flushed red, and she said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were just a coachman."
It was no wonder she thought that. Normally, how could a carriage not have a coachman? Would someone who could afford such a luxurious carriage drive the horses themselves?
Of course not!
She re-examined Ao Tian, and only then did she realize that besides having an extremely handsome appearance, Ao Tian's temperament was also extremely rare.
Previously, she thought Ao Tian was just a coachman, so she hadn't observed him closely. Now, it was clear that Ao Tian was different.
Ao Tian said, "It's okay, Xiao Wu is the mistress of this carriage. It's fine that you gave her the money."
Being reminded of this, Zhu Zhuqing's face turned even redder, and she blamed herself for not being observant enough.
At the same time, she felt a strong curiosity towards Ao Tian.
What kind of person could have two such outstanding women at the same time?
From Xiao Wu and Gu Yue Na willingly being kissed by Ao Tian earlier, she could tell the relationship between Xiao Wu, Gu Yue Na, and Ao Tian.
"Stop it, are we playing or not?" Xiao Wu said, clearly not happy after losing twice.
"Let's not. Put it away, we're about to enter the city," Ao Tian replied.
Hearing that they were about to enter the city, Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up, and her earlier unhappiness vanished instantly.
Entering the city meant it was time for lunch.
What could be more important than eating?
The Dragon Horse's speed began to slow. Xiao Wu impatiently pulled open the carriage door, and the outline of a city already appeared in her sight.
On the way to Soto City, they would pass through other cities, allowing them to taste the delicacies of each.
The carriage entered the city and slowly made its way towards the most famous restaurant in town.
Ao Tian always managed to find the best places to eat in a city. Though they were a bit pricey, money wasn't an issue for him; the taste was what mattered.
After more than ten minutes, the carriage stopped in front of the gate of a luxuriously decorated restaurant.
Xiao Wu and Gu Yue Na simultaneously took out veils and covered their faces. Their movements were very practiced, which made Zhu Zhuqing stunned.
Xiao Wu giggled, "It's all because we're too beautiful. Naturally beautiful people easily attract trouble. Girls need to know how to protect themselves when they're out and about."
Zhu Zhuqing agreed, nodding thoughtfully. She felt a bit more respect for Xiao Wu and Gu Yue Na.
My experience is still too little. I need to learn from others.
The group got out of the carriage. A waiter immediately greeted them warmly, leading the Dragon Horse to the parking lot at the back.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the high-end restaurant and frowned. As a noble family that could form a marriage with the Star Luo Royal Family, although Zhu Zhuqing's status in the family wasn't great, she still had some experience.
The expenses here were absolutely terrifying, not something just anyone could afford.
She thought about the money she had left and then followed Ao Tian and the other two inside.
She didn't have much money, but she could afford a few meals here. Surely, the three people in front of her wouldn't expect her to pay?
After entering the restaurant, Zhu Zhuqing had initially intended to eat alone, but Ao Tian had ordered a private room, and Xiao Wu enthusiastically invited her to join them.
With no other choice, Zhu Zhuqing entered the private room with Xiao Wu and the others.
Ao Tian ordered quickly, selecting more than a dozen of the most expensive signature dishes. When it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn, she was already shocked by the prices.
She could afford each dish individually, but the combined cost of the dozen or so dishes Ao Tian had ordered was terrifying. Even splitting the bill four ways was beyond her means.
"I... I think that's enough," Zhu Zhuqing said, closing the menu and forcing a smile.
She had originally wanted to suggest eating outside, but on second thought, that would be too embarrassing.
If she didn't have money, then she didn't. She could just owe them for now. It would be utterly mortifying to leave in such a disheartened manner.
Gu Yue Na and Ao Tian had both guessed that Zhu Zhuqing might be short on funds, but only the carefree Xiao Wu was oblivious.
Xiao Wu felt like she and Zhu Zhuqing were getting acquainted, so she asked, "Zhu Zhuqing, what are you going to Soto City for?"
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm going there to study."
Xiao Wu's interest was immediately piqued. She continued, "We're also going to Soto City to study. It's a big city with several academies. Which academy are you going to?"
"Shrek Academy," Zhu Zhuqing replied, then added, "This academy isn't very well-known; you might not have heard of it."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened in surprise. She exclaimed excitedly, "It's such a coincidence! We're also going to Shrek Academy!"
Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback, not expecting to run into someone else also heading to Shrek Academy after hitching a ride.
"Isn't it a coincidence?" Xiao Wu said excitedly.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, "It is a coincidence."
She'd originally thought that since they were just chance acquaintances, they'd go their separate ways in Soto City and there wouldn't be any further connection.
But now, after learning that Xiao Wu and the others had the same goal as her, Zhu Zhuqing's attitude towards them changed slightly, becoming a bit more friendly.
After all, these three might be her classmates in the future.
"I heard... the assessment requirements for Shrek Academy are very strict, requiring that the age not exceed thirteen years old, and that the soul power must reach level twenty-one or above, do you know?" Zhu Zhuqing said.
As she said this, her gaze fell on Gu Yue Na and Ao Tian.
She already knew Xiao Wu's Soul Elder strength, and her age didn't seem to exceed thirteen. However, she didn't yet know the strength of Ao Tian and Gu Yue Na.
Ao Tian smiled, "We know. Entering Shrek Academy isn't difficult for us."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Although she was still curious about the strength of Ao Tian and Gu Yue Na, she didn't ask further.
The dishes were served quickly, and Xiao Wu ate with gusto. Zhu Zhuqing was a bit reserved, but Ao Tian could still see the deep-seated longing in her eyes.
He recalled that Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have a difficult time in her family. Therefore, this meal might be the best she had ever had in her life.
After finishing the meal and paying the bill, Ao Tian paid ten Gold Soul Coins.
Ten Gold Soul Coins, which an ordinary family might not be able to save up even after working for several years, yet Ao Tian spent without even batting an eyelid.
Zhu Zhuqing was very curious. What exactly was Ao Tian's identity? She thought for a moment, even her most favored elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun, would definitely not spend ten Gold Soul Coins so casually.
"Ao Tian," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly called out.
"What's up?" Ao Tian turned around.
Zhu Zhuqing took out a Gold Soul Coin and said, "This meal cost two and a half Gold Soul Coins per person. I'll give you one first, and I'll pay you back the rest later, okay?"
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(End of Chapter)