Of course, Xiao Xi's gaze only went as far as Ah Jun; as for the two at the very front, out of sight, out of mind.
—Why did I feel no discomfort seeing that girl, but instead very natural and comfortable... We shouldn't have met before, so why do I always feel she's so familiar, and there's a mysterious sense of kinship... But we just had a conflict, yet when I shouted at her, why did I feel a bit reluctant?
Ah Jun rarely lost his temper; no matter how much Xiao Xi caused trouble, he would only offer gentle advice. But toward this princess, he actually couldn't control himself... Perhaps the girl's behavior was too domineering and unreasonable, or it could be understood as Ah Jun having an innate educational psychology toward willful and capricious people.
Just like in his childhood, he once helped a lost little girl... Though that incident was small and long ago, Ah Jun remembered it clearly.
One afternoon, on Ah Jun's way home from school, in a small alley near his home, he happened to encounter some bad kids bullying a child—it was a little girl, crying pitifully, who appeared to be from a well-off family, even her tiny hair clip was studded with crystals.
Thus, those bad kids, seeing such a little lamb, naturally wanted to extort some pocket money. Although they were only frightening her, it already constituted the vile behavior of many against one.
Therefore, Ah Jun, who usually preferred self-preservation, chose to act righteously—he resolutely stood before the little girl, confronting the bad kids, attempting to persuade them with reason to turn from their wrong path. But this was merely his own naive idea; the opponents completely ignored this frail adversary, continuing to press forward step by step.
Until those bad kids were inexplicably beaten up, the crisis was resolved. Although the heroic Ah Jun, due to physical reasons, hadn't moved at all and his legs were already trembling, he had somehow successfully rescued the damsel in distress.
As for what happened to those kids and why they retreated, he never understood at the time. He only saw those children staggering around, crying out "ouch ouch" before fleeing in disgrace... It looked as if some expert had helped, almost like stepping into a martial arts film.
Therefore, regarding this little princess, it was probably due to his conditioned response that Ah Jun couldn't help wanting to educate her—but now, after the incident, looking at the girl not far away, his heart felt somewhat reluctant, and he seemed a bit regretful.
However, naturally, the little princess completely didn't care about Ah Jun's thoughts. At this moment, she was leisurely strolling while cheerfully chatting with Yuwen Lü, her mood already improved—smiling, giggling, laughing heartily, as if her personality had changed completely.
Until the girl untied the hairband used during training and her hair fell down... Ah Jun suddenly discovered this little princess was actually quite adorable, and at this moment, he felt that if she weren't so arrogant and domineering, always staying this well-behaved, how wonderful that would be.
But these were thoughts he knew he shouldn't have... And regarding the emergence of this thought, Ah Jun himself didn't understand why. However, since childhood, his mind had been filled with many thoughts, so perhaps it was just coincidental.
"Hmm, Brother Lü... who is that brat?"
"Him... remember the first place in the martial arts examination?"
"Yes! Of course I remember—Hmph, that person actually dared use underhanded methods to steal my... Wait, Brother Lü, you mean he's that person?!"
"Yes!"
"Ah! Truly enemies are bound to meet—Hmm... Hey, what are you looking at, hmph... pervert!"
"Ah Jun, what are you staring at so intently?"
Just as Ah Jun was strolling while watching the girl, unable to help spacing out, the opposite little princess seemed to suddenly sense something, turned her head sharply, glared fiercely at him, then protested loudly. At this moment, Xiao Xi had also come to Ah Jun's side, wanting to console him—but because the chubby kid talked too much, everyone told him off again.
"What are you talking about, you—Brother, ignore her, this girl's been spoiled!"
"Don't you think she's actually quite cute now—completely different from before?"
"Oh, that—Hey, birds of a feather flock together. Isn't it because of that old witch Sacred Empress... When she was little, she was still okay..."
"Ahem, Young Master Xiao Xi, please mind your words!"
"No, Uncle Li, why are you like a repeater, back and forth with just these two sentences—I didn't say anything wrong..."
"Xiao Xi!"
"Hmm... if you had half of Young Master Xiao Jun's self-awareness, I wouldn't need to speak!"
"Ha? So you only know these few sentences..."
"Elderly sir, please just call me Ah Jun. I'm not any young master!"
"It's appropriate, you're an especially important guest—Also, call me Uncle Li like Xiao Xi does!"
Regarding this elderly gentleman's attitude, Ah Jun really felt a bit unaccustomed, after all, he grew up under everyone's spittle. Moreover, Xiao Xi had mentioned that Uncle Li was an important minister of the imperial family, a veteran of three dynasties, and the general manager of the entire Purple Capital, holding a position of one below two and above ten thousand. Even His Majesty and the Sacred Empress had to address him as Uncle, treating him respectfully.
Therefore, it's no wonder the little princess and Xiao Xi behaved themselves around him. Of course, being a generational difference and having no blood relation, Uncle Li wasn't overly strict—they're children after all!
However, toward Ah Jun, the old man seemed quite courteous with an extremely strong sense of kinship, even making Xiao Xi a bit puzzled—perhaps it's because Ah Jun was truly well-behaved and likable!
"Ah Jun... brother, why are you still looking at her? What's so interesting about this little girl—Let me tell you quietly, when she was small, she was a tomboy. Compared to our Ning'er, she's far inferior..."
"Hmm... she looks quite pretty. Look at her now..."
Xiao Xi always praised Ning'er highly. At this moment, while he kept complimenting her, he turned to look at his girl, continuing to express his feelings—however, since Ah Jun resolutely protected her, Ning'er had been silently following along, seemingly preoccupied. Perhaps Ah Jun's action broke through her defenses, or possibly because of Ah Jun's special attention to the little princess. In any case, like Ah Jun, she only watched the person ahead, paying no attention to the other boy.
"Brother!"
After a while, Xiao Xi finally returned his attention to Ah Jun, then exclaimed in surprise: "You couldn't possibly have fallen for her... Oh my, my silly brother, this little girl..."
"Shh... lower your voice, what are you saying... I just think she's better in this state—very similar..."
"Better... I don't see it—You're too naive, don't be deceived by this appearance. That earlier behavior was the real her!"
"Hey! What are you two whispering about me... Hmph!"
Regarding Xiao Xi's reminders and warnings, Ah Jun paid no attention—watching the little princess together with Yuwen Lü, chatting and laughing, looking so happy, he felt that scene was wonderful, even feeling these two matched well together. As for his own slight feelings, he couldn't figure them out...
In any case, Ah Jun's intuition was that he quite liked this girl. Additionally, this reminded him of a childhood promise—something Ah Jun had said to Lan'er when he was very young. Though it was just playing house, the boy had been quite serious.
This was also one of the few small secrets he treasured in his heart—Lan'er, once I complete my training successfully, I'll be qualified to fulfill that promise. I'll definitely keep my word!
"Xiao Jun, we're just playing house, you don't need to be so serious!"
"No, Master said one must be honest and keep promises. When I grow up, I definitely will..."
"Oh my... okay okay, then let's pinky promise!"
—Chubby girl, I've always remembered that promise, have you... ?
"Sister Lan'er, do you still remember our agreement?"
"Hmm... Ah, you mean that one, right? I remember. You said when you grow up, you'll become a hero to protect me, right!"
"Ah... yes, right, definitely..."
—Sister Lan'er, you... really don't remember? It seems fish memory really only lasts seven seconds. Never mind, as long as I remember!
"Lan'er, I'll work hard to complete the training. When I return... we..."
"Hmm, I know. Pudding and I have already thought about it—once you succeed, let's celebrate together!"
"Oh..."
"Oh right—Brother Lü, when will that Ocean Star you mentioned be ready?"
"Hmm... it still needs some time. It just completed its first transformation. Let's wait a bit longer—by then, you won't get pricked by thorns anymore!"
"Oh... Hey, Brother Lü, I'm fine. Roses have thorns to protect themselves better—Oh, I'm so looking forward to it. I love roses the most. Does an eternally blooming rose really exist?"
"—Your Highness!"
"Hmm? Little Swallow... Oh, it's really you!"
Just as Xiao Xi was chattering away with Ah Jun, almost forgetting about Ning'er, the little princess's joyful laughter made everyone stop in their tracks.
At this moment, Ah Jun saw, on the left side of the path, a girl about the princess's age was jogging over. Dressed like a gardener, with short hair and tan skin, her smile was brilliant—she rushed forward and hugged the little princess, both of them delighted beyond measure, as friends coming from afar...
"Young Master Lü!"
"Hmm!"
"Little Swallow... why are you here? Don't you have classes today?"
"Hmm! Hehe... Princess Sister, I've already passed the Royal Gardener Assistant qualification examination and received my access permit. From now on, I can come here anytime to help you care for the roses—and also help my grandfather maintain the flower garden. Hey, his back hasn't been feeling well lately..."
"You child... where are your manners—Your Highness, Young Master Lü, Chief Manager Li..."
"Uncle Xiao!"
"Grandfather Xiao!"
"Grandfather, what's wrong with your back?"
"Definitely sprained it..."
"Ahem, Little Swallow—It's nothing, just old age, everyone's like this... we have guests?"
Just as the two girls were reuniting, from not far away, an elderly gentleman in gardener's work clothes, with white hair, was walking toward everyone with spirited vigor. This was Little Swallow's grandfather, also the person in charge of this flower garden, appearing to be about the same age as Yuwen Lü's grandfather. Everyone here, including Uncle Li, treated this old man with great respect.
Ah Jun was the first to notice this elderly gentleman. It appeared the old man had been a gardener in the imperial family for a long time, to the point where everyone regarded him as an elder. However, Grandfather Xiao had no intention of relying on his seniority, treating everyone courteously as well.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the elderly gentleman turned his gaze to the guests, his eyes full of warmth, and Ah Jun also smiled and greeted the old gentleman, both nodding to each other.
"Grandfather, why are you acknowledging him? That boy's just a pervert!"
"Hey... you!"
"Xiao Xi!"
"Hehe, how so... did he offend our little Xin'er..."
"Of course—Hmph, he peeped at me, and... and peeked at girls bathing!"
"Oh... is that so? Did you see all of this with your own eyes? Remember what Grandfather taught you... seeing is believing!"
"Me? I didn't... but—Grandfather, why are you also speaking up for that boy!"
"Alright alright, don't be angry anymore—Hehe, our Princess has a big heart and won't bother with him, okay... Girls should be happy, otherwise they won't be pretty—Hmm... so he's that child?"
"Grandfather~"
After comforting the little princess, the gardener grandfather once again turned his gaze toward Ah Jun and the others, looked at Uncle Li, and asked a question that puzzled everyone. Then, while looking at Ah Jun and nodding again, he stroked his granddaughter's hair with an extremely satisfied expression—What's this situation? I've never met that grandfather either, but why does this feeling seem so strange, yet somewhat warm.
"Princess Sister, today in the rose garden, many Pink Ladies have bloomed—shall I take you to see them together?"
"Really... That's wonderful! Help me pick some petals later—Let's go..."
"Okay!"
Then, the gardener grandfather's granddaughter, Little Swallow, seemed to suddenly remember something and proposed a wonderful idea. The little princess also looked very excited, beaming with joy.
Thus, the two girls held hands and ran off happily to admire the flowers, bringing Yuwen Lü along as well. Then, only Ah Jun's group remained, still chatting.
"Hmm, it's getting rather late—Uncle Xiao, I still need to bring this child to Taihe Hall, so I'll take my leave—Children, let's go!"
"Good good... hurry along, don't miss the appointed time—Xiao Jun, come visit when you have time!"
"Oh... Goodbye, Grandfather Xiao!"
"This child... he's really come!"
"Uncle Li... that gardener grandfather, does he know me?"
"Hmm... not sure. Next time, ask him yourself!"
"Hey! How's that possible... I've also been here a few times, but I've never seen this old man—Ah Jun, you're overthinking!"