Chapter 50: The Seeds of Life — A Gift for Zhang Lexuan
"Alright, since there are no objections, it's settled then."
Yan Shaozhe chuckled and looked at Ye Chen with satisfaction. "Xiao Chen, from now on you must work hard. Once you're a bit older, I'll teach you how to manage the outer court."
"Yes, thank you, Teacher~" Ye Chen replied with a bright smile.
In truth, he wasn't particularly interested in administration. But it didn't matter. A good leader didn't need to handle every detail—he only needed to recognize talent. With all the gifted people in the academy, managing things would be effortless as long as he picked the right ones.
The meeting didn't last long.
Ye Chen was mostly there to show his face to the elders so they would know him personally and look after him in the future.
His promotion and rewards had already been decided the day before. Today was just the formality.
After the meeting dispersed, Ye Chen parted ways with Ma Xiaotao and immediately went to find Zhang Lexuan.
He was well aware that she had played a crucial role in securing his new status and rewards.
While Ye Chen didn't care much for the perks themselves, he truly appreciated her effort and intended to thank her properly.
...
At a secluded side courtyard of the Sea God Pavilion, Zhang Lexuan had just returned from the assembly and was heading toward her residence when she heard footsteps behind her.
Turning slightly, she saw Ye Chen approaching.
"Xiao Chen, what are you following me for?" she asked with a gentle smile, amusement flickering in her clear eyes.
Even though she didn't know what he wanted, just seeing him lightened her mood. Normally serene and composed, she always found herself smiling easily around him.
"Big Sister, I just wanted to thank you. This time, it's all thanks to your help," Ye Chen said sincerely as he walked up to her.
Zhang Lexuan laughed softly, covering her mouth with one hand as she affectionately tapped his nose with the other. "Oh, you—why so formal? You're my little brother. Isn't it natural for a big sister to take care of her younger brother?"
"Come now, you've already come this far, at least come inside for some tea."
Without waiting for his reply, she took his hand and led him into her courtyard.
As the senior inner court disciple, her residence was more like a small estate—spacious, elegant, and serene, at least three times bigger than Ma Xiaotao's quarters.
Elegant pavilions stood around a beautifully tended garden, the air rich with spiritual energy. It felt like a hidden paradise, perfect for cultivation.
"Here, have some tea. I'll make you something to eat~" Zhang Lexuan said warmly, already bustling about.
She had long wanted to invite Ye Chen over, but hadn't found the right opportunity. Now that he'd come on his own, she wasn't about to waste the chance.
She would host him with the utmost care—how else could she make him feel at home enough to keep visiting?
Life in the inner court was monotonous. Ye Chen had become the one bit of joy in her otherwise disciplined routine.
Of course, once upon a time that role had been filled by Bei Bei—when he was still young and lively. But after he matured and fell for Tang Ya, he had stopped visiting entirely.
Ye Chen was far more endearing.
"Big Sister, you don't need to bother. I came today to thank you," Ye Chen said with a smile, gently tugging at her sleeve before taking out a small ornate wooden box.
"I actually brought you a gift. Please—don't refuse."
Inside were three glowing green orbs—Seeds of Life. Each one was condensed from a year of his own lifespan.
They weren't just miraculous healing treasures; when used by the uninjured, they acted as supreme beauty elixirs.
The perfect gift for a woman.
Too many would seem careless; too few, insincere. Three was just right.
"Hmm? What's this?"
Zhang Lexuan opened the box and found the three shimmering pills lying quietly within.
"It's an heirloom healing medicine from my family," Ye Chen explained. "That was what I gave Sister Xiao Tao before—it can instantly mend even critical wounds. When no healer is nearby, it could save a life."
"What—? Xiao Chen, this is far too precious!" Zhang Lexuan gasped, shaking her head quickly. "I can't accept this…"
With her experience, she could easily recognize their worth. A pill like that would be priceless—beyond anything money could buy.
Three of them? Impossible.
But Ye Chen simply smiled and pressed the box back into her hands.
"Big Sister, please. It's just a token of my gratitude."
He leaned closer, gently wrapped an arm around her waist, and whispered near her ear, his breath brushing lightly against her skin.
"They're not just healing medicine… they can also preserve beauty. These three alone would make you look three years younger."
Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched. "What? That effective?"
Every woman had a fondness for youth, and Zhang Lexuan was no exception. The thought of glowing skin and renewed vitality made her heart race.
At the same time, her cheeks flushed crimson.
Ye Chen was so close that she could feel his warmth, his breath tickling her ear, sending strange ripples across her chest.
And that subtle masculine scent—clean yet entrancing—made her pulse quicken despite herself.
Instinctively, she found her arms circling his waist, holding him back.
"To me, this little gift isn't nearly as precious as you, Big Sister," Ye Chen said softly. "One for healing, two for beauty—it's nothing compared to how much I value you."
He stepped back slightly, meeting her eyes.
Zhang Lexuan hesitated, her lips parting, then smiled tenderly. "Alright, fine. I'll accept them. But only because they're from my little brother."
Of course, she'd never admit out loud that she was tempted by the "beauty enhancement" he'd mentioned.
"See? That's more like it~" Ye Chen grinned brightly, content.
Gifts were the fastest way to earn goodwill. Friendship… affection… all nurtured by sincerity.
And if he could eventually bring her into the Tang Sect's camp, all the better. With her on his side, many future problems would be easily solved.
"Oh, right! Wait here, I have something for you too!"
Zhang Lexuan suddenly remembered something, her face lighting up. She turned and hurried into her room.
Ye Chen blinked, intrigued.
"What could Sister Lexuan possibly give me? Hard to imagine..."
He stroked his chin, a mix of curiosity and amusement on his face.
It was clearly an impulsive gesture—but what could it be?
Surely not… something personal, right?
(END CHAPTER)
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