Besides, she had social anxiety... Even if she wouldn't be thrown in jail, other people's gazes were still terrifying!
Take it slow; it'll get better! Lovia cheered herself on as she walked.
The closer she got to that grand entrance, the more hesitant her steps became. Last time she was "caught," but this time she was visiting of her own accord. Plus, knowing her "background" made the feeling completely different.
Having finally dawdled her way to the entrance, the Feiyun Commerce Guild's grand gate and the meticulous guards caused the courage she had just summoned to deflate a bit.
I had social anxiety in my past life, but I can't have it in this one; I need to change!
Lovia took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The guard looked at the child before him, wrapped in a hooded cloak with only half a face showing, his expression full of confusion and scrutiny.
"Little one, who are you looking for?" The guard's gaze flickered to the fruit in her hand, trying to make his tone sound less like an interrogation.
Lovia cleared her throat, trying to make her voice sound natural. "I... I'm looking for Second Young Master Xingqiu. Could you please announce me? Just say... say it's the person he helped the other night, here to thank him."
The guard looked her up and down skeptically.
Looking for the Second Young Master? And someone he helped at night? This combination sounded a bit subtle, but seeing that although Lovia was dressed strangely, she was only carrying ordinary fruit and was just a child, she didn't seem dangerous.
"Wait here a moment." The guard finally nodded and turned to go inside to announce her.
Lovia stood obediently in place, keeping her head down and trying to minimize her presence. Her heart was in her throat: Would Xingqiu think she was being redundant? What if he was busy? What if he wasn't home?
Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long before a brisk set of footsteps came from inside.
"Miss Luvia?" Xingqiu's voice, tinged with surprise and a smile, reached her first, followed quickly by his appearance at the gate.
Today, he was wearing a set of light blue casual clothes, looking fresh and relaxed. When his gaze fell on Lovia and he saw what she was carrying, the smile in his eyes deepened.
"It really is you. It seems your health is no longer a concern?" His tone was gentle, dispelling a bit of Lovia's nervousness.
"Mhm! Much, much better!" Lovia nodded hastily, instinctively wanting to pull her hood higher, but since her hands were full, she had to give up on the idea.
She held up the bag of fruit and handed it over somewhat awkwardly. "Um... thank you for helping me that night. This... is for you."
Xingqiu found her clearly unpracticed "socializing" quite amusing. He took the bag, glanced at the fresh fruit inside, and smiled. "Miss Luvia, you're too kind. It was just a small favor, yet you've gone to such expense."
"It's no expense! It's only right!" Lovia said quickly. "You helped me a lot."
If not for him, she might have actually collapsed halfway (after all, she had suddenly lost her strength halfway through) and wouldn't even have been able to buy the much-needed ore.
Xingqiu smiled and didn't decline further, graciously accepting the thank-you gift. He keenly noticed that Lovia's complexion was indeed much better than that night; though she was still wrapped up tightly, her movements had regained their vitality.
He looked at the little one before him, his heart stirring slightly as he vaguely sensed something different from before.
The few times he'd seen her before, she was like a startled little animal, shrinking her entire body into that heavy cloak, as if that layer of fabric were the only thing that could keep danger at bay.
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