"I have been learning cultivation at the institution for a few years now, so I've gotten used to life outside. I came back this time only because I heard something had happened to Ning'er, so I won't be staying too long. I will have to be back at school tomorrow by the time of training."
Nangong Lingyun paused before continuing, "Uncle Tang, may I go to Ning'er's chamber? I'd like to take a look at the magnolia tree in the courtyard."
The mention of the magnolia tree reminded Tang Xiao of Tang Ning's childhood. He sighed softly and reminisced. "Come to think of it, Ning'er was only eight or nine years old when you left for the institution. Both of you have not seen each other for about four to five years."
Tang Xiao stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and said, "You haven't changed much. No doubt you've grown up and are more mature now, but you still look quite the same. Even though you have been away for a few years, I still recognized you straightaway. Ning'er, on the other hand, has blossomed into a young woman. I doubt you would be able to recognize her if you were to see her now."
As he spoke of his precious daughter, a rare smile appeared on Tang Xiao's face. "You and Ning'er planted that magnolia tree together. All these years, Ning'er has been taking good care of it by herself. Run along and take a look at your tree, it has grown very tall now."
"Alright." Nangong Lingyun nodded his head in acknowledgment. He bowed slightly to Tang Xiao before exiting the great hall.
Although it has been a long time since he visited the Tang residence, Nangong Lingyun still knew his way around the house from his memory. Soon, he found his way to Tang Ning's chamber and courtyard. There in the courtyard, he saw the magnolia tree growing by the wall.
It had just been a small shrub when he left for studies that year. Now the tree towered over him. Looking at the tree, he was reminded of what he had said to Ning'er when they planted the tree.
"The time when our magnolia tree matures… Is the time I will ask for your hand in marriage…"
However, time and distance had diluted the sweetness of this childhood romance. Nangong Lingyun's memory of Tang Ning was still of an innocent and charming little girl. When Tang Xiao mentioned that she had blossomed into a young woman, Nangong Lingyun found it hard to envision how the grown-up Tang Ning might look like.
Now, nobody knew where Ning'er had gone. Furthermore, she had lost her cultivation skills. Nangong Lingyun could not help but worry whenever he thought about that. "Without any means of self-protection, Ning'er was vulnerable and alone," he thought. "Would she meet with any danger?"
"Brother Lingyun"
A soft and gentle voice startled Nangong Lingyun, as he jolted out of his thoughts. He turned around to see a young girl standing below the archway of the courtyard entrance. The girl dressed in white robes was a stunning beauty and had a captivating aura. She looked at him with a slight smile on her sweet and delicate face.
She looked to be around 13 or 14 years old. Nangong Lingyun studied her silently as she approached him, there was a mixture of admiration and shyness in her eyes.
But Nangong Lingyun had only one thing on his mind. Who was she?
She was likely a member of the Tang family, for they seldom entertained guests. But he had no impression of her whatsoever from his childhood memories.
Seeing his blank expression, Tang Shuang could not help but feel disappointment. She asked with a saddened expression, "Brother Lingyun does not remember Shuang'er?"
"You are Tang Shuang?"
Nangong Lingyun was taken aback and then took a good look at her again. He had a faint memory of Tang Shuang. Tang Shuan was Tang Ning's half-sister by Tang Xiao's second wife. When Nangong Lingyun used to come over to play with Tang Ning, Tang Shuang would often follow them around.
However, his memory of Tang Shuang was of a little girl who liked to follow them, and who was always a little shy and apprehensive. Hence, when he saw this dainty and elegant young girl before him, he could not recognize her at all.
Looking at the handsome young man in front of her, Tang Shuang blushed and said softly, "Yes, I am Tang Shuang. Brother Lingyun, it's been a while."