The next day,
Lian was running errands for the wedding that she would attend tomorrow. There was a lot of rush in the Hua market as it was the month of the wedding. People held wedding ceremonies after the Moonlight festival. It was like a tradition.
Lain was squeezing her way but people won't budge from their places, especially women who are arguing with the sellers to reduce the prices. Women can be stubborn and unreasonable sometimes. Lian tried to go through but people were only pushing each other and poor Lian whose weight was below average just went flying after a push from a fat grumpy lady. Lian was about to fall on the rocky path, she embraced herself ready to take the fall when she found herself held mid-way. She opened her eyes and saw herself in the arms of a boy. He had a long face with big eyes and his bucket teeth made him look like a cute hamster. He gave a big smile and helped her to stand properly
"My name is Chen Li Wei. May I have the honor to know your name? "
"What is the formal talking? You are not talking to the Princess of this state. My name is Li Lian. Just an ordinary girl. New here? Never seen you before."
"Ahh... Yes, this is my first time here. I came from Longshan. I am a demon slayer. "
"Like an exorcist? "
"No! The ones who can study demons, their strength, and weaknesses are all about them. Have you never heard of Xueyuan Mingde? "
"XUEYUAN MINGDE!! FOR REAL. Then can you also teach me some of the skills? " Please, please, please"
"Teach you? Aihha! Little girl, you should not take the risk of learning these skills. Sometimes even life is at stake while learning. You better don't"
"I am not afraid of anything. Teach me. I am asking so I am taking the risk. Why do you need to worry? "
"Because I will be responsible for you as a teacher. And if anything happens to you, your family will hold me responsible for it. "
"Hmph, meanie! Come with me if you want any help Or else we can go separate ways"
"I am new here, I need an inn and a few familiar faces, in case I need help. So please, Miss Lian, take the lead " Said Li Wei while showing hands indicating Lian to move ahead with a pleading face.
Lian also agreed as she just wants to help anyone who asks for help. And Chen Li Wei seems to be a good person. Also, he is a demon slayer. Maybe he befriends Lian and agrees later on to teach her some skills. The two entered the shop and saw Xiaobo busy with the ledger book, Ming was cleaning the blades and swords while Wei was sharpening the old blades.
"Guys, this is Chen Li Wei. My new friend. He is new to the city and needs help so I brought him here. "
Hearing this the three stop their work. Ming was the first one who welcomed him like an excited puppy.
"Hi, my name is Li Ming. Nice to meet you"
"Me too. "
"What is the reason for coming to this city? "Asked Xiaobo with a poker face.
" I am from XueYuan Mingde. I practice cultivation and specialize in killing demons. I came here to learn more about the world. "
Xiaobi just nodded but still had a poker face and went back to his work. Zhang Wei was still standing far from them giving a cold shoulder.
"Brother Wei. You should at least greet new people. " Said Lian making a pouty face.
At this, Wei smiles and gives a nod towards her. Then he looks at Chen Li Wei and with a cold face says HELLO. And then again continues to work.
"He is also Wei. This new guy is also Wei. Woow" said Ming as always excited. Lian chuckled at his childish talks.
"What help do you need from us? Get to the point. No need to hesitate" Said Xiaobo.
"I am here to see if there is any help needed from me. According to my teacher, I need to observe any weird things and if demons are found here then I have to eliminate them. So my stay in this city is for two months. After that, I will shift to another city. "
"So for that, you will need an inn, a good restaurant, and some friends. Good. I will take you to an inn. Let's go" Said Xiaobo while getting up.
"Ahh... That Li Wei can go later on also. First, he needs to make friends, right? We can talk. Anyway, there is no work for me. "
"I would be glad to talk with you".
Then a long chat started between Li Wei, Li Ming, and Li Lian
" Hey, now that I think we all are Li's. All have Li in their names. What a coincidence. The Li trio" said Ming. While the others just nodded.
Seeing this Xiaobo was getting restless.
"I want Lian's attention towards me only. But this Li Wei is being too friendly. He is of the same age as Lian. He looks handsome but not so much. Not much than me. That's for sure. But... he is very friendly and is not cold and rude like me. Will Lian like him more than me? "
Xiaobo got up and stormed out of the shop. Seeing this Li Wei understood that he and Lian have something between them.
Xiaobo was roaming the streets when he saw a mansion named Luo Mansion where a wedding ceremony was taking place in the yard. Everyone outside could see the ceremony. Xiaobo stood outside and was watching the ceremony. The radiant bride and groom exuded joy and bliss on their special day.
Xiaobo imagined whether Lian would also be this happy when their wedding took place. Will they be the cute couple, the fighting and bickering couple, the quiet couple, the shy ones, or a perfect fit for each other? Xiaobo was immersed in his thoughts when a loud sound startled him. The wedding ceremony was over and all people were going out. Xiaobo smiled and went back to his shop. His joyful demeanor shattered like glass when he witnessed Lian's laughter and smiles while engaged in a game with Li Wei. Li Wei was also trying to make her laugh by making faces. Ming was nowhere to be seen. Xiaobo came inside while loudly clearing his throat.
"Xiao! Where have you been? I was bored so was playing a game with Mr. Li. Why did you leave me alone? "
Hearing this Xiaobo felt very happy and all his jealousy vanished within seconds when Lian hugged him. Xiaobo also returned the hug.
"I just went out to see the cheerful wedding out there. We need to attend Yan Mu's wedding tomorrow. So I was just seeing what gifts people give and all the rituals as this will be our first time"
"Why do you need to worry about that? I already brought some clothes for the bride and bridegroom. I know you were busy with work so I brought myself. Check later if you like it or not"
"Something that my Lian brought is always good. I like your choice of things and also of people. You choose me and that is the best choice. The same goes for me. "
At this, Lian blushed and hid herself in her lover's broad chest. Li Wei just kept watching the love birds with a dejected face.
"I did not even get a chance to make Xiaobo jealous. Lian clearly declared that she is his. What a pity. I am not given importance as a one-sided lover." Said Li Wei to himself while adoring the cute lovebirds.
After that Li Wei wne tot rest in the 'Hua Inn' as told by Xiaobo. Ming came back with a small date that he had with Zhang Ning with Zhang Wei back from work without a single knowledge of his sister daring someone he knows very well. Then the little family ate dinner and went to rest. The moonlight was bright up with wind blowing making the atmosphere cold. The whole city was in silence as the night became darker. A loud high pitched screamed in the admist from Luo Mansion. People rushed in to see the reason of scream . When they rea hed their eyeballs almost popped out and their sleep heads made a note that now they won't be able to sleep peacefully.
The newly married bride which married in the morning was missing. What made the maid scream was lots of blod on the floor with NAILS OF HUMAN ARRANGED IN SHAPE OF FLOWER AND HAIRS LAID OUT MAKING A BLOODY, NASTY FLOWER WITH LEAVES. WHO DID SUCH A PSYCHPATHETIC WORK!!