While they were on the way to magic kingdom, Shushin explained,, "The colors here, they express your strength and you, so every newborn has his own color and every city too. As for the red color, no one can wear it except the royal family and the husband and wife at their wedding ceremony, as a distinction to them and an illustration of the importance of marriage."
Ziyi asked, "You said every city is different, right? what the difference?"
Shushin smiled, her expression almost dreamy as she continued. "Yes, each city is unique in its own right," she affirmed. "There are a total of twenty cities in the Divine Realm, but the strongest and most influential are the seven most important ones that each house a powerful and talented clan. These cities are known as the 'Four Seasons of the Magic Kingdom', each representing a different season."
"The city of the seas, for instance, represents summer," she elaborated. "While the city of fire represents autumn, and the city of snow is winter, and the city of fairies represents spring!"
Lingjie widened his eyes, taking in the overwhelming amount of information. "Wow, that's a lot of cities! Are the Four Seasons of the Magic Kingdom, really as powerful as you say?"
Ziyi listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder at the description of the diverse and magical lands of the Divine Realm. "It sounds beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But how are each city different from one another, besides their season?"
Shushin chuckled softly at Ziyi's question, amused by her curiosity. "Ah, each city is different in more ways than just its season," she explained. "The culture, the people, the magic, all these things shape each city, making them unique and special in their own right."
Minghao asked about the remaining three cities, Minghao's question had clearly piqued everyone's curiosity, and Shushin's light chuckle seemed to add to the intrigue. "Ah, it's true, I did skip over the remaining three cities quite quickly," she admitted, a small smile on her lips.
As she explained, Shushin's demeanor became more serious, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality. "The City of Eternity is a unique city, dedicated to those who are seeking love and marriage. In order to marry in the divine realm, one must make a journey from their home to the City of Eternity."
"It's a tradition for us," she went on, her voice taking on a softer tone. "You see, the City of Eternity is a place of peace and reflection, where those who are uncertain about their romantic destiny can go to find clarity. The journey there is a symbolic act of devotion to the act of marriage and the love that comes with it. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition, one that we hold dear in our realm."
The room fell silent as Shushin's words echoed in the air. There was a sense of wonder and reverence in everyone's expressions, the idea of making a journey to the City of Eternity to marry a unique and captivating one.
Minghao looked particularly interested, his mind no doubt filling with questions and curiosity. "And what about the other two cities? The City of Death and the City of Demons?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation
Shushin's gaze turned dark as she began to speak about the City of Death. "The City of Death is a place reserved for the dead," she said, her voice taking on a solemn tone.
"The City of Death clan serves as its guardians and defenders, protecting the city from malevolent spirits and evil entities. In many ways, it functions as a kind of spiritual cemetery, a place where the souls of the deceased can find peace and rest."
"But the City of Death is more than just a resting place for the dead," she continued, her tone becoming more reflective. "It is also a place where the souls of the deceased are weighed and judged by the city's guardians. Those who have lived good and noble lives are given rest and eternal peace, while those who have lived lives of corruption and selfishness are denied entry and forced to wander the city as wraiths."
"In a way, the City of Death helps to maintain the balance and order in the Magic Kingdom," she concluded, her expression becoming more solemn. "It serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life and being accountable for one's actions, both in life and in death."
Shushin's expression darkened further as she began to speak about the City of Demons. "The City of Demons is a place ruled by demons, a realm shrouded in darkness and malice," she said, her voice taking on a more ominous tone.
"Now, it is important to understand that demons do not inherently mean evil," she continued, her tone becoming more measured. "However, the relationship between the City of Demons and the other cities, as well as the Royal Family, is strained and complex, to say the least."
There was a sense of unease in the room as Shushin spoke of the City of Demons. The thought of a place ruled by demons, even if they were not inherently evil, was a daunting one.
Minghao appeared particularly intrigued, his eyes fixed intently on Shushin as he asked, "What causes this strained relationship, then?"
Shushin sighed, a weariness in her voice as she replied, "There have been many conflicts and tensions between the City of Demons and the other cities in the past. The City of Demons has a reputation for being selfish and power-hungry, and they have often been in opposition to the ideals of the other cities."
"As for the royal family, they have had their own history of issues with the City of Demons," she continued, her expression hardening. "The two factions have often been at odds, and there is a deep-seated wariness and distrust between them."
Ziyi asked, still amazed at these strange cities: "You said that every city has a skill or something, so what is the skill of those cities?"
Ziyi's question hung in the air for a moment, everyone's interest piqued by the prospect of the unique skills each city held. Shushin smiled, her eyes sparkling with knowledge.
Shushin's smile widened as she spoke about the City of Snow, her voice filled with affection and admiration. "The City of Snow is truly a remarkable place," she began, her eyes dreamy as she described it.
"It's not just a city of medicine and healing, but it is the city's very nature and destiny. From the moment they are born, the members of the Snow City Clan dedicate their lives to the study and practice of medicine. They possess unparalleled skills and knowledge in this field, and everyone holds them in high regard."
"Their color is white, representing their pure hearts and unwavering commitment to their profession," she continued, her smile gentle. "The city is a sprawling, picturesque place, covered in a blanket of snow throughout the year. Anyone who falls ill, be it a mortal or a divine being, goes to the City of Snow for treatment."
"The citizens of the city run all kinds of businesses related to medicine and health, and they lead an incredibly healthy and balanced life, eating only nutritious food that can heal and rejuvenate the body."
Shushin paused for a moment, her expression turning thoughtful. "Even their restaurants are unique and special. They have a strong commitment to health and wellness, and they refuse to serve any food that could potentially harm or cause sickness. It is said that if one does not get used to the healthy food of the City of Snow, it could actually kill them."
The carriage was silent as Shushin finished her description of the City of Snow, the images she had painted in their minds creating a vivid picture of the city's beautiful white landscape and its commitment to health and healing. The group sat in awe, marveling at the unique and amazing place that was the City of Snow.
"That's quite incredible," Minghao breathed, his eyes wide with admiration. "A city that is dedicated to medicine and health to such a degree, it sounds like a utopia."
Eugene nodded in agreement, his own expression filled with wonder. "Yes, and the fact that they have such high standards for their food, even their restaurants only serve healthy food," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "That's truly impressive. I wonder how they manage to keep up such rigorous standards."
"It's all about the culture and commitment of the city," Shushin said, a hint of pride in her voice. "From the moment a Snow City Clan member is born, they are taught the importance of health and healing. It becomes part of their very identity, and they carry it with them throughout their lives. It's become a deep-rooted part of their way of life."
She chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "And let me tell you, the Snow City Clan members take this commitment very seriously. They are a determined and disciplined bunch. I've heard that they even have a saying: 'To take ill in the City of Snow is to betray its people.'"
The group chuckled at Shushin's words, the seriousness of the saying only adding to the humor of the situation. Minghao, however, seemed to ponder on something. "It sounds like their commitment to health and healing is the foundation of their entire city," he mused.
Shushin nodded in agreement. "That's exactly right," she replied. "The City of Snow is centered around the concept of health and healing. It's the foundation upon which the city is built, and it permeates every aspect of their culture and way of life."
"That's really cool, they treat anyone who's sick, What a kindness"
As Lingjie marveled at the kindness of the Snow City Clan, Shushin interrupted her with a bit more information. "Actually," Shushin explained, "it's not quite as simple as that. While the Snow City Clan does indeed provide medical care for those in need, not everyone is eligible to receive their services. They primarily aid the important figures in the kingdom, such as royalty and nobles, leaving the regular citizens to heal themselves in the small hospitals found in every city."
"Although," she continued, a hint of sympathy in her tone, "it is worth noting that the Snow City Clan does not charge the royal family for their services. However, they do charge the other important figures and rich people. It's a fair system, some would say, given their special skills and the high demand for their services."
"I agree," said Ziyi, nodding in understanding. "It makes sense considering their talents and the demand for their services. In the end, it's a way to ensure that their skills are utilized only for those who are able to value and appreciate them."
Shushin smiled at ziyi insight, appreciating her understanding. "Exactly," she said with a nod. "Their skills are highly respected and valued, and so they have the right to determine how and for whom they are used. It's a way of preserving the worth and significance of their medical legacy."
Shushin's voice took on a more ominous tone as she spoke about the City of Demons that sat next to the City of Snow. "The City of Demons," she began, her eyes flickering with unease, "is a place where nightmares are born. The people who live there are known for their ruthless and cunning nature, their skills in the use of weapons and poison, and their proficiency in the arts of torture."
She paused, her expression darkening further. "It's a place of darkness and danger, and few dare to enter or leave it."
She continued, her voice taking on an even more grave tone as she spoke of the city next to it. "The City of Death, as its name suggests, is a place where the deceased are laid to rest. It is known for its funerals and graves, a stark reminder of the fragility of mortal life."
"But what's interesting," Shushin said with a hint of amusement, "is that the City of Eternity is located next to the City of Death. In this kingdom, they have a tradition of distributing the destinies and lives of individuals, and marrying outside the City of Eternity is forbidden."
She chuckled slightly, the idea seeming a bit absurd to her. "It's quite funny, really," she said, "that life's stages are so strictly regimented in this kingdom. But in a way, it's also quite poetic. Life and death, destiny and fate, all tied together in one unified system."
Shushin's expression turned thoughtful as she reflected on the strange arrangement of the cities and their interconnectedness. "It's a reminder," she mused, "that life is a delicate balance of beginnings and endings, and that all facets of existence are interconnected in unexpected ways."
The group of listeners took in Shushin's words, their own expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation. The City of Demons and the City of Death seemed like a place of nightmares, while the City of Eternity and its rigid social structure presented a fascinating paradox.
Minghao chuckled as he reflected on his decision to embark on this new adventure. "I was initially hesitant, leaving everything behind to enter a new and unknown world," he said, his voice tinged with a sense of wonder.
Eugene chimed in with a curious smile. "You haven't mentioned the City of Fairies and the City of the Seas, or the City of Fire, have you?"
Shushin's face lit up at the mention of the city of fairies. "Ah, the City of Fairies," she gushed. "It's said to be a magical place, like a slice of heaven, The trees are said to be colorful, with pink, purple, and yellow leaves, and the houses are painted in vibrant hues," she continued. "The entire city is surrounded by colored water and butterflies, making it a place that appears to be taken straight from a fairytale."
Shushin's eyes sparkled as she described the city in more detail, her voice becoming more animated. "It's a place where cute clothes and accessories can be found, making it a haven for fashionable and dreamy individuals," she said, her mind's eye picturing the city's unique charm.
"They say the city is full of fairies, living out their dreams and embracing the whimsical and magical," Shushin mused. "And did I mention the pink sea? It's said to be a sight to behold, a body of water that sparkles like a gemstone in the sunlight."
The group listened intently, their imaginations captivated by Shushin's description of the City of Fairies. The city seemed like an oasis of wonder and enchantment, a place where dreams and reality intertwined in a beautiful and delightful harmony.
"It sounds like a place straight out of a storybook," Minghao said, his voice filled with wonder. "I can almost picture the colorful trees, the cute clothes, and the pink sea. It must be a truly magical and beautiful place."
Eugene nodded in agreement, his own mind's eye conjuring up images of the city's dreamy charm. "It's hard to believe a place like that actually exists," he said, a hint of awe in his voice. "I can only imagine the kind of treasures and wonders one could find there."
Shushin beamed, her excitement growing as she continued to describe the city. "It's not just the beauty and enchantment that make the City of Fairies special," she explained. "It's the culture and the people who live there. They're known to be cheerful, joyful, and always up for a good time. The city is full of laughter, music, and dancing."
"It's a place of pure, unbridled happiness," Shushin concluded, her eyes shining with admiration. "Like a place where all worries and cares disappear, and you're free to embrace the moment and appreciate the beauty of life."
The group was entranced by Shushin's portrayal of the City of Fairies, their minds filled with visions of a place where happiness and beauty intertwined. The city's enchantment had captured their imagination, leaving them curious and yearning to experience it for themselves one day.
"It seems like a place that would never fail to lift your spirits," ziyi said, a hint of longing in her voice. "Imagine living there, surrounded by laughter and music, never having a dull moment."
Minghao chuckled, his own excitement growing. "Indeed, it's like a place where every day is a celebration," he said, his expression thoughtful. "The energy must be infectious, and living there would be like being on a constant high."
"It would be a never-ending source of inspiration," Eugene chimed in, his mind already filled with ideas. "The colorful surroundings and the joyful atmosphere would be the perfect setting for creating art and literature."
"The City of Fairies is a place where creativity would thrive," Shushin agreed, her tone filled with admiration. "The vibrant colors and the cheerful ambiance would be like a natural muse, igniting a fire within artists and writers alike."
Shushin's description of the City of the Seas continued, her voice dreamy and contemplative. "The trees and houses of the city are a deep, majestic blue, giving the impression that the entire city is submerged in a boundless sea. As you gaze upon the waters, you notice their crystal-clear clarity, allowing you to see the vibrant blue of the sky even in the depths.
Rising high into the air is a spectacular waterfall, its cascading waters a refreshing and soothing sight. The water in the city is said to be of extraordinary purity, making it a sought-after resource for the entire kingdom."
Shushin continued, her tone filled with a sense of awe. "The city's connection to water is profound, and some of its inhabitants even live beneath the sea, living a life intertwined with the very element that defines the city's identity. Everywhere you look, shades of blue and water prevail, while the sun's rays shine down upon the city's streets and structures, casting a crisp and invigorating light upon it all."
"The city's weather is always mild and refreshing," she continued, her voice filled with a sense of wonder, "And the air is always scented with a salty and slightly briny fragrance, a reminder of the city's close ties to the sea. It's a place where one can truly get lost in the endless blue and feel the presence of the mighty sea everywhere around them."
The group listened intently, captivated by Shushin's evocative description. The City of the Seas sounded like a place out of a dream, its deep blue tones and clear waters a breathtaking sight to behold. The very air itself seemed to carry the essence of the sea, as if the city was a physical representation of the ocean's power and grace.
Minghao's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and excitement. "I can almost picture it," he said, his voice tinged with wonder. "The deep blue shade of the trees and houses, the clear blue waters that reflect the sky even at their depths, and the majestic waterfall. It sounds like a place of pure, aquatic beauty."
Eugene nodded in agreement, his own mind's eye already imagining the city's stunning scenery. "And the sea creatures," he added, a hint of marvel in his tone. "If some of the inhabitants actually live under the sea, it must mean there are all sorts of fascinating and exotic creatures down there."
"The city must be a haven for marine life," Lingjie mused, his thoughts filled with visions of vibrant and colorful sea creatures. "I can only imagine the wonders that wait beneath the surface of those crystal-clear waters."
"Imagine what it must feel like to swim in those translucent waters," Shushin said, her voice filled with a sense of wonder, "Surrounded by the deep blue trees, the clear sky above, and the vibrant marine life all around. It must feel like swimming in a living, breathing work of art."
"The City of Fire," Shushin continued, her voice laced with a sense of mystery and enchantment, "is a city built from dark brown wood, its structures creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that belies its fiery name."
"The city's inhabitants are known for their love of food, which can be seen in the numerous food shops and restaurants that line its streets," she explained. "But they aren't just the consumers of food, the people of the City of Fire also have a strong connection to the art of cooking and the manufacturing of vehicles and their related tools."
"The smell of delicious food wafts through the air," she said, a smile on her face, "As if the city itself is a giant kitchen, and each house is baking its own aroma-filled treasures. And the people, they are always willing to share their culinary delights with others, as if their main mission is to turn the moment into a gastronomical celebration."
"The lights that illuminate the city's homes and shops are crafted with care and artistry," she added, her voice filled with a sense of admiration. "Taking the form of beautiful and warm shapes, they cast a comfortable glow and fill the rooms with a soothing and inviting atmosphere."
"And even the air you breathe in the City of Fire is filled with the fragrance of warm food," she concluded, her eyes sparkling with imagination. "It's as if the city itself is a giant bakery, constantly inviting you to indulge in its tasty creations and fill your senses with its comforting scents."
Minghao's mouth watered at the description, his thoughts already filled with visions of delicious food and warm, inviting spaces. "I can almost taste the food already," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "And the idea of breathing in the scents of warm meals and pastries is making my stomach rumble."
Eugene chuckled, his own curiosity piqued by the description. "It sounds like the perfect city for a foodie," he teased. "Surrounded by the smells of delicious food and the sounds of sizzling pots and pans, it's like a constantly exciting cooking show unfolding right there in the heart of the city."
"And not to mention the warm, inviting atmosphere," Lingjie mused, his own mind's eye already imagining the City's cozy and welcoming ambiance. "With lights shaped warmly, and the air filled with the scent of warm food, it sounds like a place where you could spend hours just relaxing and enjoying the moment."
Shushin nodded, her own expression filled with a sense of excitement. "The City of Fire is a place of comfort and warmth," she said, her voice dreamy and contemplative. "The people there have an extraordinary connection to food, and they create a living, breathing kitchen where everything revolves around delicious meals and warm, inviting spaces."
"Imagine walking down the streets," she went on, her voice filled with a sense of wonder, "surrounded by the smell of baking pastries, and the sound of sizzling pans. It's like being in a constant and exciting food festival, and everything and everyone around you is celebrating the joy of eating and cooking together."
"And I can imagine the lights in the City," she added, her tone filled with a sense of anticipation, "Shaping themselves around the houses, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you're always in a warm and comfy living room."
Minghao's stomach growled once more at the description. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting hungry just listening to this," he said, a cheeky grin on his face. "I can practically taste the food of the City of Fire right now."
"Same here," Eugene chuckled, patting his own stomach which had also starting demanding food. "The City of Fire sounds like a paradise for foodies. Where every meal is a party, and every day is a gastronomic adventure."
"Not just that," Lingjie chimed in, his mind filled with delicious visions of food shops and the sounds of bustling kitchens. "The people there have a deep connection to the world of cooking, their love for cooking is almost like a religion. It's like living in a constant celebration of all things food-related."
Shushin nodded, her eyes sparkling with imagination. "The City of Fire is like a living kitchen, where every street is a different recipe, and every restaurant a new dish to try," she said. "The City's inhabitants are food artisans, and they know how to turn every meal into a moment of joy and gastronomical discovery."
"What a connected kingdom," said Eugene. "Each city complements the other perfectly. Everything is so organized that the capital doesn't need to do much."
"Right, but that's the problem", Lingjie said in agreement. "They are talented, in their martial, magical and legal skills! This and every city is completely different from the other, so why don't they rebel against the royal family, for example? Even when an extremely great mage died, they did nothing but cancel the aid agreement between the two kingdoms, did they love peace that much?"
"Perhaps they are not just lovers of peace," said ziyi, her voice thoughtful and contemplative. "Maybe they are bound by something more profound than a mere desire for tranquility. It could be fear, or it could be loyalty. The citizens of this kingdom are incredibly talented in various fields, yet there is no hint of rebellion against the royal family. Even when a powerful mage passed away, their only response was to dissolve a mere aid agreement with another kingdom. It is truly intriguing."
"It seems to me that their love for their country runs deep," Minghao mused, his own thoughts contemplating the situation. "They are incredibly gifted, with remarkable skills in martial arts, magic, and even in the realm of laws. And yet, they remain under the reign of the royal family. It is almost as if they are holding onto their peace for a deeper reason than mere aversion to conflict."
Shushin spoke, her voice taking on a dreamy quality as she painted a picture of the capital. "The capital is the center of the kingdom, a place of great desire and importance. The buildings have a distinctive and beautiful style, the places adorned in red and black, and the trees bearing beautiful red leaves that shimmer in the night. The shops and restaurants are always lively, lit up by golden lights, and the legal matters of the kingdom are handled within its walls."
She continued, "Every birth and death of the citizens of the kingdom are documented within its archives, and an educational center is provided to nurture the youth. The training grounds for soldiers hold a number exceeding 300,000. And as for the royal family, they do not bear the names of any clans but carry unique abilities from the 7 clans of dragons, fairies, foxes, and numerous other creatures."
She paused, her eyes meeting the others, her voice turning contemplative. "Now, with all of the grandeur and importance of the capital, do you still think the citizens of the kingdom are peaceful because they love it? Or do you think they are bound by fear, fearing to lose what they have?"
In the quiet that followed her words, a somber agreement filled the group. Each of them, in their own way, silently acknowledged the truth of her words. The citizens of this kingdom may appear peaceful, but their loyalty and unity were, perhaps, tied more to the fear of loss rather than the love for their kingdom.
Ziyi's voice was calm and measured as she began her explanation. "In a nutshell, the royal family serves as a fragile point for everyone, as they possess all the talents and hold all the knowledge. However, life here is generally peaceful and pleasant, complete with its fair share of benevolent yet eccentric individuals."
Shushin added with a mysterious smile, "You should trust no one, not even yourselves. Because as time passes, you will find that you gradually change and transform into someone new, shaped by the choices you make. After all, as humans, every decision we make has the power to alter the course of our life forever. So, cherish every moment and make choices wisely, for they will define the path you walk upon."
As Shushin finished her sentence, a solemn silence fell upon the group as they contemplated the truth in her words. Their lives in the kingdom might be peaceful and comfortable, but they were also constantly shaped and changed by the decisions they made. Trust was a flimsy concept, and even one's own self was unreliable. Every choice they made held the power to redefine who they were, transforming them from who they once were into someone entirely new.
It was a daunting reality, but one that was impossible to ignore. Each person present, Ziyi, Shushin, and the others, was well aware of the fragility of self and the immense power of choice. As they looked at each other, a profound understanding shone in their eyes, binding them together in a shared knowledge of the delicate balance they all navigated within this fantastical kingdom.
Shushin's stomach twisted with pain, but she tried to mask it with a smile, hoping no one would notice. The moment was broken by Lingjie's observation.
"I'm sorry, but a while ago, I noticed an unusual mark on your neck," Lingjie continued.
Shushin's eyes widened as she instinctively placed her hand on her right neck. Ziyi, in her usual calm demeanor, responded, her tone sharp and scolding. "You're asking too much. Really, it is unbearable. What is wrong with you? This sign must be because of mosquitoes. You should feel ashamed."
Lingjie's face looked confused and slightly offended at Ziyi's words. "Why should I feel ashamed?" He replied a hint of anger in his voice. "I was just curious. I saw something unusual and I asked about it."
"Curiosity doesn't give you the right to ask about personal matters," Ziyi retorted coldly. "Some things are private and not up for discussion."
"I didn't know it was a private matter," Lingjie defended himself. "How was I supposed to know it was something personal if I didn't ask?"
"You should know that when you see a strange mark on someone's neck, it's more than likely a personal matter," Ziyi shot back, her tone becoming even colder. "Not everything is open for discussion. Learn some boundaries!"
Shushin, who was typically carefree, interjected with a hint of humor. "Whoa whoa, hold on a sec! Jeez, enough with the drama! It's not as private as you think. I've always had it, I just keep it hidden, ya know?"
Ziyi and Lingjie froze, their arguments halted in their tracks. Ziyi looked at Shushin, her expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "You had it all this time? Why didn't you mention it before?"
Shushin chuckled, her usual carefree demeanor returning. "Well, I didn't think it was a big deal. It doesn't hurt or anything, so I just hid it. You both were making a big fuss over nothing."
Ziyi and Lingjie exchanged glances, feeling slightly sheepish. "Oops, I guess we overdid it," Lingjie admitted, a bit sheepishly.
"Yeah, we sort of jumped to conclusions," Ziyi added, her cheeks tinted with a hint of pink.
Shushin smirked, finding the entire situation rather amusing. "No harm done, though. It was actually kind of funny watching you both argue like that!"
Ziyi and Lingjie exchanged a sheepish look once more before both breaking out into a mixture of laughter and sighs. "Yeah, we probably got a bit carried away there," Ziyi admitted, her tone now more light-hearted.
"Next time, we'll try not to start a war over something so minor," Lingjie chimed in, his own laughter joining in the mix.
"Just remember, next time you spot something weird on me, how about asking instead of launching a full investigation?" Shushin suggested jokingly.
"Note taken," Lingjie replied, his amusement clear in his tone. "No more investigations, just direct questions from now on. Got it."
"And we promise to keep our alarm bells in check," Ziyi added, trying to hold back a small chuckle.
Shushin chuckled again, a grin on her face. "Glad we got that settled. Can't have you two going on every oddity you notice. Stick to normal, non-investigative questioning, please!"
"Normal, non-investigative questioning. We got the memo." Lingjie affirmed with a smile.
"And from now on, no more assumptions or jumping to conclusions," Ziyi affirmed, her expression light-hearted.
"That would be greatly appreciated," Shushin said, her tone lighthearted. "Can't have you two imagining all sorts of wild explanations for things whenever something seems a bit strange."
"We'll try to rein in our imaginations," Lingjie assured her, his smile still present.
Ziyi added, "From now on, we'll be the picture of restraint and rationality."
Shushin smirked again, "Oh, the restraint and rationality. Sounds intriguing!"
Lingjie and Ziyi shared a grin with each other, "Just call us the embodiment of calm and collected."
"But why did you get so angry over nothing ?" Lingjie asked, not learning from his mistakes
Ziyi rolled her eyes at Lingjie's comment. "Maybe because you were acting as if Shushin was hiding a gigantic, life-threatening secret when it was just a little mark on her neck."
Minghao, who had been silently observing, piped up, "And by the way, you were the only one who seemed to think she was angry. She just looks mildly unimpressed, if anything."
Lingjie couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at their reactions. "Alright, alright, I get it. I jumped to conclusions. No more accusations or unnecessary drama next time. I'll try to be more observant and ask instead of assuming."
Ziyi nodded, a small smile appearing on her face. "Sounds like a plan. Now, can we move on from this little 'mark on the neck' saga?"
Minghao chimed in again, a hint of amusement in his voice, "And maybe, just maybe, learn to read people's expressions better. Not everyone who looks unimpressed is angry. Sometimes they're just... unimpressed."
Minghao chuckled, "and Yeah, let's move on. There are probably more important things to talk about than someone's neck mark, like... I don't know... the weather?"
"we have arrived, now I will hide this carriage before we get any closer and I will open a gate to the place where we will go"
Eugene: "Wait, how are you going to hide this carriage? which gate? Shall we just go to a hotel?"
Shushin chuckled lightly at Eugene's questions. "Patience, my friend. Trust me, it's all part of the magic."
As she spoke, her slender fingers expertly manoeuvred the curtain open, revealing the fantastical world outside. "We won't be needing a hotel. We have a much more enchanting and comfortable place where none will find us."
She continued, her voice carrying a subtle air of mystery and wonder. "This carriage exists beyond the bounds of ordinary reality. The carriage and its driver are but illusions, bound to my will. Hiding this carriage, opening a gate, it's all a simple matter for me."