"Brother Nalan, this is Xiao Huo Huo, the young alchemist with exceptional talent that I mentioned to you before," Miteer Tengshan continued to introduce.
"Hehe, I've already heard that a remarkably talented alchemist arrived in the capital recently. I understand he achieved an unprecedented perfect score in today's internal test. Congratulations," said Nalan Jie, an old and experienced man. He had heard from Miteer Tengshan that Xiao Huo Huo was connected with Hai Bodong and also knew from Nalan Yanran that Xiao Huo Huo's alchemy skills were extraordinary. Nalan Jie stood up, smiling as he spoke.
"Just luck," Xiao Huo Huo said politely, his mouth twitching slightly at Nalan Jie's words. He didn't particularly like this old man.
"Hehe, let's save some matters for later. Xiao Huo Huo, Yafei, why don't we all sit down first?" Miteer Tengshan said with a smile as he took a seat next to Nalan Jie, leaving the previously occupied spot for the others.
With a smile but no words, Xiao Huo Huo sat down alongside Yafei, across from Nalan Jie and Miteer Tengshan. While the two old foxes talked endlessly, Xiao Huo Huo listened casually, letting their words go in one ear and out the other. Occasionally, he exchanged a few words with Yafei. Mostly, he focused on eating and drinking fruit juice, as Longkui forbade him from drinking alcohol.
When they directed a question to him, Xiao Huo Huo would respond with a few polite words, but they hardly managed to extract any substantial information from him.
After chatting for a while, Nalan Jie called over a servant, whispered something in his ear, and then stood up alongside Miteer Tengshan. Smiling, they said, "Xiao Huo Huo, Yafei, we have some matters to attend to. We'll leave you for a while."
"Please feel free, Chief Nalan, Chief Tengshan," Xiao Huo Huo and Yafei said as they stood up with a light smile.
After watching the two sly old men walk away, Xiao Huo Huo sat back down and turned to Yafei with a sigh. "You know, being born into a big family like yours seems exhausting. Something that could be explained in one sentence is dragged out into long, roundabout conversations."
Yafei swirled the wine in her glass slightly, her beautiful face showing a hint of weariness as she said, "It can't be helped. Socializing is a necessary part of family cooperation. But honestly, I feel bad for dragging you into this."
"Then share a drink with me," Xiao Huo Huo said with a smile, raising his glass of fruit juice.
"With pleasure," Yafei smiled back, raising her glass of red wine and gently clinking it against Xiao Huo Huo's.
On the other side of the square, in another seating area, Nalan Yanran sat with the little princess Yao Yue and Liu Ling.
While they were chatting, a servant dressed in Nalan family attire approached and whispered something into Nalan Yanran's ear. She paused for a moment, glanced over at the corner where Xiao Huo Huo was seated, and then nodded slightly, dismissing the servant.
Liu Ling, who had been watching Nalan Yanran attentively, noticed the change in her expression and asked, "Yanran, what's wrong?"
"Sorry, Brother Liu Ling, Princess, I need to excuse myself for a moment." Nalan Yanran stood up, nodded to both of them, and slowly walked toward Xiao Huo Huo, holding a glass of juice. Her graceful figure left an impression on both of them.
"It's him..." Liu Ling frowned as he followed her gaze. Recognizing the familiar figure, his face darkened.
"Brother Liu Ling, what's the matter?" the princess asked softly.
"It's Xiao Huo Huo," Liu Ling said, his mouth twitching slightly.
"Xiao Huo Huo?" The princess was momentarily puzzled. Following Liu Ling's gaze, she saw Xiao Huo Huo's familiar figure and muttered in confusion, "Didn't he refuse the invitation? Why is he here?"
Liu Ling sneered, "Princess, take a closer look at who he's sitting with."
"It's Yafei. He came with Yafei." The princess raised her eyebrows slightly as she noticed Xiao Huo Huo and Yafei laughing and chatting, even flirting a little. She couldn't help but feel irritated. After all, the very same Xiao Huo Huo who had refused her invitation earlier in the day was now enjoying himself at another woman's gathering. This sparked a sense of rivalry within her, a feeling of jealousy perhaps.
"Princess, you seem displeased with him. If you'd like, I have an idea to teach him a lesson," Liu Ling said with a sly grin, noticing the princess's reaction.
"This is a royal gathering, don't cause any trouble," the princess warned, her eyebrows furrowing.
"Don't worry, someone else will deal with him for us," Liu Ling said, as he waved over a servant dressed in Mu family attire and whispered something to him.
Back at Xiao Huo Huo's table.
With Nalan Jie and Miteer Tengshan gone, Xiao Huo Huo felt more relaxed and began chatting openly with Yafei.
"I didn't realize someone like you, who usually acts so aloof, has so many interesting stories," Yafei said with a smile, sensing a potential opportunity.
Xiao Huo Huo responded with a calm smile, "I only act distant with strangers. I'm more open with true friends."
This sudden heartfelt remark brought a warm feeling to Yafei's heart. She was about to say something when a clear, melodious laugh suddenly interrupted them from behind.
"Mr. Xiao Huo Huo, we meet again."
Hearing this familiar voice, Xiao Huo Huo turned to see Nalan Yanran walking toward them with a glass of juice in hand. His expression shifted slightly in surprise, and his smile faded as he gestured politely, "Please, Miss Nalan, have a seat."
Nalan Yanran nodded slightly and sat down opposite Xiao Huo Huo.
"Sister Yafei, are you and Mr. Xiao Huo Huo well-acquainted?" Nalan Yanran asked, her delicate face becoming somewhat awkward as she noticed how Xiao Huo Huo had stopped smiling upon her arrival. She then looked toward Yafei, speaking softly.
"Yes," Yafei glanced at Xiao Huo Huo and noticed his serious expression, which made her feel slightly pleased. She smiled and said, "I've known Xiao Huo Huo for several years now."
Nalan Yanran suddenly understood. No wonder they seemed so close. Following her grandfather Nalan Jie's advice, she began to subtly try to form a connection with Xiao Huo Huo.
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