The examination for a First-Rank Alchemist allowed three attempts. That is, the candidates were given three sets of herbs for refining a First-Rank pill. As long as they succeeded in refining one pill, the examination would be considered a success.
Nothing unexpected was supposed to happen, but there was indeed a small surprise.
Lin Fei, due to her excitement, became a little too eager, and her first attempt resulted in an explosion in the furnace.
Fortunately, Xue Mei, whose strength had not progressed as much as Lin Fei's, also failed her first attempt. Although she had gained some insights, it wasn't enough for instant success.
Both of them moved on to the second set of ingredients. Lin Fei, having calmed down and curbed her competitive spirit, focused on the task and managed to successfully refine a pill of decent quality.
Xue Mei, on the other hand, failed at the very last moment of merging the pill.
Feeling victorious, Lin Fei clutched her refined pill and ran towards Gu Changqing, eager to wait for Xue Mei to finish her third attempt so she could gloat.
She was sure she had already won.
As Xue Mei prepared for her third attempt, she seemed to have accepted her loss. She calmed herself, focusing entirely on the task at hand. This time, despite some dangerous moments, Xue Mei successfully refined her pill.
"Haha! Wonderful! Today is truly a day of double joy. Both Lin Fei and Xue Mei have passed the exam and officially become First-Rank Alchemists. Our Black Rock City's Alchemist Guild has become even stronger!" Fu Lan Ke laughed heartily, his excitement making him lose his usual composure.
Even though Xue Mei had lost to Lin Fei, her accomplishment was still remarkable. Without any special assistance from Gu Changqing, she had managed to refine a pill on her own, showcasing her talent and ability.
Of course, Lin Fei wasn't lacking either. She had simply grown faster thanks to Gu Changqing's help.
"Haha, these two girls will be feeling proud for quite some time now," Ao Tuo remarked with a smile of satisfaction.
"Congratulations, President! Congratulations, Vice President!"
"Congratulations to the President and Vice President!"
The surrounding alchemists began to gather, offering their congratulations to Fu Lan Ke and Ao Tuo.
"Xue Mei, congratulations! I didn't expect you to refine a pill after all. But don't forget, I finished before you~~," Lin Fei jumped in front of Xue Mei, her tone genuinely congratulatory at first, but quickly turning into a gloating tease as she proudly displayed her own pill.
"Don't worry, I won't go back on my word," Xue Mei responded calmly, her usual cold demeanor unshaken.
However, her eyes subtly glanced past Lin Fei and landed on Gu Changqing standing behind her. A faint blush appeared on her exquisite face.
Lin Fei didn't notice Xue Mei's reaction but was slightly surprised by how composed she was.
"Huh? Xue Mei, why are you so calm? Don't tell me you already have someone in your heart? Remember, when the time comes, you'll have to kiss in front of me," Lin Fei teased playfully.
"Don't worry, but... you might be the one who regrets it," Xue Mei replied, her eyes locking onto Lin Fei's.
"Pfft! I never regret anything! In fact, I'm feeling generous today. I'll give you until tomorrow to prepare for your part of the bet!" Lin Fei waved her hand grandly, granting Xue Mei more time before fulfilling the wager. Then, with a mischievous grin, she turned to Gu Changqing. "Come on, bad guy, I'm taking you on a tour around Black Rock City today!"
Lin Fei left with Gu Changqing, seemingly oblivious to Xue Mei's quiet contemplation.
"Lin Fei, I didn't want to compete with you, but he came to me first. And besides, you wouldn't want your best friend to give her first kiss to just any random guy, right? After all, it's not unheard of for two women to share..."
Xue Mei's beautiful eyes followed their departing figures, her face gradually flushing as her thoughts drifted.
"Bad guy! Mmm…"
"Why do you keep kissing me again?" Lin Fei pouted as she playfully swatted at Gu Changqing.
"You keep calling me a bad guy. Why shouldn't I act like one?" Gu Changqing responded, his voice full of playful confidence.
"Hmph! You're such a pervert. By the way, what's this lion you've got here? It looks so powerful!"
"It's the Amethyst Winged Lion King."
"What? The Amethyst Winged Lion King? You've got to be kidding! How did you manage to get it to follow you?"
"Well, why do you follow me?" Gu Changqing asked with a smirk.
"I… I was forced to…" Lin Fei replied, her voice softening.
"Haha! Is that what you call this?" Gu Changqing laughed, teasing her as he pulled her closer.
"Ah! Don't touch me there, bad guy!"
Gu Changqing and Lin Fei spent the entire day wandering around Black Rock City. Although a few jealous young nobles attempted to cause trouble, they were all swiftly dealt with by Gu Changqing.
During their outing, Gu Changqing made a stop at the letter-sending point, where he sent a letter to Gu Xun'er, informing her of his safety.
He knew that with Xun'er's background, she could easily know his whereabouts and well-being. But sending a letter to reassure his family felt different, and in his heart, Xun'er held a special place that set her apart from the others like Lin Fei.
By the end of the day, even the city lord's men had refrained from causing them trouble. In fact, when they encountered them, they respectfully greeted Gu Changqing and Lin Fei. The jealous young nobles quickly realized something was amiss.
It seemed that Lin Fei's relationship with Gu Changqing had the approval of the city lord's estate.
Despite their bitterness and desire to teach Gu Changqing a lesson, they ultimately lacked the strength to act on it and backed down.
Later that evening, in the inn's room, Lin Fei lay exhausted, draped over Gu Changqing, her breath warm against his skin as she spoke softly.
"Brother Qing, I have to go home. I can't stay out overnight…"
Although they hadn't crossed certain lines, Gu Changqing had still managed to push many boundaries with Lin Fei. However, she had willingly given herself to him, addressing him intimately as 'Brother.'
"Alright, go ahead. Please send my regards to your father and mother. Let them know that once I conquer the world, I'll come to marry you," Gu Changqing said with a smile, gently stroking her back.
"Pfft!" Lin Fei giggled. "You're so arrogant, Brother Qing, talking about conquering the world. But if you don't marry me, I'll never forgive you!" she playfully threatened, giving him a small bite on the neck before rising to dress herself.
After tidying up, she bid him a proper farewell and left the inn.
Morning came quickly. The next day, Lin Fei eagerly knocked on Gu Changqing's door, her face beaming with excitement.
"Brother Qing, great news! My parents have agreed to let us be together!"
The moment Gu Changqing opened the door, Lin Fei threw herself into his arms with joy.
"Is that so? Well, since your father and mother support us, I should prepare gifts for both of them." He smiled warmly. "But for now, why don't you come in and spend some time with your boyfriend?"
Gu Changqing grinned as he pulled her inside, his hands not-so-subtly lifting her off the ground as they entered the room.