After a while, the sound of carriage wheels echoed faintly from afar. The rhythmic galloping of horses broke the peaceful atmosphere of the Grand Tutor's residence.
Su Meiying jumped down from the chair she had used to peek out the window, her round face lighting up with excitement.
"Grandfather! Is he here?" she asked in her bright, clear voice as she ran to stand beside Su Zhentian, who was calmly waiting at the entrance.
The approaching carriage was elegantly designed yet simple, exuding strength and durability. A few solemn and vigilant guards on horseback followed closely behind.
The carriage door slowly opened, and Wu Longchen, a seven-year-old boy, stepped down with a grace beyond his years. He was tall and slender for his age, with fair skin and neatly styled jet-black hair. His sharp, handsome features were distinct, and his hawk-like eyes radiated arrogance. A faint, mocking smirk tugged at his thin lips.
He wore a finely tailored black silk robe, adorned with silver tiger patterns that shimmered under the sunlight—an outfit befitting his noble status. Yet, his eyes reflected clear discontent.
Longchen glanced up at the imposing Grand Tutor's residence before exhaling softly.
"So this is the Grand Tutor's manor?" he remarked indifferently, with a trace of arrogance. "I thought it would be much grander than this."
His comment instantly made Su Meiying, who was secretly peeking from behind a pillar, scowl in displeasure. Clenching her fists, she muttered under her breath,
"Hmph! He's not that tall himself, and yet he dares to insult our manor!"
Su Zhentian stepped forward calmly, his deep gaze unwavering.
"You must be weary from your journey. Welcome to the Grand Tutor's residence."
Wu Longchen glanced at him dispassionately and gave a slight, polite nod.
"Thank you, Grand Tutor."
However, his posture still carried a hint of arrogance.
Standing beside Su Zhentian, Su Wenyang and Li Meilin silently observed the boy. Su Wenyang furrowed his brows slightly at their guest's attitude but remained composed.
At that moment, Su Yangyu stepped forward, studying Longchen carefully. But before he could speak, a small, sharp voice cut in.
"Why does our manor need to be grand? Should I build walls that reach the sky or something?"
All eyes turned to Su Meiying, who confidently stepped out from behind the pillar, her large, round eyes gleaming defiantly.
Wu Longchen turned to look at her coldly, raising an eyebrow.
"And who are you?"
Su Meiying lifted her chin.
"I'm Su Meiying, the Grand Tutor's granddaughter. What of it?"
Wu Longchen narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her from head to toe before smirking mockingly.
"So small, yet so bold."
Meiying's face twisted in irritation. She huffed and snapped back,
"And are you that much bigger than me to speak like that?"
Wu Longchen shrugged nonchalantly.
"I don't need to say much. Everyone already knows who I am."
"And why should I care?" Meiying shot back instantly, her face full of disdain.
The atmosphere grew tense. Su Zhentian cleared his throat softly, reminding the two to settle down.
"Enough, Meiying. You must know how to properly welcome our guest."
Meiying scrunched her nose in displeasure.
"Fine. He can stay... as long as he doesn't bother me first."
Wu Longchen chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. I have no time to waste on a little girl like you."
His words made Meiying clench her fists tightly, biting her lip in frustration. Still, she held herself back out of respect for her grandfather.
Su Wenyang sighed quietly before speaking.
"Longchen, you must be tired from your journey. Yangyu, take him to his quarters."
Wu Longchen gave a small nod.
"Thank you."
As he followed Yangyu into the manor, he turned back briefly, shooting Meiying a challenging smirk.
Meiying bit her lip, her small face twisted in frustration. She leaned in and whispered to Xiao Bai, the spirit floating beside her.
"Did you see that? How arrogant! I swear, I'll make him cry and beg to go home!"
Xiao Bai giggled.
"Up to you! I'd love to see who wins!"
Both of them stared after the boy as he disappeared into the manor, their eyes filled with determination.
The first meeting between these two children had begun with a spark of rivalry—neither willing to back down.