Chapter 22: Banquet (2)
"The Crown Prince and Second Prince have arrived."
All the females in the room immediately became excited... of course with the exception of Jing Ling.
At the moment Jing Ling was too busy looking for a corner she could hide in so people wouldn't be able to find her. However, every few minutes some other young master of an influential family would talk to her. It'll be inappropriate for her to brush them off but at the same time she couldn't talk to any of them for too long or people will speculate again.
"Sigh. Why does this society have so many rules about male and female interaction," thought Jing Ling. "Plus, the moment you slip up, your reputation is ruined and you're forever shamed."
As Jing Ling made her way around the banquet hall she notices all the eyes following her.
"This is getting annoying and I just got here. How am I going to deal with this all night?!"
"Fufufu. It seems like you're having a hard time tonight Jing Ling."
"Xiao Bao! Finally, someone that's not annoying."
Xiao Bao couldn't hold it and she slumped over laughing as she used Jing Ling for support.
"hehehe... I really like your honesty."
"I'm glad that you find my misery entertaining."
"Hey, I just saved you from getting assaulted by a group of jealous females. Look over there," said Xiao Bao as she pointed her finger behind Jing Ling.
Jing Ling turned around and made eye contact with a group of vicious young ladies who was glaring at her.
"I don't remember offending anyone."
"Oh? Maybe if I tell you that they're Cao Xie's followers it might ring a bell?"
"Cao Xie? Hmm... that name does sound familiar but I can't recall who it is."
"kekeke" Xiao Bao began laughing again.
"What's so funny?"
"You're the best Jing Ling. The other party considers you her mortal enemy but you don't even know of her existence!"
"I have never met a Cao Xie before. How could I become her mortal enemy?"
"Have you not heard the rumors and what people are saying about you?"
"No... I've been trying to breakthrough ever since the finals."
"No wonder Huan Ying likes her. They're like two peas in a pod!" thought Xiao Bao. "Then let this elder sister enlighten you..."
It took a while but Xiao Bao managed to inform Jing Ling about everything the masses were saying about her. She especially spent extra time talking about the rumors about Jing Ling and Huan Ying's relationship. By the end of it, Jing Ling had long become a huge bundle of mixed emotions.
"Honestly I don't care about this Cao Xie being mad that I stole her title, but how could all these females be calling me a slut and spread delusions about my relationship with the Crown Prince?!" thought Jing Ling. "Me...ME of all people being a seductress?! That's just ridiculous."
Xiao Bao looks at Jing Ling's dark expressions and flashes a playful smile.
"Hey, Huan Ying! Over here!" Xiao Bao said as she waved her hand to get Huan Ying's attention.
Huan Ying who was currently surrounded by a crowd of young ladies was relieved when he saw Xiao Bao call him over.
He could never understand how those girls could keep talking to him even though he ignores them and never replies.
Without saying a word, Huan Ying made his way through the fortress of ladies that has accumulated and approaches to Xiao Bao. However, as he gets close, he notices Jing Ling besides her.
"Damn. People are already talking about us... but I can't just walk away now. It would seem like I'm avoiding her. Wait why does it matter that she misunderstands? Mhm, I don't want people to think I am ignoring Xiao Bao."
"Thanks for the assistance, Xiao Bao."
"You're welcome. I can never understand why they all go crazy over a cold guy like you."
"Hmph, I am cold towards them because they're annoying. Would you prefer a guy like the Second Prince?"
"Ew no, he's as fake and slimy as they come. Honestly, those ladies must be brainless to not see past his easy-going demeanor."
"They're not brainless, just desperate," said Jing Ling. "They're all willing to forgive and ignore all the evil if it means they can have a stable future."
"How can you be so sure?" asked Xiao Bao.
"I'm... I've seen all this happen before."
"It's exactly how my last mother acted while my Father was cheating on her. Time after time she pretended that everything was ok even when that woman came to our house to confront my mother," thought Jing Ling.
"Jing Ling... Don't look so sad. I'm sorry that I asked."
"Ah. It's nothing. Don't worry about it." Jing Ling gave Xiao Bao a smile but that small gesture made all the males around them swoon and become infatuated with her.
"Xiao Bao, there you are I was looking for you. Hm? Miss. Jing and Xiao Ying are here too?" Grandmaster Tian interrupted.
"How are you, Old Man?"
"I'm doing very well. Congratulations on winning the competition. The last attack is most admirable for one as young as yourself."
"Thank you. It was a good experience."
"Mhm. Don't worry Xiao Ying, you did amazing as well so don't be petty and bully Miss Jing alright?"
"Hmph, since when was I ever petty?"
"Hehe... remember when you were 5 years old and Xiao Bao had ..."
"MASTER! Shhhhh.... let's not talk about that. What did you need me for?"
"Headmaster Deng was trying to recruit you again so I thought it would better if you gave him an answer instead. He keeps thinking that I am unwilling to send you to his academy."
"Alright, I will go talk to him. I'll see you two later!"
"..."
Jing Ling and Huan Ying didn't know what to say to each other so they just had an awkward silence.
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"Xiao Bao... why did you have Master make up such a lie?"
"This is the first time that ice block Huan Ying has ever shown any interest in a girl! As his only friend, I need to do my best and help him."
"With Xiao Ying's personality, he is more likely to anger Miss. Jing more than charm her."
"That's...true. But from what I saw, Ying already angered Jing Ling."
"Oh? How do you know?"
"I told her about the rumors people were spreading about them and she had the darkest expression I've ever seen."
"Then why did you leave them alone?"
"Knowing Ying, he probably gave her a horrible first impression, but after the battle, he helped her willingly! If it were anyone else, Ying would have just left them fall and crack their skull for all he cared. Since Ying cares about Jing Ling, if they interact more, she will see that he's actually a nice person... deep deep down."
"Miss. Jing is going to have to search very deep to see that."
"Hah, yeah... but hopefully she will get to understand him."
"As expected of my most prized pupil."
"You're not bad yourself, master. Your acting back there was very convincing."
"Of course! I haven't spent all this time in court playing around with those snakes and not learn a few tricks myself."
"Hehe."
Xiao Bao laughed at her master but in her heart she was prayed that Huan Ying won't mess this up.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
WinterRain
WinterRain Hahaha, Xiao Bao's the best wing-woman ever :3
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