Chapter 44: Chapter 41
In the tranquil expanse of Spirit Hall's largest garden, a secluded corner came to life with the quiet presence of a table surrounded by a few chairs. Seated at the table were two children so deeply engrossed in a board game that their world seemed to contract to the dimensions of the board.
The only sounds in the serene garden were the soft clinks and clacks of the chess pieces as they moved across the board. It was a peaceful symphony of concentration and strategy, a silent dance between two minds.
Cai Wen broke the silence first. "You're getting better at this game, Renxue," he commented, his eyes never wavering from the battlefield of chess pieces. "You've become more strategic, more thoughtful in your moves."
A light smile tugged at the corners of Qian Renxue's mouth, her attention still riveted on the game. "That's what happens when your opponent is a worthy adversary," she playfully retorted, her eyes finally leaving the board to meet his. She strategically moved her bishop, effectively trapping his king, while her other hand reached out for a cookie to nibble on.
Cai Wen laughed softly, countering her move with his knight.
"You're supposed to be on a week-long vacation, aren't you?" Qian Renxue asked, her tone teasing. "Shouldn't you be relaxing instead of playing chess with me?"
Cai Wen shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze returning to the board. "Playing with you is also a type of relaxation. It helps me think farther and strategize better. Plus, I enjoy spending time with you." He paused, a warm smile playing on his lips as he thought about how much he enjoyed her company. 'She's mature beyond her years; no wonder I value our friendship. It's hard to get close to someone my age. I had planned to visit Hu Liena, but she was out with the other girls from our class.'
Caught off guard by his words, Qian Renxue's cheeks reddened slightly. "Th-that's true," she stammered, her heart fluttering unexpectedly. "Chess is all about strategy, about anticipating your opponent's moves and planning your own. It's good for training our minds. And... I like it when you visit too." The last part was so quiet that it was swallowed by the soft rustling of the garden. 'What is going on!? Why do I feel shy?! Me, Qian Renxue?!'
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, interspersed with their game's progress. They discussed their training, shared their experiences and insights. Like Cai Wen, Qian Renxue had been training hard under her grandfather's guidance since her return.
Over the past several months, despite the scarcity of their encounters, Cai Wen and Qian Renxue managed to find moments to hang out.
Qian Renxue took it upon herself to show Cai Wen around the palace, most of which he had never previously explored. They engaged in playful sparring sessions, devoid of any martial spirit or spirit power, just two friends in a friendly competition. Though she was frustrated about never being able to win against him, she realized it was because she couldn't use anything other than her body.
During their leisurely time, Qian Renxue developed a fondness for his homemade cookies.
This culinary discovery happened when Cai Wen, out of sheer boredom, decided to attempt baking using ingredients he could find within the palace kitchen. The result was a batch of cookies that Qian Renxue thoroughly enjoyed, leading her to request more.
Cai Wen discovered that she had a sweet tooth and, upon discovering his skills in making a variety of sweets, she began pestering him to make some for her.
If it weren't for the fact that Cai Wen was the same age as her, he would have felt like a creepy uncle baiting an innocent kid with sweets.
As the sun began its descent, the garden was bathed in a warm, golden hue. Their game of chess concluded, with Qian Renxue standing as the victor.
"Well played, Renxue," Cai Wen admitted, not ashamed to lose to a girl much younger than him, as he was never the type of guy who excelled at planning.
Cai Wen offered her a mock bow of respect. "I'll have to train harder to beat you next time."
Qian Renxue responded with a proud smile, feeling better after all her losses in their previous sparring sessions. "Of course, you'll lose. After all, who do you think I am? Hohoho."
Cai Wen just looked at her with a simple smile before picking up the last cookie on her plate and running off.
Qian Renxue was stunned before realizing what had happened. "Stop! I saved that strawberry-flavored cookie for last. Give it back!" She immediately ran after him, trying to catch up.
"Hahahaha," Cai Wen laughed at her and began running faster while pretending to eat the cookie.
Qian Renxue noticed, and horror began to dawn on her face. "No!" She immediately summoned her martial spirit to try and catch up to him.
Noticing this, Cai Wen also did the same and summoned his, using his chains to swing around the place like Spider-Man since he didn't want to damage the place with his flame.
And so, a game of tag began in the large garden of the Elder Palace, all starting with a piece of cookie.
As the evening faded into night, Cai Wen was caught by Qian Renxue, who tackled him without care and took the strawberry cookie, devouring it as if afraid that Cai Wen would steal it again.
Cai Wen laughed hard at her appearance, as she looked like a chipmunk rushing to eat her cookie.
After a while, Cai Wen left the garden, leaving behind Qian Renxue, who waved at him with a fond smile on her face.
Despite the rigorous training, they found comfort in their friendship, especially Qian Renxue, who had never found someone she could casually spend time with like this.
"Should I do it...?" she said, as she thought of something.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone