Li Cheng excitedly instructed Song Lian and the others to get started on a feast for dinner , when he stepped out of the dining hall , he spotted Liu Ying stomping away from Yang Changtian's tent , following her were Jin Wei and Da Xiong with identical looks of worry on their faces.
' Strange , ' he muttered to himself , he walked over to the Yang Changtian's tent to see what that was about , just as he reached the tent he heard a loud thwack coming from inside. Fearing something might've happened , he rushed in, only to see Yang Changtian enraged.
Yang Changtian had his hand clenched tightly . His eyes were narrowed and his face set in a frown. Seeing the small cracks on the table , Li Cheng immediately recognized the source of the previous sound , Yang Changtian had smashed his fist in the table , but miraculously it had survived with some cracks.
" Brother Yang ! What in the world happened ?! I just saw Ms. Liu stomping away angrily, and now you're like this."
Yang Changtian clenched his hand tighter , his fists were turning a shade of white now .
" It was all a lie , " his low voice reverberated through the tent.
Li Cheng looked at him confused , " Whatever do you mean Brother Yang ? ".
" She LIED ! " Yang Changtian roared.
Li Cheng stepped back due to the intensity of his roar , " Brother Yang ! Calm down ! " Li Cheng roared back. " I don't know what happened between you and Ms. Liu , but I know it doesn't warrant you acting like this, so calm down and tell me what happened ."
Yang Changtian froze , Li Cheng's words flowing through his brain , reaching deep within it. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply .
Indeed , why was he this angry , why did he feel betrayed ? The only reason Liu Ying was here helping them was because she was ordered to do so. She was simply following orders , and she was ordered to go back too , so why was he so angry ? She considered him important enough to go against orders asking her not to inform him till the date of departure , yet he blew up on her and even told her some nasty things.
Yang Changtian sighed deeply , exhaling the air he trapped inside his lungs trying to calm himself down.
" Liu Ying just told me that His Majesty ordered them to return back to the Capital."
" Right now !?" , Li Cheng asked, bewildered.
Yang Changtian shook his head slowly , " He ordered them to kill off all the fungi first , they are to depart once they are done with the fungi."
" Why would he call them back so urgently ? "
Yang Changtian just shrugged .
" Did you two fight because of this ? "
Yang Changtian nodded , " I got angry so I blew up on her , " he replied meekly.
Li Cheng sighed deeply , " What is wrong with you Brother Yang ? First you were acting all bothered about her keeping a secret , then you blew upon her when she told you about the orders she got from her higher ups. Why are you acting like this? We barely know her to be even considered friends so why are we acting like a jealous lover ."
Yang Changtian flushed at this , " She's just a friend," he stammered.
Li Cheng froze, staring right at him , he searched Yang Changtian's face. Slowly but surely a smirk broke out through his face , " You . Like . Her ! " Li Cheng yelled the final word out emphasizing it.
Yang Changtian got redder , " No No No . I just consider her a friend ! " he began to protest.
" Friends don't act like that , " Li Cheng pointed out.
Yang Changtian kept mumbling denials , and Li Cheng's only got more excited so he kept poking Yang Changtian.
" I mean it ! I just see her as a friend ! She's someone I feel safe with , just like Jingyou."
Li Cheng's face dropped at this , " So she's a replacement for my sister ? " he asked, his voice dangerously low.
" I didn't mean that Li Cheng- " Yang Changtian began but he was cut off.
" Yang Changtian , what you're doing is an insult to both my sister and Ms. Liu ! "
" I didn't mean it like that ,Li Cheng ! "
" Then what exactly did you mean ?! "
"Liu Ying is just so similar to Hei Jingyou, and it's just been so easy having her around. I admit I'm being selfish, but having her around makes me feel at ease. I feel that if she's there, everything will turn out okay. Take today, for example. Just hours ago, we were still stuck with those suspects, but now she found a way for us to get the information we need."
Li Cheng was just staring at him silently .
" It's been so long since I've felt this way. Ever since Jingyou disappeared , I've been restless a lot , so when I finally felt that feeling again , I wanted it to last forever."
" But she was going to go back sooner or later , " Li Cheng added softly.
Yang Changtian nodded , " I know , but I thought we'd have some more time , so when I heard from her that she was asked to go back soon , I lost my cool. I couldn't let that stability I felt go away, I wasn't ready to let it go away. Who knows if we'll ever get to meet again let alone work together again."
Li Cheng sighed softly , he walked over to Yang Changtian and placed his hand on his shoulder softly squeezing it , " If fate allows it , we'll surely get to work with her again , after all , she's the ideal partner and ally for us." . Li Cheng suddenly remembered something , he looked at Yang Changtian meekly , " Brother Yang , I heard the good news from Ms. Liu so I asked Song Lian and the others to prepare a feast to celebrate tonight , should I ask them to stop ? "
Yang Changtian shook his head , " No , let's consider it a thank you gift for Liu Ying and the others."
Li Cheng nodded , " Okay then , I'll go ask them to make it grander ! "
Just as Li Cheng turned around to leave , Yang Changtian's voice stopped him.
" Li Cheng , Liu Ying wont ever compare to Jingyou , so she'll never replace Jingyou. She'll always remain my one and only partner."
Li Cheng smiled softly , " I know ," he simply replied before walking out . Once he stepped outside he looked up to the sky and exhaled a soft whisper of a laugh. ' Sister , you sure did pick the right person . Though he is still clueless , at least he's partially aware of his feelings and very loyal . I'm going to have so much fun watching him delude himself into thinking he only considers you a friend even after all he said , when it is obvious he loves you. Sister, you know how I told you some back soon repeatedly the past few days ? I changed my mind, forgot I even said that , allow me to enjoy this drama before you come back, ' he thought to himself , snickering softly.
People who walked by all shot him weird looks , likely thinking he was crazy , but Li Cheng just ignored them , skipping over to the kitchen still snickering.
Yang Changtian sat in the silence for a while longer before standing and heading outside. The sunlight felt assaultive , so he used his hand to shield his eyes from it. He looked around , he spotted Jin Wei and Da Xiong walking around , so he headed over.
" Ahh I really don't understand why Yang Changtian blew up like that , Senior has been so good to him , yet he dared to do that to her ? " Jin Wei sneered , " I thought the rumors about him were all wrong since he seemed so nice , but seeing this , the rumors were correct , he is indeed very unlikable, unreasonable and arrogant."
Da Xiong nodded along , he looked up and spotted Yang Changtian coming over , so he quickly inched Jin Wei.
" Ouch ! What was that for ? " Jin Wei screeched.
Da Xiong used his eyes to point in a direction , when Jin Wei turned he almost felt his soul leaving his body , " What does he want now ? " he groaned.
Yang Changtian stopped in front of Jin Wei and Da Xiong , the both of them had a guarded look.
"Jin Wei , Da Xiong , where's your Senior ? "
Jin Wei shot him a nasty look , " Why are you looking for Senior ,Mr. Yang ? " Da Xiong asked. Both of them were staring at him warily.
Yang Changtian looked surprised , Jin Wei and Da Xiong were both very easy going people , but when it comes to their Senior , they don't play around .
" Mr. Yang , you were rude towards Senior , what makes you think we'll tell you where she is," Jin Wei answered , his usually singsongy voice rigid.
Yang Changtian sighed deeply , " I know , I was wrong , I just want to apologize to her."
Jin Wei and Da Xiong glanced at each other , before shifting their gazes back to Yang Changtian.
The three of them kept staring at each other, engaging in a silent battle; the surging undercurrents were noticeable to anyone who came upon this scene.
Finally Jin Wei sighed and nodded , " Senior said she wanted to be alone , she's over at the medic tent with Dr. Lv."
Yang Changtian nodded softly, thanking him before making his way over to the medic tent.'
Once he left, Da Xiong turned to look at Jin Wei flabbergasted , " What did you do that for ? "
" It'll be easier for us if they make up, besides he does owe Senior an apology , better let him apologize sooner than later ," Jin Wei answered while turning back to walk away , " Come on Da Xiong let's go."
Da Xiong glanced back at Yang Changtian who was closing up on the medic tent , he turned back and rushed up to catch up with Jin Wei.
Yang Changtian arrived at the tent , he didn't even bother to announce his presence , when he entered , he spotted Liu Ying lying on a bed , she was asleep .
Yang Changtian spotted Lv Ling playing with her herbs in the corner , so he inched closer to her , making sure he was silent. But alas in his mission to not make any noise, he knocked his foot on a wooden crate that fell back loudly .
Hearing the loud crash , Lv Ling whipped around fast , while Liu Ying jumped up , and looked around.
Seeing who made the noise , Liu Ying made a loud 'humph' sound before lying down again , turning her back to Yang Changtian.
Lv Ling wasn't too thrilled about seeing Yang Changtian either , " Mr. Yang , what brings you here ? " unenthusiasm apparent in her voice.
Yang Changtian sighed and gestured towards Liu Ying , " I'm here to apologize ," he said softly.
Lv Ling looked at him like he grew another head , but she finally nodded , " Do whatever you want to , just don't make her angrier."
Yang Changtian flashed her a grateful smile while she just turned away and refocused on her work.
Yang Changtian moved over to Liu Ying , who still had her back turned to him , he poked her shoulder , Liu Ying just swatted his hand away before inching further away .
Yang Changtian sighed again. He sat down on the edge of the bed , " Liu Ying , I'm sorry," he began softly.
" I have no excuse for what I said to you , I'm sorry , I really didn't mean it . "
Yang Changtian reached out and patted Liu Ying's head softly .
" Get your hand off , don't treat me like a child , I'm just as old as you ! " Liu Ying hissed while smacking Yang Changtian's hand away. She accidentally knocked Yang Changtian's wound , the very one she helped bandage.
Yang Changtian groaned , Liu Ying sat up hurriedly , " Oh God , I'm so sorry , I didn't mean to hurt you ! " she blurted out while checking the wound.
" It's just a small wound Liu Ying , it didn't hurt that much."
" Why did you groan then ? " Lv Ling asked , her eyebrow raised.
" You're not helping Dr. Lv , " Yang Changtian replied through clenched teeth.
Lv Ling just shrugged and turned back.
" I'm serious Yang Changtian , are you okay ? "
Yang Changtian nodded , " I'm fine, don't worry . Liu Ying , I'm really sorry for blowing up on you like that , I - "
" I know you've had a hard time the past week , so I understand. It was not my intention to blindside you, I just thought it'll be easier to tell you after we found a solution. But I do apologize for making you feel blindsided and for keeping it from you for so long."
Yang Changtian nodded softly , " Again I'm sorry I said those things to you , I didn't mean a word I said . These past few days , you've been an incredible friend and ally ."
" And you've been a wonderful group leader," Liu Ying shot back , smiling softly , this smile reached her eyes , making them twinkle.
Yang Changtian froze seeing this , those eyes…. They looked so familiar.
Lv Ling was observing Yang Changtian who was frozen in place with a small smirk , ' Looks like she broke him,' she sneered inwardly.
He didn't move after a while , even Liu Ying was worried now , " Yang Changtian ? Are you okay ? "
Liu Ying's voice brought him back to Earth , shaking his head to ward his daze off , he smiled back , " Then are we good ? " he asked, extending his hand.
Liu Ying nodded , " We're good ," she replied, grabbing his hand and shaking it firmly.
" Then I oughta leave you ladies now . By the way Liu Ying , Dr. Lv , we're hosting a feast tonight ."
Lv Ling's ears perked up.
" A feast ? What are we celebrating ? Liu Ying asked, confused.
Yang Changtian smiled at her , " We're celebrating you two of course ."
" Us ? for what ? " Lv Ling asked this time.
" You two have helped us so much , so we're arranging it to express our thankfulness , also consider it your going away banquet."
Liu Ying faked being shocked , " Yang Changtian aren't you a little too excited to get us to go back, and here I was thinking you wanted us to stay."
" If I ask you to stay ... If I told you that I want you to stay , will you stay ? " he asked, his smile dropping.
Liu Ying flashed him a sad smile , shaking her head.
Yang Changtian nodded , " Don't feel bad, I understand. We'll get really busy the next few days , so we might not get a chance to celebrate again. Li Cheng already asked them to prepare it , so tonight let's celebrate. "
Liu Ying nodded , " Okay I'm in ."
Yang Changtian turned around to leave so Lv Ling winked at Liu Ying , signaling her.
" Ah that's right , I almost forgot Mr. Yang , Dr. Lv voiced her desire to join my group of subordinates , I have already received permission to take her back with me. But recently Dr. Lv told me that she wishes to remain here till the mission is completed . So I will have to trouble you in the future ."
Yang Changtian looked surprised, " Dr. Lv will join your group ? But don't you usually take in people with unique skills ? "
Liu Ying nodded , " Yes I do , and Dr. Lv is an exceptionally talented individual."
Yang Changtian turned to Lv Ling confused.
" I do apologize for not telling you this sooner Mr. Yang , but I do have a personal skill , I am able to see through any and all types of spells and sorcery."
Yang Changtian's eyes almost popped out when he heard this , " You …. WHAT !?!? "
Lv Ling just chuckled nervously .
" Dr. Lv , when were you ever planning to tell me ? " Yang Changtian asked , folding his arms .
" It was never my intention to hide it Mr. Yang , but the timing was never quite right so I couldn't tell you."
Yang Changtian nodded while rubbing his chin , " I understand Dr. Lv , but I've always wanted to ask you something."
Lv Ling looked at him waiting for him to continue.
" You look really familiar to me , I'm certain I've seen you around before. "
Lv Ling quickly glanced at Liu Ying before chuckling , " Mr. Yang , we have indeed met before , once when I was a child."
Yang Changtian scratched his head.
" When I was a baby , my whole family excluding me and my dearest mother were assassinated. It was your partner , Lady Hei, who came to our rescue. Then when she escorted us back to her sect , we met briefly," Lv Ling replied bowing her softly.
Yang Changtian's eyes lit up , " I remember you , you were the little koala bear who clung onto Jingyou the whole time ! You grew up so much …." his voice trailed off. " She'll be proud of you."
Lv Ling smiled softly and nodded , " Lady Hei is the person I'm most grateful to , " Lv Ling continued glancing at Liu Ying briefly.
Liu Ying was watching Lv Ling and was impressed , this girl could act !
Yang Changtian chuckled , a hearty laughter that reverberated .
Liu Ying turned to him , " Mr. Yang , do catch with her later , it's getting late and we need to go get ready for your grand celebration today."
" Oh I almost forgot , do forgive me ladies . I'll take my leave now, " Yang Changtian said before rushing outside.
Lv Ling and Liu Ying looked at each other before chuckling.
" Lady He- I mean Ms. Liu , let's get you all dressed up ! "
" Woahhh woooahhh Ling'er why are you so excited?"
Lv Ling pouted , " You have a really pretty face , but you always dress in a masculine manner . It's a shame , I really want to see you dressed up."
" Lv Ling , I've always dressed like this .." Liu Ying began, but she stopped seeing Lv Ling's pleading eyes.
" Fine , but I won't be wearing any fancy clothes."
Lv Ling nodded excitedly , she then dragged Liu Ying all the way over to her tent to dress her up.
The passerbys shook their heads for the umpteenth time again. This camp sure had some strange people.