Destinies : Connected by Fate✔️

Chapter 19

Before the first rays of sun touch TengFei, the two men arrive at Kynlun. YiHuang- guided by the directions YiYang had left for him- finds the residence: the place they were planning to stay at while there.

None of them bring up the incident as they settle in, freshen up, and immediately set out for a stroll in the marketplace.

Zhang is excited at first, looking at and asking about the various items on display. "I guess the concept of the marketplace is the same all across the universe, hum?" He concludes. But soon, excitement gives way to curiosity as they enter deeper into the maze that YiHuang refers to as a hidden market.

"Why do I feel like we are on a mission?" He ask in a whisper, leaning into his companion and tugging on his sleeves.

"Because we are on one." YiHuang deadpans, holding on to the latter's wrist, he adds, "Stay close."

Zhang groans, "And here I thought we were going to play house."

"Playhouse? I am unfamiliar with the term." YiHuang turns to glance at Zhang, "We are here. Don't talk; don't ask questions. If anyone addresses you, tell them that you are not allowed to talk."

"What if someone takes a shine to me?"

"I don't understand that reference either." YiHuang rolls his eyes and knocks on a maroon arched door.
A second later, the door opens a smidgen to reveal large chocolate brown eyes, "Yes?" A woman's voice enquiries.

"I am here to meet Professor Hu Kwan." YiHuang holds his palm up.

The chocolate brown eyes widen; she lets the men inside and leads them to a giant hall.

"Ah-Huang, you didn't tell me what I should do if someone hits on me." Zhang presses on as soon as the woman leaves to find the Professor.

"I will not let anyone hurt you. Yuanjians are not like humans. We don't attack unprovoked."

Zhang loses it at the prince's response. He laughs, throwing his head back (much to the prince's annoyance).
"I was being serious. Why are you laughing?"

Zhang puts his arms up. "I am sorry." He suppresses his laugh that is trying hard to escape him yet again, but he somehow manages to reign it in, "There is still much you need to tell me about your people." The human leans in, invading the prince's personal space, "like, how does your dating culture work?"

YiHuang quirks his brow and leans away, "Please refrain from using colloquial terms. Also, respect personal space... while in public." He adds as an afterthought.

"Understood." Zhang chirps. However, instead of shifting away, he leans closer, "But, tell me, your highness, does the personal space thing go only one way? Because if I remember correctly..."

"Huang-ah," A man's deep gruff voice makes Zhang stop and lean away. He turns to catch the source and witnesses a man dressed in pale blue gab similar to them enter the hall.

YiHuang stands up and bows, "Professor, I am here as you requested. Why did you want to see me?"

The man addressed to as Professor, however, instead of answering, glances at Zhang suspiciously. "Who are you?"

Zhang bows and looks at YiHuang who replies, "Professor, he is my apprentice."

"This is a secret facility. How dare you bring an unknown here!?" The older man growls.

"He belongs to me, Professor. He has sworn his allegiance to me."

The Professor gapes. "I would've never..." He trails off. Then squaring his shoulders, he turns around, "There is something you need to see."