Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 25: What's Next?

[Luo Xiao Zhao]

Xiao Zhao looked around the table. Li Qing, Han Jun, and First Prince all sat in an awkward silence. Hating how quiet everyone was, Xiao Zhao said loudly, "Let's eat!" He picked up his chopsticks and started to get food and put it in his bowl. When he saw no one else had picked up their chopsticks, he said, "Hey, let's eat. If we don't, the food will get cold. Here's some fish." Xiao Zhao said as he picked up a piece of fish and put it in Han Jun's bowl.

As soon as he did, Han Jun said, "Xiao Zhao! Why did you have to do that?"

"What do you mean?" Xiao Zhao asked, puzzled.

"Ignore him. What's your name again?" First Prince asked.

"My name is Luo Xiao Zhao."

"Right. Don't mind him, Luo Xiao Zhao. My brother has always had the weird habit of needing to wipe everything before he can use it. Because of his habit, all the girls are scared of him. Well, except that one," Frist Prince said as he pointed toward the door with his thumb.

Xiao Zhao understood what he meant.

Han Jun's face turned red. "Ge Ge, what are you talking about?"

"Han Jun. Han Jun," First Prince clucked his tongue and shook his head. "I warned you that women are ten times scarier than warriors. What did I say? Be careful when dealing with them! But you wouldn't listen. There, now you have seen first hand what I meant."

"I didn't even do anything! I don't know why she was so aggressive!" Han Jun said indignantly.

First Prince chuckled.

"Why are you chuckling?"

"I'm chuckling because you are silly," First Prince replied.

Before Han Jun could answer, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," First Prince said as he leaned back in his chair.

"Your Majesty," the loyal bodyguard of First Prince said as he showed his respect.

"Yes?"

"I have something to report to you."

First Prince nodded and the guard took his clue and stepped up close to First Prince. He bent down and whispered something into his ear. First Prince's eyes flew open and he said, "Zhī dào le." He waved the guard away and stood up.

"I have a few matters I have to attend to. Forgive me for having to leave all of a sudden," First Prince said as he clasped his hands in front of him and brought them to his chest.

Han Jun got up and showed his respect. "Don't worry about it Ge Ge. It was good to see you again."

"Same with you, brother. Oh, by the way, I have prepared a banquet for you tonight in my mansion. Will you come?"

Han Jun smiled. "Since you have prepared a feast, I dare not waste it." Han Jun bowed slightly.

"Alright. See you then," First Prince said as he turned away.

"Yes. Màn man zǒu, bù sòng," Han Jun replied, still half bowed.

After First Prince had left, Han Jun straightened up and sat down again. "Hey!" He called. A waiter immediately ran up and asked, panting, "Y-yes? W-what...can...I...get you?"

"Can you change this bowl for me? It's a little dirty," Han Jun pointed to the bowl Xiao Zhao had put food in.

The waiter looked perplexed. "This..."

"Will you change it or not? If not, I'll just ask someone else to change it for me!" Han Jun lost his patience.

The man's face turned fearful. "Y-yes! I'll change it right away!" He quickly grabbed the bowl and scurried away.