Cupid's Assistant

Chapter 63

The next day came, and once again, they arrived at the tavern. The same server immediately recognized them and hurried back to inform Xiaodan, as she was getting ready to sit behind the screen and begin telling tales, as she was in the back room.

"Xiaodan," the server hurriedly said.

"Hm?" Xiaodan said, looking back before she finished tying her white transparent face mask.

"The people who were asking for you yesterday are back," the server said.

"Oh, good. Hold on one second," Xiaodan said, grabbing a sheet of paper and a brush. She started writing something. "Alright, can you give this to them?" Xiaodan said, folding the letter.

--

As they were seated, the same server appeared before them.

"Hello, are you guys here for the storyteller again?" The server said.

"Yes, can we-" Fu Zhong tried to say, but was interrupted by the server.

"Here you go. Our storyteller told me to hand this to you," the server handed the letter to Fu Zhong.

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Once the server left, Fu Zhong opened the letter. It read, "If you wish to speak to me, meet me at the restaurant across the street after I finish telling my tale."

He then showed He Jingy the letter. Zhao Ying looked at him.

"We will listen to the story and then head to the restaurant across the street to meet the storyteller," Fu Zhong said, but avoided looking at Zhao Ying. Zhang Yuz clenched his fist, despising Fu Zhong's behavior toward Zhao Ying.

"Alright," Zhao Ying answered, looking at him. She didn't mind that Fu Zhong was giving her the cold treatment. She knew in her heart that this marriage was only an alliance for two countries. No feeling whatsoever. She knew it was her duty to lend a hand in finding the dragon, but she also hoped she would get to know Crown Prince Fu Zhong a bit, as he was going to be her husband soon.

Her eyes didn't waver as she looked at him. Fu Zhong couldn't help but look at her in the corner of his eyes, but put up a facade of not paying any attention to her. Before he could tell her to stop staring at him, a voice rang loud and clear.

"Welcome, visitors, would you like to hear a tale?" Xiaodan spoke. Since Xiaodan has been working here for a while now, many people have personally come to hear her stories, as she has immediately heard people agreeing with her.

"Alright, would you like to hear the story of the water dragon or another tale?" Xiaodan asked, knowing that she had been telling the water dragon story many times and knew some might be tired of hearing it again.

"Another tale," a couple of people said, and soon many agreed, as they had heard the dragon story for a while now and wanted to hear something different. However, Fu Zhong and the group were a bit disappointed. They had hoped to hear the story of the water dragon.

"I figured you all must be a bit tired of hearing the same story over and over again," Xiaodan said with a cheerful tone. A couple of the old men laughed as they agreed.

"Alright, this story is about Cupid. You all may not know about Cupid, but he is also a god of love or desire... He is widely known in western regions," Xiaodan started.

"Oh my, once again, young lady, you surprise us with your knowledge. How do you know tales from the western region?" An old man said.

Xiaodan chuckled, "Like I said before, I'm quite old and have traveled around." Soon, many people laughed with her. Xiaodan once again started up and began to tell the story of Cupid.

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After Xiaodan had finished, she was heading to the restaurant. However, Chen Yang appeared in front of her.

"Xiaodan, where are you heading? Can I tag along? Today was very busy; I didn't stop moving for hours. I want to have fun now," Chen Yang said with pleasing eyes.

Before Xiaodan could speak, a hand pinched Chen Yang's ear.

"Ah Yang, where do you think you are going? You have plenty of things you have to do," Chen Yang's mother scolded her.

"But mom-," Chen Yang tried to say.

"No buts. You can rest once it settles down," her mother continued to lecture her. "Xiaodan, you go ahead and take your break. Don't let Ah Yang stop you," Chen Yang's mother looked at Xiaodan.

Once again, before Xiaodan could say a word. "Come now, Ah Yang. Your father is probably wondering where I am," Chen Yang's mother said, dragging her away. Xiaodan could only smile as she watched their cute little interaction before leaving the tavern.

Once Xiaodan arrived at the restaurant, she learned they had already arrived and were waiting for her in a private room. Xiaodan followed the waiter. She still had on her translucent face mask that covered her nose to her chin. Once they reached the room, the waiter did a quick knock.

"Excuse me, your other party has arrived," the waiter said out loud.

"Come in," a voice answered from inside. Xiaodan and the waiter slightly bowed to each other before the waiter left. She entered the room. She saw 4 good-looking people sitting around a table. She immediately locked in her targets. She slightly frowned to see they were sitting far from each other.

Instantly, a sword was drawn out, pointing at her. He Jingy had stood up with his sword out, glaring at her. Even with the mask on her face, he could clearly remember her eyes.

"Jingy," Fu Zhong said, looking at He Jingy.

Xiaodan chuckled, "What a surprise to see you again, sir. Still as hostile as ever." Xiaodan didn't hide that it was indeed her. There was no point in denying it.

"Your highness, she is a fraud. I met her yesterday. She was lingering close to Crown Princess Zhao Ying's room," He Jingy said, deadly. Once Zhang Yuz heard that remark, he immediately became alert with his hand on his sword, as it was his duty to protect Zhao Ying.

Xiaodan once again slightly frowned. "Sir, it's quite rude to call someone a fraud when we barely know each other."

Xiaodan could tell that Crown Prince Fu Zhong was on his side. It wasn't a surprise. He Jingy was his right-hand general. It made sense for him to trust him.

Fu Zhong didn't object and looked at Xiaodan with slight hostility. He held great trust in He Jingy. They grew up with each other and also faced death with each other. If He Jingy distrusts someone, he will also distrust them.

Xiaodan gave them a stare and her voice became slightly cold, "Oh, since you all distrust me and think I am a fraud. What a waste of my time. How ironic to invite me and then accuse me. Very well then." Xiaodan turned to leave.

"Wait, how do you know the story of the water dragon?" A clear voice stopped her. Xiaodan smiled underneath her mask and turned back to look at the stunning lady in the room. The three men looked at Crown Princess Zhao Ying, surprised that she spoke. Fu Zhong stared at her, watching what she was planning to do.

"Why do you want to know?" Xiaodan said with a hint of snark.

"Watch your tone. How dare you speak that way to the Crown-" Zhang Yuz barked, ready to pull out his sword, but was stopped by Zhao Ying.

"Yuz," Zhao Ying stopped him. She didn't want to expose their identity. They were trying to lay low.

Xiaodan chucked, baffled. "Why would I have a kind tone when you all falsely accused me?"

They all became silent until Zhao Ying opened her mouth again.

"I apologize on our behalf. Are you able to tell us some details about the water dragon?" Zhao Ying kindly asked.

"Hmm?" Xiaodan glanced at Zhao Ying. Her gaze lingered on her as Fu Zhong and Zhang Yuz both tensed up and sharply stared at Xiaodan, being very wary of her, while He Jingy's gaze was on Xiaodan the whole time.