The Love that They Deserve

Chapter 8

Meanwhile with Lan Shang...

They just finish testing the chief of Tianxiang gambling house. The young mistress smirked. Chief Yu is the only one who really impressed her among the sects.

"Tian Bao, let's take a break. We've been giving invites and testing the different the whole day. I'll go and take a look around Longyang town. You and the others can do whatever you want. Later." She said, leaving before the man could answer. She knew that he'll most likely insist to go with her so hurriedly left him behind.

The man's affection for her is apparent. He always tries to impress her. Unfortunately, the mermaid princess has no interest in him at all. So, she mostly avoids him. Right now though, she has no choice but to deal with him until they finish their mission.

Lan Shang looked around, admiring the colorful things in the stalls. Mortals really never fail to fascinate her. She saw how they strive to make the most out of their lives.

Suddenly, she bumped into someone making her fall.

"I'm sorry miss. Are you alright?" The man she bumped into asked, helping her up.

"I'm fine," she said, looking up. Their eyes locking up. A minute or two passed but the two are still looking at each other, captivated.

"I hate to interrupt but you two do know that we're in the market and you're getting in the way." Xiao Yu said, arms in his chest. Looking at them, reprimanding.

Wuji then let the mermaid princess go. "S-sorry again."

"I-it's fine. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Lan Shang said about to leave when Xiao Yu noticed her bracelet.

"Whoa, I thought that Ziyan's bracelet was the only one but you have the same one as well."

"Bracelet?" Lan Shang repeated, looking at the one that Yan Da gave her. "You saw the same one as this? Where?" She asked, advancing towards Xiao Yu.

"Uh, from the woman who I met just yesterday. She was wearing the same bracelet as yours."

"What's her name?"

"Ziyan."

"Ziyan? Are you sure it's the same bracelet?"

Xiao Yu nodded. Lan Shang frowned. Did someone steal the bracelet from Yan Da? Impossible. Then... "Where can I find this woman?"

Hearing that, Xiao Yu's expression changed into a serious one. "Why? What do you want from her?"

Lan Shang looked at him in surprise at his sudden change in demeanor. "It's none of your business. Tell me. Where can I find her?"

"I don't know. If you're lucky, you'll see her around." Xiao Yu answered light heartedly.

"You!" Lan Shang said in irritation, unsheathing her sword and attacking.

Xiao Yu quickly dodged it. "Wei, why are you attacking so suddenly!?" What's with this day!?

Wuji pulled the other man behind him, protecting him. "Calm down miss. We just saw-..."

"I knew I should have not come this way." A female voice said, sighing. Lan Shang eyes widen, looking to where the voice came from. There on her left side is the fire princess staring at the three of them.

"Xiao Yu, I already told you not to get in trouble but at the same day. I saw you in this kind of situation."

Xiao Yu pouted. "It's not like I asked for this."

Yan Da smirked, facing Lan Shang. She was surprised though when a pair of arms suddenly embraced her.

"Yan Da!" the mermaid princess exclaimed happily. Hugging the fire princess tightly. "I finally found you! I was really worried. I thought that I wouldn't see you again."

She said, distancing herself a bit from the fire princess. Noticing the confusion in the other's eyes, she frowned. "What's wrong? It's me Lan Shang. Don't you remember me?"

"I'm sorry but I think you've confused me from someone else." Yan Da said, forehead creased.

Lan Shang shook her head. "No, I'm sure that you're Yan Da. See, the bracelet you gave me is responding."

Looking at the bracelet, Yan Da could indeed see the bracelet pulsing. Her head then started hurting. The last thing she heard was her name being called out.

"Princess Ziyan!"

"Yan Da!"

____________________________________________

Xiao Yu, Wuji and Lan Shang are now in a room in the inn that Yan Da had found. The fire princess is now on a bed. Gently, being cared by a servant.

Suddenly, the door opened.

"Princess Ming Yue," the servant quickly said, bowing.

"What happened to her?" Ming Yue asked quickly going to her daughter's side.

"She fainted while we were canvassing things in the market."

Ming Yue frowned, stroking her daughter's cheek. "Is it the poison in her system? I knew I shouldn't have let her go out."

"Poison?" Lan Shang repeated, getting Ming Yue's attention.

"Who are you?" She asked, finally noting the trio's presence.

"Princess, they were the ones who helped me bring the princess Ziyan back in here."

"I see. Thank you for that. You may leave."

Xiao Yu and Wuji looked at each other.

"I'm sorry but I can't do that." Lan Shang said, looking directly at Ming Yue. " I can't leave Yan Da again when I finally found her."