A Crown for a Tail

The Mortal Realm

Two Days later.

After that day, Ye Hua did not touch another drop of alcohol while he was with Bai Qian, though her mischief continued.  Still young, she had yet to grow out of it, and Ye Hua began to wonder if she ever would, when he awoke one morning to prepare breakfast which he had insisted on doing.  Cooking was a past time that he thoroughly enjoyed, and because he was a great cook, the Fox family happily accepted his offer to cook all the meals while he was there.

However that morning, having risen before everyone else as was his habit, he immediately went to the kitchen only to find every shelf, box, cupboard and drawer contained only loquats.  Bai Qian had enlisted the help of Mi Gu to assist her while Ye Hua slept and emptied the entire kitchen of its ingredients in payment for ordering Mi Gu to throw away her loquats.

Laughing and shaking his head at her antics, he turned it around on her.  He cooked a thick loquat soup with herbs and edible greens he found in the back garden.  And with only rice to accompany it, which he magically conjured, it was a lovely breakfast that everyone enjoyed much to Bai Qians annoyance.  

Winking at her, Ye Hua laughed when she scowled back, because she had worked very hard on her prank, she was physically sore from the exertion she had put on her body to empty the kitchen, and for him to still come up with a lovely breakfast only raised her ire.

But only a little, she was soon laughing and enjoying the breakfast with everyone else, and as the morning chatter picked up, Ye Hua suggested they spend the day in the Mortal Realm.  He had heard she enjoyed the Mortal Realm plays and as he had yet to watch one, it might be something they could both enjoy.

"Perfect Ye Hua, and when we're done, we can take in the market." she smiled up excitedly at him.  She actually loved the market more than the plays, there was always something to buy and the chance to buy her favorite donuts when they were done was a treat she never missed when she was in the Mortal Realm. 

 "And if there's time, we can visit the beach, its not far from the market." she enthused happily as she ate her breakfast quickly, not wanting to waste another minute.  If they left soon, they should be able to fit all three into their day.

Though no sooner was she rising to leave, than Ye Hua presented her with a change of clothes.  Horrified, she looked first at him and then her brother and back again.    "Why do I have to go dressed as a man Ye Hua?  I'll  look ridiculous!" she groaned as she looked down at her perfect figure that would be hidden behind a robe that was far too big for her.  It was one of Bai Zhens, and though he was not only nearer to her in size, he also had lovely robes.  But they suited him, not her. 

 Then realizing he wasn't going to allow her to leave until she changed her appearance, she winked up at him cheekily.  "You know Ye Hua, if it's boys you prefer, I'm sure Zhen Zhen can find you one.  Theres's plenty of flower boys in both worlds." she said before squealing and ducking to miss his playful swipe at her behind.

Pulling her to his side with a one armed embrace, he smiled down at sparkling wide doe eyes.  "I do not prefer flower boys Qian Qian." he said laughing, but his tone changed almost immediately, as he looked down at her.  "

"You are far too beautiful.  I can't believe your family allow you to travel the Mortal Realm without a disguise, you could get hurt." he said softly, though he was serious.

Ignoring the serious tone, she scoffed at him.  "Oh? And what makes you think you won't get hurt while you're with me Ye Hua?" she asked smiling sweetly up at him.  "I mean, I might not be all that safe you know, I might cause trouble again." she said with a sudden flash of mischief racing through her eyes as she looked up at him.