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Douluo Dalu_ Legend of the Ancestral Dragon_chapter_0087
Chapter 87
Chapter 87: Zhu Zhuqing's Debt
Aotian said with a smile, "I don't think I ever said I was the carriage driver, did I?"
"But you've been sitting outside."
"Does sitting outside make me a carriage driver?" Aotian asked.
"Then you are..."
"This carriage is mine."
Zhu Zhuqing was extremely awkward, super awkward. She had actually overlooked the true owner and thought the other party was just a carriage driver.
She had even deliberately given the previous Silver Soul Coin to Xiao Wu instead of Aotian. Thinking about it now, it was incredibly embarrassing.
Her usually cold face, which rarely showed expression, reddened as she said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were just a carriage driver."
It was no wonder she thought that way. Normally, how could a carriage be without a driver? Would someone who could afford such a luxurious carriage personally drive it from the front?
They wouldn't!
She re-examined Aotian and only then discovered that besides his exceptionally handsome appearance, Aotian also possessed an extremely rare temperament.
Previously, she thought Aotian was just a carriage driver, so she hadn't observed him closely. Now, looking at him, she immediately noticed Aotian's uniqueness.
Aotian said, "It's fine. Xiao Wu is the mistress of this carriage. There's nothing wrong with giving the money to her."
When Aotian brought up the matter, Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed even more, blaming herself for not being thoughtful enough.
At the same time, she developed intense curiosity about Aotian.
What kind of person could possess two such outstanding women at the same time?
From how Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena willingly let Aotian kiss them just now, she could tell the relationship between Xiao Wu, Gu Yuena, and Aotian.
"Stop talking, are we still playing?" Xiao Wu said. She had lost two rounds in a row and was in a bad mood.
"No more playing. Put it away. We're about to enter the city," Aotian said.
As soon as she heard they were entering the city, Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up, and her previous displeasure instantly vanished.
Entering the city meant they could have lunch.
What could be more important than food?
The Long Ma's speed began to slow down. Xiao Wu impatiently pulled open the carriage door, and the outline of a city had already appeared in her line of sight.
On the way to Soto City, they would pass through other cities, allowing them to taste delicious food from different places.
The carriage entered the city and slowly headed towards the most famous restaurant in the city.
Aotian could always easily find the best place to eat in a city. Although it was a bit expensive, for him, money was not the issue; whether the food was good was the issue.
More than ten minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of the grand entrance of a splendidly decorated restaurant.
Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena simultaneously took out a veil and placed it over their faces, their movements practiced, making Zhu Zhuqing stare in surprise.
Xiao Wu giggled, "It's all because we're too beautiful. Natural beauty easily attracts trouble. Girls need to know how to protect themselves when out and about."
Zhu Zhuqing deeply empathized, nodding thoughtfully. In her heart, she gained a sliver of respect for Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena.
Her own experience was still too little; she needed to learn from others.
The group alighted from the carriage, and a server immediately greeted them warmly, leading the Long Ma to the parking area in the back.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the high-class grand restaurant and frowned. As a noble family capable of a marriage alliance with the Star Luo Imperial Family, even though Zhu Zhuqing's status within the Zhu Family wasn't high, she still had some worldly knowledge.
The prices here were definitely terrifying; not everyone could afford it.
She thought about the money she had left and then followed Aotian and the two others inside.
She didn't have much money, but she could afford a few meals here. Surely, the three people in front wouldn't make her pay, right?
After entering the restaurant, Zhu Zhuqing had originally intended to eat alone, but Aotian ordered a private room, and Xiao Wu enthusiastically invited her to join them.
With no other choice, Zhu Zhuqing entered the private room with Xiao Wu and the other two.
Aotian was quick, ordering over a dozen of the most expensive signature dishes consecutively. When it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn, she was already shocked by the prices on the menu.
She could afford each dish individually, but the total price of the dozen-plus dishes Aotian ordered was already terrifying. Even if they split the bill four ways, it was more than she could afford.
"I... I think that's enough," Zhu Zhuqing closed the menu, forcing a smile.
She had originally wanted to say she would eat outside, but after a moment's thought, that would be too embarrassing.
No money meant no money. At worst, she could owe them for now. If she were to walk out dejectedly, that would be truly shameful.
Gu Yuena and Aotian both guessed that Zhu Zhuqing might be short on cash. Only the oblivious Xiao Wu didn't notice.
Xiao Wu felt that she had become somewhat familiar with Zhu Zhuqing, so she asked, "Zhu Zhuqing, what are you going to Soto City for?"
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, then said, "I'm going there to go to school."
Xiao Wu immediately became interested and continued to ask, "We're also going to Soto City to go to school. Soto City is a big city with several academies. Which academy are you going to?"
"Shrek Academy," Zhu Zhuqing said, then added, "This academy isn't very famous; you probably haven't heard of it."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened instantly, and she exclaimed excitedly, "What a coincidence! We're also going to Shrek Academy!"
Zhu Zhuqing was surprised. She hadn't expected that by hitching a ride, she would encounter people who were also going to Shrek Academy.
"Isn't it such a coincidence?" Xiao Wu said excitedly.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, "It is very coincidental."
Originally, she thought they were just strangers who had met by chance and would part ways once they reached Soto City, with no further connection.
But now, knowing that Xiao Wu and the two others had the same destination as her, Zhu Zhuqing's attitude towards them shifted, becoming a little more cordial.
After all, these three might become her classmates in the future.
"I heard that... Shrek Academy's assessment conditions are very strict. They require applicants to be no older than thirteen years old and their soul power to reach level twenty-one or above. Do you know about this?" Zhu Zhuqing said.
As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards Gu Yuena and Aotian.
She already knew Xiao Wu's strength as a Soul Elder and that her age didn't seem to exceed thirteen, but she didn't know Aotian and Gu Yuena's strength.
Aotian smiled, "We know. Entering Shrek Academy poses no difficulty for us."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Although still curious about Aotian and Gu Yuena's strength, she didn't ask further.
The dishes quickly arrived. Xiao Wu ate with great relish, while Zhu Zhuqing was somewhat reserved, though Aotian could still detect the deeply hidden craving in her eyes.
He recalled that Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have a difficult life within her family, so this meal might be the best she had ever eaten since childhood.
When it came time to settle the bill after the meal, Aotian paid ten Gold Soul Coins.
Ten Gold Soul Coins, an amount a common family might not save up even after working for several years, yet Aotian spent it without so much as a frown.
Zhu Zhuqing was extremely curious. What exactly was Aotian's identity?
She thought for a moment. Even her most favored elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun, would never spend ten Gold Soul Coins with such nonchalance as Aotian.
"Aotian," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly called out.
"What is it?" Aotian turned his head.
Zhu Zhuqing took out a Gold Soul Coin and said, "This meal is two and a half Gold Soul Coins per person. I'll give you one now, and I'll pay you back the rest later. Is that okay?"
(end of chapter)
Aotian said with a smile, "I don't think I ever said I was the carriage driver, did I?"
"But you've been sitting outside."
"Does sitting outside make me a carriage driver?" Aotian asked.
"Then you are..."
"This carriage is mine."
Zhu Zhuqing was extremely awkward, super awkward. She had actually overlooked the true owner and thought the other party was just a carriage driver.
She had even deliberately given the previous Silver Soul Coin to Xiao Wu instead of Aotian. Thinking about it now, it was incredibly embarrassing.
Her usually cold face, which rarely showed expression, reddened as she said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were just a carriage driver."
It was no wonder she thought that way. Normally, how could a carriage be without a driver? Would someone who could afford such a luxurious carriage personally drive it from the front?
They wouldn't!
She re-examined Aotian and only then discovered that besides his exceptionally handsome appearance, Aotian also possessed an extremely rare temperament.
Previously, she thought Aotian was just a carriage driver, so she hadn't observed him closely. Now, looking at him, she immediately noticed Aotian's uniqueness.
Aotian said, "It's fine. Xiao Wu is the mistress of this carriage. There's nothing wrong with giving the money to her."
When Aotian brought up the matter, Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed even more, blaming herself for not being thoughtful enough.
At the same time, she developed intense curiosity about Aotian.
What kind of person could possess two such outstanding women at the same time?
From how Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena willingly let Aotian kiss them just now, she could tell the relationship between Xiao Wu, Gu Yuena, and Aotian.
"Stop talking, are we still playing?" Xiao Wu said. She had lost two rounds in a row and was in a bad mood.
"No more playing. Put it away. We're about to enter the city," Aotian said.
As soon as she heard they were entering the city, Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up, and her previous displeasure instantly vanished.
Entering the city meant they could have lunch.
What could be more important than food?
The Long Ma's speed began to slow down. Xiao Wu impatiently pulled open the carriage door, and the outline of a city had already appeared in her line of sight.
On the way to Soto City, they would pass through other cities, allowing them to taste delicious food from different places.
The carriage entered the city and slowly headed towards the most famous restaurant in the city.
Aotian could always easily find the best place to eat in a city. Although it was a bit expensive, for him, money was not the issue; whether the food was good was the issue.
More than ten minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of the grand entrance of a splendidly decorated restaurant.
Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena simultaneously took out a veil and placed it over their faces, their movements practiced, making Zhu Zhuqing stare in surprise.
Xiao Wu giggled, "It's all because we're too beautiful. Natural beauty easily attracts trouble. Girls need to know how to protect themselves when out and about."
Zhu Zhuqing deeply empathized, nodding thoughtfully. In her heart, she gained a sliver of respect for Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena.
Her own experience was still too little; she needed to learn from others.
The group alighted from the carriage, and a server immediately greeted them warmly, leading the Long Ma to the parking area in the back.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the high-class grand restaurant and frowned. As a noble family capable of a marriage alliance with the Star Luo Imperial Family, even though Zhu Zhuqing's status within the Zhu Family wasn't high, she still had some worldly knowledge.
The prices here were definitely terrifying; not everyone could afford it.
She thought about the money she had left and then followed Aotian and the two others inside.
She didn't have much money, but she could afford a few meals here. Surely, the three people in front wouldn't make her pay, right?
After entering the restaurant, Zhu Zhuqing had originally intended to eat alone, but Aotian ordered a private room, and Xiao Wu enthusiastically invited her to join them.
With no other choice, Zhu Zhuqing entered the private room with Xiao Wu and the other two.
Aotian was quick, ordering over a dozen of the most expensive signature dishes consecutively. When it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn, she was already shocked by the prices on the menu.
She could afford each dish individually, but the total price of the dozen-plus dishes Aotian ordered was already terrifying. Even if they split the bill four ways, it was more than she could afford.
"I... I think that's enough," Zhu Zhuqing closed the menu, forcing a smile.
She had originally wanted to say she would eat outside, but after a moment's thought, that would be too embarrassing.
No money meant no money. At worst, she could owe them for now. If she were to walk out dejectedly, that would be truly shameful.
Gu Yuena and Aotian both guessed that Zhu Zhuqing might be short on cash. Only the oblivious Xiao Wu didn't notice.
Xiao Wu felt that she had become somewhat familiar with Zhu Zhuqing, so she asked, "Zhu Zhuqing, what are you going to Soto City for?"
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, then said, "I'm going there to go to school."
Xiao Wu immediately became interested and continued to ask, "We're also going to Soto City to go to school. Soto City is a big city with several academies. Which academy are you going to?"
"Shrek Academy," Zhu Zhuqing said, then added, "This academy isn't very famous; you probably haven't heard of it."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened instantly, and she exclaimed excitedly, "What a coincidence! We're also going to Shrek Academy!"
Zhu Zhuqing was surprised. She hadn't expected that by hitching a ride, she would encounter people who were also going to Shrek Academy.
"Isn't it such a coincidence?" Xiao Wu said excitedly.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, "It is very coincidental."
Originally, she thought they were just strangers who had met by chance and would part ways once they reached Soto City, with no further connection.
But now, knowing that Xiao Wu and the two others had the same destination as her, Zhu Zhuqing's attitude towards them shifted, becoming a little more cordial.
After all, these three might become her classmates in the future.
"I heard that... Shrek Academy's assessment conditions are very strict. They require applicants to be no older than thirteen years old and their soul power to reach level twenty-one or above. Do you know about this?" Zhu Zhuqing said.
As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards Gu Yuena and Aotian.
She already knew Xiao Wu's strength as a Soul Elder and that her age didn't seem to exceed thirteen, but she didn't know Aotian and Gu Yuena's strength.
Aotian smiled, "We know. Entering Shrek Academy poses no difficulty for us."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Although still curious about Aotian and Gu Yuena's strength, she didn't ask further.
The dishes quickly arrived. Xiao Wu ate with great relish, while Zhu Zhuqing was somewhat reserved, though Aotian could still detect the deeply hidden craving in her eyes.
He recalled that Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have a difficult life within her family, so this meal might be the best she had ever eaten since childhood.
When it came time to settle the bill after the meal, Aotian paid ten Gold Soul Coins.
Ten Gold Soul Coins, an amount a common family might not save up even after working for several years, yet Aotian spent it without so much as a frown.
Zhu Zhuqing was extremely curious. What exactly was Aotian's identity?
She thought for a moment. Even her most favored elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun, would never spend ten Gold Soul Coins with such nonchalance as Aotian.
"Aotian," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly called out.
"What is it?" Aotian turned his head.
Zhu Zhuqing took out a Gold Soul Coin and said, "This meal is two and a half Gold Soul Coins per person. I'll give you one now, and I'll pay you back the rest later. Is that okay?"
(end of chapter)
