Chapter 820: Does Everyone Think She Eats a Lot?

Elder Chen stroked his beard. Taking in an apprentice who seemed like a reincarnated Immortal, with looks unmatched across the four nations, made him feel that this lifetime was truly worth living.

However, although his little apprentice was beautiful and kind-hearted, remembering how chubby she used to be as a child and seeing her now—so thin it was as if her flesh had been carved away—still made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"Sigh."

"Master, why are you sighing?"

"Ah, let’s go. It’s almost time for dinner. I’ll have the kitchen make you some braised pork knuckles," Elder Chen said, pulling her inside the building.

Ye Qianning finally realized what was going on and smiled slightly. "I love braised pork knuckles. Make it two plates."

"Alright. It’s not good to eat too much for dinner, so just make do with two for now. Tomorrow at noon, I’ll have them prepare more meat so you can eat to your heart’s content." Elder Chen secretly resolved to fatten his little apprentice back up.

Ye Qianning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she followed him back into the hall. She wondered, "Just how big of an appetite does Master think I have?"

Out on the street, the captivated gazes of the crowd lingered until Ye Qianning was completely out of sight. Only then did they snap out of their daze, clutching their chests as their hearts remained restless for a long time.

In a carriage not far away.

Xiliu Yuan’s indifferent gaze was still fixed on the Immortal Sea Building. He hadn’t expected her to reveal such a smile.

From the very first time he laid eyes on her, he knew she was hiding herself. Whether it was her words, her actions, or her smiles, they were all disguises, making it impossible for anyone to read her true intentions. Yet, her playful demeanor just now, and the smile she displayed, didn’t seem faked in the slightest.

It turned out she didn’t wear a false mask around everyone.

For some reason, a thought suddenly surfaced in Xiliu Yuan’s mind—one that even surprised himself.

The Hidden Guards member driving the carriage was also slow to recover his senses. Back then, when he accompanied the Crown Prince to Beili, he had seen Ye Qianning a few times. He still couldn’t believe that the peerless beauty before him was the same chubby little girl from the past. With such looks, it seemed that none of the noble ladies or princesses of Xi Yan could compare to the person before them.

Filled with doubt, he slightly turned his head, only to see his master still looking in that direction. The expression on his master’s face was one he had never seen before, which instantly deepened his confusion.

"Let’s head back."

After a long while, Xiliu Yuan finally withdrew his gaze.

"Yes."

The Hidden Guards driver didn’t dare ask any questions. Gripping the reins, he turned the horses around. The horses galloped, and before long, they arrived at the Yangchun Inn.

"Master," the guard said as he brought the carriage to a halt.

Xiliu Yuan stepped down from the carriage. Just as he walked through the main doors of the Yangchun Inn, he ran into Old Prince Feng of Nanyuan and Li Mu of Beili, who were walking downstairs while having a pleasant conversation.

Both Old Prince Feng and Li Mu froze when they saw Xiliu Yuan.

"Crown Prince," Old Prince Feng greeted, reacting first and stepping forward to meet him.

Li Mu immediately followed close behind, bowing slightly to him. "Crown Prince."

Xiliu Yuan gave a faint nod. "Prince Feng, I caught a chill from the sea breeze and am feeling a bit unwell. Excuse me."

Without waiting for their reply, he went straight up the stairs. Old Prince Feng’s smile stiffened as he watched Xiliu Yuan leave.

"The Crown Prince of Xi Yan certainly puts on grand airs. You’ve extended your generous hospitality several times, yet he has never attended. Fang Rui from the Xi Yan Chamber of Commerce hasn’t left his quarters recently either. It seems Xi Yan doesn’t take Nanyuan seriously at all," Li Mu said, seizing the opportunity to fan the flames.

Hearing this, Old Prince Feng’s expression darkened instantly. "Xi Yan may be wealthy, but give Nanyuan another ten years, and our wealth will surely surpass theirs. By then, even if they beg to cooperate with Nanyuan, we wouldn’t give them the time of day."

"Well said. Once the cooperation between Beili and Nanyuan is finalized and our commerce expands, surpassing Xi Yan will merely be a matter of time."

Old Prince Feng’s gloomy expression softened a bit. "Among all the Chamber of Commerce representatives, I find Mr. Li to be the most eloquent. Once you return, Mr. Li, have your people draft the contract."