People in Doupo: The beginning of the game intercepts the rich woman Xun'er

Night fell like ink spilled from an inkstone, slowly spreading across the sky above Gulong Island.

The daytime mist, rising and falling with the twilight, transforms into a thin fog flowing through the mountains, enveloping the entire island in a hazy tranquility.

The outline of the Dragon Palace in the distance was faintly visible under the starlight. Occasionally, patrolling dragon-armored soldiers would step through the void, the soft sound of their armor clashing being broken up by the night wind, which only made the night seem even deeper.

Sunset Garden is nestled among the mountains on either side of the Dragon Palace, and this is the best time to enjoy its scenery.

The last rays of the setting sun had not yet faded, and a faint golden and crimson glow lingered on the horizon, casting a warm halo over the ancient pines and cypresses in the courtyard.

Under the bluestone pavilion in the center of the courtyard, the stone table and benches were wiped clean. On the table was a cup of Longyan Spring tea that had not been finished during the day. The steam had long since dissipated, leaving only the traces of the tea leaves unfurling in the cup.

Little Fairy Doctor, Qing Lin, and Xiao Ling were sitting in the pavilion, facing each other.

A gentle evening breeze rustled through the pavilion pillars, stirring the hem of Little Fairy Doctor's white dress. She lightly twirled a fallen pine needle between her fingers, her gaze fixed on the deepening twilight outside the courtyard, and murmured:

"The nights on Ancient Dragon Island are much quieter than those at Starfall Pavilion; even the wind sounds carry a sense of historical depth."

Qinglin was resting her chin on her hand, examining the dragon patterns shimmering on the rock wall outside the pavilion. Upon hearing this, she smiled and nodded, "Yes, during the day, the island is full of busy people, but at night it seems to change. Apart from the Dragon Armor Army patrolling the island, there isn't much activity."

As she spoke, she turned to look at Xiao Ling, "However, the environment here at Sunset Glow is really nice. Sister Ziyan said that this is the place on the island with the gentlest spiritual energy, and it is indeed comfortable to live here."

Xiao Linggang pushed a plate of freshly picked purple-gold dragon scale fruit in front of the two of them and said with a smile, "This is a place I specially chose, so it can't be bad. Besides, it's close to my medicine refining barrier. After you settle down here, you can come to me anytime you need any medicinal herbs."

As the three chatted, the topic naturally turned to Zi Yan, who had not yet arrived.

Qinglin glanced in the direction of the Dragon Palace and sighed with some understanding: "It seems that Sister Ziyan will be busy until late at night again tonight. During the day, when I saw her handling clan affairs, the files on her desk were piled up higher than a small mountain."

"After all, Ancient Dragon Island has only recently been rebuilt. As the new Dragon Emperor, she has to make decisions on all matters, big and small, within the clan, so it's understandable that she's stretched thin," Little Fairy Doctor replied gently, her tone full of understanding.

"We are already at peace with ourselves here. Once she finishes this busy period, she will have some free time."

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement: "This Sunset Glow Courtyard is one of the best residences on Ancient Dragon Island. Zi Yan specially vacated it for us to stay temporarily. She will often come here after she finishes her work. Please settle in comfortably. If you want to go anywhere on the island or need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."

As night deepened, the afterglow of the sunset faded completely, and starlight and moonlight shone down, enveloping the pavilion in a soft glow.

The dragon scale fruit on the stone table glowed with a faint purple light, and the shadows of the three people were stretched long by the moonlight. Occasionally, the evening breeze carried the low shouts of the Dragon Armor Army patrolling in the distance, making the tranquility of the moment in the pavilion even more apparent.

Although Zi Yan is missing, the temporary peace and the warmth of the reunion have gradually calmed the heart that has been traveling for many days, and a sense of homecoming has quietly brewed on this newly reborn Gulong Island.

As the three chatted idly, Little Fairy Doctor lightly twirled a teacup between her fingertips. The warm cup pressed against her fingertips as she took a small sip of Dragon Saliva Tea and gently placed the teacup on the stone table, making a soft "ding" sound that just interrupted the conversation in the pavilion.

She looked up at Xiao Ling, her gaze filled with inquiry, her slightly raised eyebrows seeming to hide a smile, and she spoke softly: "Xiao Ling, seeing your actions with Zi Yan today, could something have happened between you two? Don't you want to talk to me and Qing Lin about it?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she looked at Xiao Ling quietly, a hint of mischief mixed with the gentle smile in her eyes, as if she had already seen through something.

Upon hearing this, Qinglin immediately perked up. Her fingers, which had been playing with the dragon pattern on the corner of the table, stopped, and her bright eyes darted around Xiao Ling's face, sparkling with a strange light.

In fact, the unintentional interactions between Zi Yan and Xiao Ling during their daytime reunion had not escaped their notice.

It should be noted that Xiao Ling and Zi Yan have known each other since childhood, and their relationship is closer than that of others. However, Zi Yan in the past had the naivety of a young girl and the arrogance of a dragon girl. She relied more on and trusted Xiao Ling, and her eyes held an open intimacy, but there was none of the calm and gentle affection she has now.

Especially during their conversations, the unspoken understanding between them had already surpassed their former close friendship.

These subtle changes might be difficult for others to notice, but for Little Fairy Doctor and Qinglin, their two close friends who had watched them along the way, they were as clear as the sun in broad daylight.

It was these subtle, flowing details that gradually led Little Fairy Doctor to a conclusion.

Something must have happened between these two people that caused their relationship to cross the line from being just close friends to a substantial breakthrough.

The intimacy of the past was the tacit understanding of walking side by side, the trust that needed no words. Now, those unintentional touches of fingertips and exchanges of glances reveal a deep-seated concern and dependence ingrained in our bones.

It was a connection that transcended mere friendship, a more private and profound bond, as if two hearts had quietly drawn closer together over the years, forming a warm corner that no one else could intrude upon.

Faced with the two people's curious yet mischievous gazes, Xiao Ling was momentarily stunned, but a relieved smile quickly spread across her eyes.

Little Fairy Doctor and Qinglin were the closest people to him along the way, and there was never any distance between them. There was no need to hide such feelings.

He picked up the teacup and took a small sip. The warm tea slid down his throat. When he put the cup down, he tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, a hint of helplessness mixed with indulgence in his smile: "Xian'er, your observation skills are still so sharp. Even these unintentional little actions can't escape your notice."

He paused slightly, then looked up at the two of them, his gaze open and gentle, his tone becoming more serious: "Indeed, something did happen between Ziyan and me."

Next, Xiao Ling recounted the whole story, from Zi Yan absorbing the energy of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit, to how he helped Zi Yan regulate her own energy. It was during this opportunity that their relationship made a substantial breakthrough, breaking down the last barrier between them.

He didn't embellish anything; he simply told the two of them about the unwavering trust between him and Zi Yan, and how their feelings for each other had naturally blossomed.

Even when talking about the crucial moment, Xiao Ling's voice softened unconsciously, and the warmth in his eyes almost overflowed. "...That's how it is." After Xiao Ling finished explaining the general situation, he picked up his teacup and took another sip, as if to hide the slight warmth on his fingertips. "We both know the responsibilities on each other's shoulders. We have never said anything romantic, but some feelings, after going through those things, can no longer be hidden."

The pavilion was quiet for a moment, with only the soft rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.

Little Fairy Doctor and Qinglin exchanged a glance, both seeing genuine smiles in each other's eyes. The tenderness hidden in the details finally found its perfect conclusion.

Xiao Ling was somewhat stunned as he looked at the smiles in their eyes.

He had thought that even if it wouldn't elicit reproach, there should at least be some awkward teasing, but the frank blessing he received left him completely bewildered.

He scratched his head and looked at the two of them tentatively, asking, "Qinglin, Xian'er, don't you... mind?"

Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor raised her hand and gently tucked the silver hair that had been ruffled by the evening breeze on her forehead. Her smile was gentle: "What's there to mind? With Zi Yan's personality and the bond between the two of you over the years, it was only a matter of time before you came together. The current situation is just a natural progression."

She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "We had a feeling about this. Back in Canaan Academy, the way she looked at you was unmistakable. Did you really think that she would choose someone else after being so clingy with you all the time?"

Qinglin nodded vigorously from the side and chimed in, "That's right, that's right. Back in Canaan Academy, Sister Ziyan was indifferent to everyone else, but she was always willing to stick to Young Master's side and would only listen to Young Master's words."

She suddenly lowered her voice, as if revealing a secret, "If it weren't for the side effects of that 'Transformation Grass' back then, which prevented Sister Ziyan from maintaining her adult form and leaving her with nowhere to place her heart, your relationship would probably have already progressed beyond that point. Why wait until now?"

“Xiao Ling, you know better than anyone that Zi Yan has always treated you differently.” Little Fairy Doctor continued softly, a few strands of her silver hair being lifted by the night wind, and the moonlight shattering into shimmering stars in her eyes.

She gazed at the distant silhouette of the Dragon Palace, its glazed tiles shimmering with a silvery glow. "Now she bears the heavy responsibility of the Dragon Emperor, wearing a mask of majesty all day long. Only when she is by your side..."

She turned to look at Xiao Ling, a gentle smile curving her lips, "Only then will you turn back into that purple-haired girl who would steal pills and throw tantrums."

"We see such affection in our eyes and can only offer our blessings; how could we possibly mind?"

Xiao Ling's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and the emotions surging in his chest were like the gradually clarifying medicinal liquid in the alchemy furnace.

Gazing at the silhouettes of his two close friends under the moonlight, he suddenly realized that the most precious bonds are never measured by possession. Just as stars don't need to embrace each other all the time, yet can still shine brightly in the same night sky.

"You guys..." Xiao Ling smiled and shook his head, then picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp. The warm tea went down his throat, carrying a faint sweetness that warmed his heart.

Qinglin suddenly leaned closer, blinking her bright eyes: "Brother Xiao Ling, you must treat Sister Ziyan well! She's already working so hard as the Dragon Emperor, you can't let her suffer."

"Don't worry." Xiao Ling looked at the light shining in the Dragon Palace in the distance, his eyes gentle yet firm. "You are all my most important family members. Even if I, Xiao Ling, do everything in my power, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance."

The evening breeze swept through the pavilion, carrying the refreshing scent of ambergris tea that wafted over their clothes, gently carrying the laughter of the three into the night sky.

The moonlight fell like shattered silver, and the silver hair at Xiao Yixian's temples shone with a soft luster. Qinglin's fingertips unconsciously caressed the edge of the stone table, and his eyes held a hint of unspoken affection.

Xiao Ling gazed at the two of them, her tenderness like melting spring water, subtly spreading the unspoken understanding between them.

Little Fairy Doctor was the first to stand up. Her white skirt swept across the bluestone ground. She walked to Xiao Ling's side and gently placed her fingertips on Xiao Ling's wrist. The cool touch carried a familiar intimacy.

She tilted her head slightly, the moonlight falling on her shallow dimples: "It's getting late. The fatigue from the journey is finally starting to hit me. Qinglin and I should go back to our rooms to rest."

Qinglin also stood up, lightly walking around to Xiao Ling's other side. She reached out and took his other arm, her cheek brushing against his sleeve unintentionally. Her voice was soft and sweet: "Yes, we traveled a very, very long way from Xingyun Pavilion to Gulong Island. We're so tired now. Brother Xiao Ling, is your room close to us?"

Xiao Ling was enveloped by the warm and gentle aura on both sides, the herbal fragrance emanating from Little Fairy Doctor and the refreshing scent from her green scales in her hair lingering around his nose, and the string of longing in his heart trembled gently.

He took their hands in his own, the warmth of his palms seeping through their skin, and said in a deep, gentle voice, "You can stay in the room next to mine. Ziyan often rests here, and it will be convenient for you to come and go later."

Little Fairy Doctor gently squeezed Xiao Ling's palm with her fingertips, a hint of tenderness in her eyes: "Then...would you like to come and sit down? Qing Lin and I are still a bit unfamiliar with this place, so it might not be suitable."

Qinglin immediately nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him: "Yes, yes, we have so much to say to you, but there were too many people during the day, so we didn't have a chance to chat properly."

The gentle metaphors in their words were like the fragrance of flowers quietly blooming in the evening breeze, and how could Xiao Ling not understand them?

So many days and nights of separation, the journey across the void and the longing, had long since accumulated into a warm current in his heart for the two women.

The warmth of their reunion had not yet faded; the longing and anticipation in their eyes were like pebbles thrown into a lake, rippling outwards.

How could he refuse such an invitation? To refuse this opportunity, after such a long separation, to express his longing for his beloved?

The evening breeze suddenly became gentle, rustling the branches and leaves outside the pavilion, as if providing accompaniment for the quietly warming atmosphere.

Looking at the undisguised affection in their eyes, Xiao Ling could no longer hide his longing and love. He held their hands tightly and nodded gently: "Okay, I'll take you back. Tonight... let's have a good talk."

Under the moonlight, the three walked hand in hand toward the side room deep in the courtyard, their shadows stretched long, overlapping and moving slowly on the stone path.

The lanterns under the eaves cast a warm yellow glow, softening each other's silhouettes. The warmth of a long-awaited reunion and the deep affection hidden in their hearts quietly spread in the tranquil night, transforming into the tenderness of an impending embrace. (End of Chapter)