Feng Qingyi didn't find Xu Linghe's familiarity offensive.
Perhaps it was because she had helped her today, but she felt quite fond of her.
However, she felt that the two of them weren't close enough yet, so she didn't plan to tell her about these more private matters.
"You'll find out later."
Seeing that Feng Qingyi didn't want to elaborate, Xu Linghe didn't press further. "Do you have any plans for the afternoon?"
Feng Qingyi: "No, why?"
"Then let me take you to the West Market. There are many little trinkets there; I think you might like them," Xu Linghe said.
Feng Qingyi nodded, "I'm not very familiar with Shengjing. Thank you for the trouble."
Xu Linghe: "It's no trouble at all. From now on, you're my friend. If you need any help, just come to me!"
Following Xu Linghe to the West Market, Feng Qingyi found herself being pulled into a weapons shop.
Looking at the various swords, sabers, and spears inside, Feng Qingyi couldn't quite understand why Xu Linghe had brought her here.
"Qingyi, see if there are any weapons here you like. I'll buy it for you!"
"Buy it for me?" What would she do with a weapon? Cut vegetables with it at home?
Xu Linghe picked up a short sword, "I think this sword suits you well. Why don't you try it?"
Feng Qingyi reluctantly took the sword and examined it carefully. She had no idea how to use it.
The shop owner smiled and said, "You ladies have good taste. This sword is forged from meteoric iron and can cut through metal like butter."
"...Is it really that powerful?" Feng Qingyi could hardly believe it. Could it really slice through metal so easily?
The shop owner brought out an iron plate. "Miss, if you don't believe me, you can try it yourself. See if it cuts through metal as I said."
"Qingyi, give it a try!" Xu Linghe urged.
Feng Qingyi raised the sword in her hand and swung it down at the iron plate. The plate split instantly.
Feng Qingyi stared in disbelief. It really was that powerful!
Xu Linghe said, "Shopkeeper, I'll take this sword, and that large saber too."
Xu Linghe promptly took out her purse, paid, and walked out carrying a large saber.
Feng Qingyi followed behind with the sword, "Linghe, let me pay you back!"
"I said it was a gift, so of course I'm paying. Don't be so formal with me," Xu Linghe said.
Feng Qingyi looked at the large saber in Xu Linghe's hand, "Is it really okay for us to be walking around with swords and sabers like this?"
Xu Linghe: "Carrying these weapons lets people know we're martial artists. They won't dare mess with us."
Xu Linghe and Feng Qingyi continued browsing the West Market.
"Isn't this Miss Xu? When did you get yourself a little follower?"
Feng Qingyi looked towards the speaker. It was Shangguan Yi. She hadn't expected to run into him again.
Xu Linghe said mockingly, "Why isn't Young Master Shangguan at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion today?"
Shangguan Yi: "Miss Xu, always playing with swords and spears. You're not at all like a woman. Aren't you afraid you won't be able to find a husband?"
Feng Qingyi stepped out from behind Xu Linghe, "Whether she can get married or not seems to be none of Young Master Shangguan's business. Don't you think you're overstepping?"
Shangguan Yi: "Oh, it's Miss Mu. Have you found a kindred spirit here in Shengjing?"
Xu Linghe asked quietly, "Why does he call you Miss Mu?"
"Mu is my father's surname, but I actually take my mother's surname."
Xu Linghe nodded, "So how do you know this playboy?"
"I didn't want to know him either. He just took a dislike to me for no reason. I can't figure out what I did to offend him."
Xu Linghe: "He's always causing trouble for no reason. I'll find a chance to beat him up for you. Don't take his words to heart."
Seeing the two whispering, Shangguan Yi said, "Birds of a feather really do flock together. Miss Xu is only fit to associate with country bumpkins."
"Shangguan Yi, you're just a merchant's son. What right do you have to mock others? If it weren't for your father, could you spend your days drinking and carousing?"
Xu Linghe grabbed Feng Qingyi's hand and gracefully walked past Shangguan Yi.
"If I beat him up in public, my parents would surely scold me. I'll wait for tonight, put a sack over his head, and teach him a lesson."
"That way, no one will know it was me, and I can get revenge for you. I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
Feng Qingyi: "I don't like him either. Why don't we go together tonight?"
Xu Linghe: "No need. It's not safe for you to go out at night. Leave this to me. Is there anywhere else you want to go now?"
Feng Qingyi thought for a moment. She did have some business to attend to today.
"Linghe, do you know any scenic spots around here? I need to paint a picture."
Xu Linghe scratched her head, "Scenic spots? I'm not sure about that. I spend all my time practicing martial arts and fighting. I haven't paid much attention."
"It's alright. I think this bustling street is quite nice. I'll take a photo."
Feng Qingyi took out her phone from her small bag and snapped a picture of the street.
Xu Linghe stared curiously at the phone in Feng Qingyi's hand. "Qingyi, what's that?"
"You can think of it as a magical treasure. Just stand there, and I'll take a photo of you," Feng Qingyi said.
Xu Linghe obediently stood still, watching Feng Qingyi fiddle with the small black box in her hand.
"Alright, come and see!"
Xu Linghe leaned in to look, "That's amazing! In such a short time, it drew a picture that looks exactly like me!"
"That's what this treasure does. It's not a drawing," Feng Qingyi explained briefly.
Xu Linghe: "Can I have one of these treasures?"
"Sure, but you'll have to wait for a while."
Xu Linghe said, "Alright, I'll wait."
"It's getting late. I should head back now. Let's meet again another day!" Feng Qingyi said.
Xu Linghe: "Then I'll go back with you. Once I know where you live, I'll know where to find you next time."
Feng Qingyi thought for a moment, "Alright, but I'm often not at home. We probably won't be able to meet again for five days."
"Then I'll come to your place in five days. I'll take you horseback riding then," Xu Linghe said.
Feng Qingyi nodded, "See you in five days then."
After escorting Feng Qingyi back, Xu Linghe left.
Just as Feng Qingyi was about to go inside, Qian Jue appeared again.
"Little girl, you seemed to have had quite a fun day!"
Feng Qingyi looked at him, "Why are you here again?"
"You little rascal, we agreed to go to the teahouse together. I had a gift for you, but you ran off with someone else."
Feng Qingyi scratched her head, "I was chasing after a thief, and when I caught up, you had disappeared. I was completely lost, so I just went to eat with someone else."
