Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Nezha felt a pang of sympathy. He reached out and gently placed his hand on Ao Bing's shoulder. "But you're here now, in a human university. Doesn't that mean you have your own choices?"
Ao Bing shook his head. "Coming to the Human World to study was also my father's arrangement. He hopes I can better understand how human society operates, to prepare for future interactions with them. It's just..." He paused, a flicker of struggle crossing his eyes. "I never expected to discover what I truly love here."
"Music?" Nezha recalled Ao Bing's focus and dedication at the piano.
Ao Bing nodded. "And literature, art, philosophy... things that are considered 'useless' in the Dragon Tribe world, yet they give me an unprecedented sense of freedom and satisfaction." His voice was low but firm. "More importantly, I've met you here, made many friends, and experienced the life of ordinary people. These experiences... have led me to start questioning my destiny."
Nezha's heart raced involuntarily. It seemed Ao Bing's words hinted at a deeper care for their friendship, perhaps even more than mere friendship. But now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts; the pressing issue lay before them.
"What do you plan to do?" Nezha asked. "Will you accept your father's arrangement?"
Ao Bing sighed. "I need time to think. My father has given me three days to decide. After three days, regardless of my answer, he will send someone to take me back to the Dragon Palace for at least a formal Inheritance Ceremony."
A wave of unease washed over Nezha. "Does this mean you have to leave school for a while, no matter what?"
"Yes," Ao Bing replied softly. "The Inheritance Ceremony lasts for a month, during which I must stay in the Dragon Palace to learn the Dragon Tribe's Secret Techniques and Management Skills."
A month... Nezha felt his heart sink. A month without seeing Ao Bing felt like an eternity. What worried him even more was whether Ao Bing would be persuaded or forced to stay in the Dragon Palace afterward and never return.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Nezha asked sincerely, even though he knew he might be powerless in matters concerning the Dragon Tribe.
Ao Bing looked into Nezha's concerned eyes, warmth flooding his heart. "Thank you, Nezha. But this is something I must face on my own. It's just..." He hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper, "Could you please... stay with me for these three days?"
Nezha's heart raced suddenly. "Of course! I’m not going anywhere; I’ll stay with you!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized that his tone might have been too eager, and quickly added, "Uh, what I mean is, as a friend, I will definitely support you."
Ao Bing smiled slightly, a smile that carried an emotion Nezha couldn't quite understand. "Thank you."
For the next three days, Nezha stayed by Ao Bing's side almost constantly. They attended classes together, shared meals, and strolled around campus. Nezha even took a leave of absence from the Magic City University Soccer Team's practice just to spend more time with Ao Bing.
Ao Bing seemed much more relaxed than usual, as if he had shed some heavy burden. He took the initiative to show Nezha places they rarely visited: the art gallery, the Concert Hall, the Antique Bookstore... These places revealed a side of Ao Bing that few knew—a soul that loved art and yearned for freedom.
"I've always wondered," Nezha couldn't help but ask in a quiet café, "why did the Dragon Prince choose to major in literature? How does that relate to your future responsibilities?"
Comment 0 Comment Count