Chapter 39: A Token of Love Worth Millions of Mora for Nilou?

Before Ye Xi could finish speaking, Nilou began to dance gracefully on the spot.

Ye Xi couldn't help but be captivated.

It was impossible not to admire Nilou's charm; she always seemed to bring a sense of lightness and joy to others. Who would normally begin dancing in the street at someone's simple request?

Seeing Nilou dance, the people in the Grand Bazaar quickly gathered, watching her from a respectful distance.

Nilou was usually naive, but once she began to dance, she seemed like a different person. Her expression and gaze transformed as she gave herself over to the emotions of the dance. Despite the abrupt start and lack of accompaniment, her movements were enchanting.

The exotic style was undeniable, enhanced by her intense and expressive gaze sometimes gentle, sometimes bold, sometimes shy. It was as if she were lost in her own dance.

Ye Xi felt her dance had a magical quality, captivating his attention and leaving him spellbound. Perhaps because it was his first time seeing her dance, he couldn't fully interpret the emotions in her movements, but that didn't matter.

Her graceful, slender figure, her pink shoulders glowing, the delicate design on her back, and her lovely waist were all beautifully framed in the moment. Every detail of this scene was etched into his memory.

As the dance slowed and reached its graceful end, Ye Xi found himself enchanted by Nilou's elegance. He could have used his [Forced Calmness] ability to compose himself, but he didn't feel the need.

Watching her perform live was incredibly impactful. Seeing her in person, breathing the same air, feeling her presence it was admiration unlike any other.

"Master Ye Xi, how do you feel?" someone asked.

"This was a dance that Nilou did just for you! Isn't that special?"

"I'm so jealous; it's the first time Nilou has danced for someone!" murmured another.

Excited voices arose around them as Zubayr stepped forward to explain, "I heard from Nilou's dance teacher that when she dances specifically for someone, she keeps her eyes on that person. The viewer feels deeply engaged in her dance, unable to look away. But that's a rare privilege; until now, only her dance teacher had witnessed it."

"When she performs on stage, her gaze isn't focused, but just now, her eyes were only on you. That must have been incredible, right?"

Hearing this, Ye Xi realized he had experienced something truly unique. Like a starfruit drawn differently by each student in art class, everyone's perspective is distinct, but only he had this special view.

Ye Xi clapped, smiling at Nilou. "Beautiful, Nilou. Both your dance and your spirit."

"Eh!" Hearing his words, Nilou's cheeks flushed, but her joy was evident. "I'm so happy that Master Ye Xi enjoyed it! You saved my dear friend and cured her of the demon scale disease. I can't thank you enough."

"Besides…" She continued, her words flowing quickly, "there's a hole in the theater's staircase, and at the top of the stage, a large piece of bark is about to fall off. Mr. Zubayr is really worried. We reported it to the authorities, but they ignored it... They've always looked down on performers like us, and we can't afford the repair costs."

"Without your generosity, we couldn't repair the theater or prepare for the Flower Goddess Festival. Your help means we can keep our traditions alive and the Grand Bazaar vibrant!"

Nilou's heartfelt gratitude moved Ye Xi. Around them, the others chuckled, murmuring softly.

"Is Nilou embarrassed? She's so flustered!"

"Well, who wouldn't be? Being praised by such a generous, handsome man…"

"Shh, don't let her hear she's shy!"

Though whispered, Nilou overheard and felt her cheeks burn.

"My… my dance may not be much…" she stammered, "but it's the best gift I can offer. As long as Master Ye Xi doesn't mind…"

"Don't worry," Ye Xi replied with a gentle smile. "I really enjoyed it."

Beside them, Dunyarzad echoed, "Nilou, your dance is stunning I really loved it."

Dehya added, "I may not be an art critic, but I found it beautiful. Those scholars don't know what they're missing."

With the praise, Nilou's face flushed even more.

Ye Xi nodded thoughtfully. "Sumeru shouldn't be only about scholars, art is important too. I'll make sure it's respected like academia."

Nilou was thrilled. She had expected Ye Xi to look down on art as others did. Instead, he valued it and appreciated her dance.

"By the way," Ye Xi said, lowering his voice, "you deserve a reward for that dance."

With a smooth motion, he reached into the air, opening a small rift in space and retrieving a dazzling sapphire. "This stone suits you," he said, placing it in Nilou's hand before gently guiding Dunyarzad toward the exit of the Grand Bazaar.

The crowd around them was stunned.

"What did I just see?" someone whispered.

"He really pulled a stone out of thin air!"

"Is this the power of someone from Khaenri'ah?"

Excited murmurs rose as children looked at Nilou in awe.

"What a beautiful stone!" one exclaimed.

"It's like in a story where the prince gives a jewel to the princess," added another.

The crowd was abuzz.

"That stone must be worth a fortune!"

"It's got to be worth at least a million mora!"

Nilou stood there, stunned. She, too, was in awe of Ye Xi's powers. But what surprised her more was the sudden shift in his presence. From gentle to commanding, he had shown her a side she had never seen.

As she watched him leave, Nilou resolved that next time she saw him, she would return the gem.

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