45 Chapter 42

The following two days passed uneventfully. Cai Wen, immersed in his book from the library of school and playing with Qian Renxue when he got nothing to do, he hardly noticed the passing of time. The tranquil routine was disrupted when a sudden knock echoed on his door.

To his surprise, his senior sister, Hu Liena, stood at the doorway with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Cai Wen, fetch your things," she commanded, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Cai Wen looked at her quizzically and asked, "Why, sister Liena? Is there something happening?"

She just giggled in response and said, "It's time for some much-needed shopping."

Blinking in surprise, Cai Wen followed Hu Liena's lead as she pulled him out of his room in the Supreme Pontiff Palace. Along the way, she explained her sudden urge to go shopping, noting Cai Wen's recent growth spurt and his need for new clothes.

"Besides," she added, "we have plenty of money from the stipend Spirit Hall provides us. It's high time we put it to good use!"

Cai Wen nodded, feeling somewhat bewildered. "I've only been shopping once in Spirit City before, sister nana. This might be good to explore the place."

Arriving at a bustling shop, Hu Liena wasted no time in selecting various pieces of clothing for Cai Wen. She would hand him a pile and send him off to the changing rooms, only to critique his appearance when he emerged. Cai Wen, having no particular interest in fashion, obediently followed her directions, even as he grew tired from the constant changing.

"Why do we need to put a lot of thought of what we wear as long as it's presentable it's good enough," Cai Wen grumbled after his seventh change of clothes. His previous shopping with Guo Qiang is more relaxing than this.

Hu Liena just snort and laughed. "What do you know? Fashion is art."

Finally, after what felt like hours, Hu Liena appeared satisfied with her selections. She paid for the clothes with a portion of their stipend, and before Cai Wen could suggest heading back, she was leading the way to another shop.

"This one's for me," she declared shamelessly. "You've been such a good sport, Cai Wen. Now, it's your turn to help me choose."

Cai Wen sighed, but managed to smile. "Alright, sister Liena. Let's see if I've learned anything from your fashion lessons."

Despite his exhaustion, Cai Wen couldn't help but laugh at her audacity. He dutifully followed her into the shop, providing compliments and opinions as she tried on various outfits. Much to his surprise, Hu Liena blushed at his words, appearing genuinely pleased with his feedback.

As the day wore on, the two of them continued to explore Spirit City. They wandered through bustling markets, gazed at the towering buildings, and even found a quiet, quaint restaurant to dine in. Over their meal, they chatted about their training, their studies, and the simple pleasures of life outside the Spirit Hall Academy.

"I didn't realize there was so much to see and do in Spirit City," remarked Cai Wen as he sampled a local delicacy.

Hu Liena laugh at him. "Isn't it your fault for always staying in your room when, we have no class or training"

"Hmph, you say that but for people like me, our room is considered our paradise than the outside" Cai Wen snort as he laughed.

By the time they returned to the Supreme Pontiff Palace, the sun was setting, casting long shadows on the ground. Exhausted yet content, Cai Wen thanked Hu Liena for the day out, admitting that it was a welcome break from his usual routine.

"Sometimes, it's good to step out of your room, Cai Wen," Hu Liena said, her eyes twinkling under the warm light of the setting sun.

"That's why I said thank you" Cai Wen smiled.

"And let's have another date, senior sister nana. See ya tomorrow I am also kinda tired"

"Umu, yes, let's have another da-wait it's not a date!" Hu Liena with a bit of embarrassment shouted from a distance.

A smile on Cai Wen lips appears, and was glad that Hu Liena pull him out of his room. He decided to ignore her, as he was just teasing her.