An Expert Part 2

"Senior, let's go to my home first. I'm sure my father will be happy to talk to you," Ma Lifen said, giving him a slight smile.

Fang Xuan glanced at her, unsure if this would delay his plans. But blending in might help him gather more information without drawing suspicion. He nodded slowly.

"Wang Lei, I can take it from here. I will guide Senior to my home," she spoke up, addressing the boy who was accompanying her.

Wang Lei opened his mouth to speak, but she gave him a firm look, locking eyes with him.

The silent message was clear—she didn't want him there anymore. 

Realizing this, he clenched his jaw but didn't argue. 

The truth was, he had been trying to get on her good side for a while.

When he saw her walking alone earlier, he had taken the chance to approach and follow her. 

However, they weren't really all that close, and her current actions made that obvious. Reluctantly, he turned and walked away, frustration lingering on his face. 

As Fang Xuan watched Wang Lei's retreating figure, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. 

'She's still the same,' he sighed to himself. That side of her never changed—always in control, always putting walls around her without saying much. 

Now that he thought about it, it was a miracle they had become such good friends when they were younger. She had never been the most approachable person, even back then. 

She was often rude to boys, keeping them at arm's length, and rarely bothered with playing nice. 

But for some reason, she had always shown him a softer side—a kindness that she hid from the rest. 

It puzzled him, even now, why she had treated him differently.

Maybe it was because they both stood apart from others in their own way. 

This was also the reason why he had fallen for her. Her rare kindness, hidden from everyone else, had made him feel special. 

But, like most things, it didn't last forever. As they grew older, she began to distance herself, giving him the cold shoulder. 

It was as if one day, she just decided he wasn't worth her time anymore. That hurt lingered, though he buried it deep, especially now with other things on his mind. 

As they entered the town, the streets were quiet, with only a few lanterns lighting the way. 

Because of the recent incident and the missing cultivators, everyone was more cautious.

The town, usually lively, was now silent. People kept to themselves and eyed any strangers with suspicion. 

Fang Xuan walked at a steady pace, trying not to attract attention, while Ma Lifen walked beside him, glancing at him now and then. 

'Did she recognize me?' he muttered under his breath.

The look in her eyes seemed like she was trying to remember something. 

"Senior, can I ask something?" she broke the silence, her tone curious and polite.

He was momentarily taken aback, but he kept his expression neutral. 

"What is it ?"