Zhu Zhuqing is in Debt

T/N: I'm Back!!! We are back on double release.

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Ao Tian smiled and said, "I don't think I ever said I was a coachman."

"But you've been sitting outside."

"Does sitting outside automatically make me a coachman?" Ao Tian asked.

"So what are you then?"

"This carriage is mine."

Zhu Zhuqing felt extremely awkward, incredibly so. She had actually overlooked the true owner and mistakenly thought he was just a coachman. She even intentionally gave the silver coin to Xiao Wu instead of Ao Tian, and now the embarrassment was overwhelming.

Her usually cold face turned red. She said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were just a coachman."

It wasn't entirely unreasonable for her to think that way. Normally, a carriage would have a coachman. Could the person who owned such a luxurious carriage really be the one driving it?

Of course not!

She re-evaluated Ao Tian and realized that, apart from his handsome appearance, he exuded a rare charm. When she initially thought he was just a coachman, she didn't pay much attention to him. Now, she suddenly saw Ao Tian in a new light.

Ao Tian said, "It's alright. Xiao Wu is the mistress of this carriage. You giving her the money was the right thing to do."

Hearing Ao Tian bring up this matter, Zhu Zhuqing blushed even more. She blamed herself for not being more attentive.

At the same time, she became intensely curious about Ao Tian. Who could he be to have two such outstanding women at his side?

From the way Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena willingly let Ao Tian kiss them earlier, Zhu Zhuqing could discern the relationship between Xiao Wu, Gu Yuena, and Ao Tian.

"Let's not talk about it anymore. Are we going to continue playing?" Xiao Wu said, still feeling unhappy about losing two rounds.

"No, let's put it away. We're about to enter the city," Ao Tian said.

Hearing that they were about to enter the city, Xiao Wu's eyes immediately lit up. Her previous dissatisfaction vanished in an instant.

After all, it meant lunchtime.

What could be more important than eating?

The dragon horse's speed gradually slowed, and Xiao Wu eagerly opened the carriage door. The outline of a city had already appeared in her line of sight.

On the way to Suotuo City, they would pass through several other cities and have the opportunity to taste the delicacies of each.

The carriage entered the city, heading slowly towards the most famous restaurant.

Ao Tian always had an uncanny ability to find the best places to eat in a city. While it might be a bit pricey, for him, money was not an issue. The real concern was whether the food was good or not.

Ten minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of a restaurant adorned with opulence and grandeur.

Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena simultaneously pulled out veils and covered their faces with practiced ease, leaving Zhu Zhuqing momentarily stunned.

"Blame it on our exceptional beauty. Naturally, it attracts trouble. A girl needs to know how to protect herself when she's out," Xiao Wu said playfully.

Zhu Zhuqing, deeply in agreement, nodded thoughtfully. She felt a newfound admiration for Xiao Wu and Gu Yuena.

She realized how little experience she had. She needed to learn from others.

The three got off the carriage, and immediately, a waiter warmly welcomed them, leading the dragon horse to the parking lot at the back.

Zhu Zhuqing looked at the high-end restaurant with a furrowed brow. While her status in the Zhu Family allowed her to afford such a place, the expenses here were definitely intimidating. Not everyone could afford it.

She considered the money she had left. It would be enough for her to dine here for several meals, but it wouldn't be sufficient if the three in front of her decided she should treat.

After entering the restaurant, Zhu Zhuqing originally wanted to dine alone, but Ao Tian requested a separate private room. Xiao Wu enthusiastically invited her over.

Reluctantly, Zhu Zhuqing joined Xiao Wu and the others in their private room.

Ao Tian placed his orders quickly, selecting over a dozen of the most prestigious signature dishes. When it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn, she was already taken aback by the prices listed.

She could afford each of the dishes separately, but the total for the over a dozen dishes Ao Tian ordered was a truly staggering amount. Even if they split the bill four ways, it was still an expense she couldn't comfortably bear.

"I... I think that's enough," Zhu Zhuqing closed the menu, forcing a smile.

She initially thought about suggesting they eat outside, but upon further consideration, it seemed too embarrassing.

If she didn't have the money, then so be it. She could always owe them. But leaving in a dejected manner would be far too shameful.

Gu Yuena and Ao Tian both suspected that Zhu Zhuqing might be a bit short on funds, but Xiao Wu, in her carefree manner, hadn't noticed.

Feeling somewhat acquainted with Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu asked, "Zhu Zhuqing, what are you going to Suotuo City for?"

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment and replied, "I'm going there for school."

Xiao Wu suddenly became interested and continued, "We're also going to Suotuo City for school. Suotuo City is a big city with several academies. Which one are you attending?"

"Shrek Academy," Zhu Zhuqing answered, then added, "It's not very well-known, so you might not have heard of it."

Xiao Wu's eyes widened in excitement. "That's incredible! We're also heading to Shrek Academy!"

Zhu Zhuqing was astonished. She hadn't expected that she would end up sharing a ride with people going to the same academy.

"Isn't it just too coincidental?" Xiao Wu exclaimed with excitement.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "Yes, it's quite a coincidence."

Originally, she had thought that they would part ways once they arrived in Suotuo City and that they wouldn't have much to do with each other in the future.

But now, knowing that Xiao Wu and her companions had the same destination, Zhu Zhuqing's attitude towards them had shifted slightly. She felt a bit closer to them.

After all, these three might be her future classmates.

"I heard... that the admission requirements for Shrek Academy are very strict. The age must not exceed thirteen, and soul power must be at least at the twenty-first level. Do you guys know about that?" Zhu Zhuqing said.

As she spoke, she looked at Gu Yuena and Ao Tian.

She already knew about Xiao Wu's Spirit Elder strength, and she assumed Xiao Wu couldn't be older than thirteen. However, she still didn't know the strengths of Ao Tian and Gu Yuena.

Ao Tian smiled and said, "Yes, we know. Entering Shrek Academy is not difficult for us."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Although she was still curious about Ao Tian and Gu Yuena's strengths, she didn't ask further.

The food arrived quickly. Xiao Wu ate heartily, while Zhu Zhuqing was a bit reserved. However, Ao Tian could still detect a deep longing in her eyes.

Recalling that Zhu Zhuqing seemed to have a difficult time in her own family, Ao Tian guessed that this meal might be the best one she's had in a long time.

When it came time to pay the bill, Ao Tian handed over ten gold soul coins.

Ten gold soul coins might be more than what an average family could save up in several years, but Ao Tian didn't even furrow his brow at the expense.

Zhu Zhuqing was extremely curious. Just who was this Ao Tian?

She thought for a moment. Even her most favored sister, Zhu Zhuqing, didn't seem to have this much spending money.

"Ao Tian," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly called out.

"What's wrong?" Ao Tian turned around.

Zhu Zhuqing took out a gold soul coin and said, "This meal is two and a half gold soul coins per person. I'll give you one first, and I'll pay you back the rest later, is that okay?"