Chapter 43: Bo City

For the next two months, Qin Chen stayed in the imperial capital. During the day, he occasionally went on dates with Mu Ningxue, and in the evening, he treated her. The treatment sessions extended from their original fifteen minutes to a full half-hour, under the pretext of providing a more thorough healing. Mu Ningxue did not expose his excuse; instead, she allowed him to hold her after the treatment was complete.

Their relationship rapidly intensified over these two months, evolving from mere savior to something more than friends, almost reaching a romantic level. Perhaps all it needed was a decisive confession to break the final barrier between them. However, Qin Chen felt that this crucial moment was hard to grasp. A premature confession could lead to an awkward cold war between them.

"Tomorrow this semester ends, and I need to return to Bo City to visit my father," Mu Ningxue said one evening after their treatment session.

"Your treatment isn't complete yet, so it can't stop. How about I accompany you to Bo City? I could also meet Uncle Mu," Qin Chen suggested while holding Mu Ningxue.

"Okay!"

Mu Ningxue blushed at the thought of Qin Chen meeting her father. Such meetings usually occurred between couples in more serious relationships, but her relationship with Qin Chen hadn't reached that level yet.

"By the way, you mentioned before that a member of your family is set to duel with someone who opposed your father during their coming-of-age ceremony, right? Is that happening soon?"

Qin Chen suddenly remembered a timeline, which was one of the reasons he wanted to go to Bo City with Mu Ningxue.

"Yes, it's happening soon, right after we return to Bo City," Mu Ningxue said naturally.

"So, it's that time already," Qin Chen thought to himself. Significant events were about to unfold in Bo City!

Early the next morning, Qin Chen and Mu Ningxue met at the hotel before taking the train to Bo City together.

"Ningxue, what does Uncle Mu like to eat?"

"Yam."

"Ningxue, how is Uncle Mu as a person?"

"He's okay."

"Ningxue, what is Uncle Mu's personality like? Is he easy to get along with?"

"He's like any ordinary person."

"Ningxue, does Uncle Mu have any special hobbies?"

"He likes business."

"Ningxue…"

"…"

Along the way, Qin Chen incessantly asked Mu Ningxue questions. Mu Ningxue, who was no longer the cold and reticent ice queen in public, displayed the demeanor of a girl bringing her boyfriend home. She patiently answered all of Qin Chen's annoying questions, likely fearing that her father might not be satisfied with him.

Bo City was a small, historic city nestled in the mountains. Though it lacked the bustling prosperity of the imperial capital, it exuded a rustic charm unseen in big cities. It was the first small city Qin Chen had visited. Upon arriving, they went to the Mu family estate, where they met Mu Ningxue's father, Mu Zhuoyun.

"Hello, Uncle Mu. I'm Qin Chen, Ningxue's friend. I'm from the magical capital, with both my parents alive and well. My father is the mayor of Lanyang City, and my mother is engaged in magical research in the magical capital. I'm their only son. I hope my presence in Bo City won't be a bother."

Before Mu Ningxue could speak, Qin Chen stepped forward with a polite smile and introduced himself to Mu Zhuoyun.

Mu Zhuoyun was taken aback, and even Mu Ningxue blushed and avoided eye contact with her father. Qin Chen's introduction was too ambiguous, reminiscent of a son-in-law's formal introduction to his future father-in-law.

"So, you're Qin Chen. Ningxue has mentioned you before, saying you're an outstanding person, a true dragon among men. Seeing you today, I can tell she wasn't exaggerating."

Mu Zhuoyun quickly understood the situation: his daughter had brought her boyfriend home to meet him. Considering Qin Chen's demeanor and family background, he was quite satisfied, as long as his daughter liked him.

Mu Ningxue wanted to explain the misunderstanding but Qin Chen didn't give her the chance.

"Uncle Mu, I have no special gift for our first meeting. This is a treasure I acquired at an auction. It helps to relieve physical fatigue, ideal for someone who works tirelessly for their family. It has a limited shelf life of only seven days starting from now, so please accept it."

Qin Chen handed Mu Zhuoyun a delicate bottle containing a pill he had bought at a pharmacy. He had enhanced it with a bit of his own life force and tested it personally to ensure it had no side effects, making it a suitable gift.

"Thank you, Qin Chen. Since you're here in Bo City, I'll make sure you're well taken care of. In Bo City, I still hold some influence. Ningxue, why don't you show Qin Chen around the city?"

Mu Zhuoyun smiled and accepted the gift, instructing Mu Ningxue before leaving the young couple alone.

"Qin Chen, don't mind my father. He usually isn't like this," Mu Ningxue tried to explain, worried about the misunderstanding.

"No worries. Uncle Mu seems very kind."

Qin Chen feigned ignorance, firmly acting as if Mu Zhuoyun had accepted him as a prospective son-in-law.

"Let me show you around Bo City."

Mu Ningxue clearly wanted to change the subject, knowing any further discussion would only put her at a disadvantage.

"Sure, but let's bring a companion along."

Qin Chen smiled as moonlight-colored stars began to appear around him, slowly aligning into the shape of a crescent moon gate. As the star pattern completed, a moonlit door opened, and a one-meter-diameter, earth-colored spherical object rolled out.

(End of Chapter)