Chapter 4: Friends

Jiang Yanli beamed happily at her brother, "Thank you A-Cheng."

Jiang Wanyin's gaze settled on Jin Hua, "You're the one from yesterday. What are you doing here?"

Jin Hua tilted her head in acknowledgment and clasped her hands in greeting, "Sect Leader Jiang, I've been enjoying your sister's delightful company."

"Jin Hua helped me out earlier so I invited her to tea," Jiang Yanli added, "will you join us A-Cheng?"

Jiang Wanyin shook his head, "I'm going to take the disciples I brought with us to join the Jins for a nighthunt at the border between of Lanling and Yunmeng."

"A nighthunt? What's the target?" Jin Hua asked, interest stirred.

"From the report, a spider yao has been terrorizing civilians near the forest surrounding Xiǎo Sī Village," Jiang Cheng said.

Jin Hua grew excited, "A Spider Yao! Is there a chance that you guys will bring it back alive?"

Jiang Wanyin gave her a strange look, "of course not. It's causing trouble so we're going to kill it."

"But that's such a waste. The Spider Yao silk thread is tough, it requires a strong spiritual weapon to break. If we were to harvest the thread instead, imagine the durability of the clothing one could make?" Jin Hua's eyes were shining at the prospect of acquiring such an asset.

Jiang Wanyin looked faintly intrigued by such an idea however... "Aside from carrying resentful energy, Spider Yao are poisonous. Would the silk be safe? How would one even keep the monster from hurting others? It's not a pet you know. Yao are dangerous. I'm not risking someone's life to go along with your nonsense."

"Then take me with! If I can even get a small spool of thread it would be worth it."

"Aren't you a bit young? I don't need deadweight dragging us down."

Jin Hua pursed her lips stubbornly, "I'm seventeen, almost eighteen. Old enough to hunt Yao with seniors and I can hold my own. Besides, you're not that much older than me." That last sentence was probably a mistake to say because how could she compare to Sandu Shengshou? But she wasn't weak and definitely wouldn't drag him down. Jin Hua clasped her hands and said earnestly, "Sect Leader Jiang, please take me with. I won't be a burden."

"Why don't you ask your fellow Sect members? Won't they take you?"

Jin Hua shook her head, "it's too late, spots for hunts like this would already be taken. If I go with you, it should be fine."

Jiang Wanyin's eyebrow twitched at her pleading eyes. He looked away and sighed, "fine. You can come. We leave in one hour at the west gate." With that said he left.

Jin Hua watched him go until she couldn't see him and felt the sides of her lips lift. He's not so bad, she thought.

Feeling eyes on her, Jin Hua saw Jiang Yanli looking at her with knowing eyes that were trying to dissect her soul and she felt the urge to cover up.

"What?"

Jiang Yanli smiled, "You didn't get offended by my brother?"

Jin Hua tilted her head in confusion, "No? His concerns were logical."

"Then Jin Hua, please take care of my brother."

Jin Hua felt like there was something she wasn't understanding but agreed nonetheless, "Of course. I won't allow him to die if I can help it. Thanks for the tea, I've enjoyed your company."

Jin Hua wasn't just saying that because Sect Heir told her to befriend his wife, no, Jiang Yanli's presence is like still lotus waters. A soothing balm to the senses. How could Jin Hua not like her?

They both stood up to say their goodbyes. Jiang Yanli surprised her by taking both of her hands in her own, "It's nice to be with friends, I hope you're not opposed to spending more time together in future?"

"I would love that. You'll be very busy tomorrow, so I won't bother you then. But do you mind if I stop by your room to see the bride before the ceremony?"

Jiang Yanli smiled brighter, "please. I'll probably be a ball of nerves so I'd appreciate the distraction."