Even Zhang Nu hadnt expected Lin Xiao and Ling Xi to eat with such grace and refinement.

By the time they finally finished their meal, Liu Hai and the others had already been waiting off to the side. The moment they set down their bowls and chopsticks, Liu Hai immediately perked up with excitement.

He had just overheard some locals talking about a grand lantern festival happening that nightand as someone who loved joining in on lively events, Liu Hai naturally wouldnt pass up the chance. Plus, he had the perfect excuse: Zhao Yang. Since it was his first time here, he deserved to see the local customs and celebrations.

Lets go to the lantern festival tonight! Liu Hai suggested eagerly. I heard its going to be a big one!

Zhang Nu shot him a look, seeing right through his motives. Liu Hai, if you want to go out and have fun, just say so.

Liu Hai lit up at that responsedoes this mean Zhang Nu might agree?

I do want to go out. Ive never been to a lantern festival before, he admitted. This city looks so lively I bet the festival will be amazing.

But Zhang Nu shook his head. After all the traveling, sleeping rough, and enduring the elements, tonight was a rare chance to get real rest. Besides, it wasnt guaranteed that the others would want to go either.

Did it ever occur to you that no one else might want to go? Zhang Nu said. Stop trying to drag us into it.

Liu Hai pouted in disappointment. He hadnt expected Zhang Nu to shut him down so bluntly. And from the looks on everyone elses faces, they silently agreed. After days of hardship, they werent about to give up the comfort of a proper bed for a crowded night out.

But Liu Hai wasnt one to give up so easily. He began lobbying the others with a charming grin.

Come on, dont you want to go check it out? he said. Lantern festivals are super fun. Theres street food, too. Zhao Yang, you havent tried most of it yet, right?

And Ling Xi, he turned to her. Look at what youre wearing. Dont you think its time to treat yourself to something new? Youre a girlyou should be dressing a bit more fashionably. Ive heard there are all kinds of pretty things at these festivals. Lets go take a look together!

It had to be said, Liu Hai really did have a way with persuasion. Zhao Yang and Ling Xi were quickly swayed.

With their alliance formed, Zhao Yang and Liu Hai teamed up to pressure Zhang Nu, while Ling Xi focused on convincing Lin Xiao.

Lets go to the festival later, Ling Xi said sweetly. Liu Hai said itll be really exciting.

Ive never been to one before. Back when I was still cultivating on the mountain, they never let me go down to town.

Lin Xiao could see right through her innocent act, but somehow, he still found himself wanting to indulge her. He turned to look at Zhang Nu, clearly pushing the decision onto him.

If Zhang Nu says yes, well go.

Ling Xis eyes lit up instantly and turned expectantly to Zhang Nu. .

Now under the gaze of three hopeful pairs of eyes, Zhang Nu let out a long sigh and glared playfully at Lin Xiao. He couldnt believe Lin Xiao had dumped the responsibility on him like that.

Well, since youre all so keen on going, Ill take you, Zhang Nu relented. Youre rightZhao Yangs just come out into the world. He should enjoy it a little.

Lin Xiao hadnt expected Zhang Nu to agree, thinking hed find a way to talk them out of it. But since hed said yes, there was nothing more to argue.

Soon, the group arrived at the lantern festival, and just like Liu Hai had promised, it was packed with people and glowing with red lanterns. The streets were alive with celebration.

Zhao Yang and Ling Xi dashed about excitedly, making it far too easy to get separated from the group. Lin Xiao quickly reached out and grabbed Ling Xi by the wrist.

Can you stop running around like that? he said sternly. Youll get lost in this crowd.

But Ling Xi clearly wasnt taking him seriously. Alright, alright, I get it, she said, brushing him off. You dont need to worry about me. Im not a child. I wont get lost. ЕS

She tried to slip away again, but Lin Xiao was already holding her firmly. If Ling Xi thought escaping him was going to be easy, she had another thing coming.