Chapter 78 - New Friend?

It's been a week since the event, since then, everything has been going well. People who were of the same genders were slowly coming out and the citizens gladly accepted them.

Though for Yu Yingyi, what changed the most was the relationship between the nobles and the commoners. It felt like they were more friendly to each other, it was almost strange, but she didn't complain. The city was becoming more and more wonderful.

"What're you doing awake this early?" asked Song Liya wrapping her arms around Yu Yingyi's waist.

Yingyi leaned back into Liya's embrace as warmth enveloped her, "Nothing, I was just thinking how everything has been so far."

"Hopefully you're not thinking too hard, I don't want you to come up with something again."

Yu Yingyi let out a chuckle, "Don't worry, I have nothing in mind right now. Though if a new event idea comes to my mind, I'll let you know first.."

"Good, my entire body was sore after that event. Who knows how long I stayed in that bathtub filled with ice, if not for the genes that ran through me, I would've been sick."

"Showing off how amazing your genes are huh?" Yu Yingyi asked, "Anyway, you seem different lately."

"Is it a good thing or a bad thing?"

"A good thing, you seem happier and calmer after the event." said Yu Yingyi with a chuckle at the end, "It's better than the fierce and cunning princess."

"I can't tell if you're insulting or complimenting me, but since you said it's a good thing, I'll take it as a compliment."

"Good, I was worried you were going to freak out like the princess you are."

Song Liya frowned, "What're you trying to say?"

"Nothing, I was joking."

"Alright, anyway, are you free today?" asked Song Liya.

"Nope, I have to head into the city today. I haven't been there since the event, I want some fresh air too," Yu Yingyi replied.

"Ah, that's good. My mother wants to discuss something with me so I'll have to go to her. I would've been mad if you were free when I was busy," said Song Liya.

"It seems we're both busy today, I wonder what Feng Mian and Jia Yi are doing," said Yu Yingyi gripping her chin.

Yu Yingyi doubted Feng Mian and Jia Yi were going to do anything. Despite Feng Mian already being revealed to the public and Song Zihan allowing her to go out, she still stayed in her room often.

Though that's just like her, books were basically a part of her now. Hopefully, Jia Yi isn't bothering Feng Mian too much, she should be learning from her instead.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, also, when are you heading out?" asked Song Liya.

"Probably right now, today's going to be a busy day in the city. It's the first day of the week, you know how people are," Yu Yingyi replied.

"Alright, I'll see you later then?"

"Of course."

With that said, they shared a kiss before Yu Yingyi had to leave. Today was a Monday, it was one of the most hectic days of the week.

Yu Yingyi was right, just before being officially inside the city, there were already crowds of people trying to get to wherever they need to go. Even though Yingyi was free to go out in public, it was still necessary to wear a disguise sometimes.

Yu Yingyi's first stop was visiting Mei Xiang, it had become a daily routine for her to visit her whenever she was in the city. Since Mei Xiang didn't complain, Yingyi thought there was nothing wrong with it.

Entering the store, the sound of the bell ringing made her presence known. Immediately, Mei Xiang appeared next to her with a smile on her face.

"It's good to see you again! It's been a week, where have you been all this time?" asked Mei Xiang, there was genuine curiosity in her tone.

"Ah, sorry about that. After the event, there were a lot of papers I had to deal with and political stuff. I was too busy," Yu Yingyi replied apologetically.

"It's fine, I understand how busy you must've been."

"Do you really understand though?"

"Nope, but that's not what's important. A special guest is coming to my store," said Mei Xiang.

"A special guest?" Yu Yingyi questioned.

If she remembered all of their conversations correctly, Mei Xiang has never mentioned anyone special before...was it what she thought she was?"

"Is it your lover?!"

"Nope!" Mei Xiang instantly replied, "I already told you I'm not into anything related to romance nor relationships."

"Ah, that's right, then who is it? Possibly your friend?" asked Yu Yingyi.

"I guess you could say that she's my friend, though we've only talked about architectural designs," Mei Xiang replied.

So it was like that, thought Yu Yingyi. She would've been surprised if Mei Xiang made a genuine friend while working at a restaurant and architecture store all day, not saying she couldn't make genuine friends.

"I forgot to ask, but where's she from?"

Before Yu Yingyi could get an answer from Mei Xiang, the sound of the bell rang again signaling someone else entered the shop. Mei Xiang dashed from her position and headed towards where the sound came from.

Yu Yingyi watched the door as the person came in, her eyes being unable to look away.

The "friend" Mei Xiang was talking about had golden eyes, long black hair that went past her shoulders, and strands of hair that covered her forehead. A fit figure could be seen and she wore traditional clothing that didn't seem to come from this city.

Though, somehow, Yu Yingyi felt like she's seen this person before, but she just couldn't remember who it was. Before she knew it, Mei Xiang was already coming towards her with her friend trailing behind her.

"Yingyi! Let me introduce you to my friend, also don't worry, she's not the type of person who'll let others know about your secret," said Mei Xiang.

"Ah, I see," Yu Yingyi said to Mei Xiang before turning to the girl, "I'm Princess Yingyi, but please call me Yingyi, there's no need to be formal."

Expressionlessly and in a monotone voice, the girl said, "I'm Nian Zhen, Mei Xiang's friend. It's an honor meeting the princess."

Yu Yingyi was surprised, despite saying those words, her expression and tone remained unchanged. It was as if she was a robot.

Just how was this meeting going to go?