Chapter 81 - Getting Along

After Yu Yingyi and Nian Zhen finished eating, the sun was already setting. Since they were both hungry, they decided to order more food and stay a little longer which led to them staying until the restaurant closed.

"Since you paid, I have another favor to repay," said Nian Zhen.

"What're you talking about? You only have one, taking you out doesn't count as one, just repay me for paying for the food," said Yu Yingyi.

"Ah, I just remembered something."

Yu Yingyi glanced at Nian Zhen, "What is it that you just remembered?"

"I don't know how I should repay you."

"Ha....?"

Yu Yingyi wasn't sure if Nian Zhen was joking or not, but considering the look she had in her golden eyes, she was unfortunately serious. In fact, Yingyi didn't know how Nian Zhen should pay her back either.

"Since I'm not sure how you should repay me, why don't you ask Mei Xiang how you should repay a favor? You can also look for hobbies in the meantime," said Yu Yingyi.

"Thank you for the advice, I'll do that."

"Wait, do you live with Mei Xiang or do you live near her?"

"I live with her, my room is just right next to hers."

"I didn't need to know that, but you'll be fine. As long as Mei Xiang takes it seriously, there shouldn't be any problems."

"Take it seriously?" Nian Zhen asked, tilting her head.

Yu Yingyi had to hold her urge to pat Nian Zhen's head, she looked like a lost child who was trying to find the answers.

"Yep, as long as she takes it seriously. Also, she said you were only a customer, how come you live together? I thought you both were strangers to each other."

"She's lying, we've known each other for a few years. Though, she likes to joke around about not knowing me," Nian Zhen explained, "Is my personality that bad?"

'Ah, she seems to be aware of it herself.' Yu Yingyi thought, but there was no way she could answer with the hard truth.

"Of course not, I think she's joking around with you. Your personality is great," Yu Yingyi reassured.

"Princess Yingyi, it's okay if you tell me the truth, something like that won't hurt me," said Nian Zhen.

However, Yu Yingyi remained the same, she knew this was bait to make her say how she really felt. After her experiences with Song Liya, something like this won't trick her.

"I'm being honest, I think your personality is perfectly fine," said Yu Yingyi, her heart pained that she had to lie to Nian Zhen, but there was no other choice.

"Oh, thank you for the compliment," said Nian Zhen turning away.

Yu Yingyi wasn't sure if it was what she thought it was. Could it be that Nian Zhen was embarrassed? Was that the reason she was turning away?

"What're you turning away for?"

"Look," said Nian Zhen as she held out her hand, "Don't you think this spider looks fascinating?"

Immediately, Yu Yingyi jumped back and watched Nian Zhen from a distance. She didn't turn away in embarrassment but turned away because she found a spider fascinating? She was definitely different.

"Yingyi, why are you so far away?" asked Nian Zhen.

"Oh, so now you start being casual," Yu Yingyi muttered under her breath, "I don't think that spider likes me so I'll stay away."

"Ah, Yingyi, are you perhaps afraid of spiders?"

"Ah..."

Surprisingly, Nian Zhen had amazingly sharp eyes, there were a few times where Nian Zhen could tell exactly what she was thinking.

"It's okay Yingyi, this spider doesn't seem to be vicious, it looks friendly," Nian Zhen reassured, however, Yu Yingyi wasn't moving from her spot.

"No thank you, I think it'll be better if you place the spider back on the ground so it could roam freely again," said Yu Yingyi.

Nian Zhen seemed to freeze for a moment before replying, "Good point, I'll put it back."

Yu Yingyi watched Nian Zhen place the spider back on the concrete, she had to make sure Nian Zhen wasn't faking it and was going to scare her with it later.

Once Yingyi saw that the spider was gone from Nian Zhen's hand, she walked towards Nian Zhen.

"Princess, you're surprisingly scared of spiders," said Nian Zhen.

"Who isn't afraid of spiders? They're creepy, creepy, and creepy," said Yu Yingyi.

"Is that so? I think spiders are okay, they have webs that are stored in their body. We humans can't do that."

"Nian Zhen, I admit it, your personality is just a little weird, just a little bit"

"Thank you for being honest with me, I appreciate it."

"You're welcome," Yu Yingyi replied as she stared into the setting sun, "It's time for us to leave, Mei Xiang is probably waiting for you to come back."

"Okay, then let's head back. I want to a way to repay the favor."

"Are you that eager to find out?"

"No, it's just that I wish to see you again."

Yu Yingyi stopped walking making Nian Zhen do the same, turning over to Nian Zhen, "What do you mean by wishing to see me again?"

Yu Yingyi had to make sure Nian Zhen didn't mean it romantically, after all, her lover is Song Liya. If Nian Zhen liked her romantically, Liya might do something dangerous to her.

"I wish to see you again, it felt nice talking to someone...or a friend," Nian Zhen replied.

Ah, Yu Yingyi thought. Nian Zhen must've hardly talked to anyone considering the way she delivered her words.

It must've been lonely.

"Don't worry, I'm your friend and it'll stay that way. For now, let's hurry back since I also have to get home."

"Okay, I'll see you again sometime."

With that said, the two parted away as Yu Yingyi started heading towards the palace. Today was a fun day, thankfully, nothing crazy happened.

When she made it back to her room, Song Liya was already waiting for her on the chair asleep with an arm holding up her head. Yingyi chuckled at the sight as she leaned over to plant a kiss on Liya's cheek.

Right as she was about to pull away, Yingyi felt a pair of arms around her neck.

"I want a kiss on the lips."

"Were you fake sleeping just for a kiss?"

"Kiss me now."

"As needing as ever."