Chapter 88: Still Grounds

Chapter 88: Still Grounds

As Shi looks up into my eyes, she seems to catch the change in my demeanor.

She gulps and takes a step back.

I-Im sorry for my forwardness, Master. It wont happen again.

Shi No, thats its not an issue at all. I actually like when you do things like that.

She keeps her head down and seems to reflect on her actions. After a moment, she looks up again, seemingly trying again.

Let me be more straightforward.

If Im being really honest with myself, I really like you. Like, to the point where Im not sure how to act around you The issue is, I just had a friend try to manipulate me through sex, before we met up.

Her eyes seem to shake a little, as she freezes with an awkward look on her face.

I hurry to clarify a little.

Im just little sensitive right now to it.

I pause again, trying to find the right words.

I do want to say that with someone like you, I wouldnt mind eventually trying things out. Though, I would prefer that I do something like that with someone who I truly cherish and will cherish me.

But, currently, Im not sure that I know you well enough, to do something like that. Especially, for my first time.

Her mouth opens and closes.

Well, that was all over the place. I think I got the general message across.

Ah.

I mentioned my virginity.

She seems to find the word shes looking for after a few seconds.

I can understand that.

Thank you for sharing that with me, Ill definitely keep that in mind and work toward that in the future.

Her face looks contemplative as we silently continue on. With me leading the way, since she doesnt know where we are going.

Well. That made the moment awkward.

But that had to be done. Im not going to allow myself to my emotions throw me all over the place.

I cant afford to.

I already have one person tempting me. I dont need another. Especially after my promise to Ai.

Wait, not exactly. Ill still have to figure out how big sister crane knew about the death of the man. It could be the obvious answer of looking into the death, but I want to be sure.

However, if Ive learned anything over the past week or two Is that I need to be a cultivator in order to make proper steps in this world.

That extremely weak cultivator almost got me killed. And if I were to fight someone like Shi, Im pretty sure I would die before I even realized anything.

With these somber thoughts in mind and a slightly brighter woman at my side, we continue back to the yellow sashes area.

As we returned to the gate on this side of the yellow sashes area, it appears the street is still going through the crazy attractions.

Shi and I, still head through the back area, quickly moving within.

My scan catches a familiar-looking face throwing a thumbs up at Shi from an obscured place, before Shi wiggles a thumb up back at her. Its pretty clear who that person is, at this point.

Should I worry about this? Nah, I think it probably should be fine.

Probably.

The rest of the walk back is pretty routine and boring, surprisingly.

There no ambush is. No surprises. Not even a wayward flirting. It almost purposely seems like theyre ignoring me. A look toward Shi reveals a proud look on her face.

As we get to the gate leading out of the yellow sashes area, I turned to her.

Thanks again for joining me, Shi. I really appreciated and enjoyed our time together and Im looking forward to the next time we can do it again.

I pause, wondering if I should say the next thing.

I also know that you must have let everyone know to not pay attention to me, as we head through these areas. I cant say how much it means to me, that I have someone who I can rely on here and work with so easily. I really enjoy your company and am looking forward to the next time we can meet.

Unfortunately, I probably wont be going out for a while, since Ive quite a few things to prepare for. I will, however, be staying in contact and visit every once in a while.

She seems a bit surprised at my words that I wont be coming by again, but seems somewhat resigned to it.

James, thank you for spending this time with me Im honored to be working with you And Im really looking forward to earning your trust and being someone who you can cherish and want to be with.

I can feel my face heat up a bit as I nod.

I know this is her job. I know its for her benefit to get close to me. But I cant say its not a good feeling to have someone at least appear to like me.

Well.

At least someone whose life I havent saved and dont want to take advantage of.

Following our words with goodbyes, I began heading back to the caverns in Gongs area. Its quiet, without a lot of activity.

I have a feeling that someone is doing something in the background right now. To make it this quiet. Whether its Gong or someone else, Im not sure.

But thats something for another day. For now, I just want to lie down in the bed for the next few days.

Doing nothing.