Chapter 262 262 Jealous Women
"Yes, that's correct," he confirmed, maintaining his disguise as Ni Yang's friend. "We've been close for quite some time."
Her doubts lingered, and she couldn't help but question this newfound information. "I'm just... I'm having trouble wrapping my head around this," Monica admitted. "You're telling me that you, Nexus, a healer we've always known, are close friends with Ni Yang?"
Nexus remained composed, aware that he needed to convince her. "Appearances can be deceiving," he responded. "Ni Yang and I go way back. We've shared many experiences together."
Monica's disbelief only seemed to grow as she processed the information. She stammered, "I mean... Ni Yang, he's a guru, a powerful master. What would he have in common with... you?" Her words, though not intended to be disrespectful, carried a note of condescension.
Nexus, still in his disguise, maintained a calm demeanor. "It might sound surprising, but it's the truth," he replied. "Ni Yang and I have shared many adventures together, and our friendship goes beyond what meets the eye."
Monica's expression showed her discomfort with the situation. Her frustration at not knowing Ni Yang personally was clear as she pressed further. "Where is Ni Yang now?" she inquired, her tone insistent. "I find it hard to believe that he would send you to help."
Selina took the opportunity to talk about her connection with Ni Yang. She couldn't resist flaunting her supposed relationship with the renowned guru. "Ni Yang is a very busy guru," she remarked, her tone almost condescending. "He rarely has time to engage with people. We have a special connection, and he confides in me."
Monica shifted uncomfortably, her unease clear. Selina, unknowingly, was coming across as a bit smug about her relationship with Ni Yang.
Nexus, still portraying Ni Yang's friend, decided to defuse the situation. "It's not a competition," he said with a warm smile. "Ni Yang is a wonderful person, and we're all fortunate to have his support."
"I have conversed with Ni Yang on several occasions," Monica argued, her voice laced with a hint of frustration. "He's even joined me on various adventures, and we've developed a strong friendship."
Selina raised an eyebrow, somewhat taken aback by Monica's response. The depth of Ni Yang's connection with Monica had surprised her. She attempted to maintain her composure. "Well, that's certainly an unexpected revelation," she noted, masking her surprise. "I suppose Ni Yang can be quite sociable when the occasion arises."
Monica's discomfort only grew, but she was undeterred. Her conviction in her friendship with Ni Yang was unwavering. "You don't know Ni Yang like I do," she said with determination. "We've been on numerous adventures together, and we've forged a strong friendship."n--o-/v()E/)l/-b((1-.n
Nexus observed the tension between Monica and Selina but remained steadfast in maintaining his disguise. His fabricated connection to Ni Yang was a necessary component of the ruse.
Monica appeared frustrated, feeling like an outsider in the conversation about Ni Yang. Her disbelief in Nexus's claimed connection with the guru was clear. She was determined to assert her own relationship with Ni Yang and establish her credibility.
Monica was determined to assert herself despite the surprise. "Yes, we've had our fair share of battles," she explained. "We've faced powerful foes, and Ni Yang was always there, offering his power and guidance. He's been invaluable to me."
However, Selina continued to subtly flaunt her apparent closeness to Ni Yang. "Well, of course, Ni Yang has helped me too," she countered. "He's a true master, after all." She emphasized the guru's busy schedule and her special connection, a tactic that only fueled Monica's frustration and skepticism.
Monica, in contrast, refused to back down. Her assertiveness in describing her adventures with Ni Yang was a clear attempt to challenge Selina's claims. Her intention was to prove that her connection with the guru was legitimate.
However, Selina, in response to Monica's insistent inquiry, raised her hand and gently brushed aside her hair to reveal the intricate ice prong pattern on her forehead. She regarded Monica with a curious but expectant expression.
Monica's eyes widened as she observed the pattern, her uncertainty growing more apparent. "I've never seen that before," she admitted, her voice tinged with anxiety. Her lack of knowledge about the pattern made her feel somewhat inadequate, as if she were missing out on a significant aspect of Ni Yang's life.
Selina noticed Monica's unease but didn't seem entirely satisfied with her response. She turned her attention to Nexus, who had been playing the role of Ni Yang's friend throughout their conversation. With a hint of insistence in her voice, Selina asked, "Ni Yang, do you know what this pattern on my forehead represents? Please, enlighten Monica."
Nexus, still disguised as Ni Yang's friend, faced a delicate situation. He couldn't reveal his true identity, as it was imperative to maintain the facade for the success of his plan. However, he didn't want to create further tension or misunderstanding among the women.
With a thoughtful expression, Nexus chose his words carefully. "I've seen patterns like these during my travels," he began, trying to offer an explanation without revealing too much. "They often have special meanings or connections to powerful mages."
Monica listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "But what exactly does it mean?" she inquired, her anxiety mixing with genuine interest.
"I am not so sure " he say trying to end the discussion. But it doesn't as Selina ford him to try to hink about it.
As Nexus attempted to downplay the discussion, Selina persisted with her inquiry, determined to hear his thoughts. "Please, Nexus, just give it a little thought. It means a lot to me," she implored, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Nexus, trying to maintain his role as Ni Yang's friend, found himself in a somewhat awkward position. On one hand, he was a bit annoyed by their argument, which seemed to revolve around his attention.
Selina, determined to get a more concrete answer, leaned in closer and looked into Nexus's eyes. "But, Ni Yang has spent more time with me, so there must be some reason behind it, right?"
On the other hand, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction that he was being fought over by two women, even though they believed him to be someone else.
However, Nexus knew he needed to maintain the facade and bring an end to the argument. With a carefully timed cough, he interrupted their discussion, hoping to steer the conversation away from the topic of his romantic involvement.
He coughed discreetly, trying to regain control of the conversation, and then stated,"Ladies, let me share something Ni Yang told me before you left."
Both Selina and Monica turned their attention to him, eager to hear what Ni Yang's perspective was. Nexus adopted a more serious tone as he continued,"Ni Yang told me something before you both left. He wanted me to convey his message to you. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship and not allowing jealousy to come between you two. Ni Yang has a strong aversion to jealousy, and he values the bond between his friends."
Selina and Monica exchanged glances, both realizing that they had allowed their competition for Ni Yang's friendship to create tension.