Chapter 291
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Chapter 291: Those Who Leave Me Behind, The Day That Cannot Be Kept
The Dragon Sakura Club.
Xue Hanlei pushed open the door and saw Princess Chao Lu seated gracefully in a chair, engrossed in a book.
“Tsk…”
“You can tell me if there’s something you’re unhappy about.”
“Nothing much,” Xue Hanlei replied regretfully. “I just thought that when I opened the door, I’d see a girl who prefers staying at home. On that aspect, you’ve disappointed me.”
“If you want to see that kind of appearance, I can pretend,” Chao Lu said coolly.
“No need,” Xue Hanlei said, scanning the room. “You haven’t touched any of these game consoles or entertainment items?”
“No,” Chao Lu paused. “I’m not in the mood for entertainment. These past few days of waiting have been quite dull, so I borrowed a book to pass the time.”
“A book?” Xue Hanlei raised an eyebrow. “Oh, it’s actually a comic book. But this is something unique to Yingzhou. Can you even understand it?”
“Learning while reading,” Chao Lu replied. “The Yingzhou language is based on the characters of the Ming Country, making it easy to grasp.”
“You’re so enthusiastic! But even if you’re returning to your home country, what use is it to learn the language spoken in Yingzhou?”
“In the past, I used to think the same,” Chao Lu said softly. “If only I had spoken the language of Yingzhou earlier, perhaps things wouldn’t have been so difficult before.” She closed the book, her voice tinged with melancholy. “Now that the landlady has returned, does it mean…”
“Yes,” Xue Hanlei said casually, sitting down. “Everything has been arranged. But you still have to stay here, afraid you won’t get to see him again.”
Chao Lu’s gaze sharpened. “Is it that I won’t see him, or that I mustn’t see him?”
“Can’t see him,” Xue Hanlei replied.
“Why?”
“Because you asked me for something, and I don’t want him to see you. Is this reason sufficient?”
Chao Lu frowned. The bluntness stung, but she kept her emotions in check. As a guest, she had grown accustomed to her vulnerable position. Returning to her own country meant enduring sacrifices, including swallowing her pride.
“Plenty enough. I will comply with this arrangement.”
“But your tone,” Xue Hanlei said lightly, “is full of dissatisfaction.”
Chao Lu replied evenly, “At times like these, I know how to examine my actions.”
“The Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom,” Xue Hanlei mocked. “It seems you’re still quite dissatisfied, aren’t you? Well, keep that dissatisfaction to yourself. Obey me, and I will fulfill my promise. You’ll return to your homeland with a professional mercenary team to ensure your safe journey.”
Chao Lu blinked in surprise. She had expected pressure, not a sudden concession and the promise of additional support.
“Is this Mr. Bai’s request?”
Xue Hanlei didn’t deny it. “You’re sharp.”
“Then allow me to refuse!” Chao Lu said firmly. She already owed many favors, and doing business with the Dragon Clan came at too high a cost.
“You don’t have the right to refuse unless you can convince him.”
“Then let me meet him.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s not appropriate,” Xue Hanlei said with a flawless smile. Leaning closer, she lifted Chao Lu’s chin gently. “You can only accept these terms. It won’t harm you, will it? If you have extra money, the hired mercenaries can even assist you in battle. Their loyalty is guaranteed while the treaty is in effect.”
Chao Lu gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with anger. She believed this was coercion, a manipulation to extract more value from Bai Wei.
“Are you mad?” Xue Hanlei released her grip. “You’re not cute at all. You’re like a stone. I don’t know why he values you so much, or why he’s willing to spend favors on your behalf.”
Chao Lu held her composure, saying only, “If you go too far, I will find my own way out.”
“Go too far?” Xue Hanlei sneered. “Don’t overestimate your worth or underestimate my business acumen. I don’t make losing deals. Assisting you is merely repaying a favor owed to the East Sea Dragon Palace.”
Chao Lu’s expression tightened. Wasn’t this a transaction? When did it become about owing favors?
“You don’t need to understand the specifics,” Xue Hanlei continued. “You’ve gained opportunities. Whether you seize them depends on your ability.”
Chao Lu sighed, feeling as if she were caught between hope and despair.
“And one last thing,” Xue Hanlei said, her tone suddenly cold. “Don’t ask why, and don’t go near him again.”
Chao Lu opened her mouth to object, but Xue Hanlei silenced her with a finger.
“Don’t ask. Even if you do, I won’t tell you.”
Chao Lu’s breath hitched, her heart heavy with emotions she couldn’t express.
“Good child,” Xue Hanlei smiled faintly. “You understand the truth. Protecting your country requires sacrifices. Giving up one love for the safety of your homeland is a worthwhile exchange, isn’t it?”
Chao Lu trembled but remained silent.
Xue Hanlei left without another word, the door closing behind her.
Chao Lu sat in darkness, hugging her knees. The weight of her circumstances crushed her, and she let out quiet sobs, her tears soaking into the fabric of her sleeve.
Outside the club, Xue Hanlei swirled her glass of amber cocktail.
“Wasn’t that a bit too harsh?” the bartender asked.
“Necessary,” Xue Hanlei replied. “Dragons are greedy creatures. We desire both material and spiritual satisfaction.”
“So this is about treasure?”
“I believe he deserves it,” Xue Hanlei said quietly. “Even if life is fleeting, some treasures are worth the wait.”
The bartender hesitated. “What about Princess Hanli? And him?”
“The future is long,” Xue Hanlei murmured. “He’ll find no reason to refuse a Dragon Maiden.”
The bartender nodded. “And you, Your Highness?”
Xue Hanlei finished her drink in one gulp. “My path isn’t about love. I’ve already made my choices.”
She sighed. “Those who left me couldn’t stay for yesterday. Those who weigh on my heart bring only worry for today. Ah… bring me another drink.”
“Your Highness, you’re drunk.”
