"You eat." The man immediately handed the bowl back to Xiao Man, "Don't waste it."
"I'm not eating," Xiao Man refused calmly.
"If you're not eating, why did you pick this for me? You could have picked something else?"
"You asked me to pick for you," Xiao Man said lazily. "If you don't want to eat it, you can leave now."
The man choked, glared at Xiao Man, quite annoyed, "I asked you to pick meat for me, not dishes. You even snatched a piece of rib from me!"
Xiao Man picked the last piece of braised rib into An Yue's bowl, and casually stuffed the last piece of beef into her own mouth. "You only asked me to pick dishes for you, you didn't specify which dishes. Naturally, I'd pick the ones I don't like for you, and keep the ones I do like for myself."
The man was stunned by Xiao Man's words, it sounded very reasonable. If it were him, he would also pick dishes he didn't like for others and keep the ones he liked. A moment later, he took back his bowl, hardened his heart, and with a few mouthfuls, finished the greens in his bowl, then took a big gulp of water.
"By the way, what's your name?" The man's peach blossom eyes sparkled with a different kind of light.
"Xiao Qin."
"Xiao Qin, right? I'll remember you." The man put down a few gold coins, stood up, and walked towards the door. After two steps, he took something out of his怀, and threw it to Xiao Man. Xiao Man caught it, it was a fruit.
The fruit was crystal clear and emitted an alluring fragrance. "This is my favorite fruit, called the Jade Kylin Fruit. I'll share one with you. Next time we meet, you can share some of your favorites with me too."
Xiao Man looked at the fruit in her hand, then at the man who had already walked out the door. A hint of doubt flashed in her eyes. This Jade Kylin Fruit was an excellent ingredient for alchemy. To eat such a fruit, his family must be well-off.
An Yue stared at the Jade Kylin Fruit in Xiao Man's hand, and swallowed. "So this is what the Jade Kylin Fruit looks like. It's quite eye-opening."
"This Jade Kylin Fruit is an excellent ingredient for alchemy, and it's expensive. It's not something ordinary families can afford. Junior Disciple Xiao, this person's identity is likely not simple."
Xiao Man handed the fruit to An Yue. "If Senior Sister likes it, it's yours."
An Yue reached out, then retracted her hand. "This is for you. I can't take it. Moreover, he said this is something he likes, and he's sharing it with you, hoping you'll share some of your favorites with him next time you meet."
Xiao Man placed the Jade Kylin Fruit in An Yue's hand. "It's just a fruit, Senior Sister. Eat it with ease. As for that person, it's uncertain if we'll meet again."
"Indeed. In the vast sea of people, some people are just fleeting encounters." An Yue took it and took a bite, her face immediately blooming with a smile. "Sweet and juicy, it tastes wonderful. It's a pity it's so small. Junior Brother, you should take a bite too."
Xiao Man looked at the fruit being offered to her lips, smiled, and shook her head. "Although the Jade Kylin Fruit is rare, I've eaten it before. Senior Sister, you eat it. We should also prepare ourselves and head to the trial grounds."
Disciples from the Seven Sects arrived at the trial grounds one after another. The leader for the Hundred Herbs Hall this time was Xuan Hu.
With Lu Qing gone, the Sect Master couldn't leave as casually as before and began to go into seclusion for cultivation. Zhai Ge was responsible for various sect affairs and couldn't get away. As for Jun Fei'er, she was determined not to be a burden to her disciples and also went into seclusion for cultivation. Therefore, Xuan Hu led the team this time.
"Senior Uncle Xuan Hu, why don't I see Junior Disciple Xiao?" Kong Qing looked around, his spirits sinking when he couldn't find Xiao Man. He had thought he would be grouped with Xiao Man for this trial.
"You don't need to worry about her. When you few enter the trial grounds, you must look out for each other. I don't expect great achievements, but you must all come out alive, understand?"
"Yes."
Xuan Hu was actually a little worried about Xiao Man. Xiao Man's talent was indeed good, but trouble followed her wherever she went. He was quite uneasy.
The elder leading the Spiritual Snake Sect was Sikong Mo. Shan Yun followed Sikong Mo, looking around, also searching for Xiao Man's trace. After searching for a long time, she couldn't find Xiao Man and couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"Strange, why isn't the boss here?" Su Dan Novel Network
"Xiao Qin didn't come?" Sikong Mo was somewhat confused, flipping through the list in her hand. Xiao Man's name was clearly on the list.
"I didn't see her."
"Perhaps something delayed her. She should come."
"The trial grounds are opening soon. I wonder if she'll be too late..." Shan Yun was a little worried.
"Shan Yun." Yan Yan's sharp eyes spotted Shan Yun and waved vigorously at her. Shan Yun saw it was Yan Yan, glanced at Sikong Mo, and seeing Sikong Mo nod, she then went over.
"Miss Yan, I'm so happy to see you here." Shan Yun shook her hand. "Are you adapting well at the Immortal Crane Sect?"
"It's alright. And you, is Elder Sikong treating you well?"
"Master treats me very well." Shan Yun said with a smile.
"Have you seen Xiao Qin? I arrived early but haven't seen Xiao Qin. Did she come?" Yan Yan asked curiously. The reason she came to the trial grounds this time was to see Xiao Man, but she hadn't seen her.
"I don't know. Her name is on the list, but I haven't seen her yet." Shan Yun was a little helpless. "But with her abilities, I don't think there will be any problems. I just don't know if she can make it in time."
"I hope she can make it. The trial grounds are also an opportunity for us."
Xiao Man was a little annoyed. She had originally been with An Yue and the others. She went to take care of some matters midway and got separated from them. To her surprise, she took a wrong turn, which resulted in her still being on her way to the trial grounds.
Xiao Man calculated the time and feared she wouldn't make it. Suddenly, she felt a gust of wind approaching from behind. She looked back and saw it was the man who had shared a table with them yesterday.
The man reined in his horse and stopped beside Xiao Man. "The trial is about to start. You're still here, not participating?"
"I want to, but it seems I'm too late."
The man nodded in understanding. Suddenly, he reached out, grabbed Xiao Man, and pulled her onto the horse. Before Xiao Man could react, the horse shot out like an arrow, so fast that it sent her crashing into the man's arms.
Xiao Man's face darkened slightly. Her dark eyes glared at the man. The man's face broke into a smile. "It's perfect. I'm going to the trial grounds too. I'll give you a ride."
"Who gives someone a ride like this?" Xiao Man gritted her teeth. The two sat on the horse, facing each other. The scene was incredibly awkward, making her wish she could die on the spot.
The man's eyes twinkled with laughter. He suddenly gripped Xiao Man's waist, causing her to turn around. Now, her entire body was held within his embrace.
Xiao Man's expression was exceptionally grim. The wind stung her face, but she chose to remain silent. She leaned forward, creating distance between herself and the person behind her.