Chapter 230: Big Sister’s Hugs Are the Best! |
That night, a grand feast was held in the dilapidated wooden hut.
The table was laden with food and wine, and the teenagers chatted and laughed merrily, celebrating the arrival of their new member, Chen Yin.
According to Si Qing, they held such a feast every time a new member joined.
But in reality, it was just an excuse for them to have fun and let loose.
After they had eaten for a while, Si Qing took Chen Yin’s hand and led him to Yu Ling, who was sitting at the head of the table.
“Attention, everyone!”
The room quieted down as she spoke.
Yu Ling cleared her throat and said, trying to sound mature and authoritative, “Today, we welcome a new member to our little family.”
“Come, Chen Yin, introduce yourself.”
He had never been good at public speaking.
Especially with so many eyes on him.
He mumbled softly, “My name is Chen Yin… nice to meet you all…”
To his surprise, his words were met with cheers and applause.
“Welcome, new member!”
“Such a handsome little boy! Prettier than a girl!”
“Come, come, little brother, let me introduce myself. I’m…”
Chen Yin was immediately surrounded by the enthusiastic teenagers, some pinching his cheeks playfully, some introducing themselves, others just cheering and laughing.
He had never experienced such a warm welcome and felt a little overwhelmed.
Finally, Yu Ling waved her hand, dispersing the crowd, then jumped onto the table and raised a jar of wine.
“Let’s drink! Tonight, we celebrate! Cheers!”
She tilted her head back and took a large gulp, the wine trickling down her chin and neck, disappearing into the collar of her dress.
Another round of cheers erupted as everyone started drinking and having fun.
Si Qing took advantage of the chaos and pulled Chen Yin away from the crowd.
They walked out of the hut and into the hallway, finally escaping the noise.
“Whew… that was intense.”
Si Qing patted her chest, then turned to Chen Yin with a reassuring smile. “Don’t mind them, they’re always like this. They’re just excited to be out of the house and away from their families and sects. Big Sister gives them a sense of freedom.”
Chen Yin nodded. He had noticed that these teenagers were all from wealthy families or prestigious sects.
A bunch of spoiled rich kids.
“You’ll get used to it. After spending some time with Big Sister, you’ll be just as crazy as they are.”
Si Qing grinned. “Come, I’ll take you to Sister Hua and the others.”
They went to the back of the hut, where Luo Xiaoxiao, Hu Li, and Hua Yulian were waiting.
Another young man, about seventeen or eighteen, with a gentle and refined demeanor, was also there.
“I am Feng Xiangling,” he said, bowing politely. “If you need anything, Little Brother, just ask.”
Chen Yin nodded silently.
“So you actually joined us,” Xiao Luo said, smacking his lips. “I didn’t think Big Sister would be so lenient this time. I had to beg her for ages before she let me join.”
“Maybe she saw his potential. He’s already at the Cloud Ascending Realm at such a young age,” Hu Li said, his arms crossed. “I was still at the Gathering Qi Realm when I was his age.”
“Exactly,”
Si Qing winked at Chen Yin. “A-Yin is very talented. Don’t underestimate him just because our cultivation is higher. We were nowhere near his level at his age.”
“A-Yin? Why are you being so familiar with him?”
“What?! We’re all family now! I can call you Xiao Luo, so why can’t I call him A-Yin?”
Their playful banter made the others laugh.
Chen Yin smiled. He liked these people.
They were young and carefree, their hearts pure and untainted by the world’s complexities.
And they were all so enthusiastic and welcoming.
It was nice to see them all together, united by their admiration for Yu Ling.
After their playful argument, Xiao Luo, having received another smack on the head from Si Qing, grumbled, “You and Big Sister are the same. You’re only being nice to him because he’s handsome. You girls are just as shallow as men.”
Before Si Qing could retort, Feng Xiangling chuckled and said, fanning himself gracefully, “Xiao Luo, if Big Sister hears you say that, you’ll be in big trouble.”
The back door suddenly burst open, and a voice boomed from inside: “Found you!”
“Qingqing, Xiao Luo, don’t hog our new member! Let’s drink!”
And so, Chen Yin, who had just escaped the noisy crowd, was dragged back into the fray.
The party lasted all night.
As the night deepened, their revelry intensified.
Yu Ling challenged one of the older boys to a drinking contest, easily defeating him and several others, then wiped her mouth with satisfaction and raised her chin proudly.
Amidst the cheers and applause, Chen Yin sat quietly in a corner, observing the scene.
He didn’t try to join in unless someone approached him. He preferred to watch from the sidelines.
As the night wore on, some of the teenagers passed out, others were rambling drunkenly, the atmosphere lively and chaotic.
“Are you having fun?” A soft voice came from beside him.
Chen Yin turned and saw Hua Yulian.
She sat down beside him, a cup in her hand.
“It’s alright.”
Chen Yin nodded. “I enjoy this kind of atmosphere.”
“That’s good. I was worried you wouldn’t fit in. These brats can be quite rowdy. I was also overwhelmed by their enthusiasm when I first joined.”
Hua Yulian smiled, her eyes twinkling as she raised her cup.
Chen Yin was about to clink his cup with hers when she stopped him.
“No alcohol for children.”
She smiled mischievously and pulled out a small flask from behind her back.
“Longan juice from Qianfu Ridge. It’s very delicious.”
Chen Yin hesitated, then took a sip. It was sweet and refreshing.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good.” Hua Yulian leaned against the window and stretched languidly. “Little Ling’er didn’t want me to join at first. I bribed her with this longan juice.”
Chen Yin looked at Yu Ling, who was still drinking with the others, the center of attention.
She tilted her head back, her long black hair cascading down her back, her eyes bright and cheerful.
Chen Yin’s gaze lingered on her.
“…She’s very charismatic, isn’t she?”
“What?”
“Little Ling’er.” Hua Yulian smiled. “It’s hard not to be drawn to her, isn’t it? That’s what I admire about her. She has a certain magnetism that makes people want to follow her.”
Chen Yin thought about his own Master, the lazy, wine-loving granny.
They couldn’t be the same person.
“But she’s actually four years younger than me.”
Hua Yulian’s eyes lowered slightly, her voice soft and gentle. “She’s still at that age where she tries to act tough and hides her true feelings. Sometimes, I worry about her.” She sighed softly.
Chen Yin looked at her, his gaze calm and steady.
“Sister Hua, if you have something to say, just say it.”
Hua Yulian raised an eyebrow, then giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
“You’re a clever boy.”
“I do have a favor to ask.”
“The Tianxuan Gathering will continue for a while longer, and Little Ling’er has been fighting for us, trying to secure opportunities for us within the Immortal Venerable’s ruins. She always says she can handle it, but she’s so stubborn and proud, it’s hard not to worry.”
“Little Brother, could you go to the Tianxuan Gathering and see how things are going?”
Chen Yin thought for a moment. “Why me?”
“Because most of us are here in secret, we don’t want to be seen at the Tianxuan Gathering.”
“And…” Hua Yulian smiled mischievously, “you’re the new guy. Even if Little Ling’er gets angry, she won’t be too harsh on you.”
…I have a feeling she’ll be even harsher on me.
Seeing his hesitation, Hua Yulian took his hand and pleaded, “Please, Little Brother, help me out. I’ll even give you a reward.” She winked at him playfully.
Before Chen Yin could ask what the reward was, she leaned closer and kissed him softly on the cheek.
The soft, sweet sensation lingered on his skin.
“Aw, look, you’re blushing.”
Hua Yulian giggled. “So cute. You’re making my heart flutter. Come here, let me give you a hug~”
Chen Yin didn’t resist as she pulled him into a warm embrace, her soft and ample bosom pressing against him, her hand gently stroking his head. He thought about what she had said.
…Knowing Master, if she was caught trying to act tough…
…she would definitely be furious.
And he would be the one to suffer the consequences.
But Big Sister’s hugs are so nice, heeheehee…