No matter what, if you ask someone for a favor, you should visit in person and bring a generous gift to show sincerity.
"Sister Jiujiu, please listen to my excuse–no, I mean, listen to my explanation!" Lu Jingming hurriedly tried to defend his actions, but because he was speaking so fast, he almost let something slip.
Xu Jiujiu's lips twitched slightly; she felt like she'd just caught something scandalous.
She rolled her eyes in mock annoyance and said, "Fine, I'm listening. Let's see what kind of flowers you can talk up."
"You should know, as the lord of a city, I'm always busy. I have to handle all sorts of affairs, big and small. Plus, I can't slack on cultivation either—during the day I have to practice swordsmanship and manage countless official matters, and at night I still have to cultivate and meditate to increase my soul power. I really can't spare any free time at all. I hope you'll understand."
Lu Jingming spoke earnestly, his expression sincere, as if he truly was an overworked and breathless busybody.
Behind Xu Jiujiu stood a short-haired, golden-blonde girl who appeared to be about Lu Jingming's age.
She had a gentle demeanor, and after hearing Lu Jingming's words, she nodded lightly, thinking he was absolutely right.
In her eyes, Lu Jingming was bearing a burden far heavier than a child his age should, which was genuinely heart-wrenching.
Thinking this, her gaze toward Lu Jingming was full of sympathy and pity.
Xu Jiujiu, seeing this, could only cover her forehead speechlessly.
She actually knew a thing or two about the situation in Haiyuan City—Lu Jingming might really be cultivating, but as for being busy with official matters, word was that most of those jobs were handled by Lady Changli!
This little guy was still putting on a straight face and trying to fool people here.
"Forget it, I won't hold it against you. But this time, you have to accompany your sister for a good stroll." Xu Jiujiu waved her hand magnanimously, though her tone allowed no refusal.
Before she'd even finished speaking, she took Lu Jingming's hand decisively and started leading him out of the Sky Vault Hotel.
Lu Jingming looked helpless, groaning inwardly. He'd just finished touring Heaven Dou City and was exhausted, but faced with Xu Jiujiu's enthusiasm, he really couldn't refuse.
Helpless, he could only let her pull him along, sighing inwardly, his face showing a bitter smile.
"I almost forgot, I haven't introduced you yet." As if suddenly remembering, Xu Jiujiu stopped and turned, apologetically smiling as she looked at the golden-haired girl who had been quietly standing behind her. "This is Weina, princess of the Heavenly Soul Empire. Weina, this is my little brother, Lu Jingming. Don't let his age fool you—he's actually the lord of a city!"
Lu Jingming's gaze followed the introduction and landed on Weina.
Actually, he'd noticed this uniquely tempered girl from the start; he'd thought she was Xu Jiujiu's fellow disciple from the Star Crown Sect since both had striking golden hair. He hadn't expected her to be Weina.
Princess of the Heavenly Soul Empire. She possessed twin martial souls, extraordinary talent, and outstanding intelligence—in every way surpassing even Xu Jiujiu, who was also a princess.
At only nine years old, her thought processes were far superior to her peers, even sharper than some adults.
One of her martial souls was her own body—her brain—which gave her exceptional intelligence, allowing her to show extreme maturity from a very young age.
"Princess Weina!" Lu Jingming bowed politely, his eyes showing a hint of surprise.
Weina responded with a soft, sweet smile and a gentle voice: "No need to be so formal. Just call me Weina, like Sister Jiujiu does."
From the conversation between Xu Jiujiu and Lu Jingming, Weina could tell that Xu Jiujiu valued Lu Jigming greatly.
Because of this, Weina also intended to befriend Lu Jingming. She and Xu Jiujiu, both princesses, were best friends who shared everything, and she understood Xu Jiujiu's character well. Very few people could catch Xu Jiujiu's eye, let alone make her care so much.
If a single letter could make Xu Jiujiu go all out to help, and she didn't even complain afterward, that was proof enough of Lu Jingming's importance to her.
"Then I won't be polite, Weina. Let's go together." Lu Jingming didn't hesitate and readily invited her.
From the situation, he guessed Weina had originally planned to go out with Xu Jiujiu anyway.
Weina looked up at Lu Jingming, inwardly confirming her earlier thoughts—this boy was indeed extraordinary.
Even though she was a princess, Lu Jingming faced her calmly, with no sign of awkwardness or flattery. His composure made her secretly marvel.
She certainly wouldn't refuse, so she nodded slightly and agreed with a smile. The three of them strolled out of the Sky Vault Hotel together.
"Is that your pet? What a cute little fox!" Weina's gaze was attracted by the little fox on Lu Jingming's shoulder, and she couldn't help but praise it.
"Her name is Yae Miko. Don't be fooled by her looks—she's not as well-behaved as she seems."
Lu Jingming smiled as he explained, "But if you have a tribute, you can play with her for a while."
"Tribute?" Xu Jiujiu and Weina exchanged confused glances.
"She likes fried tofu," Lu Jingming revealed.
"Got it! I'll get some later!" Xu Jiujiu responded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement as if she couldn't wait to spoil the adorable little fox.
The three chatted and strolled down the street, laughter and cheerful voices growing ever more distant in a harmonious, happy atmosphere.
"Isn't his luck with girls a bit too good?" In the distance, Keqing frowned slightly, tucking a strand of purple hair behind her ear as a subtle spark of electricity flickered at her fingertips.
"With how outstanding and perfect Xiao Ming is, isn't it only natural for girls to be attracted to him?" Zhang Lexuan chuckled, her eyes curved in pride and delight, showing no displeasure at Lu Jingming being surrounded by other girls.
Keqing's lips twitched, her expression odd as she glanced at Zhang Lexuan, inwardly wanting to retort, "You're not normal either!"
"You're his fiancée. Aren't you going to do something?" Keqing asked curiously, unable to understand Zhang Lexuan's attitude.
"It's precisely because I'm his fiancée that I want him to meet more outstanding girls."
Zhang Lexuan's expression was calm. She looked at the backs of the three—Lu Jingming, Xu Jiujiu, and Weina—and said slowly, "The Lu family only has him left. On the Douluo Continent, martial soul inheritance depends on bloodlines. High-level bloodlines are already hard to reproduce. For the sake of the Lu family's line, I don't mind if more people are with him."