After convincing Song Yue to stay at the store, for the time being, they continued with their lunch. Not having any topic to talk about, the rest of the lunch was completed in silence. Lin Xue tried to revive the conversation by asking him about something he was going to tell her. Mark simply replied with 'later' and ended the conversation.
Once everyone was done with a dessert wine, Alina and Allen went back to the kitchen to wash the dishes, Song Yue stayed behind in the living room along with Lin Xue while Mark went downstairs to transfer the stock from his inventory to the display glass chambers. Shang Jiao was an employee of the store. So, he dragged her along with him.
He wasn't that keen on giving work to her or anything. It was just that his two helpers were currently in the kitchen and Chang Bo is out. She was the only helper available.
With the two of the ladies alone, they talked for a while, like usual times.
"Say, Yue Yue, earlier, you wanted to leave with me. Are you worried about living with Lu Zhen?" Lin Xue asked her, taking her by surprise. Before Song Yue even responded, she patted her shoulder with a smile, "actually, I can understand it. He is an unmarried guy and you look beautiful enough for a man to make a move on you. But, don't worry. I brought you something for your protection."
As Lin Xue took out an expensive-looking amulet, Song Yue recognized it and refused to take the heirloom of Lin Clan, "No, you misunderstood it. I was only worried about my father. As for Lu Zhen, I don't think he is that type. Moreover, he has someone like Alina by his side. Why would he even think about me?"
For a moment, Lin Xue felt like Song Yue was envious of a perfectly looking Alina. Forget about her, as a woman, even she was envious of Alina's figure. Sometimes, she also wonders how the looks of this family of three are on a different level but she expresses that to anyone as it goes against her character.
But all of that doesn't matter at the moment. Song Yue's mental strength is more important. As she doesn't want to leave behind Song Yue to be filled with thoughts, she refrained to tease her friend and just shoved the amulet into her hands, "In any case, you can't just trust men. I don't know that you escaped yesterday but now that I know it, I can't leave you unprotected even in this store. Just keep it with you for now."
Song Yue was touched by Lin Xue's action. The amulet was not just the heirloom of the Lin clan but it is also a semi-divine artifact. It neither has any magic nor is useful in a fight. All it does is distort the space around its wearer so that it cannot be harmed or even touched by anyone under the Demigod realm. So, it is considered a life-saving treasure.
That said it won't last for an unlimited time. Depending on one's willpower, it might last one second or even one day. The wearer's cultivation realm has nothing to with it. Once its abilities wear off, it will take some time before can be used again.
Lin Wuying, the minister of Personnel, loves his daughter so much that he gave such a treasure as a present during her adult ceremony.
"Thank you," Song Yue gave a hug to her after wearing it around her neck but kept it hidden.
About 30 minutes later;
"Okay, I'll be leaving. You, be careful." Lin Xue parted with her friend as she was in a hurry to leave for the home. She had to take permission from her father to go outside the Imperial city.
Upon exiting the store, she thanked Mark for inviting her to lunch. However, in response, Mark gave a piece of shocking news.
He informed her that Allen will no longer come to her house for sparring. Before she asked the reason, he further said that he don't want to get worried every day that his brother might be ambushed.
"Is this why you don't want to say it earlier?" She asked in realization.
As Mark nodded, Lin Xue stressed that the Lin Clan will be responsible for Allen's safety. Mark shook his head, "sorry but I don't trust the noble clans. They will renege on their promise if their interests will be harmed. Just look at your friend. She was betrayed by Zhang Clan. And look at yourself. You had to come to a stranger like me to help you even though your father is in a position to solve this matter."
Seeing that Lin Xue fell silent and didn't respond to his strong statement, Mark let out a sigh and asked her to come to the Genesis Training ground to spar if she was still interested to continue with the deal.
Compared to what she commented about him, his words were a lot more direct and rude but Lin Xue knew that her friend's life is currently depending on him and she doesn't want to give any reason to let him mistreat Song Yue.
In the end, she swallowed her pride once again and agreed to his condition, treating it as if she was making the concessions from her side in exchange for his help, "alright. The place doesn't matter to me."
Shang Jiao felt pity for this sisterly figure but she could only side with her brother as his demand isn't that inappropriate. After all, it was Lin Xue who was being benefitted from the sparring and her brother isn't even taking free money either.
Once the horse carriage left their sight, Mark glanced at his sister, "Princess Shang, you don't have to work in the store for today. Go upstairs and take a rest."
"Understood," She nodded and left for the upstairs to give company to Song Yue for the rest of the day.
The store's business hours are resumed as usual with the help of the two Androids and the sales assistant robots.
Meanwhile, at the Imperial Palace;
Outside of the Emperor's chamber, a 22-yr-old Shang Bo was standing in nervousness. His father would rarely talk with him and whenever he does, most of the time, he will always be ended up being summoned to the court.
But, today was different.
After two years, his father summoned him to talk in private. Shang Bo, the current leader of the WEB organization and the fourth prince of the Phoenix Empire, is naturally excited.
"Your Highness, His Majesty would like to see you." The Imperial guard moved aside and let him in.
Taking a deep breath, Shang Bo entered his father's chamber and found him busy with calligraphy.
He bowed to him respectfully with his left palm on top of his right palm. "Father…"
However, he only received a cold reception from his father. "I didn't summon you as your father, here, Prince Bo. The Emperor summoned the leader of WEB."
Shang Bo was visibly disappointed. He understands why his father dislikes him that much. He was the one who went against his father's wishes and took over the leadership of WEB. What else can he do? He can't abandon his mother.
But then again, it's been three years since that day. Does his father still never intend to forgive him?
Shang Bo could only sigh and greeted him once again, "Your Majesty."
"Sit down."
