Chapter 513: Chapter 25 Light Core (Part 3)
But deep inside, there was a faint thought reminding him. He had to become stronger, he had to have power, because someday he would…
Gongsun Ce stopped thinking deliberately and forced himself to forget. He laughed it off, “I’m just asking, just asking.”
The atmosphere at the dinner table eased, and Gongsun Ce chatted with Qin An for a few more sentences before ending the banquet. The young man declined Qin An’s offer to drive him home and walked alone towards his house.
When Gongsun Ce arrived downstairs at his apartment, he noticed that the lights in his neighbor’s home were still off. The Superpower User went upstairs, and casually brought in the furniture that Qin Qianbai had bought into her apartment, muttering to himself, “Where did Qin Qianbai run off to?”
·
About two hours ago, Thorn District.
Qin Qianbai bid farewell to her grey-haired neighbor and headed towards her new home. As she walked, she pondered the whereabouts of Gongsun Ce.
The young man must be keeping something from her, and Gongsun Ce didn’t seem to want to hide it at all. Could it be a trouble of Gongsun Ce’s own making? Or was it another matter related to her, the aftermath of today’s series of events?
She pulled out her newly bought cell phone, intending to ask if he needed her help, but then she remembered Gongsun Ce’s admonition.
—Do not inquire about things that do not concern you, and do not involve others in your troubles. The secret to living in the celestial city is to maintain a distance between each other.
Gongsun Ce was very serious when he said this, he must have meant it.
“…”
She put away her phone, feeling a bit despondent.
It would be better to heed his advice. Although the scoundrel was indeed infuriating, he had truly helped her a lot…
Gongsun Ce would not harm her.
After the events of the last two days, the girl was certain of this. Even though the young man had repeatedly emphasized that he was good at deceiving others, she was willing to trust him. Gongsun Ce would probably say this was naive blind faith, and if she truly trusted the wrong person, she would just have to blame herself.
If a Martial Artist could not even trust their own heart, then there was no other evidence left to trust.
“Afterward, I must thank him.”
It could not be limited to just a verbal thanks. She genuinely needed to do something for him. Otherwise, gratitude would just become empty words, and that would be a conduct worth despising.
A short walk further and she would reach the apartment entrance, Qin Qianbai stopped in front of the changing traffic lights. Silently, she watched the diverse vehicles rushing past — specially designed armored vehicles with antennas and ram bars, dazzlingly bright modified cars flashing with lights, dragging wide trailers, trucks carrying unknown cargo… all of the vehicles sped along the roadway as if a small delay could result in a great disaster.
The distant overpass twisted like a transformable toy, branching out a tributary from the congested main road, and one could occasionally see helicopters and flying machines passing overhead, as well as students performing parkour.
Observing this scene closely, Qin Qianbai truly realized that she was in an extraordinary city. Such chaotic sights were unimaginable in the capital, proud of its historical heritage.
“Busy traffic, isn’t it?” A voice came from beside her, “Actually, this is already much improved compared to the past, at least now we don’t have to worry about witnessing rogue drivers on the highway during peak hours.”
Qin Qianbai turned her head. A shiny silver sedan was driving along the roadside, its slow speed leisurely compared to the bustling traffic flow. The driver’s window beside the seat was open, the young driver casually resting his hand by the window, holding the steering wheel with one hand.
This person was dressed in tailored formals, wearing an expensive watch on his wrist holding the steering wheel, his brown hair showing a chocolate-like smooth luster in the setting sun, his handsome face carried a kind of tender friendliness. Qin Qianbai initially thought he was a movie star rushing to a banquet, but then she realized the young man was not much older than she was, his attire and demeanor just concealed his age.
She didn’t respond, intending to ignore the stranger’s attempt to strike a conversation. However, the shiny silver sedan stopped beside her.
“Miss, please give me a moment of your time,” the brown-haired young man seemed troubled as he spoke before Qin Qianbai could respond, “I’m here to apologize.”
“… Apologize?”
That was an unusual word. Since her arrival in the celestial city, she had hardly seen anyone apologize for their rudeness. The black-clothed ruffians became more arrogant after causing troubles, instead coming forward to confront her, and as for the members of Mutual Assistance Association… those hoodlums didn’t seem to ponder much, they seemed more like having a screw loose.
“Indeed, to express apologies.” The brown-haired young man got out of the car, “I think you might still remember. Yesterday afternoon, a few individuals in white had a—let me put it this way—somewhat unfriendly contact with you?”
Qin Qianbai felt awkward all of a sudden. In this incident, she wasn’t really in the right as it was her own highly strung emotions that snapped first.
“I remember.”
“That’s great,” the brown-haired young man smiled, “As a matter of fact, all of those individuals are very eager to see you again, and I believe I ought to apologize for my subordinates’ rude behavior.”
Seeming to grasp Qin Qianbai’s self-blame, the young man blinked.
“Miss, you shouldn’t feel guilty. The friends from the Courtesy Department are experienced, yet they failed to notice your imminent burst and rushed to contact you; that surely should be blamed on our mistake. I think a mere verbal apology hardly exhibits sincerity, may I have the honor to invite you to our banquet as an expression for the apology?”
“Your banquet?”
“Not just you and me.” The brown-haired young man confirmed, “There will be many attendees, students, scientists, politicians, educators… I assure you, they are all the city’s finest talents, all charismatic and brilliant, much like yourself.”
Qin Qianbai ignored the flattery in his words, still pondering the real intention of this man.
“I’d like to say that I will try my best to ensure your safety, like a diligent bodyguard,” the brown-haired young man smiled, “but frankly, I think you do not need our protection. You are powerful and can move freely.”
“At any time?”
“Whenever you wish,” the brown-haired young man bowed, “I trust that my organization isn’t dull enough to make you want to leave immediately.”
His words touched Qin Qianbai. She had the strength to not fear threats from others, and this man did not seem to have any ill intent. More importantly, she really wanted to see the city with her own eyes, to see the regions that Gongsun Ce had not mentioned to her.
“Thank you for your invitation. I’m Qin Qianbai.”
“An honor, Miss Qin,” the brown-haired young man opened the car door for her, “I’m Aorus, our organization is called Light Core.”