Chapter 12: Chapter 12: First Meeting with Xu Xiaoyan
Xu Mingcheng, head of the Xu family and Chief Financial Officer of Donghai City, was one of the most influential people in the city. Beside him was his beloved daughter, the Xu family's cherished princess, Xu Xiaoyan.
Jing Shaoyu glanced at Xu Xiaoyan, a delicate and adorable girl, and was surprised to encounter a key member of the protagonist group so quickly. Xu Xiaoyan, equally curious, studied Jing Shaoyu shyly before retreating behind her father, mumbling, "How can there be such a handsome boy?"
Mingcheng and Xiaoyan entered the room, with Ji Changming warmly greeting them. He turned to Ouyang Jian with a grin, "Old Ou, stay a while and see her spirit fusion, would you?"
Ouyang Jian nodded slightly. "Might as well, since we're here."
"Jian Shu, who are these two young ones with you?" Xu Mingcheng asked, eyeing Jing Shaoyu and Na'er with curiosity.
"Oh, this one here is Jing Shaoyu, an innate full spirit power prodigy. I brought him to select a spirit," Ouyang Jian replied coolly. "And this young girl he's holding hands with is his sister, Na'er."
"An innate full spirit power!" Xu Mingcheng's eyes widened as he looked at Jing Shaoyu with new interest. He hesitated a moment before adding, "The Jing family? I wasn't aware of any Jing spirit masters in Donghai City."
"No need to overthink it. This kid is an orphan and took the surname of the orphanage director," Ouyang Jian replied nonchalantly, his gaze shifting briefly to Xu Xiaoyan. For some reason, Ji Changming's previous suggestion about pairing the children together seemed more feasible.
But why did he consider it? Simple—Xu Xiaoyan had actually initiated a conversation with Jing Shaoyu. This was no small feat, as the Xu family's princess was known for her shyness and isolation, with almost no friends her age. Yet, here she was, boldly interacting with Jing Shaoyu—a true testament to the charms of good looks.
"Hey! You're an innate full spirit power too?" Xu Xiaoyan poked Jing Shaoyu's arm, her cheeks tinged with pink and her eyes full of curiosity.
"Yes, I am." Jing Shaoyu nodded with a smile. "And I hear you are too?"
With a proud grin, Xu Xiaoyan tilted her head and said, "Yes! I'm the first innate full spirit power in my family in a hundred years! Even my brother doesn't compare!"
"You're truly remarkable!" Jing Shaoyu responded, charmingly encouraging her.
"Isn't that right?" Xu Xiaoyan giggled, "You can call me Xiaoyan."
"I'm Jing Shaoyu," he replied, introducing himself. At that moment, he felt a small jab at his waist and turned to see Na'er pouting, her hand pressed to his side. Instantly understanding her jealousy, he quickly added, "And this is my sister, Na'er."
"Hello!" Xu Xiaoyan offered a polite greeting to Na'er.
"Hmph!" Na'er huffed, turning away with a hint of sass.
Xu Xiaoyan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and Jing Shaoyu sighed, softly reprimanding, "Na'er, that was rude."
Na'er reluctantly turned back, managing a hesitant "Hello, I'm Na'er."
Xu Xiaoyan forced a polite smile, but the brief encounter dimmed her eyes with disappointment. She had finally gathered the courage to approach someone, only to face rejection from Na'er—a setback that might discourage her from socializing further.
Jing Shaoyu noted this, a sense of responsibility welling up in him. As Na'er's brother, he resolved to make up for any hurt feelings. Yes, he told himself, he'd become good friends with Xu Xiaoyan—not for any other reason than to compensate for Na'er's behavior.
Ji Changming soon called Xu Xiaoyan over to begin her spirit fusion.
While they proceeded, Ouyang Jian and Xu Mingcheng quietly exchanged words. Jing Shaoyu stood with Na'er, who continued expressing her thoughts.
"Brother, I don't like Xu Xiaoyan," Na'er pouted.
"Why not?" Jing Shaoyu asked, curious about her reasoning.
"I don't know; I just don't!" Na'er replied stubbornly, her head shaking in defiance. "I don't want you playing with her."
Jing Shaoyu chuckled to himself. Clearly, this was a case of youthful possessiveness—a trait that might intensify as she grew older. Gently, he reassured her, "Na'er, no matter what, you'll always be my favorite sister. That will never change!"
"Pinky promise!" Na'er demanded, her expression brightening.
"Pinky promise!" Jing Shaoyu replied with a smile, their little fingers linking together.
After a few minutes, Xu Xiaoyan completed her spirit fusion. Ji Changming had arranged a six-hundred-year-old Mystic Ice Cat for her, a traditional choice for the Xu family. She now had a spirit power level of 12, though her enthusiasm appeared lukewarm, suggesting that, as mentioned in the original work, she hadn't been particularly passionate about cultivation as a child.
Over the next half hour, Ji Changming led the group on a tour of the Spirit Pagoda. In reality, it was more of a showcase for Jing Shaoyu, as both Ouyang Jian and Xu Mingcheng were well-acquainted with the structure. Even Xu Xiaoyan had likely visited frequently, judging by her lack of interest, but Na'er enjoyed the sights with unabashed delight.
Outside the Spirit Pagoda, Xu Xiaoyan waved goodbye from her family's car. "Goodbye, Brother Xiaoyu!"
In just a few short hours, Jing Shaoyu had managed to win over Xu Xiaoyan, who was now calling him "Brother." Clearly, the girl was easy to get along with—or rather, easy to charm.
"Goodbye!" Jing Shaoyu waved back, smiling. If all went as expected, their next meeting would be three years later at Donghai Academy. He wondered if she'd still call him "Brother" then.
"Haha, let's head back too!" Ouyang Jian said cheerfully.
At the City Administration Building, Jing Ziyuan and Zhao Wuxue awaited their return in the mayor's office, immediately standing to greet them.
"Mom, I'm officially a spirit master now!" Jing Shaoyu beamed, holding Na'er's hand.
"That's wonderful!" Jing Ziyuan exclaimed joyfully. "Thank you so much, Lord Mayor!"
"No need to thank me," Ouyang Jian replied with a wave. "This was just part of the process. Has your reassignment been completed?"
"Yes, thanks to Chief Zhao's assistance," Jing Ziyuan responded, gratitude shining on her face.
"My pleasure!" Zhao Wuxue said, barely concealing his own excitement.
"Good," Ouyang Jian replied. "Take A-Yu to report at Xuankong Academy tomorrow. Although he's an innate full spirit power, he should complete the foundational levels at the primary academy."
"Understood, thank you, Lord Mayor!" Jing Ziyuan said, her voice filled with emotion.
"All right, then. Off you go!" Ouyang Jian gestured for them to leave.
"Goodbye, Grandpa Mayor!" Jing Shaoyu said politely, flashing a charming smile.
"Goodbye!" Ouyang Jian replied, warmth in his eyes. "Remember to come visit Grandpa often!"
"I will!" Jing Shaoyu promised with a nod.
As they headed to the parking lot, Zhao Wuxue offered, "Sister Jing, let me give you a ride."
"Oh, we couldn't possibly…" Jing Ziyuan hesitated.
"No trouble at all!" Zhao Wuxue chuckled. "Today, I owe A-Yu thanks. Because of him, I got to make an excellent impression on the Mayor! We haven't had an innate full spirit power here in nearly a hundred years. Just by having A-Yu, we'll attract far more resource
s to our district!"
Jing Ziyuan nodded, realizing more clearly just how invaluable her son was.