C3 It Seems Familiar

Zhao Sitong climbed out of the pool and surveyed her surroundings with curious, dark eyes. The residence of Barbarian Country was truly stunning. In the distance lay an expansive "grassland" (Golf Course), though the grass seemed unusually short. Nearby, to the left, stood several buildings of an odd yet beautiful design. Cobbled paths strewn with pebbles wound in front of the buildings, and the area was brimming with a variety of flowers, many of which Sitong had never seen before. There were also a few pavilions, peculiar in that they were not made of stone but rather constructed from cloth. Beneath these pavilions sat a round table, surrounded by chairs that resembled armchairs but were not quite the same.

Sitong's roving eyes came to a halt at a "pergola." Seated within was a man with a divine presence, clad in a white shirt and straight black pants that accentuated his long legs. He was turned to the side from Sitong, engrossed in something square in front of him that resembled an open, thin box. His hands moved rhythmically over it, tapping away with intense focus.

From Sitong's perspective, the man's profile was flawlessly impeccable. Her gaze lingered on his silhouette, her eyes growing deep and contemplative.

Lin Yanran took a couple of steps before realizing that Sitong hadn't followed. She paused and turned back, noticing Sitong's intense stare fixed in one direction.

Following Sitong's gaze, Lin Yanran's lips curled into a smile, her eyes brimming with profound affection. Wherever he was, Mr. Chen always stood out as the center of attention.

"Mr. Chen?" Sitong whispered to herself, recognizing the familiar figure.

Whether it was Sitong's voice or the feeling of being watched that caught his attention, Muh Chen suddenly turned his head to look in her direction.

"Ah! Mr. Chen, it's really you!" Sitong exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment. She lifted her damp skirt and dashed toward Muh Chen.

Lin Yanran: "..."

The people in the pool: "..."

"Mr. Chen, is it truly you?" Sitong reached Muh Chen's side and took hold of his arm. "Mr. Chen, what's happened to you? Where is your long black hair? Why are you dressed in Barbarian Country's attire? How did you end up here?"

Muh Chen was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the girl and her question. He noticed her gripping his hand tightly, and a flicker of disgust passed through his eyes. He detested being touched more than anything, and that included even his closest friends. As he was about to shake off the girl's hand, he heard her say, "Mr. Chen, were you also captured by these barbarians?"

"What's happening here?"

"Did that girl just call him Mr. Chen? Does she know Muh Chen?"

"What is she saying? Was Mr. Chen captured by us?"

"Mr. Chen really hates being touched, and yet this girl has some nerve!"

Rong Xiaoyi and the others clambered out of the pool, each reacting differently to the bizarre scene before them. Some were intrigued, others were dumbfounded, and a few seemed to take pleasure in the chaos.

Lin Yanran watched as Zhao Sitong clung to Muh Chen, her irritation mounting when she noticed the girl's firm grip on his arm. She herself had never even touched Muh Chen, so what gave this girl the right? Despite the crowd's watchful eyes, Lin Yanran maintained a gentle and friendly smile. She approached with elegance, subtly attempting to pull Zhao Sitong away.

"Mr. Chen, watch out!" Zhao Sitong, seeing Lin Yanran's attempt to pull her away, quickly pushed her back. She then spread her arms, shielding Muh Chen like a mother hen with her chick. "I am here; you won't lay a finger on Mr. Chen."

The crowd erupted into laughter once more at Zhao Sitong's antics. The little girl was truly an oddity!

Lin Yanran hadn't expected Zhao Sitong to push her. She stumbled backward, her face souring at the unexpected resistance. Yet, with everyone watching—particularly with Muh Chen present—she restrained herself from reacting poorly. She swiftly composed her features and approached with a frail demeanor. "Little sister, you must be confused. Muh Chen is our friend. Muh Chen, do you know her?"