Systemless Villain

Chapter 237  Family and Future Plans

Long Tian strolled purposefully towards the main mansion, a stately structure that exuded an air of grandeur, where the comforting presence of his mother and Liu Qian awaited.

As he swung open the ornate doors, a symphony of enticing aromas enveloped him, teasing his senses with the promise of a delightful meal.

Following the alluring fragrance, he discovered his mother and Liu Qian engaged in the culinary artistry at the elegant dining table.

Liu Qian, quick to notice Long Tian's arrival, turned towards him with a warm smile, "You've arrived at the perfect moment; we've just completed our masterpiece," she said.

Long Tian reciprocated the smile and approached, the tantalizing aroma intensifying as he surveyed each dish meticulously arranged on the table. The spread before him was a feast for the senses.

"Did you cook all of this?" he imquired, shifting his gaze to Liu Qian. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"I just helped Aunt Xia a little," she said, somewhat embarrassed.

Long Tian simply smiled upon hearing this, not expecting Liu Qian to be skilled in cooking.

He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "You know, Li Yue'er's cooking is so good. I indulge in her dishes every day, reveling in the flavors," his words laced with a mischievous smirk.

Liu Qian met Long Tian's comment with a quizzical stare, "You seem to enjoy drawing comparisons, don't you?" she retorted.

"Well, I'm merely igniting your passion. Wouldn't you like to enhance your cooking skills?" Long Tian teased.

Liu Qian fell silent for a moment; she had been practicing cooking with her mother, but for some reason, she wasn't that skilled.

Now, Long Tian's expressive demeanor had sparked a genuine spirit of competition within her.

Their eyes locked, and with a soft, teasing touch on his cheeks, she declared, "I'll fulfill your desires, both in the bedroom and in the kitchen," her words provocatively hanging in the air.

Long Tian reciprocated by gently cupping both of Liu Qian's cheeks, a playful smirk gracing his lips. "I'd savor every bit of you if only my mother wasn't present," he quipped.

Liu Qian's smile widened, evidently relishing the playful interaction with Long Tian.

"Cough, could you two perhaps postpone these antics until after dinner?" a gentle interruption cut through the playful atmosphere as Xia Yunfei, carrying a pan of succulent stir-fried vegetables with shrimp, chimed in,

Long Tian and Liu Qian released their embrace, though the mischievous gleam lingered in Long Tian's eyes. "You see, Mom, Qian'er possesses a talent for playful banter and often teases me," he playfully remarked.

Liu Qian shot Long Tian a stern look in response to his teasing remarks.

Xia Yunfei smiled, reflecting on her own youthful days. "Witnessing the two of you truly takes me back to my youth. Those were delightful times. Enjoy every moment while you're still young," she advised with a touch of nostalgia.

"Absolutely, Mom," Long Tian promptly affirmed.

With everything set, Xia Yunfei declared, "Alright, dinner is served."

Long Tian and Liu Qian took their places side by side, with Xia Yunfei settling in front of them.

Taking initiative, Liu Qian stood up, procuring three plates and arranging them before Long Tian, Xia Yunfei, and herself.

"Thank you, Qian'er, your kindness is truly appreciated," Xia Yunfei expressed with a warm smile.

Liu Qian reciprocated the smile, and with a seamless flow, each of them selected their dishes from the spread on the table.

Long Tian opted for crispy fried shrimp and soup, complemented by a selection of traditional Han imperial dishes.

The trio savored their dinner, creating a harmonious ambiance. Despite Liu Qian being an outsider, Xia Yunfei extended a warm welcome, embracing her as a part of the family—a sentiment rooted in their long-standing connection since Liu Qian's childhood.

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The three of them relished a delightful dinner while engaging in lively conversation. The delectable dishes on the table dwindled as they chatted away.

As the meal progressed, Xia Yunfei, her curiosity piqued, turned to Long Tian. "Tian'er, where do you plan to go after completing high school?" she inquired, her tone revealing her genuine interest.

"Didn't Grandpa discuss this with you, Mom? I've committed to enrolling in the Xuantian Academy," Long Tian responded in a nonchalant manner.

Xia Yunfei nodded thoughtfully. "I see... Your grandfather from your father's side rarely returns here, if I recall correctly. It's been three years since his last visit, and he seems quite content at the academy," she remarked, a hint of annoyance evident as she savored her food.

Long Tian maintained a gentle smile, understanding the demands on his grandfather as a grand elder.

Shifting her focus, Xia Yunfei directed her inquiry to Liu Qian. "And you, Qian'er, what are your plans after completing your studies?" she asked, her curiosity now extended to Liu Qian.

Liu Qian's expression took on a somber note. "I don't foresee continuing to an academy or sect in the Han Empire, Aunt Xia," she replied.

This response surprised Xia Yunfei, prompting her to question, "Why is that? What's the reason?" Her eyebrows arched in confusion.

Liu Qian explained with a hint of sorrow, "You see, Aunt Xia, Tsagaan Sar is approaching, and all citizens of the Yuan Dynasty are mandated to return. Unfortunately, I bear the Khan's mark, compelling me to go back to the Yuan Dynasty."

"Ohh, that's unfortunate. I've heard Tsagaan Sar can extend for quite a while, possibly up to a year or more, or even up to five years," Xia Yunfei empathized, her words laced with concern.

"Yes, that's my concern as well. But what can I do? My father is quite adamant about it," Liu Qian responded with a tinge of resignation.

With a nod of understanding, Xia Yunfei acknowledged the challenges ahead. Their dinner conversation continued, weaving between familial warmth and the uncertainties that lay on the horizon.

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Over 20 minutes had elapsed, concluding the dinner shared among Xia Yunfei, Liu Qian, and Long Tian. The table stood bare, devoid of both plates and any remnants of the scrumptious feast.

In this moment, Long Tian and Liu Qian found themselves standing just beyond the grandeur of the mansion.

Long Tian conveyed that he needed to return to Tianzhou due to pressing matters.

"You'll come back, won't you?" inquired Liu Qian.

"It's a brief matter; I'll return, even if it's a tad late. Remember, I've told you—consider this place as your home," responded Long Tian, a warm smile gracing his face.

"Alright, take care on your way," Liu Qian responded.

With a nod, Long Tian gently kissed Liu Qian's forehead. Without further ado, demonic wings unfurled majestically from his back.

With a powerful flap, he ascended into the skies, soaring with unparalleled speed.

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More than an hour passed. Inside the Long family area, near the gate, three foreign black cars were still parked, indicating that the Jun family was still there.

And now, Long Tian was still flying at super speed, seamlessly navigating the air, faster than when he carried Liu Qian.

After a few minutes, a radiant expanse, aglow with the illumination of myriad lights, came into view—a distinct signal of downtown Tianzhou.

With a graceful flutter of his wings, he decelerated, eventually landing on the rooftop of a towering structure.

The demonic wings dissipated instantly, and with swift fluidity, he withdrew his smartphone from his pocket, initiating a call to Guan Ji.

The phone rang, indicating the call was in progress. Shortly after, the call connected.

Long Tian wasted no time inquiring, "Where are you?"

"I'm near the twin towers, sitting on one of the public benches. It's a very well-known spot; you should be familiar with the location, young master," Guan Ji responded.

"Alright, I'll be there shortly," affirmed Long Tian, concluding the call with prompt decisiveness.

Returning his smartphone to its designated pocket, he strolled towards the rear of the building. Without a hint of hesitation, he leaped from the seemingly 30-floor structure.

He landed down smoothly, leaving no trace on the ground. No one was around, and it appeared that his arrival had gone unnoticed.

Proceeding with a casual stride, Long Tian made his way towards the twin towers.

As he traversed the path, he relished in the night ambiance of Tianzhou's heart. The clock displayed 8 PM, a time that wasn't too late, and there was a chance that the herbal medicine store might still be open.

Before long, he finally spotted the twin towers in the distance, nestled in a park amidst other buildings, all embracing a green city concept.

Long Tian promptly identified Guan Ji approaching him, dressed in casual attire.

Upon reaching him, Guan Ji greeted, "Good evening, young master."

Long Tian acknowledged with a nod, "So, Lin Fan emerged from the herbal medicine store you mentioned. Did he say anything noteworthy?" he inquired.

"Well, he repeatedly mentioned the name Jun with a determined expression. I believe it's connected to why he acquired a bottle of elixir," Guan Ji responded.

Long Tian stroked his chin. Earlier, Jun Li had informed him that he was suffering from a particular ailment and hadn't recovered.

However, the current information revealed that Lin Fan had obtained an elixir and mentioned the name Jun...

A mischievous grin spread across Long Tian's face, "Let's pay a visit to that herbal medicine store," he suggested with a smirk.

Guan Ji nodded in agreement, and thus, the two of them strolled together towards the renowned herbal medicine store.