The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 128 What kind of Xia Chenghao?

Li Lingxuan thought carefully about Cen Jiexiao's proposal and felt that it made some sense. She gritted her teeth, as if she had made a major decision. Then she raised her head, looked at Cen Jiexiao with a firm gaze, and said, "Okay, I'll listen to you! I'll arrange it right away!"

After saying that, she stood up suddenly, as if something was chasing her from behind, and turned around and left in a hurry.

"Lingxuan!" Seeing her so impulsive, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but call her out.

Li Lingxuan stopped when she heard the call, but did not turn back. She just asked in a low voice: "What's wrong?"

Cen Jiexiao looked at her thin back, feeling mixed emotions, and asked with a hint of worry: "Are you...are you okay?"

Li Lingxuan took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. Then she turned around, forced a smile, and said, "I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. You're right. Instead of letting your imagination run wild here, it's better to take the initiative and find out what he's thinking."

Seeing that she had regained some of her former vitality, Cen Jiexiao felt a little relieved. She nodded and said, "I'm glad you can figure it out. But don't be too anxious. You must be cautious in everything you do and don't fall into other people's traps."

"I know. I'll pay attention." Li Lingxuan said, and took two steps forward. Suddenly, as if she remembered something, she stopped and looked back at Sister Cen. She said sincerely, "Sister Cen, thank you. Thank you for giving me advice and always guiding me. I treated you like that before..."

At this point, Li Lingxuan's voice choked up, and her eyes reddened slightly. She had relied on her status as a princess to make things difficult for Cen Jiexiao, but Cen Jiexiao had always been very tolerant of her, even willing to lend a hand when she encountered difficulties. This filled Li Lingxuan with gratitude and guilt.

Seeing her like this, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but feel a little sad. She walked forward, gently patted Li Lingxuan's shoulder, and said softly, "It's all in the past. Why bring up those trivial things? Between you and me, why should we thank each other?"

"But, as for my aunt..." Li Lingxuan wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Sister Cen Xiao.

"Okay, go quickly and don't delay the important business." Cen Jiexiao urged with a smile.

"Well, I'll go first. Take care." Li Lingxuan looked at Cen Jiexiao deeply, then turned and left.

Sister Cen Xiao looked at her departing figure and shook her head helplessly. This girl really does what she says! However, as long as she can figure it out, it will be fine. As for the Crown Prince Xixiang, Sister Cen Xiao planned to meet him first.

Peace returned to the academy. Only the occasional chirping of insects could be heard in the distance, like a melancholy prelude to this relationship that was destined to be restless.

At this moment, a dark shadow appeared silently near the rockery, staring at the direction where Li Lingxuan left with a cold gaze and a meaningful smile.

"Want to test me? Oh, then let's see!"

Li Lingxuan returned to her own courtyard, repeatedly thinking over every word Cen Jiexiao had just said. Each word was laced with thorns, yet it somehow struck a chord with her. Perhaps this was what a true friend was like? She was a princess, yet she was surrounded by flatterers, so how could she possibly hear a single word of truth? Ever since meeting Cen Jiexiao, all the thoughts she had hidden deep in her heart, all the things she wanted to do but didn't dare to do, had actually come true, or rather, become hopes, hopes that could be realized. This Cen Jiexiao, it was as if she had some kind of magic that made her believe in her and even... depend on her.

"You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing your child. Some things are inherently risky..." Li Lingxuan murmured softly, her heart stirring with emotion at Cen Jiexiao's suggestion. Yes, instead of hesitating so much, why not take the initiative and test Xia Chenghao's strengths and weaknesses?

Having made up her mind, Li Lingxuan no longer hesitated and immediately called her personal maid, Bi Tao, and instructed her, "Go, prepare some fine writing brushes, inkstones, and some books on Xixiang culture."

Although Bi Tao was puzzled, she dared not neglect her master's order and soon prepared everything. Li Lingxuan waved Bi Tao away, spread out the rice paper, ground the ink, and picked up the brush. An elegantly worded invitation appeared on the paper.

The next day, Li Lingxuan invited Xia Chenghao to her residence under the pretext of studying Xixiang culture. Xia Chenghao was naturally overjoyed when he received the invitation. He immediately turned down all his work, dressed up carefully, and excitedly went to the appointment.

Li Lingxuan's residence was exquisitely decorated, revealing the taste of a lady from a noble family. Xia Chenghao was immediately captivated by the elegant atmosphere the moment he entered. Li Lingxuan had specially changed into a light blue dress today, her long black hair tied up with a single white jade hairpin, appearing exceptionally elegant and refined.

"Your Highness, please take a seat." Li Lingxuan stood up to greet him, with just the right amount of distance on her face, neither appearing overly enthusiastic nor cold.

Seeing her attitude today, Xia Chenghao couldn't help but feel puzzled. He smiled and said, "Why did the princess invite me here today?"

Upon hearing this, Li Lingxuan smiled and said, "Your Highness, I'm a little interested in Xixiang culture, and I wanted to take this opportunity to ask Your Highness a few questions."

After that, she ordered Bitao to serve fragrant tea and snacks, and asked someone to bring a few books about the customs and culture of Xixiang, and discussed them in detail with Xia Chenghao.

Although Xia Chenghao was full of questions, seeing that Li Lingxuan seemed to be really only interested in Xixiang culture, he suppressed his doubts and patiently explained to her.

Li Lingxuan, a true genius, quickly grasped the subject and soon gained a solid understanding of Xixiang culture. She sometimes asked provocative questions, sometimes praised Xia Chenghao's explanations, perfectly capturing the meaning of "close yet distant," successfully whetting Xia Chenghao's interest and making him even more unpredictable.

After a few days, Xia Chenghao showed up at Li Lingxuan's inn on time every day. The two of them drank tea, chatted, admired flowers and painted together. On the surface, they looked like a pair of lovers.

That day, Li Lingxuan invited Xia Chenghao to the garden to admire the flowers. In early spring, the garden was ablaze with vibrant colors, a breathtaking sight. Li Lingxuan, clad in a pink dress, wandered among the blossoms, looking like a flower fairy who had strayed into the mortal world. Xia Chenghao was mesmerized.

"The princess is so radiant today, she is as beautiful as a fairy!" Xia Chenghao couldn't help but admire.

Li Lingxuan turned around and smiled, her eyes flickering as she deliberately said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. Lingxuan is just an ordinary woman. How can she compare to the talented men and beautiful women around Your Highness?"

Xia Chenghao became anxious upon hearing this and quickly explained, "My princess, you're joking. How can those vulgar women around me be compared to you? In my heart, you are the most important..."

Xia Chenghao paused at this point, realizing he had nearly let something slip. He quickly corrected himself, saying, "The princess is the one...who is truly important to me!"

Li Lingxuan smiled inwardly, but remained expressionless. She lowered her head shyly and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is really good at joking. How could Lingxuan be so good?"

The two chatted for a while, and Li Lingxuan suddenly cried out, "Ouch!", "My handkerchief fell off!"

Seeing this, Xia Chenghao quickly followed her gaze and saw a handkerchief embroidered with orchids lying under a bunch of flowers. He was about to go forward to pick it up, but saw Li Lingxuan bend down faster than him and reach for the handkerchief.

The neckline of the dress Li Lingxuan wore today was a bit low. When she bent down, her fair skin was faintly visible, which made Xia Chenghao's blood boil. His Adam's apple rolled up and down, and he almost had a nosebleed.

"Princess, be careful!" Xia Chenghao suppressed the impulse in his heart and reached out to help Li Lingxuan.

Li Lingxuan seemed to be caught off guard by his sudden reach. She cried out in surprise, her body tilted, and she fell straight into Xia Chenghao's arms...