LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 19: Chapter 19
**Chapter 19: Making Friends with Wine**
As Zhao Ling and Yue Guan conversed, Ah Yin felt her heart sink.
The feminine-looking man Zhao Ling was addressing turned out to be a Titled Douluo—and not just any Douluo, but one with the title of Chrysanthemum. There could only be one person in the Spirit Hall, or even across the Douluo Continent, with such a title: Ju Douluo Yue Guan.
Ah Yin couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. Thanks to Zhao Ling's secret method for sealing her soul power and aura, her true identity as the Blue Silver Emperor remained hidden. Without it, a Titled Douluo would have immediately recognized her, and the consequences would have been disastrous.
Before reaching a soul power level of 70 or higher, her plan had been to stay hidden in the small village where she had been living, gradually growing stronger while avoiding attention. Now, with Zhao Ling's method, she could even sit next to a Titled Douluo without fear of being exposed.
Ah Yin retracted her gaze and resumed eating, her nerves settling. When the waiter brought the wine and glasses, she graciously poured a drink for Zhao Ling, handing him the glass with a soft smile.
Zhao Ling accepted it without hesitation. He swirled the wine briefly, allowing its aroma to bloom, before raising the glass in a toast to Ju Douluo.
Ju Douluo, however, remained cautious. He didn't know who Zhao Ling was or what his motives were, and his instincts told him to be on guard. Even as Zhao Ling toasted him, Ju Douluo hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong had been silently processing the revelations from the diary. Having digested the terrible fate it foretold, she now felt a spark of gratitude toward Zhao Ling.
On the Douluo Continent, chastity was sacred to women, far more so than in Zhao Ling's previous life on Blue Star, where many people saw such matters more casually. To Bibi Dong, her chastity was a treasure to be shared only with the man she loved. The thought of her teacher violating her made her blood boil.
Though she had resolved to exact vengeance on Qianxunji in the future, she also understood that Zhao Ling's diary had given her a chance to prepare. With time and strength, she would ensure her teacher paid for his crimes.
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After some hesitation, Bibi Dong unexpectedly picked up a goblet. She filled it with wine, stood, and raised it toward Zhao Ling in a toast. Then, in one graceful motion, she downed the entire glass. Her boldness caught Ju Douluo by surprise.
"Miss, why are you drinking with him?" Ju Douluo asked in astonishment.
He knew Bibi Dong disliked alcohol; in fact, she almost never drank. What could have prompted her to act so out of character?
Zhao Ling, equally surprised, watched her down the wine in one gulp. For such a graceful and elegant woman, her straightforwardness was unexpected. Not wanting to seem less generous, Zhao Ling chuckled and lifted his glass.
"Such confidence and elegance! You truly live up to your beauty," he said with a laugh. "I am Zhao Ling. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes at his comment, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. She wanted to reply, "I already know who you are. You sent me the diary yourself! How could I not know?" But when she tried to speak, the words wouldn't come out.
Confused, she frowned. 'Why can't I say it?'
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reveal anything about the diary or its contents. It felt as though an invisible force was stopping her, leaving her agitated and frustrated.
Seeing her struggle, Ah Yin stifled a laugh. She had experienced the same predicament before, and she could empathize with Bibi Dong's silent frustration. The inability to discuss the diary's existence was maddening.
Zhao Ling, on the other hand, observed the exchange with a bemused expression. Watching Bibi Dong's lips move without sound, he couldn't help but think, 'What's going on with her?'
After several futile attempts, Bibi Dong sighed and gave up. She forced a polite smile and replied, "You're too kind. I am Bibi Dong. You can call me Dong'er. May I ask this sister's name?" She gestured toward Ah Yin.
Ah Yin rose gracefully, introducing herself with a calm smile. She too drank a glass of wine, sealing the initial acquaintanceship between the two women.
---
As the meal continued, Bibi Dong's curiosity about the diary grew, but every time she tried to ask Zhao Ling about its contents, her voice failed her. The sensation was maddening, and she found herself fuming silently.
Zhao Ling, oblivious to her inner turmoil, found her behavior amusing. Who would have thought Bibi Dong was this playful as a young woman?
With a light chuckle, he finished his drink in one go, turning the glass upside down to show it was empty. For the next hour, the group continued to drink, gradually warming to one another.
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Throughout the evening, Ju Douluo subtly tested Zhao Ling's strength but found no answers. Zhao Ling's aura was completely restrained, making it impossible to gauge his power. However, Ju Douluo's instincts, honed by years as a Titled Douluo, warned him that Zhao Ling was a dangerous individual—perhaps even more threatening than the Pope himself.
What troubled Ju Douluo most was that Zhao Ling's name was entirely unfamiliar. On the Douluo Continent, where did such a powerful but unknown person come from? And what was his true purpose in approaching the Spirit Hall?
Despite his suspicions, Ju Douluo was unable to uncover any answers. By the time Zhao Ling and Ah Yin left the restaurant, he was no closer to understanding the man's identity.
As Zhao Ling's figure disappeared into the night, Ju Douluo turned to Bibi Dong. "Miss, should we inform His Holiness the Pope or the Great Priest about these two individuals?"
Bibi Dong frowned, deep in thought. After a moment, she shook her head. "Not yet. I don't know why he's approaching us, but my instincts tell me he means us no harm.
"Let's focus on our mission for now. Everyone, rest well tonight. Starting tomorrow, I want you all to give your best effort. Don't let the teacher down."
The group nodded in agreement, paid the bill, and made their way back to their hotel.
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