Zhao Ya was also here for the first time. Compared to the front yard, the architecture here was not only more refined, but the security was also much tighter.
With just a fleeting glance, Zhao Ya noticed there were masters hidden in places like the eaves of the corridors and behind the railings.
Standing at the door, there were as many as dozens of gazes scrutinizing him.
Zhao Ya was well aware of this, but outwardly his expression remained calm, simply waiting quietly.
Not long after, laughter came from the study, and then Song Linqing and Song Peiwan, brother and sister, came out to greet him.
At this time, Song Peiwan had changed into a new outfit, a light pink horse-faced skirt perfectly showcasing her gentle and graceful temperament.
Song Linqing walked quickly to Zhao Ya, first looking him up and down, then appreciatively patting him on the shoulder.
"Truly, heroes emerge from the young. Wan’Er has told me everything that happened. Without you, she wouldn’t have come back, so for this, I must thank you!"
Saying this, Song Linqing surprisingly gave Zhao Ya a solemn bow.
This action stunned Song Renqiang, who was standing aside.
Considering Song Linqing’s status, as the Patriarch of the Song Family, one of the three major families in the Inner City, his identity was extremely prestigious in Wuxiang City.
It was unexpected that he would thank a young man so solemnly.
It seemed he had underestimated the boy’s future, which was far brighter than he had imagined.
Song Renqiang quietly made up his mind to cultivate a good relationship with this rising star.
Compared to the others’ surprise, Zhao Ya felt indifferent.
To him, whether one was a Patriarch or not was irrelevant.
No matter how noble one’s status, it was not as important as their Martial Dao prowess.
Therefore, he slightly sidestepped, avoiding Song Linqing’s gratitude, and said.
"No need to be so courteous, Patriarch. I receive a salary from the Song Family, so naturally, I should serve the Song Family."
"Hahaha, well said! Quickly, set up a feast, I must drink a few cups with Ya!" Song Linqing exclaimed happily.
Song Renqiang was so shocked he was almost numb.
He glanced at the calm Zhao Ya, thinking that this young man was indeed extraordinary, at least his composure in the face of honor and disgrace was commendable.
Then he went down to personally order the preparations for the banquet.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ya was pulled by Song Linqing into the study.
The decor inside was not overly luxurious, but the details subtly revealed the heritage of a great family.
After the three sat down, Xiaoman brought up tea and snacks, giving Zhao Ya a sneaky smile before retreating.
"How old is Ya this year?" Song Linqing asked.
"I’ll be eighteen after the new year." Zhao Ya answered truthfully.
The eyes of Song Linqing and Song Peiwan both lit up.
However, Song Peiwan was shocked, while Song Linqing was delighted.
"So, you entered the Third Realm at only seventeen?" Song Linqing asked.
"Yes!"
Zhao Ya had no intention of hiding it.
Even according to his previous plan, he intended to inform the Song Family of his breakthrough by the end of the year at the latest.
After all, at this point, Zhao Ya already had the ability to protect himself, and hiding his abilities any further would only delay his progress.
However, the unexpected situation had accelerated Zhao Ya’s plan.
Song Peiwan had witnessed his performance in the forest battles firsthand, so she could probably guess he was already a Third Realm Martial Artist.
So it was better to admit it openly.
"Good, a seventeen-year-old Third Realm Martial Artist, this achievement is outstanding even among the direct lineage disciples of great families!" Song Linqing complimented generously.
Zhao Ya’s background was well-known to him.
The paper that recorded his background was still in the study drawer.
Rising step by step from an Escort Agency errand boy to a Third Realm Martial Artist in just a few years, Zhao Ya’s talent and potential were evident.
This was one of the reasons for Song Linqing’s warm hospitality.
Zhao Ya understood this very well and couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
Back when he joined the Song Family as a Second Realm practitioner, Song Linqing was too lazy to even see him, a stark contrast to his current attitude.
This clearly showed the importance of strength.
And this was just the Third Realm. What if it were the Fourth Realm, the Fifth Realm, or even the legendary Meridian Opening Realm...?
The arrival of the banquet interrupted Zhao Ya’s daydreams.
The lavishness of the food was beyond words, and even the wine was a rare treat rarely seen on the market.
Zhao Ya estimated that just this meal was more than an average family could earn in ten years.
Such a good meal would be a pity not to enjoy, so Zhao Ya picked up his chopsticks and began eating heartily without much concern for formalities.
His relaxed demeanor surprised Song Linqing quite a bit.
Many famous Martial Artists were cautious and restrained in his presence, yet this young man was so calm and unafraid.
He couldn’t help but glance at Song Peiwan sitting beside him.
Song Peiwan was watching with a constant smile.
She knew very well that Zhao Ya was just like this, otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to let her hold onto him in the valley before taking off his shirt.
Remembering this, Song Peiwan’s cheeks flushed, and she filled a cup with wine, saying to Zhao Ya, "Zhao... Commander Zhao, I toast to you."
"No need to be so formal, Miss."
Song Linqing smiled at the scene, "This is the first time I’ve seen Wan’Er drink. Ya, you just heard it too, Wan’Er called you Commander Zhao. Would you be willing to become my family’s Chief of Guards?"
Zhao Ya was waiting for this moment, so he didn’t even bother with the most basic refusals. He just filled his cup with wine again and said to Song Linqing.
"I am willing to obey from now on!"
Then he downed the wine in one gulp.
"Good, very forthright!" Song Linqing was extremely satisfied.
People are sometimes strange—if they are fond of someone, everything they do seems right.
Even if Zhao Ya’s behavior was somewhat out of the ordinary, Song Linqing felt it was the vitality of youth. Instead of being annoyed, he appreciated it even more.
As for Song Peiwan...
Her eyes were bright as she looked at Zhao Ya, as if she were seeing him again as the young man who returned from killing on a snowy night.
The meal was enjoyed by all.
When it was time to leave, Zhao Ya was a bit tipsy.
Song Renqiang personally led the way, his tone even more humble than when they arrived.
"According to your status as Commander Zhao, you shouldn’t live here anymore. However, it’s too late today, I have already picked out a residence for you, and my men are preparing it. You can move in early tomorrow morning."
"You’ve gone to a lot of trouble, Steward Song!" Zhao Ya said.
"Not at all, Commander Zhao. You’ve made great contributions to the Song Family. It’s a small matter I should do." Song Renqiang smiled.
Zhao Ya found it amusing, knowing that Song Renqiang was deliberately trying to curry favor with him, but since he was smiling, Zhao Ya said nothing more.
When he returned to the small courtyard, Zui’Er was waiting for him. Seeing him reeking of alcohol, she hurriedly prepared hot water for him to wash his face and busied herself with making him some sobering soup.
Zui’Er disliked the dishes made by the main kitchen, so she had set up a stove in the courtyard to cook her meals.
Zhao Ya held her hand.
"No need to busy yourself, sit with me."
Zui’Er obediently sat beside Zhao Ya.
After a long while, Zhao Ya suddenly asked, "Don’t you want to ask me something?"
"Ask what?" Zui’Er seemed puzzled.
"About the lady’s matters!"
Zui’Er suddenly understood and then smiled and shook her head, "What’s there to ask? As long as you return safely, I don’t want to ask anything, nor do I care about anything."
As she spoke, Zui’Er rested her head on Zhao Ya’s shoulder, as tender as a kitten.
"Ya!"
"Hmm?"
"Carry me inside!"