"Where are we going?" Lin Fei asked curiously.
"They're coming to us, and there's definitely a place at Celestial Principle College, so we don't have to bother. Sister Kathy isn't attending the ceremony, but she can co to the banquet," Li Xin said, changing into his slippers.
Lin Fei handed a hot cup of milk to Li Xin, "Talk to Kathy tomorrow morning; she's picking us up early to visit the hot springs. We're on holiday this weekend, and Lu Shuai invited us too."
"Great, everything's settled, perfect for a lively ti together." Li Xin had been busy with cases recently, feeling overwheld, and clues at the Beijing Opera House had reached a pause. Next week, it'd be ti to reorganize.
Lin Fei gently stroked Li Xin's forehead, "Don't frown, take your ti solving problems; Luo Xue and Fei Ruolin are coming too."
"Sounds good, looks like our Secretary is in a good mood."
Both Lin Fei and Xueyin laughed, "You really should learn from Kathy; her work-life balance is impeccable."
"Alright, alright, she's my boss's boss's boss, and I'm one to heed my leaders," Li Xin said, "How's the beauty contest going?"
"Now that you ntion it, this competition features a lot of excellent girls, mostly students from Canon Law School, with good age, background, and academic prowess. Resourcefulness isn't a concern now," Lin Fei said, her eyes gleaming brightly.
Li Xin wished he could smack his own mouth, bringing up the topic unnecessarily, another offshoot of the contest.
"Aunt Fei, that's abusing power for personal gains, unacceptable!"
"For your lifelong happiness, so scheming is necessary, and your ti is running short," Lin Fei said coolly.
Li Xin glanced at Xueyin, who shrugged, wide-eyed, acknowledging Lin Fei had the final say at ho.
North of Dragon Capital lies a hot spring resort called Celestial Pool Town, nestled amidst mountains, near Celestial Pool, a massive lake reflecting like a silver mirror, never freezing, crisscrossed by multiple mountain streams with scenic beauty. Famous for hot springs, generations of Royal Family mbers of Capital Royal Family enjoy building resort villas here. Spring brings blooming peach blossoms, reflecting on the lake; sumr calls for boating and fishing; autumn sees colorful mountain hues, outdoor hunting; winter blankets the mountains with snow, enjoying hot springs with ice-fire fusion, a unique sight.
Bathing in hot springs here is earthly enjoynt. Despite warti destruction and reconstruction, Luthor, while in power, neither monopolized nor squandered this pleasure. Instead, he consolidated all resort estates, subdivided into lots, held public auctions, attracting wealthy businessn from Lulong and abroad. This generated significant revenue during tight fiscal tis, contributing substantially to the expeditionary army's budget.
These properties, privately owned or managed, all enhanced with investnts, gradually developing Celestial Pool Town with a hot spring characteristic.
Now, Celestial Pool Town has transford into a holiday destination comprised of nurous specialty hot spring inns, attracting noble rchants from Dragon Capital every winter. It's a considerable contributor to Dragon Capital's fiscal revenue.
Though not run as state-operated, external contractors manage it. Initially, Luthor faced opposition regarding royal dignity loss, but proved insightful. Contracting brought in significant fees and increased competition among inns, flourishing diversity. Despite being a small quaint town, it yields high tax contributions.
Co winter, these inns brim with demand; of course, Kathy can surely reserve a place.
Kathy's carriage had arrived at the door; Lin Fei, Li Xin, and Xueyin were ready, fitting Kathy's indulgent character, not just hot springs, but gourt and wines were bound to accompany.
"A banquet? That's fine, but just a small gathering," Kathy nodded with a powerful deanor, "That little rascal Xueyin is growing up."
"Sister Kathy, you're young," Li Xin said.
Kathy chuckled, "I'm at aunt's status now; truly calling a sister?"
"Out together, we'd definitely be siblings," Li Xin remarked.
"Your sweet talk is misapplied," Kathy replied, "Jackson's a great teacher, better than attending Canon Law School."
Kathy had an open attitude toward Hidden Powers, acknowledging the world dominated by them, but warned against seeking refuge in the Church Court. Proximity to Hidden Power is closest to the abyss.
"Although apprenticed, if in two years entering Canon Law School is necessary, attending there will be wise. Scholars at Celestial Principle College are older; Xueyin should mingle with peers and master happiness," Li Xin asserted.
Kathy nodded, "Correct, improving, build a foundation at Celestial Principle College first; Xueyin's vivacious personality needs control."
Kathy knew of Xueyin's various antics in Grace Class, a fitting description was wreaking havoc, bold yet ticulous, with brains excelling peers, leaving virtually no traces.
Not long after, Lu Shuai's loud voice was heard, "Brother Li, we're here."
Lu Shuai had long anticipated this hot spring trip, unfortunately, unable to bring Miss Tang, exploring first then a private visit next ti.
Lu Shuai, Huerta, Luo Xue, and Fei Ruolin alighted from the carriage, respectful at seeing Kathy, acknowledging her now as a Celestial Capital faction leader, a true bigwig. Cherishing past ties in Celestial Capital, Kathy's quick word at critical tis could determine their fates.
Lin Fei appraised Luo Xue and Fei Ruolin, fond of both girls. Luo Xue used to be a bit aloof—lacking maturity. Now, clearly tendered up; Fei Ruolin though extravagant, is remarkably nurturing, seemingly naive, yet a Hex-Tech expert.
Fei Ruolin flushed under Lin Fei's gaze, adjusting her glasses quickly, despite her effort, her prowess couldn't be disguised.
"Hey, why's senior sister wearing glasses now?" Li Xin asked curiously.
"I wore them during research; recently, myopia's worsened, so I need them even regularly. Do they look bad?" Fei Ruolin replied.
"Senior Sister Ruolin's busy with Hex-Tech experints, glasses required," Lu Shuai said, "Quite elegant wearing them."
"Ruolin excels in Hex-Tech studies with notable talent," Kathy praised, "If glasses aren't preferred, co to the Church Court."
"Secretary, tried sacred healing, initially effective, but research strains gradually obscured vision," Fei Ruolin said.
"Today, we're all family, call Sister Kathy," Kathy stated, "Healing is temporary. Your research habit limits magic's impact."
"Senior sister, best consistently wear them, alternating deepens myopia, but usually stabilizes after a few years," Li Xin advised, "Pay attention to breaks."
Fei Ruolin feigned a smile and nodded.
"All aboard, off we go, I've been eagerly waiting. Chat en route." Echo dragged Kathy's hand shaking, clearly anticipating the hot spring trip, the proposal hers, undoubtedly.
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