Chapter 209: Old Friends
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“Your Highness, it’s me, Qin Rui!”
Qin Rui beamed with delight, sauntering toward Xiao Ming with a paper fan in hand, the picture of an old friend reunited.
Back when Xiao Ming had roamed Chang’an’s streets, he’d had a tight-knit circle of pleasure-seeking young nobles—Qin Rui among them. Five years apart hadn’t changed Qin Rui one bit. He still looked like a man hollowed out by wine and women, though the dark circles under his eyes had deepened.
Clearly, some habits died hard.
As Qin Rui approached, Xiao Ming gave him a once-over. “What a coincidence, running into you here.”
“Coincidence? Your Highness, this is fate!” Qin Rui chuckled before sighing theatrically. “Though now, as Prince Qi, your victory at Cangzhou has made you renowned across the land. Compared to you, I’m but a fading shadow.”
“Nonsense,” Xiao Ming said. “Back then, I told you all that no matter where I went, I’d remember our bonds. Why bring up Cangzhou? Between us, there’s no need for such formality.”
The words warmed Qin Rui’s heart. “With that from you, Your Highness, all those times we braved life and death together—scaling mountains of blades, crossing seas of fire—were worth it. Now that you’ve returned, we’ll still follow your lead.”