BXBX NOVEL Chapter 181 - 181: Human and Elf
“In reality, there isn’t a grand, dramatic tale,” the elderly woman’s voice quivered with regret. “He was an exceptional elven pharmacist, rising to become the most accomplished in his clan at a young age. His achievements in the field of pharmaceutics even surpassed those of his mentor.”
“My brother desired to establish a partnership with the elves. He hoped to bring back the elven potion that slows the aging of one’s appearance to the Alliance through trade. I met him at a banquet where we discussed this collaboration, and an instant connection was forged.”
“After our collaboration proved successful, he often used it as an excuse to invite me for private outings. Sometimes, he would take me to his studio, while other times, we would attend special gatherings of the elves. But most of all, he would accompany me on shopping trips and gift me things he believed girls would adore.”
Liao Ning observed the elderly woman, fully engrossed in her recollections. It became apparent to her that it was a tale of a young girl captivated by a young man.
“Sadly, our moments of bliss were short-lived. Due to various reasons, the truce between the empire and the alliance lasted onlv two vears before it was terminated once again. In an effort to ensure the safety of alliance citizens within the empire, the alliance swiftly called back all its citizens. My brother and I had no choice but to halt our collaboration with the elves and hastily board the starship dispatched by the alliance to retrieve its citizens.”
Upon hearing this, a sense of sympathy washed over Liao Ning. The consequences of war often resulted in painful separations.
“After the fighting ceased between the empire and the alliance, didn’t you try to find him on Planet Green Forest?” Liao Ning’s curiosity grew stronger.
The elderly woman’s smile turned faint, and her tone revealed an undeniable sense of regret and helplessness. “Why didn’t I search for him? Well, all I found was a cold tomb.’
Liao Ning was taken aback. She had anticipated the possibility of the man falling in love with someone else or rejecting the elderly woman due to the hostility between their nations, but she had not anticipated such a tragic end.
“I’m sorry,” Liao Ning expressed her condolences sincerely.
The elderly woman smiled and replied, “There’s no need to apologize. In truth, it’s for the best. What he left behind in my memories will forever remain the most beautiful.”
After bidding farewell to the elderly woman, the elves received a military request from the empire. The military sought the production of 100,000 loyalty potions for the merfolk to use before the onset of war. The entire elven community swiftly engaged in an intensive potion production process. Once the potions were completed and reported to the patriarch, the old woman’s beloved decided to depart from the empire and journey to the alliance in search of his lover.
Sadly, due to the war, all spacecraft travel between the two nations had ceased. The elves had no choice but to return to the Green Forest Planet and wait for the conflict to end.
Perhaps fate was indifferent to their plight, for on their journey back to the Green Forest Planet, an unexpected war erupted. All planets within the empire entered a state of war preparedness. The small spacecraft piloted by the elves was mistaken for a spy’s vessel and shot down by patrolling warships. Consequently, the elves would forever remain frozen in the age when their love for the old woman burned most passionately.
Tears welled up in the old woman’s eyes as she concluded the heart-wrenching tale.
“This story… Are you Ms. Liu Mu?”
Ning Ling, who had unexpectedly appeared in the hotel while Liao Ning was meant to be resting, stood quietly behind Liao Ning and listened attentively to the old woman’s narrative. After greeting Liao Ning, she couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Yes, it’s me. Young lady, do you know me?” The old woman carefully scrutinized the young girl who had seemingly materialized out of thin air.
Upon hearing the old woman’s confirmation, Ning Ling’s joy grew even more profound. “I had the privilege of attending your lectures when I was in school. You were the one who ignited my passion for the enchanting world of literature!”
“I’m delighted to hear that my lectures resonated with young minds like yours.” Knowing that Ning Ling had been one of her students brought newfound joy to the old woman’s heart. The weight of sorrow seemed to lift from her weary shoulders.
“I apologize for not introducing myself earlier,” the old woman realized her oversight and spoke with a gentle expression. “My name is Liu Mu. I am a professor at the Humanities School of the capital’s university, as well as the founder and editor-in-chief of the Union’s ‘Story Temperature’ magazine.”
Surprisingly, the old woman turned out to be a prominent figure. Liao Ning swiftly introduced herself, not wanting to miss the opportunity. “Hello, Professor Liu. My name is Liao Ning. I am an ancient food culture live-streamer. In fact, I am not the person in charge of the hotel, but the hotel owner. I apologize for not clarifying earlier. Please forgive me.”
Ning Ling also chimed in hurriedly, eager to share her background. “Me too.
My name is Ning Ling. I graduated from the Ancient Food and Culture program at tne capital’s university, and I am currently working as a cnet In a notel!”
“You are both exceptional young individuals. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my story with you today,” Liu Mu gently shook her head, indicating that Liao Ning’s earlier misunderstanding was of no concern..