I'm a little bit cute after transforming.

Chapter 172 Wasted Efforts

In the restaurant of the city lord's manor, everyone was having lunch when a maid came to Diana's side.

"My lord, someone is coming to pay their respects outside."

Diana took a bite of the chicken leg in her hand, her mouth stuffed full as she grumbled.

"Who is it! Coming at this hour, are you trying to freeload a meal?"

The maid shook her head.

"Sir, it's a man I've never seen before. He says he knows you."

A hush fell over the table as everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Diana.

Diana swallowed the food in her mouth somewhat awkwardly.

"Phew~ Why are you all staring at me like that! I don't know!"

To avoid any misunderstanding, Diana added.

"I am the city lord, and many people know me. That's perfectly reasonable!"

After thinking about it, everyone agreed that it made sense. Feeling their sharp gazes shift away, Diana breathed a sigh of relief. 'Wait! Why am I relieved?'

"Go and bring him in! Perhaps it's something urgent!"

"Okay, my lord!"

The maid bowed and slowly withdrew.

Soon, the maid led in a man in a white robe.

As if sensing something, Elua suddenly looked up.

"Fourth brother!"

Diana turned her head and saw that it was indeed Murong Bai. He was still wearing that white robe, but he no longer had that ethereal feeling. The robe was a little dirty and messy, and he looked a little tired.

"Big White! What brings you here! Have you eaten? Come on over and have some with us!"

Murong Bai felt a warmth in his heart, feeling that all the hardships along the way had not been in vain, and he smiled slightly.

"Then I'm not welcome!"

The maid brought Murong Bai a stool and served him a meal as well.

Elua pouted, looking unhappy.

"Fourth Brother! Did Father Emperor send you to take me back? I don't want to go back!"

Before Murong Bai could explain, Diana tapped the table in dissatisfaction.

"Xiaoya! Didn't we agree last time that you could stay home for a while during the holidays, and I'd pick you up when school starts?"

"Perfect timing! Big White's here to pick you up! I'll take you home today!"

Ailuya glared at Murong Bai with a cute but fierce look.

"It's all your fault, Fourth Brother!"

Murong Bai's hand holding the chopsticks trembled. 'Good heavens, I finally got here, and I haven't even had a chance to sit down! And now I have to go back?'

"No, Miss Diana, I..."

Diana first rolled her eyes at Elua, then gave Murong Bai a reassuring look.

"Don't worry, Da Bai! I understand. I promise to take Xiao Ya back today! I won't make things difficult for you!"

Murong Bai opened his mouth, but swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue. "I...I didn't mean any trouble! Can I say I don't want to go back either?"

"Miss Diana, there's really no rush. Let my little sister play for a few more days!"

Diana resolutely refused.

"No! I already made a promise with you last time that I would send Xiaoya back when the academy is on holiday."

"You've come all this way, how can I break my promise! Go back! I must take Xiaoya home today! We'll leave after dinner!"

Since Diana had put it that way, Murong Bai could only agree with tears in his eyes.

The lunch took a long time, and now only Elua was still slowly eating at the table.

Diana could easily see through Elua's little scheme, and went over to stuff all the food Elua hadn't finished into her mouth.

"Oh, since Xiaoya doesn't like it, I'll eat it for you! We can't waste food!"

Elua immediately protested, her large eyes beginning to well up with tears.

"I don't like Anna anymore!"

Diana shrugged, looking indifferent; she had become somewhat immune to it.

Seeing that Elua was about to cry, Kora went over and picked her up to comfort her.

"Alright, Xiaoya, it's just a short visit home. You'll be back soon. You haven't been home in a long time, and your family must be worried about you! It's good to go home and visit!"

The others also came to comfort and persuade her, and Elua finally calmed down.

Finally, everyone packed large and small bags for Elua's luggage, making it seem like they were moving house.

Diana, somewhat speechless, put everything away.

"Alright, that's enough. Let's get going!"

Diana reached out to take Elua's hand, but Elua twisted it away.

Diana touched her nose and looked at Murong Bai.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Big White. We can go now."

Murong Bai couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He had finally found this place, and now he had to go back.

"Alright! Thank you for your help, Miss Diana!"

After bidding farewell to everyone, Diana snapped her fingers, and a white magic circle slowly appeared beneath their feet. A flash of white light followed, and the vast ocean opened up before them, a sight that was truly breathtaking.

"Phew~ Looking at the sea really does make you feel good!"

Murong Bai looked at the familiar beach before him and smiled bitterly. 'What was the point of all this traveling these past few months?'