Empress Of The Lost Kingdom

"Jie, where do you want to go next?" Bai Mu Xuan asked Li Juan who remained dead silent in the back seat of the car, "Do you want to come over and give Xiao Long a surprise visit?" 

Bai Long, the fifth young master of Yu palace was a freshman in the same university where twins studied. Soon after the coronation, he went back to the university for the preparations of the university sports fest. Bai Long, was an emerging star in the freestyle swimming became an overnight sensation when he broke the record of the current champion.

"You guys didn't inform him about me?" Her voice had a tinge of disappointment,

"No, second brother especially instructed us to keep your visit hidden from him," 

Hearing Bai Mu Xian's words, Li Juan could not help but ask, "Why do I smell something fishy in it?"

If Bai Yu is involved in the situation, then something wicked will definitely happen.

"You can see it with your own eyes,"

After driving half an hour into the busy streets of S city, the trio reached the south campus of east ocean university,

"He must be in the pool," Bai Mu Xian chimed and took Li Juan to the swimming pool in the sports faculty.

Even though it was a pre-match the gallery was filled with students from different departments. The moment the trio entered into the gallery few of the students stood up with a surprised face,

Though the twins kept a low profile in university, having elder brothers with an impeccable record in both academics and extra-curricular activities, made them well known among the student community. Not to mention a large amount of popularity came alone from their good looks itself,

"Hey its Bai brothers, they came to watch their brother's match," Someone commented, 

"But who is that pretty woman with them?"

"She looks like a model," The onlookers shared their views upon the woman accompanying the twins.

Li Juan was wearing a simple white shirt and washed-out jeans, her long hair tied in a ponytail. However, her lean and tall figure with exquisite facial features were enough to gain attention from the crowd.

"Bai Mu Xian, come over here," An amicable looking boy sitting in the front row shouted,

"Coming," He replied enthusiastically and made their way to the first row. Once they settled down on the seats, Lu Wei Jie, Bai Mu Xian's friend nudged his shoulder and inquired about the woman with them,

"Who is she?"

"What do you think?" Bai Mu Xian smiled and placed his arm over Li Juan's shoulder with an authoritative smile,

Even the girls in the crowds were watching the trio, gasped in bewilderment.

Suddenly, one by one, the participants for the swimming competitions entered on to the arena and the crowd started to cheer for the participants from their respective departments. 

"There he is," Bai Mu Xian pointed out towards the starting point, Bai Long with his tanned complexion and lean body made him distinctive from the others. He did a small warm-up and waved in the direction where most of the girls were situated lighting a loud scream as if they saw a celebrity.

"This is what second brother wanted to show you....in person...," Bai Mu Xian smirked and informed Li Juan. In Yu palace, Bai Long appears as an innocent lamb and once he reaches the university, his character turns a 360-degree turn.

Li Juan tried to hide her laughter as she watched her innocent brother posing in front of the girls, unlike his usual quiet self. 

The whistle for the match line-up was blown and all the competitors walked towards the stand to take their position. 

Pa!!! The students suddenly dived into the pool with following the sound of the pistol.

It was so quick,

The difference between Bai Long and others were enough to tell that who was the champion. 

"Bai Long, Bai Long," The gallery broke into loud cheers, "The dragon, there is a dragon on his back," Someone shouted,

However, Li Juan's gaze was on the dragon tattoo on Bai Long's back. The soaring dragon decorated his back giving light to the meaning of his name.

A dragon tattoo on back ..Why does it feel so familiar? Li Juan searched in her vague memories, suddenly a broadback with an ouroboros dragon flashed in her mind.

A stinging pain of the needle, the warmth of a hand, a pair of curious obsidian eyes,

"I hope this compass leads you to your happiness," Someone's voice ringing in her ears, Li Juan subconsciously lowered her eyes to the compass tattoo on her wrist.

Even before Li Juan could think more, Bai Mu Xian shook her awake from her thoughts,

"Jie, Ah long won," 

Li Juan stared towards the swimming pool, near the winner's stand, Bai Long was carried by a group of students with jubilant faces.

"He broke his own record," Bai Mu Xuan added, "Come let's go and congratulate him," He grabbed Li Juan's hand walked towards the competitors stand.

"Bai Long," Bai Mu Xian called out,

Bai Long turned and met with Bai Mu Xian's smiling face, he struggled to get down from the bunch of people who were carrying him as they cheered for their victory.

However when his eyes fell on the tall silhouette standing next to his brother, Bai Long's face bloomed into a smile,

"Jie," He rushed towards Li Juan and hugged her with all might, "Jie, when did you come?"

"Congratulations, little brother," She hugged him back with a smile,

As everyone witnessed the heartwarming scene revealing infront of others, they onlookers couldn't help but to notice the similarities with the brothers and their gorgeous sister. 

Bai Long who was surprised and shocked by Li Juan's sudden appearance happily introduced everyone to his sister. 

The whole university knew that Bai Long is the little brother of the renowned senior Bai Yu and almost everyone in the Bai family used to study in the East Ocean university, but they never knew that the trio had a beautiful elder sister. 

Even though Li Juan was happy to interact with Bai Long's friend's her ink-black eyes couldn't hide the puzzled look whenever she saw the Dragon tattoo on 

Bai Long's back. 

---------------------------------------

After spending the evening together, her cousins dropped Li Juan in the hotel around seven in the night. 

Li Juan stood before the mirror with a towel wrapped around her naked body. She just finished taking a shower and was planning to dry her hair before sleeping. However the moment her gaze fell on the majestic phoenix tattoo glistening on her shoulder, she got succumbed into thoughts. 

When did she get this tattoo and what was that memory of the coiled dragons?

The dragon and the phoenix- they were considered as the heavenly couple. 

Li Juan sighed and walked towards the balcony, faraway from her sight the east ocean remained still and shrouded in darkness. Since S city is outlined with the east ocean on its three sides, one could hear rambling of the waves any where from the city. 

The silence of the night was breached by the low voice of waves crashing on the shoreline and in the darkness, a lone lighthouse shined brightly.

The cold wind from the sea sent goosebumps to Li Juan's body and as if the sea is calling her. 

All her life she loved mountains the most, but now, gazing at the vague view of ocean, a surge of happiness arising from her heart. 

Li Juan went back to her room and opened the wardrobe to take out a dress.

If she takes a walk across the seashore rather than staying in the closed room, her mind may feel at ease.

Li Juan immediately got dressed and walked out of the room. 

The night was still young and lively with the bustling of people and vehicles when Li Juantook a taxi to the nearest beach. 

When she reached the sea shore, there were few families and couples, sitting on the white sand, indulging in their own world. 

Li Juan removed her heals and walked around the shoreline barefooted, letting the waves to caress her feet with their warmth. 

Suddenly a weird realisation jolted her awake. 

The mythological stories in C country says that the mightiest Dragon lives in the ocean and rules the entire water element of the earthly realm. 

She was considered as the Phoenix, does it mean that the she was subconsciously summoned to the beach by the Dragon? A bolt of lightning passed over Li Juan's spine. 

"No, no. Dragon's there is no such thing exists in this world, get a grip you dumb girl," Li Juan cursed herself. 

"You are just overthinking because of that dragon tattoo," 

However, even after making a few rounds in the seashore, her mind was still turbulent like a sea before the storm.

As a final resort, Li Juan headed towards a bar which is situated next to the cliff.

After her surgery, the doctors suggested her to not to drink, but Li Juan felt like craving a beer or something which can make her tipsy so that she will fall asleep without any effort,

Li Juan shook of the hesitation from her mind as she walked into the bar and found a lone table to sit. When the waiter came over she ordered some cocktail drink and quietly observed the environment inside the bar. 

The dim lights and low chattering sounds along with a soothing music have created a classy mood for the entire place.

"Are you alone pretty girl?" A brawny looking man walked over from a group who sat on a nearby table and asked Li Juan who sat alone.

"No, I am waiting for someone," She said in a disinterested voice,

"I didn't see anyone." He replied as he took the seat opposite to Li Juan,

"It is alright if you got stood up, we are here for you," 

His eyes burned with lust as he sized up the woman who sat opposite to him with a nonchalant face and air of elegance surrounding her.

"How about we join you?"

Since Li Juan didn't protest to his advance, the rest of the group asked her with a lewd smile,

"No thanks," She said in an annoyed tone and narrowed her eyes,

"How about I buy you a drink or two?" The man repeated again,

Li Juan took a deep breath and straightened her posture as a bewitching smile bloomed in her red lips,

"How about you get your ass off my table?" A murderous glint glowing in her black eyes, giving her an intimidating aura. 

The man was taken aback for a moment,

"Excuse me, can I get this gentlemen out of my table?" Li Juan called out for the waiter. Her voice was too loud that, it gained the attention for people sitting on the other tables,

"Hey, let's go," One of the men from the brawny man's group dragged the man sitting next to Li Juan.

The waiter immediately walked over and shared his apology for the inconvenience,

"Ma'am, we are extremely sorry,"

"It's okay, can I have my drink please," Li Juan smiled and replied as if nothing happened there.

On the other side of the bar, in a private cubicle, Chi Yan looked at the man who slowly sipping the drink with an expressionless face.

"Tae Yang, are you still single or do you have a girlfriend?" He asked his friend all of sudden, 

Even though he kept contact with Tae Yang after their studies, he never asked about his friend's relationship status, since it was a sour topic for both of them. 

"I no longer plan to date.... anyone," the man replied with a magnetic voice as his eyes remained solemn.

"What, are you going to be a monk?" Chi Yan choked upon hearing his answer, 

"I am planning to get married," Tae Yang said with a smirk.

"Arrange marriage, wow. I never thought that you will agree to something like that,"

Chi Yan smiled faintly as he scratched his chin. He never expected that Tae Yang who was surprisingly devoted to his first love, will forget his poor girlfriend and obey his family for an arranged marriage.

"Do you remember the amnesiac patient which we had during the internship? That girl, she came to the hospital today. She came and looked for professor Luo," He hesitantly said,

"Hmm" Tae Yang hummed as if he is not interested in the topic,

After witnessing his cold reaction the brightness in Chi Yan's face faded all at once, "Do you think she remembers you now? She used to go head over heels for you," Chi Yan tried to remind the stone-faced man,

"She said that she is having a relapse and wishes to get treated by professor Luo. Since the professor is not available she is asking for his juniors. Are you okay if I recommend you?"

"I'm no longer a doctor, Yan," His answer lacked any endearing emotions and it was enough to shut down Chi Yan's further advances. A weird silence filled between them,

Unable to endure the awkwardness, Chi Yan decided to let go all of his hesitations and opened his mouth to persuade his friend,

"Tae Yang, at least talk to her. After all, you liked her so much," 

"Not necessary," Tae Yang retorted and gulped down the bitter liquid in the glass. "If you called me to talk about her, then sorry," He stood up from the seat with a fake anger,"

"Hey, sit," Chi Yan grabbed Tae Yang's hand and tried to stop him, "I promise, I won't bring that topic again, please sit,"

--------------------------------

Once they are done with drinking session and reminiscencing the old memories Tae Yang and Chi Yan left the bar and walked towards the parking slot.

While waiting for the assigned driver, Tae Yang's gaze fell on a drunken lady trying to maintain her posture next to a nearby car.

She looked familiar.

Guan Tae Yang walked closer to that woman who was rummaging through her bag.

"Li Juan," He stared at the woman in disbelief. 

What is she doing here? Though Chi Yan mentioned about Li Juan he didn't expect to ran into her. 

Is he dreaming or it is the alcohol which is acting up? 

Her whole appearance has changed. The woman who found her solace in sweaters and jeans was wearing a reddish-black dress which revealed her beautiful legs. Her loose hair was sticking to her sweat-filled face,

"Li Juan!" Guan Tae Yang called her.

She raised her face and stared at the man who stood before her.

Her coal-black eyes were trying very hard to stay awake while red hues smeared on her cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" 

"You!" Her lips curled into a beautiful smile. Li Juan leaned closer to him and whispered into his ears.

"I knew it! I knew that you'll come,"