"Little troublemaker, come back to reality."
Mei Ming's gentle voice pulled Chen Xing out of his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked at her. Even after seeing her many times, her presence still surprised him.
"Why wasn't it on the lips…" he muttered unconsciously, remembering the brief warmth from earlier.
Mei Ming laughed and tapped his forehead.
"You really are shameless."
Chen Xing grinned. "Who told Mei Ming-sister to be so attractive?"
"Enough. Wipe your face. We're going out soon."
She pointed at the faint red mark on his cheek. Chen Xing sighed dramatically.
"I should leave it there for a month as proof."
"Stop being ridiculous." She handed him a cloth from her desk.
After wiping his face, Chen Xing watched as Mei Ming finished reviewing documents. The office fell quiet, filled only with the rustling of paper.
After a while, she spoke without looking up.
"You'll stay at my residence during your visit."
Chen Xing blinked, then smiled broadly. "I'll listen to you."
She glanced at him suspiciously. "Don't start any trouble in Kirigakure. That's the real reason."
"How could I?" he replied innocently.
She ignored him and continued working.
Chen Xing leaned back in his chair, quietly observing her. The Fifth Mizukage carried herself with calm authority, yet there was a relaxed elegance in her movements that contrasted with the harsh reputation Kirigakure once held during the Blood Mist era.
Eventually, she placed the documents aside and stood.
"Let's go."
Chen Xing followed her toward the door.
"I finally get to meet your family," he joked. "Feels like meeting my future in-laws."
Mei Ming froze for a moment, then turned and flicked his forehead again.
"Watch what you say, little troublemaker."
"Alright, alright — your relatives, then."
She narrowed her eyes but said nothing further.
After a few steps, she suddenly stopped and looked at him seriously.
"Do you like me?"
Chen Xing answered without hesitation. "Of course. Mei Ming-sister is beautiful and strong. Who wouldn't?"
A playful smile appeared on her lips.
"Then defeat me first. If you can do that, we'll talk again."
She turned and walked ahead, leaving Chen Xing momentarily stunned before he hurried after her.
Defeat the Mizukage? He understood the challenge behind her words. Mei Ming possessed powerful Kekkei Genkai techniques — Lava Release and Boil Release — both capable of melting defenses and overwhelming opponents.
Still, Chen Xing's confidence returned quickly.
"Just wait," he said lightly. "I'll win someday."
She laughed. "You're still too inexperienced."
---
They walked through the streets of Kirigakure together. Villagers and shinobi greeted Mei Ming respectfully as the Fifth Mizukage. Chen Xing observed the village carefully; unlike its brutal past under the Blood Mist policies, the atmosphere now felt calmer.
Soon, they arrived at a large walled residence in a quiet district.
Before reaching the gate, Chen Xing sensed hidden guards positioned around the area.
"These are my clan's guards," Mei Ming explained. "They protect the perimeter."
"So you're from a powerful family," Chen Xing said with interest.
She simply smiled and led him inside.
"Welcome home, young lady," the guards greeted respectfully.
Chen Xing leaned closer as they entered. "Looks like I found myself a wealthy future partner."
Mei Ming shot him a warning look, though her eyes carried amusement.
"Keep talking like that, and I might change my mind about letting you stay here."
He laughed.
"If I defeat you, I'll be part of the family anyway."
She shook her head, smiling despite herself, as they continued into the residence.
---