Time flew by. Nearly a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the opening of the Foundation Establishment secret realm was imminent.
According to the rules of the manor, the contention for the positions of commander and vice commander was also about to begin.
On this day, Young Manor Lord Su Yi, who had not made a public appearance in quite some time, finally showed himself before the crowd. Equally eye-catching, of course, were Gongsun Lin, Tantai Yunzhi, and Zhao Qian, who stood right at the eye of the swirling storm of rumors.
The moment everyone saw Su Yi and Zhao Qian appear at the same time, teasing catcalls and knowing winks erupted in waves.
To Zhao Qian’s ears, however, these noises were as grating as needle pricks.
Su Yi naturally noticed her. A sharp gleam flashed across his eyes—his chance had arrived! Donning his signature gentle smile, he spoke up in a clear voice that carried across the entire square: “Junior Sister Zhao Qian, why have you repeatedly turned down my earnest invitations lately? Are you still angry with Senior Brother over that punishment from before?”
These words carried an affectionate reproach, instantly pushing the atmosphere to a crescendo as the catcalls grew even louder.
Hearing this, the fury in Zhao Qian’s chest flared up, becoming almost impossible to suppress.
Just as she was about to erupt, the chilling voice of the demonic soul within her rang out in the nick of time: “Endure! I have been using the anger and jealousy within you to mend my remnant soul lately; this is no time to stir up trouble! This Su Yi is clearly provoking you on purpose!
“Although I have never heard of any method to detect demonic aura through someone’s wrath, given how bizarrely he is acting, caution is the parent of safety! Endure, Zhao Qian!”
The demonic soul’s warning felt like a douse of cold water over her head. Taking a deep breath, Zhao Qian forced down the curse that had rushed to her lips. Squeezing out an extremely strained, almost warped “smile,” she ground out through her teeth:
“With the Foundation Establishment secret realm just around the corner, this junior sister... has no time to be distracted. I hope Senior Brother will take... good... care... of... himself!” The last few words were practically pulverized between her grinding teeth.
Yet this “gentle” reply was interpreted quite differently by the onlookers.
“Wow! Love truly can change a person! Senior Sister Zhao Qian didn’t even lose her temper!”
“She even smiled! Although that smile is a bit... er, unique, she’s clearly working hard to change for Senior Brother Su!”
Zhao Qian’s brows knitted tightly as she listened. She jerked her head away to keep Su Yi from seeing her contorted expression, only to expose a murderous glare straight at the big-mouthed disciple.
However, this action immediately triggered a brand new “interpretation.”
From the other side, a soft yet distinct voice piped up: “Look, quick! Senior Sister Zhao Qian doesn’t even want Senior Brother Su Yi to see her ferocious expression, so she deliberately turned her head to show it to us instead! Ah, love really does change people so much!”
Hearing this, Zhao Qian’s vision went dark. Her blood surged, and she nearly passed out on the spot. Just what kind of brain structures did these people have?!
Seeing this, Su Yi rejoiced inwardly: Super effective! But... weren’t there a few more hecklers than he had anticipated? He didn’t remember hiring this many hype men, did he?
Forget it, people just love gossip, he quickly found a reasonable explanation, feeling rather pleased with his “clever scheme.”
Zhao Qian had managed to endure to this extent; reaching this point meant the probability of her being entangled with a demonic soul was exceptionally high. All that remained was one final, more direct test...
Just as he was about to step forward and press his advantage, a sharp pinch of pain suddenly shot through his waist!
Su Yi gasped in a breath of cold air and turned to look. Unbeknownst to him, Gongsun Lin was already standing by his side, one delicate jade hand pinching the soft flesh of his waist with considerable force!
Her pretty face was frosty, her fine eyes brimming with displeasure and reproach. Behind her stood Tantai Yunzhi, head hung low as her fingers twirled nervously, her expression obscured.
As Gongsun Lin exerted more force with her small hand, Su Yi fought back the urge to grimace in pain and lowered his voice. “Junior Sister, let go! Don’t jump into these muddy waters. If the focus shifts to you and me, matters will get complicated!”
To Gongsun Lin’s ears, this was simply pouring oil onto a fire. ‘You’d rather stir up such a storm with Zhao Qian and become the talk of the entire city than have the slightest involvement with me? Am I really that undesirable?!’ Bitter jealousy and anger tangled in her chest, and her fingers involuntarily tightened three degrees harder.
Su Yi’s mouth twitched with pain. Hurriedly reaching out, he covered Gongsun Lin’s small hand that was pinching him, his tone turning soothing: “Junior Sister, don’t mess around. Senior Brother will definitely explain everything to you later! Honestly, this is all for your sake!”
Yet in Gongsun Lin’s ears, this sounded like nothing more than brushing her off. For her sake? For her sake, he went and sparked romantic rumors with another woman?! She was so mad she nearly drew her sword right then and there, and the pain at Su Yi’s waist instantly skyrocketed!
Amidst these surging undercurrents, a streak of light flashed by, and an imposing aura descended. It was Elder Zhao arriving.
With hair and beard entirely white and an aged visage, he walked straight toward Su Yi, drawing the gazes of the entire crowd along with him.
Seeing this, Gongsun Lin finally released her grip and took half a step back, though her eyes remained glued to Su Yi in a death glare.
Elder Zhao bowed slightly to Su Yi, his expression bearing an impeccable measure of respect.
“This old man greets the Young Manor Lord.”
“Elder Zhao, there is no need for such ceremony.” Su Yi returned the courtesy, his guard up. Why had this old fox suddenly appeared? What was he plotting?
Elder Zhao stroked his beard, casting a “fond” glance toward Zhao Qian, whose face was livid nearby, before turning back to Su Yi with a smile. “Lately, my unworthy granddaughter has received great favor from the Young Manor Lord. She is truly overwhelmed by your regard.”
He shifted his tone, his voice full of heartfelt sigh: “However, thanks to you, Young Manor Lord, her past fiery and impulsive temper has been tempered, and she has grown much more composed recently. For that, this old man must express his sincere thanks to the Young Manor Lord.”
“You flatter me; Elder Zhao is being far too polite.”
As for Zhao Qian, she was fuming even more. Just now was the first time she had ever seen her grandfather look at her with pride and satisfaction, and yet... it was actually because of something like this!
Rate on N.U.
