Chapter 16: Simp.
Before long, Chu Yunlan received another voice transmission from his spy.
【Young Master, I have confirmed the mine’s location!】
Chu Yunlan’s brows twitched slightly.
【Speak!】
The spy reported.
【Yes! The City Lord led his team straight toward Qingmang Mountain, thirty li north of the city.】
Chu Yunlan asked.
【Earlier you mentioned that Chu Yuan made a bet with the Crown Princess, correct?】
The spy answered.
【Exactly! They bet one million spirit stones on whether the City Lord can successfully break the array before dusk. This subordinate has already arranged people to continue monitoring Qingmang Mountain.】
Chu Yunlan nodded.
【In that case, we still have time to make arrangements. Keep a close watch. If the City Lord prepares to seal the mountain, you must delay them as much as possible.】
The spy replied.
【Understood! If there is any movement, this subordinate will report immediately.】
After ending the transmission, Chu Yunlan pondered inwardly.
That waste actually dared to conduct a private transaction with the Immortal Dynasty’s Crown Princess behind the Chu family’s back… This is something I can make good use of.
With that thought, he immediately informed Liu Biqin of the situation and ordered her to act when the opportunity arose.
At this moment, the phoenix carriage moved slowly forward. The wheels rolled over the blue-stone pavement, producing a low rumbling sound.
Liu Biqin, disguised as Chu Yunlan, leaned against the carriage wall with her eyes closed, pretending to rest.
Gu Qingwan sat opposite her, still lowering her head. The jade hand gripping her sleeve had never loosened.
The driver outside reported, “Young Master, we have arrived at the theater!”
With that, the phoenix carriage stopped in front of the theater entrance.
Liu Biqin lifted the curtain and comforted the beauty behind her.
“Fairy Gu, I heard today’s play is a comedy. We can enjoy it properly and ease your mood!”
Gu Qingwan was distracted, but she still bowed to Liu Biqin.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Fairy Liu!”
She stepped down from the carriage. The moment her feet touched the ground, a voice came from the side ahead.
“Qingwan!”
The voice carried unconcealable surprise and flattery.
Gu Qingwan looked up.
A youth was quickly walking over from the street corner.
He wore a brand-new brocade robe and had a brilliant smile on his face.
Seeing him, Gu Qingwan sighed inwardly.
Chu Linfeng.
The direct grandson of the Chu family’s collateral third elder, and the sticky plaster who always clung to her side.
Ever since she could remember, Chu Linfeng had been hovering around her.
When they were children, he stole her candy. When they grew up, it became various “chance encounters.”
Whenever she went to buy medicine, he was there.
Whenever she went to gather herbs, he was there.
Whenever she went to deliver osmanthus cakes to A-Yuan, he was also there.
Every time he would smile and approach, calling “Qingwan this” and “Qingwan that,” impossible to shake off.
Gu Qingwan knew his intentions.
But she could not respond.
Because in her heart, there was already someone.
That person was not him.
Chu Linfeng ran up to her, smiling so widely his eyes narrowed.
“Qingwan! You’re back! I heard you went on a spring outing. Why did you return so quickly? You didn’t get hurt, did you? Here, I have…”
As he spoke, he reached into his robes.
Gu Qingwan took a step back and subtly turned aside to avoid his hand.
“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
Chu Linfeng’s hand froze in mid-air. The smile on his face stiffened for a moment.
Then he smiled again, withdrew his hand, and scratched his head.
“That’s good, that’s good. Um… I… I stewed the silver ear soup you like. It’s being kept warm in a nearby teahouse. Would you like to try some?”
Gu Qingwan looked at him and only felt exhausted.
Just as she was about to refuse, a voice came from behind her.
“Qingwan, who is this?”
Liu Biqin, disguised as Chu Yunlan, had stepped down from the carriage at some point, a gentle smile on her face.
She had an impression of this simp and could make good use of him.
In contrast, Chu Linfeng puffed out his chest.
“I am Chu Linfeng, direct grandson of the Chu family’s collateral third elder. And you are?”
Liu Biqin gave a slight nod, her smile still gentle.
“So it is Brother Linfeng. I am Chu Yunlan. A pleasure.”
Chu Linfeng was stunned.
Chu Yunlan?
The only son of the Holy Lord?
Why was he with Qingwan?
Chu Linfeng’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two. His expression changed.
“Qingwan, why are you with him?”
Gu Qingwan frowned.
“That has nothing to do with you, does it?”
Chu Linfeng’s face darkened even further.
He glared at Liu Biqin, hostility clear in his eyes.
Liu Biqin merely smiled, as if completely unaware of his hostility.
“Brother Linfeng, please do not misunderstand. This one and Miss Gu are merely casual acquaintances.”
As she spoke, she glanced at Gu Qingwan with perfectly measured concern in her smile.
That concern, in Chu Linfeng’s eyes, looked like nothing but flaunting.
His fists clenched tightly.
“Really just casual acquaintances?”
Liu Biqin raised an eyebrow, the curve of her lips deepening.
She did not speak, but her expression and tone were full of superiority.
Chu Linfeng clenched his fists until his nails dug into his palms.
Watching this scene, Gu Qingwan felt even more exhausted.
She did not want to get involved in this mess and said.
“Young Master Chu, I’ll head inside first.”
With that, she walked into the theater without looking back.
Chu Linfeng opened his mouth, wanting to call after her, but the words stuck in his throat and would not come out.
He wanted to chase after her, but Liu Biqin stepped beside him and gently patted his shoulder with a sigh.
“Brother Linfeng, some things cannot be forced.”
Chu Linfeng whipped his head around and glared at her.
Liu Biqin’s smile carried a trace of sympathy.
“Brother Linfeng, aren’t you misunderstanding something? The person in Qingwan’s heart is not me. You should know that, right?”
Chu Linfeng was stunned.
“You mean… that waste? Chu Yuan?”
Liu Biqin nodded.
“Exactly!”
As she spoke, she secretly transmitted.
【If Brother Linfeng is willing, why don’t you and I cooperate?】
Cooperate?
Hah!
Chu Linfeng was no fool. He immediately understood the other party wanted to use him.
【Heh! If I’m not mistaken, you want to use me to bring down that waste first, then tell Wan’er about it and kick me aside afterward… Brother Yunlan truly has good schemes!】
Liu Biqin sneered inwardly.
【Brother Linfeng, aren’t you underestimating me a little? With my status, do you think I would truly take a fancy to a girl from a small Gu family?】
The arrogance in her words made Chu Linfeng calm down slightly.
Unlike his own collateral status, the young master before him was the future Holy Lord.
With such noble status, he only needed to wave his hand and countless peerless fairies would flock to him. Why would he fixate on Gu Qingwan alone?
Compared to that, Chu Yuan had always been his rival in love.
If he could break them apart, he would have a chance to strike while the iron was hot.
A sharp glint flashed in Chu Linfeng’s eyes. He respectfully cupped his hands.
【I wonder what brilliant plan Brother Yunlan has?】
Liu Biqin immediately informed him about Chu Yuan’s transaction regarding the mine’s location.
Chu Linfeng’s pupils shrank sharply.
【Is this true?】
Liu Biqin smiled and patted his shoulder.
【Believe it or not, it’s up to you. I simply feel that Brother Linfeng’s sincere feelings for Miss Gu should not be trampled upon like this. As for what to do… Brother Linfeng is a direct descendant of the Chu family’s collateral line. There are some things you can do more conveniently than I. Later, I will invite Fairy Gu to go on an outing outside the city. Brother Linfeng should seize the opportunity!】
With that, she turned and entered the theater.
Watching the figure disappear into the theater, Chu Linfeng stood in place, his expression shifting unpredictably.
After a long while, he turned around and headed straight for the Chu family residence, thinking inwardly.
Chu Yuan! This time, I’ll make sure to ruin you!!!