Chapter 77: The Place (Part Two)

Xue Ao laughed heartily, gently stroking her puffed cheeks as he spoke softly, “Chuchu, I won’t force you to say yes, but you know as well as I do—you can’t escape me in this lifetime. Whether you agree or not, you are destined to marry me.”

“Xue Ao, you truly are domineering and arrogant.” Liu Chuyan turned her head, casting him a sidelong glance, and let out a delicate snort.

“Chuchu, I adore you just as you are,” Xue Ao laughed, caressing her smooth skin, unable to let go. “Resisting yet yielding, playing hard to get.”

Liu Chuyan did not reject his intimate gestures. Her thoughts wandered: though they seemed inseparable now, once she left this room, how should she conduct herself? Her grandaunt was easy enough to deal with, but Madam Xue was a far greater trouble. Although Madam Xue had promised Xue Ao not to interfere further, her demeanor betrayed a lingering fear of past truths. That truth concerned the kidnapping and the Liu family. Between her and Xue Ao, there was an invisible wall.

Xue Ao noticed her sudden frown and reached out, pressing his forefinger to her brows, attempting to smooth them though he couldn’t, lowering his voice, “Chuchu, you’re frowning again—it pains me to see it.”

Liu Chuyan was startled, then looked up, “Xue Ao…”

“Call me Zisheng, will you?” Xue Ao interrupted her, protesting childishly, “Calling me Xue Ao feels too distant.”

“Zi…” Liu Chuyan hesitated, finding it difficult. She had grown used to calling him by his courtesy name, and changing it suddenly was awkward for her. After stumbling for a moment, she softly called, “Zisheng… brother.”

Xue Ao remained dissatisfied, though he did not press her further. Smiling, he said, “Zisheng brother will do, but after we marry, you must change it.”

The conversation circled back to marriage. Liu Chuyan was speechless for a moment, then continued, “I was thinking about that kidnapping years ago—your mother seems to know something about it.”

She had sensed it. Xue Ao felt a jolt of anxiety. Too much cleverness led to overthinking. He hadn’t sorted out the threads yet and didn’t want to trouble her, so he replied, “Chuchu, I’ve recently found some clues and am investigating. I hadn’t realized my mother knew anything, but I’ll ask her soon. Once I have the truth, I’ll give you an explanation.”

Liu Chuyan knew Madam Xue would never confide in Xue Ao, but since he promised, she could only nod. “If you uncover the truth, my brother’s cause of death should also come to light.”

“But your brother didn’t die.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because your brother mentioned a suspicious figure, someone deeply connected to your family.”

“Kitten? Whom did he mention?” Liu Chuyan narrowed her eyes in surprise; her gaze grew deep.

Xue Ao hesitated, then shook his head and refused, “Chuchu, give me some time. I need to investigate thoroughly before telling you. Otherwise, if you accidentally let something slip, all my efforts will be wasted.”

“How could I let anything slip?” Liu Chuyan could not understand.

Xue Ao furrowed his brow and remained silent for a long while before forcing a smile, “You’d best not go out much these days.”

“You’re avoiding my question.” Liu Chuyan felt as if a cat was scratching at her heart, and she tugged angrily at his sleeve.

“Then tell me, what did my mother say to you?”

“If I tell you, will you tell me?”

“Yes.” Xue Ao answered without hesitation, his eyes brimming with triumph.

Liu Chuyan knew she’d been outmaneuvered, but could do nothing about it. She lowered her gaze to the handkerchief in her hands. “Your mother said I’m not worthy of you.”

“I guessed as much.” Xue Ao was unconcerned, but seeing her despondent expression, he grew anxious and asked, “Did she insult you? Was it excessive?”

“Insult isn’t quite the word… She spoke in hints and roundabout ways, saying my family had fallen into ruin, that I had neither father nor mother, and the Liu clan faced extinction. I have no family backing, am weak and alone, and am only fit for a humble household. I’d bring no benefit to your career. She hopes I’ll stop entangling myself with you.” In truth, Madam Xue’s words were far harsher than this, but Liu Chuyan didn’t want to make things difficult for him, so she kept some details to herself.

“Entangling me?” Xue Ao laughed instead of getting angry. “She really overestimates me.”

“Exactly. She should look and see who’s truly entangling whom.” Hearing his carefree laughter, Liu Chuyan snorted.

“Yes, yes, her son is entangling you. Just ignore her,” Xue Ao hurried to comfort her, lest she take it to heart and hold it against him.

Liu Chuyan was not much cheered, pouting, “But your mother said you’re to marry the princess.”

“The princess?” Xue Ao reacted as if he’d heard the funniest joke, pinching Liu Chuyan’s waist and laughing so hard he nearly lost his breath. He found Madam Xue’s antics utterly ridiculous. Seeing Liu Chuyan’s tightly furrowed brow and pursed lips, he instantly stopped laughing and said, “Chuchu, don’t listen to her. The princess wouldn’t even consider me.”

“But she said there was.” Liu Chuyan shot him a glare and threw out the words sullenly.

“There isn’t! Don’t listen to her ramblings…” Xue Ao was about to say Madam Xue was making it up, but something suddenly came to mind, and his expression froze.

Liu Chuyan’s face stiffened, her voice dry, “So there really is… Despite your serious demeanor, you still attract admirers—it’s unbelievable…”

“You’re jealous?” Someone was jealous for his sake—this was the first time since Xue Ao was born, and he was thoroughly delighted.

“Get away from me.” Liu Chuyan pushed his hand aside, twisted her waist, and moved to the window. Through the lattice, she could see the dark green magnolia leaves outside. She knew he would never fall for anyone else nor compromise with Madam Xue, but the thought of someone recognizing his worth before her unsettled her. Perhaps this was possessiveness, arriving unbidden; she pinched her wrist in frustration.

Xue Ao gazed at her lonely silhouette, his heart tightening. Since she was seven, she had relied on others, always watching faces and depending only on herself. Those years must have been unbearably hard. Fortunately, she was nearly of age; after her birthday banquet, he would propose, marry her as soon as possible, and never let her suffer again. His beloved, beautiful, and kind Chuchu deserved to be cherished in the palm of his hand.

“Chuchu…” Xue Ao walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, gently letting her lean into his embrace, comforting her, “You needn’t worry about Princess Guyu. I’ll only marry you—no one else.”

“But Princess Guyu is the eldest daughter of Prince Zhong’s household, whether in family or…”

Before Liu Chuyan could finish, Xue Ao hurriedly interrupted, “Chuchu, I won’t allow you to say such things. In my heart, you are the best—family or status, none of it matters to me. For you, I’d even take off my official robe and live with you deep in the mountains. Prince Zhong may have power and influence, but I’m no pushover. Chuchu, I won’t let you suffer, nor will I compromise myself. Even if you don’t fully understand my nature, you must grasp some of it.”

If it were only the parents’ intentions and the children uninterested, it would be easy, but Princess Guyu had already set her sights on Xue Ao. Moreover, Princess Zhong was a Tatar princess herself, fond of such romantic dramas. Guyu was her trueborn daughter, with two elder brothers, pampered since childhood, and thus extremely willful.

Liu Chuyan felt no relief from his words. Especially when compared to Princess Guyu, she saw no chance of victory.

Xue Ao was comforting her, but he too felt troubled. The matter of Zhu Guyu was indeed difficult.

He’d merely been a hot-blooded youth back then, unable to stand her imperious ways and had knocked her from her horse. Now she insisted on a lifetime of revenge. Earlier, when he hadn’t found Chuchu, he assumed Zhu Guyu was just childish, but five years later, she still remembered. Now, as she approached her coming-of-age, she brought up old matters, recently probing Madam Xue’s intentions.

Madam Xue hadn’t dared aspire to Prince Zhong’s household, only dreaming of it, but Zhu Guyu’s actions made her thrilled, and she even hinted to Xue Ao not to antagonize Princess Guyu, nearly driving him mad.

Now, though his mother had agreed not to oppose him, knowing her temperament, she would not easily give up and might well interfere between him and Liu Chuyan. That’s why he wanted to know exactly what his mother had said to Liu Chuyan; only by knowing both friend and foe could he win every battle. This was a maxim taught by his grandfather.

Ah, yes, grandfather. Xue Ao suddenly recalled the only person capable of restraining Madam Xue. He rested his chin atop Liu Chuyan’s head and rubbed gently, “Chuchu, when the opportunity arises, I’ll take you to meet my grandfather.”

“Hm?” Liu Chuyan turned, her eyes like black jewels, glimmering with surprise.

“But I must take you secretly. I’ll have to arrange things carefully.” Xue Ao, impulsive as always, was already making plans in his mind.

Seeing his unconcealed joy, Liu Chuyan could not bear to dampen his spirits and simply gazed at his face. From this angle, he was undeniably handsome, surpassing all others. The lines of his jaw were as smooth as marble, his nose stood proud as a mountain peak, his brows sharp as swords, naturally exuding a heroic vigor. His lashes were thick and long, casting twin fan-shaped shadows beneath his eyes, softening the sternness of his features and giving him warmth. His chest was broad and strong, his arms powerful; he was someone who could truly give her a sense of safety and security.

“Chuchu, my grandfather may seem strict and disagreeable, but in truth, he favors girls over boys. You can’t imagine how much he adores Huaijin and Huayu; every time he sees them, he showers them with toys and beautiful things, wishing he could give them the entire Jin household. You’re so wonderful—he’ll surely like you. In a few days, I’ll take you to meet him. Let him propose on my behalf; then even my mother will be powerless. As for Princess Guyu, pay her no mind—just wait for me to marry you.”

Liu Chuyan understood his intentions, but still remembered their bargain. “You said if I told you what Madam Xue said, you’d tell me about Kitten. Hurry, I’m listening.”

Author’s note: I have a feeling Ling is going to hit me—hmm, covering my head~

Also, I forgot to explain the bookmark matter in the extras, so I added a bit to Chapter 102 ‘Childhood Extra (II)’. If you’re interested, take a look~ Good night and kisses~