Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“It’s just a small gift; it’s not much. Ms. Liuyue, you must accept it.”
Chu Liuyue was silent as she stared at the gift boxes piled into a hill outside.
Small gift… Does Yan Ge have a misunderstanding of this term? Or does he think that Zhen Bao Pavilion has too much money?
But Chu Liuyue could only accept them in the end. Considering Yan Ge’s determined expression, she would be looking down on him if she didn’t accept them. “Then, I can only accept your goodwill respectfully.”
Yan Ge finally heaved a sigh of relief in his heart when she finally accepted it. Only God knew that his soul was almost frightened away when he heard that his master was choosing presents for Chu Liuyue.
He never thought that his master’s rumored missus would be Chu family’s Big Missy—the one he had recently struck a deal with—Chu Liuyue.
“That’s great! That’s great! I didn’t expect Ms. Liuyue to have such outstanding talent. You really surprised me.”
This was the truth. Who would have thought that Chu Liuyue—whom everyone thought was a good-for-nothing—could actually enter Tian Lu Academy and attain such great results?
With Chu Liuyue’s talent and forbearance, it was no wonder his master—who did not care much for girls—was attracted to her.
Yan Ge had dealt with Chu Liuyue before during the hunting ground business deal, and he had admired her quite a bit. Now that he knew she was the apple of his master’s eye, his attitude was naturally even better.
He looked at Chu Ning and sighed emotionally. “I heard that you’ve completely recovered, and you’re now the imperial guards’ Commander in Chief. I haven’t congratulated you yet.”
“Second Master Yan, you’re too kind.” Chu Ning walked forward and looked at Chu Liuyue lovingly. “If it wasn’t for my Yue’er…” He paused and did not continue.
Even though Yue’er passed all three examinations and entered Tian Lu Academy, her most outstanding achievements were her placing second in the Xuan Master assessment, followed by first place in the warrior assessment. Nobody seemed to mention her heavenly doctor talent.
She also did not participate in the heavenly doctor assessment, nor did she perform ideally in that category during the entrance examination since she passed it forcefully.
Chu Ning originally thought that she would enter as a heavenly doctor, but it seemed like she was hiding her talent on purpose. Even though he did not know the reason, Yue’er definitely had her reasons for doing so.
At the very least, she had a trump card up her sleeves.
Chu Liuyue smiled and said, “What are you talking about, Father? We’ve relied on each other for so many years, and we have finally made it past the bad days. It’s my blessing to have you with me.”
Chu Ning’s tears started welling up. “Yue’er is right! Today, we should celebrate properly! Second Master Yan, please head inside.”
‘Inside’ definitely meant the more central location.
Yan Ge personally attending the banquet meant that Zhen Bao Pavilion was willing to stand up for the father-daughter duo. It was really rare for Zhen Bao Pavilion to do so with their current status in the Imperial City.
“Haha, Officer Chu Ning and Ms. Liuyue are the true hosts today. You two should head in first,” answered Yan Ge with a smile, but his gaze shifted to Chu Liuyue subconsciously. What a joke! How would I dare to walk in front of Master’s missus?
Chu Liuyue discovered that Second Master Yan was really weird today. However, it was not the time to ask questions. After seeing Yan Ge’s persistence, Chu Liuyue did not force him. “Second Master Yan, make yourself at home then.”
Yan Ge immediately agreed happily.
Something flashed across Chu Liuyue’s mind, and she seemingly nonchalantly asked, “Second Master Yan, I heard that high-level fiends have appeared in the hunting ground. May I know what level they are?”
Yan Ge immediately felt a bit guilty when he heard that and coughed. “Actually, we only found traces of high-level fiends in the hunting ground previously. We haven’t seen what exactly they are yet. However… I think their levels aren’t too low…”
Chu Liuyue nodded. It was rare to see high-level fiends, so it was natural for Yan Ge not to want to talk about such important things in detail.
Chu Ning looked outside the door, and it seemed like nobody else came other than the people Yan Ge brought. He could not help but say, “I can’t thank you enough for booking the entire Phoenix Restaurant. I really don’t know how to return the favor. However, there won’t be many people coming today; I’m afraid you’re just wasting your money.”
Yan Ge chuckled and did not say a word. Waste? I’m afraid it won’t be enough!
…
“Si family’s Eldest Young Master, Si Ting, is here!”
The second announcement shocked the people in Phoenix Restaurant.
Chu Liuyue looked up and saw a young man in a blue robe walking over.
The face of the young man was sharp and handsome. He exuded a cold and distinguished aura, similar to a sharp knife. It was Si Ting!
“W-Why is he here?” Chu Ning was surprised.
As the indubitable top aristocratic family in the Imperial City, the Si family rarely interfered with other families’ affairs. So, why did they send someone over this time?
They had even sent Si Ting, who had the highest status amongst the Si family’s younger generation.
This banquet could be considered as the battle between the father-daughter duo and the Chu family. Everyone knew that they were pitting themselves against the Chu family by coming here.
Logically speaking, the Si family had no need to get involved in this situation. Even if they had to choose, they would choose the Chu family. Then, why would they…
Si Ting had already walked over in the blink of an eye. He first bowed towards Chu Ning. “Greetings, Uncle Chu.”
Chu Ning hurriedly said, “There’s no need to be so formal, Si Ting.”
Si Ting exuded a faintly distinguished yet distant aura, but his gaze was calm and actions appropriate, which people would not be uncomfortable with.
“Did… the Si family’s Master send you over?” asked Chu Ning rather hesitantly.
Si Ting nodded. “Master has been rather busy lately, so he can’t come personally. Thus, he told me to take his place. He heard that you became a stage-five warrior, and he’s very happy about it. He said that he wants to duel with you if there is time.”
Actually, Si Ye was only a few years older than Chu Ning. Both of them had some connections before, but Chu Ning got injured later, and Si Ye became the Si family’s head. Thus, they started interacting with each other less and less.
With Si Ye’s current status, he had no need to come over personally. It was more than enough that he sent the Si family’s Eldest Young Master, Si Ting, over. This was enough to show the Si family’s stance.
Chu Ning was touched. “… Good! Good!”
“However… I came here today on behalf of my family and also myself,” said Si Ting as he looked at Chu Liuyue. “Big Chu Missy and I are disciples in the same Xuan Master course, so I should come over to congratulate her.”
The academy was split into the three factions—warrior, Xuan Master, and heavenly doctor. Originally, few people could be Xuan Masters, so they were more united and bonded.
Thus, Si Ting’s actions were considered normal.
Chu Liuyue smiled. “Thank you.”
Si Ting felt that the young girl’s smile was bedazzling, and he could not look at it directly. His heart skipped a beat, and the weird feeling from before appeared again.
He nodded lightly and subconsciously looked away. “There aren’t many people in the academy as we’re on a break. However, Si Yang has already gone to call the others over. They’ll be here in a bit.”
“Si family’s Fifth Young Master, Si Yang; Ou family’s Second Young Master, Ou Zhen; Sun family’s Fourth Missy, Sun Xiaoxiang; General Zhen Nan’s daughter, Wu Yingying…”
Chu Liuyue looked up and saw a group of young men and women walking towards her together.
The person leading the pack was Si Yang, and he was filled with excitement. “Phoenix Restaurant! We must eat until Chu Liuyue becomes poor!”
“Okay!” replied the crowd loudly.
“I didn’t expect her to be so powerful. I can’t even eat at Phoenix Restaurant once every three months.”
“That’s right! I came out late for the previous assessment, so I didn’t even see how she looks. I must look at her properly this time.”
“The second place in our Xuan Master assessment got first place in the warrior assessment. Don’t you think those people were driven to their graves? Hahaha!”
“Don’t fight with me later! I want to be the first to drink with her!”
The lively chatter immediately made the entire Phoenix Restaurant livelier.
Si Yang looked up and winked at Si Ting. “Big Brother! I called everyone over! More people are still behind!”
Si Ting softly replied with an “Mm,” but the hands in his sleeves gradually formed a tight fist.
Chu Liuyue blinked. “Si Ting, did you call them over?”
Si Ting nodded grimly. “Not really. We’re all in the same school anyway, and it’s livelier with more people around.”
Yan Ge’s brows rose up high. What a lad. Is he fighting with Master?
