Chapter 983: No Need to Continue

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating departed, Ye Leng’an didn’t linger either. Rising to her feet, she headed out. She intended to take the opportunity to browse the medicinal herb market as originally planned.

Though delayed by Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating’s visit, it wouldn’t hinder her original agenda.

Ye Leng’an made a beeline for the medicinal herb market upon leaving the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating returned to their room. As ordinary disciples, having a small room was already a privilege.

Yet, this room was scarcely larger than one of Huangfu Ruixiang’s washrooms back in the mortal world. Still, he preferred staying here since it attested to his prowess. However, he was soon to depart from the Hidden World’s Huangfu family.

He understood well that once he left, returning to the Hidden World would likely be impossible. Then, he would forever be nothing more than an ordinary person.

Recalling Ye Leng’an’s unsettling words and unable to fulfill his mother’s instructions only worsened his already sour mood.

Observing Huangfu Ruixiang’s grim expression, Zhong Yating, after a brief pause, comforted him, “Ruixiang, don’t fret. I believe you’ll pass the family assessment.”

Although she said so outwardly, deep down she knew that the chances were very slim. However, in such circumstances, she couldn’t voice such thoughts, lest it provoke Huangfu Ruixiang’s displeasure.

His mood, already foul, soured further upon hearing Zhong Yating’s words. “Can’t you see I just want some peace? And stop with the sweet talk; it’s only making me more irritated.”

His gaze, filled with disdain and irritation, fixed on Zhong Yating, revealing his displaced anger.

Hearing his reproach, Zhong Yating felt unjustly treated. She was merely offering kindness and ended up being scolded.

Huangfu Ruixiang, oblivious to her plight, was preoccupied. Apart from the tasks entrusted to him by Zhongyu Liuying, there was also the matter of the family assessment weighing on his mind. He was well aware that, with his current abilities, passing the test was absolutely out of the question.

For now, his priority was to navigate through this test. Otherwise, his future was bleak.

Unaware of Huangfu Ruixiang’s thoughts, Ye Leng’an spent the day selecting medicinal herbs at the market. Only as evening approached did she depart.

Considering the hour, she chose to eat outside before returning. Being alone, she settled for a simple meal without much fuss at a local eatery.

Yet, to her surprise, even in a small restaurant, she encountered familiar faces – notably, those with strained relations.

Nangong Xuyao and Zhongyu Jiarui sat nearby.

At the sight of them, Ye Leng’an momentarily faltered but quickly regained composure. She acted as though she hadn’t noticed and took a seat.

When Ye Leng’an noticed Nangong Xuyao and Zhongyu Jiarui, they naturally became aware of her presence. Or rather, they couldn’t ignore her presence at all. Some people, even if they did nothing but stand quietly, were enough to attract everyone’s attention.

Zhongyu Jiarui, seeing Ye Leng’an, couldn’t help but mutter, “What rotten luck! How did we end up with such a wretch?”

Since the banquet incident, her father had grown colder, even possibly banishing her if not for her biological tie.

Although the incident occurred because she was manipulated by Ye Wanwan, she still harbored resentment and hatred towards Ye Leng’an.

Initially in high spirits for a date with her fiancé, meeting Ye Leng’an soured her mood.

Nangong Xuyao frowned at Zhongyu Jiarui’s words, his tone reproachful. “Don’t be so harsh. The incident was clearly Ye Wanwan’s doing, not Ye Leng’an’s.”

Seeing Ye Leng’an stirred complex emotions within him.

He’d deduced that she was his savior, but events had complicated matters. Though not enemies, their relationship soured. Their paths were unlikely to cross often.

Zhongyu Jiarui’s sudden remark about Ye Leng’an made him uncomfortable.

Hearing Nangong Xuyao’s rebuke, Zhongyu Jiarui’s eyes widened incredulously. “Are you blaming me? Just for Ye Leng’an, you scold me. Do you have feelings for her?”

She believed Ye Leng’an, using her looks, seduced men everywhere.

The thought stirred a desire to confront Ye Leng’an.

“What nonsense!” Nangong Xuyao’s tone grew colder. “Is that how you see me? If so, perhaps we needn’t continue.”

Hearing that, Zhongyu Jiarui panicked, reaching for Nangong Xuyao’s hand. “Don’t say that. I didn’t mean it. I’m just worried about you. I promise I won’t do it again. Please don’t leave me!”

She genuinely cared for Nangong Xuyao, else she wouldn’t persist. With her father’s approval of their union, losing Nangong Xuyao was unthinkable.

Observing Zhongyu Jiarui’s distress, Nangong Xuyao softened. “Jiarui, we’re in this for life. If you can’t trust me, it’ll be hard for us to continue.”