Chapter 60 Finale I “He attends you daily—how devoted…”

Chapter 60 Finale "He accompanies you every day, truly devoted..."

"Piao Yao is here!" He Minxuan laughed brightly, standing up only for his ankle to suddenly twist, freezing him in place.

Zheng Xuchao tapped his head with a fan: "Why do you look as if you've seen a ghost at the sight of Piao Yao!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw the four people entering together, widened his eyes, and shook his head slowly, "It really is seeing ghosts."

A flicker of surprise also passed through Han Zixian's eyes, and his lips curved into a playful smile, summoning his attendant: "Quickly go bring the young lady here, uh..." Before he could finish, catching Shen Jichen's sharp glance, he coughed dryly and smiled calmly. As Shen Jichen passed by, he took the chance to murmur, "Yi Yi loves watching excitement the most."

Shen Jichen said coldly, "Keep it down."

Han Zixian smiled indifferently, stopped his attendant, and sat next to him to inquire: "You four... did Rong Rong catch you, or did you catch Rong Rong?"

Shen Jichen shot a dark look at Yue Rongrong, while Xue Yubai was helping her sit down.

Han Zixian watched Xue Yubai's attentive care, completely disregarding Shen Jichen's presence, and chuckled: "Don't say I didn't warn you, know your limits. Yu Bai is still eyeing keenly; don't make another Qu Lieshan for yourself."

Shen Jichen's gaze suddenly paused, his eyes freezing over before faint cracks appeared, a chill gradually seeping out. Han Zixian shivered noticeably and laughed heartily as he returned to his seat.

Xue Yubai thoughtfully asked the Qingyang Pavilion maid attending the room to switch Yue Rongrong's drink to fruit wine. He poured her a glass: "Try this."

Yue Rongrong obligingly sipped, her mind elsewhere as she smiled: "It's delicious." But the corner of her eye kept glancing toward the head of the table.

Meng Jiayan casually made conversation: "Zi Xian, why didn't you go join the fun at the Dragon King Temple today?"

But today, Han Zixian and the others acted strangely toward her—neither friendly nor distant, seemingly restrained. At first, she didn't understand until she noticed that every time Han Zixian spoke to her, he naturally shifted the conversation toward Yue Rongrong. Then she realized they acted this way because they were afraid of "neglecting" Yue Rongrong.

They were afraid Yue Rongrong couldn't blend into their circle. Even now, He Minxuan and Zheng Xuchao were the same. Her heart skipped a beat—their manner suggested they had already accepted Yue Rongrong's status. Suddenly, she felt a cold dread in her heart.

Only then did she realize Yue Rongrong was not the "kind of woman" she had thought—the kind favored by Piao Yao for a fleeting novelty and then cast aside like rubbish.

But she didn't understand: given Yue Rongrong's status, how could they accept her so easily? Even Han Zixian's attitude toward her was exceptionally warm.

He Minxuan and Zheng Xuchao's change in attitude was naturally due to past events, but Yue Rongrong's presence here today indicated she no longer avoided them as before, whether because of Piao Yao or Yu Bai.

Yue Rongrong, oblivious to their musings, saw the maid pouring wine for Shen Jichen and panicked. Just as she was about to speak, Meng Jiayan's soft, gentle voice overtook hers.

"Piao Yao, you're injured; you shouldn't drink alcohol." Her unhurried voice carried genuine concern, overpowering all others.

Everyone fell silent for a moment. The knowing glances shifted from Meng Jiayan's face to Yue Rongrong's, only to see Yue Rongrong slowly lower her eyes.

Xue Yubai, sitting closest to Yue Rongrong, saw all her dejection and gloominess. He should have been glad, but his heart still tightened at her desolation when she lowered her eyes.

He picked up a piece of sweet pastry and placed it in Yue Rongrong's bowl: "Your favorite."

Han Zixian and the others pressed their lips together and turned their heads toward the head seat. Shen Jichen frowned tightly, raised his glass, downed it in one gulp, leaned back against the armrest, his expression gloomy, a cold curve lifting the corner of his mouth.

Xue Yubai also froze for a moment, staring at the plate of sweet-smelling honey treats, his heart quivered. This was Rong Rong's favorite—was it a coincidence, or had Piao Yao arranged it intentionally...

Suddenly, Shen Jichen rose to his feet and left the room without a word, his face stern.

Yue Rongrong's pupils constricted, and she nearly stood up as well. Ignoring the others' expressions, she chased after him.

Xue Yubai tried to grab her but grabbed at empty air. He stared at his hand blankly for a moment before rising, only to be pressed down by a hand. Looking up, it was Han Zixian, who casually took a seat in Yue Rongrong's place.

"Let it go, Yu Bai. Don't chase after her."

Xue Yubai smiled bitterly: "Why can Piao Yao, but I can't? Why are you all taking Piao Yao's side?"

Han Zixian's smile stiffened slightly. He sighed softly: "We're not taking Piao Yao's side. Rong Rong, she..."

"Rong Rong might not end up with Piao Yao," he said gravely. "You know Rong Rong's temperament; she would never consent to be a concubine, even now."

Han Zixian glanced at Meng Jiayan beside him. She was sipping tea as if unaware of their conversation. Staring at Xue Yubai in disbelief, he asked, "She told you that?"

"Yes."

This was beyond Han Zixian's expectations. He thought Yue Rongrong's expression today meant she had settled her intentions.

If so, it would only lead to more trouble.

Yue Rongrong chased after him and found Shen Jichen tending to the koi by the pond in the garden.

His posture was aloof and imposing, yet it exuded a coldness that kept others at a distance. The maids only dared to bow to him from afar, scurrying away nervously after a glance.

Yue Rongrong thought his expression probably wasn't good either and walked over: "If you keep feeding them like that, the koi will eat themselves to death." Her seemingly annoyed tone carried a hint of subtle petulance.

Shen Jichen's hand paused slightly, but he didn't turn around.

Yue Rongrong had already reached his side. She glanced at his hand holding the fish food box, where the edge of a bandage was visible from his sleeve. Her brow furrowed slightly: "Does it hurt?"

Shen Jichen's heart tightened for a moment. He tilted his head and saw the neck ring around her neck, a mocking smile tugging at his lips: "Don't you think your concern is rather belated?" he said coolly. "Then again, you were busy shopping with Yu Bai."

Yue Rongrong's expression tightened: "He happened to be at the teacher's place. We were scolded by the teacher, so he took me out to see the Dragon Mother Festival. You were injured for Meng Jiayan—I saw it all." Her voice gradually softened, a touch of envy tinging her words as she half-lowered her eyes.

"We?" Shen Jichen turned to face her, his voice low.

"What 'we'?" Yue Rongrong froze for a moment before meeting his dark eyes and realizing her mistake. She hurriedly corrected herself: "I meant him and me. Must you dwell on this? Wasn't it you who sent me to the teacher? He's my senior brother now; he goes to the teacher's every day to pay respects and paint. What's wrong with that?"

"Senior brother." Shen Jichen scoffed coldly. "He accompanies you every day, truly devoted."

Yue Rongrong felt his sarcasm and retorted defiantly: "You were the one who sent me to the teacher's!" Angry, she stared intently at him.

Shen Jichen's eyes suppressed emotion, impenetrable darkness within: "If I didn't send you there, should I have brought you into the mansion? Yue Rongrong, in what capacity would you enter? As my fiancée?" He laughed, a bitter edge to it. "Don't forget, you rejected that status for Qu Lieshan and deceived me. When I said we should marry, how did you answer me? And what was the result?" His gaze turned cold, his voice low and chilling.

"A few days ago, you were still pretending to care for me. Why these past two days have you been with your good senior brother? Couldn't you even maintain the pretense for two more days?"

Yue Rongrong's heart clenched, her brow tightening: "Given past circumstances, you know I had my reasons. And I wasn't pretending a few days ago..."

"Enough! I don't want to hear it!" Shen Jichen snapped harshly. He was about to throw the fish food into the koi pond but changed direction at the last moment, tossing it into the grass where it scattered and disappeared.

Yue Rongrong's chest tightened, her eyes instantly reddening as tears pooled in her eyes. Her voice was strained but still held a slight tremble: "Is it that no matter what I say now, you won't believe me?"

Shen Jichen saw the tears gathering in her eyes and turned away, his voice as hard as stone: "Yes! I don't know when you might deceive me again."

Yue Rongrong said urgently: "I won't deceive you again..."

"Who knows if another Qu Lieshan might appear! Yue Rongrong, in your heart, am I never the first priority? Otherwise..." How could you bear to stand with Xue Yubai today, sit with him, showing no consideration for my feelings? Saying it aloud made him feel spineless and pathetic.

Yue Rongrong was about to explain further when Meng Jiayan's gentle voice came from nearby: "Piao Yao, Miss Yue, you're here?"

Footsteps approached. Only then did Shen Jichen turn around, his expression already calm and unreadable.

Meng Jiayan looked at Yue Rongrong in surprise: "Miss Yue, are you crying?" As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief and offered it.

Shen Jichen's brow furrowed slightly.

Yue Rongrong turned away without accepting it: "The wind blew dust in my eyes."

Meng Jiayan did not press further and took the explanation at face value, then turned to Shen Jichen: “I heard that the innkeeper has invited the recently rising opera star to perform here tonight. Outsiders have to pay extra for tea service, but the innkeeper just specially sent an invitation. Should we stay and listen?”

Shen Jichen responded indifferently: “Up to you.”

Just then, a gust of wind blew past, making Yue Rongrong’s eye water. She hurriedly turned her back, staring at the koi pond as she subtly wiped the corner of her eye. Behind her, she heard the sound of Shen Jichen’s departing footsteps and Meng Jiayan’s reminder.

“Aren’t you going to ask Miss Yue to come along?”

Yue Rongrong did not hear Shen Jichen’s reply, only the sound of Meng Jiayan following him as they left.

The Qingyang Pavilion had a designated opera stage, separated by the Qiushui River. Honored guests sat in the covered corridors on the opposite side of the river, while regular patrons sat in open-air spots along both riverbanks.

The moon rose gracefully, and lanterns were lit one by one. In an instant, the entire capital was shrouded in bustling prosperity.

Han Zixian guided his wife, Ye Shuyi, carefully as they walked slowly, constantly mindful of the surrounding crowd to prevent anyone from bumping into her.

But Ye Shuyi paid no heed, her lively eyes darting around, occasionally standing on her toes, startling Han Zixian and making him break out in a cold sweat as he hurriedly pulled her close.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she quickened her pace. He Minxuan rushed over, both delighted and anxious: “Yiyi, be careful.” His outstretched hand was swatted away by Han Zixian’s fan.

Ye Shuyi glanced sideways and spotted Yue Rongrong. Her face brightened with joy, ignoring the tense exchange between the two men, and headed straight for Yue Rongrong. Yue Rongrong also saw her and quickly stood up, taking a few steps forward to grasp her hand: “You’re pregnant, yet you’re still acting like a child.”

Ye Shuyi gave her a playful tap: “So you’ve finally decided to see me now?”

Yue Rongrong paused for a moment, feeling a warmth in her heart: “You understood?” So that was why she hadn’t visited her at the Marquis’s residence before.

Ye Shuyi said, her voice thick with emotion: “I knew you didn’t want to stay long in the capital before, and you didn’t want to be involved with us. So you didn’t come to see me, and I didn’t go to see you either.” Her childlike words and once-lonely expression suddenly brightened. “But today, Zixian said you had a meal with them and watched song and dance performances, so I came immediately. Rongrong, have you thought it through? Made up your mind? Are you staying?”

Ye Shuyi, bright and charming, looked straight at her with a soft, adorable gaze. The expectation in her eyes was so intense that it was hard for anyone to refuse.

Yue Rongrong said gently: “Perhaps.”

Hearing this, Ye Shuyi understood. Not one for heavy atmospheres, she pulled Yue Rongrong back to her seat and pointed at Xue Yubai, smiling: “Yubai, go sit with Zixian.”

Xue Yubai widened his eyes and glanced at Han Zixian, hoping he would pull Ye Shuyi back. But Han Zixian merely shrugged helplessly. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Shuyi gave Xue Yubai a push, and he had no choice but to walk toward Han Zixian.

Ye Shuyi grinned and made a playful face at Han Zixian.

Yue Rongrong gazed at her fondly. Over the years, Yiyi hadn’t changed at all. While some people might look worse during pregnancy, she had grown even more radiant.

“Shuyi, you’re here.” Meng Jiayan walked over and asked concernedly, “How have you been lately?”

Ye Shuyi smiled warmly: “I’m doing well.” She wasn’t particularly close with Meng Jiayan, but they were friendly. She frowned slightly, “I just wish I had more freedom.”

Meng Jiayan chuckled: “That’s only because Zixian worries about you.”

The two exchanged a few more words, and Meng Jiayan invited Ye Shuyi to join them. Ye Shuyi politely declined, intimately looped arms with Yue Rongrong.

Meng Jiayan was extremely surprised. If Han Zixian and the others were friendly with Yue Rongrong because of Shen Jichen and Xue Yubai, then why was Ye Shuyi so affectionate? Ye Shuyi had always followed her heart. If she didn’t like someone, she wouldn’t give them the time of day. Since childhood, she had been doted on by Han Zixian and He Minxuan, and she had never formed deep connections with other noble ladies. Why was she suddenly so close to Yue Rongrong?

Perhaps there were some things she had overlooked. She took a seat next to Shen Jichen as the performance on stage began.

Meng Jiayan stared fixedly at the stage, though her fingers trembled slightly. She clenched them gently. Cheers erupted from the crowd along the riverbanks. After a moment, Meng Jiayan’s clear, soft voice rang out calmly: “Lately, my father has brought up the matter of an arranged marriage.”

She took a deep breath, suppressing an unprecedented nervousness, and forced herself to remain composed: “In families like ours, marriage is merely a matter of binding interests, unrelated to love. I know your heart belongs to Miss Yue. In the future, I will treat her like a younger sister.”

As if isolating themselves from the surrounding noise and excitement, their corner grew extremely quiet. After a moment, she suppressed her frantic heartbeat and heard Shen Jichen’s chilly voice.

“I have never regarded my marriage as a negotiating tool.”

Meng Jiayan suddenly looked at him, her eyes flashing. She watched as he slowly turned to face her, his gaze clear and cold. She was stunned for a moment: “But didn’t you and Miss Yue have a fight?”

Shen Jichen said: “That is between her and me.”

Meng Jiayan’s face paled, then flushed, but she quickly regained her composure. She pursed her lips into a smile, and as she turned away, she straightened her back: “Then I worried unnecessarily.” She laughed lightly, relieved, “Then I can rest easy.”

Her pride wounded, she could only affect indifference. The teachings and noble status she had grown up with made it impossible for her to beg for a marriage or resort to underhanded methods like Ren Hanzhen.

Seeing her strained composure, Shen Jichen was suddenly reminded of his elder sister, Shen Qingci. In truth, she was very much like his sister—both confined by the constraints of nobility. Feeling a pang of sympathy, he said calmly, “Even if the marriage alliance doesn’t happen, it won’t harm the relationship between the Shen and Meng families.”

Meng Jiayan turned to him in surprise: “Is that a promise?”

Shen Jichen’s gaze was deep yet sincere: “You may take it as one.”

Meng Jiayan smiled brilliantly. In that instant, she understood that insisting on marriage would only offend Shen Jichen—it was better to take a step back.

But her smile happened to catch Yue Rongrong’s eye, and Yue Rongrong’s heart clenched at once.

Just then, thunderous applause erupted. The performance on stage had ended. Yue Rongrong clapped mechanically along with the crowd. She had no idea what had been performed on stage; she only heard the “booms” as the night sky over the capital suddenly lit up. Everyone looked up, and dazzling fireworks were reflected in every pair of eyes.

Ye Shuyi was thrilled. She pulled Yue Rongrong to the railing, gazing in wonder at the sky full of fireworks: “Whose idea was this? Did they bring out every firework in the city? It’s even more spectacular and lavish than my wedding day.”

Not only was the sky above Qingyang Pavilion ablaze, but nearly every corner of the capital was equally brilliant.

Suddenly, her eyes twinkled mischievously as she grinned at Yue Rongrong: “It must be some young master expressing his feelings to his beloved. Otherwise, why would anyone splurge like this when it's not even a special occasion? I have to ask my Zixian. Those who can pull off such a spectacle in the capital can be counted on one hand.” As she turned to look for Han Zixian, she caught sight of Xue Yubai approaching with graceful steps. Her eyes widened, and she gasped, tugging frantically at Yue Rongrong’s sleeve.

Yue Rongrong, puzzled, turned around and followed her astonished gaze. She too was stunned, watching Xue Yubai walk toward her. Her heart began to race nervously.

Han, He, and Zheng also noticed something unusual. They stood up abruptly, exchanged glances, and hurriedly looked in Shen Jichen’s direction. Shen Jichen slowly rose to his feet, his wine cup tilting, spilling wine without noticing as he stared fixedly at Yue Rongrong’s panicked expression.

Cries of awe and envy rose from the crowds along the riverbanks.

“Good heavens, which young master is this, and for which young lady did he set off these fireworks across the city?”

“Such a grand gesture—is he proposing?”

“Why even propose? If it were me, I’d agree immediately.”

“You wish! Where do you think the couple is?” The spectators who had been sitting now all stood up, crowding along the railings. The opera on stage had stopped, the music had ceased, leaving only the brilliant fireworks and the excited crowd. Everyone looked around curiously.

Suddenly, someone shouted: “Look!”

Some turned their gaze toward the covered corridors. Instantly, the crowd followed suit. The railings along the corridors, once crowded, had now cleared a circle. There stood an impressive young man before a stunningly beautiful woman, his lovesick eyes practically brimming with tenderness.

Xue Yubai looked at Yue Rongrong and asked softly: “Do you like it?”

Yue Rongrong took a step back, aware of all the eyes watching them, and asked in a hushed urgent voice: “What are you doing?”

Xue Yubai gave a faint smile, looking up at the sky full of fireworks: “Nothing. I just wanted to make you happy.”

Yue Rongrong with wide eyes and couldn’t help asking: “Did you burn money on this?”

Xue Yubai held her gaze intently, making her heart skip a beat. She turned away nervously: “Stop playing games.”

“You can treat this fireworks display as a peace offering—a plea for you to give me a chance,” he said sincerely, looking at her. “You once said you would never be a concubine. I can wait until the day you look back, and I will be the first one you see.”

He was referring to the moment she turned around on the day of Shen Jichen’s wedding—he would be her first choice.

He said, "I don't have any heavy responsibilities. If you wish, I can follow you to the ends of the earth. We could travel the world with our teacher, painting landscapes wherever we go." This was his advantage over Shen Jichen. "Rong Rong, his social circle is too complicated."

He carefully held Yue Rongrong's hand, almost pleading, "Rong Rong, give me a chance. Shen Jichen isn't the only one in this world."

Yue Rongrong's heart was in turmoil, her eyes flickering as she stared blankly at him. Instinctively, she glanced aside and saw Shen Jichen standing behind the crowd, looking at her intensely. The moment their eyes met, he turned and walked away. Suddenly flustered, she pulled her hand back and pushed her way through the crowd to chase after him.

"Piao Yao!" she called out urgently. As she ran, she stepped on shattered glass, noticing fresh blood on the fragments. Her heart ached, and she quickened her pace.

Only Xue Yubai was left behind, dejected. The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned, and whispers spread through the crowd.

"What happened? Was that the young master of the Xue family? And the one who left—was that Marquis Shen?"

"Who is that girl? What remarkable abilities does she have?"

Han Zixian immediately sent someone to notify the performers. Soon, the performance on stage resumed, and he urged everyone, "Let's continue enjoying the show, everyone."

The three men approached the distraught Xue Yubai, guiding him back to his seat. He Minxuan couldn't hold back, "You handled this too hastily. Now you've lost all dignity. Why didn't you discuss this with us beforehand?"

Xue Yubai could only force a bitter smile.

"Enough," Zheng Xuchao shot He Minxuan a warning look and patted Xue Yubai's shoulder reassuringly. "There are plenty of other women besides Yue Rongrong."

He Minxuan added coldly, "Well, now you might have just played into Piao Yao's hands."

Han Zixian suddenly froze, looking at Xue Yubai in disbelief. "You couldn’t possibly have..."

Xue Yubai laughed bitterly. "I’m not that noble. I was just trying to seize the opportunity."

The group fell silent. Ye Shuyi seized the opportunity to sneak a sip of wine but was caught by Han Zixian. He hurried over, took the cup from her, and scolded her. Though Ye Shuyi apologized, her eyes were bright. "Should we go find Rong Rong now?"

Han Zixian had no choice with her. "Don’t let Yu Bai see you like this. It’ll only upset him."

Ye Shuyi glanced at Xue Yubai and sighed. "Actually, he should have been psychologically prepared for this."

"Piao Yao!" Yue Rongrong chased after Shen Jichen, calling his name repeatedly, but he didn’t slow down. Suddenly, she exclaimed, "Ouch!" Shen Jichen halted and turned to see her crouched on the ground, clutching her ankle and looking up at him pitifully. "Piao Yao, I twisted my ankle."

A flash of tension crossed Shen Jichen's eyes, but his expression remained stern. "Stop pretending."

Yue Rongrong bit her lip, stood up, and frowned accusingly. "If you knew I was faking, why did you stop?"

Shen Jichen sneered, "Then why did you follow me? Xue Yubai’s city-wide fireworks will go to waste. You should go back and not disappoint him."

Yue Rongrong's eyes gradually reddened. "Shen Jichen, is that how you really feel?"

Shen Jichen didn’t answer, his gaze extremely dark.

After a moment, Yue Rongrong turned away in a huff. "Fine, I’ll leave." But as she turned, he grabbed her wrist firmly. Her heart rejoiced, though she maintained an angry expression. "Didn’t you tell me to leave? Didn’t you say I shouldn’t disappoint Xue Yubai? Why are you holding me back? Let go!" She struggled slightly.

Shen Jichen stared intently at her, his jaw tight and his eyes deep as the sea, the corners reddened.

When he remained silent, Yue Rongrong tried to pull away again, her voice trembling with hurt. "Let me go. If you don’t want me, why keep me here?"

Instead of releasing her, Shen Jichen pulled her into his embrace, tilted her chin up, and kissed her harshly.

Yue Rongrong was stunned. She noticed the moisture on his hand, tinged with the scent of blood. Pushing him away, she examined his hand anxiously. "Your hand..."

Her concern broke his restraint. He pressed her against the wall and kissed her again, deeper this time, forcefully pried open her lips with urgency.

He kissed her with a mix of longing and frustration—this woman who made him lovesick to the bone and made it hard to reconcile love and hate. His hands roamed her body, his lips trailing down her neck. Noticing the necklace, he frowned irritably, unclasped it, and tossed it aside before biting her collarbone.

In the frenzy, Yue Rongrong’s hairpin fell, and a strand of her hair came loose. As she bent to pick it up, Shen Jichen stopped her. "Leave it. It’ll be messy soon anyway."

Yue Rongrong’s body felt like she was burning up, her heart swayed, yet she was plagued by uncertainty. "Are you still angry with me?" she asked breathlessly.

Shen Jichen laughed bitterly, burying himself in her soft neck. "I just wanted you to comfort me, Rong Rong. I wanted you to care about me—only me."

Her heart softened. "Then I want you to care only about me too. Don’t smile at Meng Jiayan."

His chest vibrated with laughter. "I merely rejected the proposal for an alliance with her."

Overjoyed, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his Adam’s apple. "Piao Yao, love me."

Shen Jichen, as if bewitched, could no longer restrain himself. He carried her to the nearest room.

"But your injury..."

"It’s fine."

No one disturbed them that night. Even when servants passed by, the ambiguous and intimate sounds from within made them blush and quickly leave. They didn’t know who was inside, but anyone with access to that area was noble—best not to act presumptuously.

*

Hui Yin and Gu Yu happily helped Yue Rongrong pack her belongings as she prepared to return to the Marquis’s residence.

"Finally, you’re going back! I thought it would take longer," Gu Yu said cheerfully. Hui Yin quickly coughed a warning, but it was too late.

Yue Rongrong looked at them suspiciously. "Weren’t you two dismissed from the residence?"

Hui Yin confessed, "The Marquis sent us to take care of you. He didn’t want you to be unattended."

Yue Rongrong pretended to be fierce. "To take care of me, or to spy on me?"

Hui Yin and Gu Yu shook their heads vigorously. "How could we dare? And how could the Marquis?" Gu Yu added playfully.

Yue Rongrong snorted but didn’t press further. She went to bid farewell to Mr. Ji Mo, finding Shen Jichen already there, having tea with him.

Mr. Ji Mo, who detested sentimentality, waved her off. "Remember, you’re my final disciple. If anyone ever mistreats you, come back. We’ll travel the world together. There’s no need to cling to vain titles like Marchioness or Princess." He shot a glance at Shen Jichen, seeming quite angry. "I finally found a prized disciple, and now she’s being taken away."

Yue Rongrong’s eyes welled up, but she smiled and nodded.

Shen Jichen said calmly, "Don’t worry, Teacher. Rong Rong likely won’t have the chance to travel with you anymore."

Mr. Ji Mo huffed, "Now you call me ‘Teacher’? I don’t need it. Address me as ‘Sir’." He still remembered Shen Jichen’s earlier refusal to become his disciple.

Shen Jichen smiled faintly. "I’ll follow Rong Rong’s address."

Mr. Ji Mo waved them away impatiently. "Go on, leave before I change my mind."

Shen Jichen bowed respectfully before taking Yue Rongrong’s hand to leave. As they reached the carriage, Yue Rongrong paused and glanced back, but Xue Yubai was nowhere in sight. She felt a sense of apology over the previous night’s events. Suddenly remembering something, she touched her neck. "The necklace..."

"You’re quite concerned about it," Shen Jichen remarked, his tone tinged with jealousy. "Didn’t you promise to care only for me?"

Yue Rongrong hurriedly reassured him, "It’s just that the necklace is too valuable. I’d always planned to return it once the scar on my neck faded."

Shen Jichen’s expression softened. "Don’t worry, I’ll return it for you."

"You?" Yue Rongrong hesitated, unsure. "You’ll... speak reasonably with him, won’t you?"

Shen Jichen replied calmly, "Of course. We’re both reasonable men."