Chapter 38

Chapter 38

The wounds torn open by his parents were gently soothed by Shen Yuan. At this moment, Ji Ping'an felt an unprecedented sense of inner strength.

After Ji Ping'an's emotions had calmed somewhat, Shen Yuan brought up the matter they had to face. "Brother, my home is in Dashu Village. The uncles, aunts, and grandparents in the village have all taken good care of me. I might leave Dashu Village for the sake of my future, but I would absolutely not leave just to flee."

"I also don't want my younger siblings to follow me into a life of displacement, and I don't want you to leave your hometown either, Brother."

Thinking more clearly now, Ji Ping'an understood that leaving Qingyun County might not be a good choice.

He frowned. "That bastard Song Zijuan just had to mention storytelling in front of my parents. Otherwise, if we had waited a bit longer, when there were more people listening and other powerful nobles developed a deeper fondness for it, even my parents would have thought twice."

"If he hadn't made it seem like Fifth Elder Uncle was interested in the storytelling, they wouldn't have become so dead set on getting it."

Shen Yuan felt something was off. "Is he trying to sow discord?"

Ji Ping'an pondered for a moment. "It seems like it—stirring up my parents' greed and trying to drive a wedge between us. But what benefit does he get from that?"

After a pause, Ji Ping'an suddenly realized. "He wants to use the Ji family's hand to force you to leave, but his real intention is to win you over!"

Shen Yuan nodded; that was the only explanation. He couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine. "This person is truly formidable. With just a few words, he can stir up so much trouble."

If he and Brother Ping'an hadn't truly cared for each other, his first reaction upon learning the Ji family head's thoughts would have been to bolt and find a more powerful patron.

If Song Zijuan had extended a hand then, he would probably have agreed.

"What should we do now?" Ji Ping'an asked.

In Shen Yuan's view, compared to Song Zijuan, the Ji family head was easier to deal with. At least he would at least think about Ji Ping'an, while the power behind Song Zijuan represented a colossal entity, even surpassing imperial authority. Shen Yuan wanted no part of that.

At the very least, he didn't dare to deal with the devil now.

He was afraid that if he got in, he'd never get out.

"Brother, spell out Song Zijuan's intentions clearly to your father. Also, tell him that the stories I can tell aren't limited to just 'Love Between Human and Ghost.' I have thousands of stories in my mind. Giving up an endless supply for the sake of just one story would be just plain stupid." Shen Yuan felt a bit embarrassed here. "Oops, I swore."

Ji Ping'an smiled and ruffled his hair. "It's fine. The old man is a fool."

Seeing Ji Ping'an didn't mind, Shen Yuan continued. "Also, explain clearly about the tips and the amounts. Eight sessions brought over five hundred taels. Even if we split it in half, that's over two hundred taels. And that's just tips, not counting anything else. I also plan to roll out illustrated booklets and food related to the stories, all potential money-makers. We can even train storytellers to perform in other teahouses, which is another source of income. Isn't such long-term, stable development much better than killing the goose that lays the golden eggs?"

"If the Ji family head still insists on trying to take this from me by force, then I'll have no choice but to side with Song Zijuan. Since he values my stories so much, he shouldn't blame me for using his backing to push people around, starting with your father." Shen Yuan didn't hide his true thoughts at all, laying it all out for Ji Ping'an.

Ji Ping'an looked at Shen Yuan, his eyes filled with admiration. "I never expected you to have figured all this out! Based on my understanding of my parents, they'll definitely cave."

"So, Brother," Shen Yuan reached out and smoothed Ji Ping'an's furrowed brow. "Don't get all worked up or anxious. Things can always be resolved."

Ji Ping'an chuckled lightly. "No respect for your elders."

"Young Master, Xiao Yuan! They're here!" Ji Xingwang's reminder came from outside the door. "The Xie family servants reminded us to dress neatly, without any obvious stains. Young Master and Xiao Yuan, should you change clothes or re-do your hair?"

Ji Ping'an and Shen Yuan each checked their appearance; there were no issues. Ji Ping'an said to Shen Yuan, "I'll go find my parents. You wait downstairs."

Shen Yuan nodded, and the two left the private room one right after the other.

The main hall downstairs was spotlessly clean. The chair in the middle of the first row was covered with a brocade cushion. Everyone stood waiting at the entrance.

Ji Ping'an walked to his father's side. Seizing the moment before the Xie family carriage arrived, he quietly repeated everything Shen Yuan had said into his ear.

Ji Mingfeng's mouth twitched as he listened.

He never imagined Shen Yuan had so many stories to tell!

If he moved against Shen Yuan now, it would indeed be killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

And what the boy said was also right; to attract people over, that Advisor Song would definitely not hesitate to make an example of him.

If there was only one story, he wouldn't quite believe Song would go that far for Shen Yuan. But if there were many, many stories, that was hard to say.

Anyone who wasn't an idiot born yesterday would know how to choose.

If they really forced Shen Yuan away, the Ji family would end up with nothing.

"Father, according to the rules, family property inheritance is limited to the main line. I am not yet married and have no children. If I were gone, the Ji family property could only be inherited by someone from Second Uncle's branch, or Mother would have to have another proper heir." Ji Ping'an said, "If you and Mother ever have thoughts like today's about Shen Yuan again, I will leave home. I imagine Second Uncle's family wouldn't allow a new legitimate son to be born either. Father, you wouldn't want the family property to fall cheaply into Second Uncle's hands, would you?"

Ji Mingfeng wanted to blow up in anger, but seeing the Xie family members present, he had to suppress his rage to save face. "You unfilial son! You dare threaten your father? Who do you think you can threaten?"

"If it's not a threat, then why is Father so angry?" Ji Ping'an retorted.

Ji Mingfeng was so angry his head spun, yet he had no recourse. Gnashing his teeth, he asked, "What on earth is that Shen Yuan to you, that you'd side with an outsider like this?"

"Father, he is my younger brother. Watch your words. When you speak of him like that, I don't like it." Ji Ping'an warned. "In the past, I failed to protect my younger brother. Now, no matter what happens, I will protect him."

Ji Mingfeng's eyes flickered. Reminded of the past, his anger subsided.

After all, he was in the wrong.

At that moment, the Xie family carriage arrived.

There were two carriages in total. The person who stepped out of the first one was Song Zijuan.

He got down and immediately walked to the back, standing respectfully by the carriage, waiting for the person inside to step down.

Ji Mingfeng, Zhao Yueyun, and Ji Ping'an also stepped forward to greet them. The others, who weren't important enough, could only wait in place.

Shen Yuan leaned against the doorframe. With people in front of him, he couldn't see anything.

Wang Sanhu was facing such a scene for the first time, his heart in his throat. Shen Yuan quietly comforted him.

Noticing the surroundings had become so quiet that even whispers seemed loud, Shen Yuan stopped talking and turned to look.

Through the doorframe, he saw a white figure in the distance, blocked from view now and then by guards.

As they approached, a faint, cold scent seemed to permeate the air.

He pulled Wang Sanhu to stand even further to the side. Those people didn't look like the type who would go out of their way to avoid people.

From the side angle, Shen Yuan got a clear view of what the powerful and respected Fifth Elder Uncle actually looked like.

White silk robes that shimmered. Hair like satin, black as ink. Sharp, strikingly handsome features, exuding a coldness due to his clear, icy demeanor—like frost and snow, or the bright moon.

In his previous life in the entertainment industry, Shen Yuan had seen many good-looking guys of various types.

But not a single one could compare to the person before him.

Those equally handsome lacked his elegance; those equally aloof lacked his ethereal quality...

Unfortunately, this person with such perfect, flawless looks was born into an old aristocratic family and was fond of making people kneel as punishment.

He was a dangerous figure, someone you shouldn't get close to.

Shen Yuan lowered his head and stopped looking, focusing instead on the cloth shoes on his feet.

Only then did he realize that there was a footprint on the shoe’s surface. It must have happened in the chaos when people were crowding the entrance as he was coming down.

He hadn’t even felt it.

Brother Ping'an's Fifth Uncle probably was a serious neat freak. He’d likely feel uncomfortable if he saw it, right? Should he wipe it off? But if he squatted down now, wouldn't it be too obvious? It wasn't certain that the footprint would even be noticed, though it did seem quite prominent. He wondered who had stepped on him; whoever it was must have had quite a big foot…

White boots with brocade and hidden patterns—they looked like they cost a fortune.

There wasn't a soul in Qingyun County who even had the status to wear brocade.

It could only be one person.

Shen Yuan looked up curiously and realized the man was truly tall.

The top of his head only reached the other man’s chest, so he had to tilt his head back slightly.

Good manners dictated that he should be the first to offer a greeting.

And that was exactly what he did.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Shen Yuan." Then, he instinctively extended his hand.

Xie Yulin lowered his gaze to look at that hand.

The knuckles were distinct, the fingers slender, the nails neatly trimmed, and the fingertips slightly pink. The pale skin revealed faint blue veins on the back of the hand.

Xie Yulin’s long eyelashes fluttered slightly as he replied coolly, "Xie Yulin of the Youyang Xie Clan."

Then he turned and continued forward. Song Zijuan, who had been following behind, looked at Shen Yuan’s still-outstretched hand and grabbed it with a grin. He leaned in and whispered, "You’re quite the character."

Shen Yuan had just been schemed against by Song Zijuan and was currently disliking him.

He pulled his hand back immediately and said, not at all pleased, "You're quite the character yourself."

Song Zijuan realized that Shen Yuan had figured out the reason for his scheme, which was why his attitude had changed so drastically.

He didn't take offense and just smiled, saying, "You’re the first person to say I’m interesting. I appreciate the compliment."

Shen Yuan felt this person was thick-skinned and impervious to attacks, so he simply fell silent.

Song Zijuan’s smile didn’t fade as he caught up to Xie Yulin and sat beside him.

As Ji Mingfeng and Zhao Yueyun walked past Shen Yuan, they couldn't help but shoot him a meaningful look.

It seemed the Xie family really intended to win Shen Yuan over. Otherwise, why would they be so friendly toward him?

Fortunately, their son and Shen Yuan had a deep bond. By sheer coincidence, the Ji family had managed to keep this cash cow.

But faced with a behemoth like the Xie family, was the friendship between Shen Yuan and their son really enough to keep Shen Yuan steadfast?

The two elders sat down with heavy hearts. Ji Pingan whispered to Shen Yuan, "It’s settled. Don’t worry."

Shen Yuan whispered back to him, "Brother, do you like sweet steamed milk pudding? If you do, I’ll ask Auntie Chun to secretly save two portions for you."

"Okay, add almond slices."

The two of them huddled together, whispering quietly, a sight that didn’t go unnoticed by others.

Ji Xingwang’s group didn’t care at all, while Ji Mingfeng and his wife hoped with all their hearts that the two would grow even closer.

Song Zijuan leaned close to Xie Yulin and whispered, "It really is as the shadow guards said. These two have an unusual relationship."

Xie Yulin ignored him. Song Zijuan added, "Ji Mingfeng has already been moved by my words. I estimate he’ll soon take action against Shen Yuan. Young Master Lin can rest assured and leave it to me; there’s no need for you to personally approach and manipulate his emotions."

He was afraid Ji Mingfeng might go too far and that Ji Pingan wouldn't be able to protect him, resulting in something serious happening to Shen Yuan.

After Song Zijuan finished speaking, Xie Yulin shot back, "When did I personally approach him?"

Song Zijuan found it strange. "Didn't you go over to Shen Yuan just now and introduce yourself?"

"His shoe was noticeably dirty." Xie Yulin frowned imperceptibly. "I was going to remind him to clean it off."

Who knew the other party would suddenly introduce himself and inexplicably extend his hand?

Song Zijuan was taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t even noticed.

The nobility knew that when meeting Young Master Lin, they must ensure they were perfectly neat and tidy. No one wanted to be targeted by Young Master Lin for such reasons, or it would be difficult to see him again.

Song Zijuan hadn’t expected that even after he had reminded people, there would still be a slip-up.

In a room full of people, only one person had noticeably dirty shoes. No wonder it caught Young Master Lin’s attention.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Although Young Master Lin was ice-cold, the family’s rules of etiquette were engraved in his heart.

Even when he was this displeased, he still remembered to respond with proper manners.