In the following days, Xing Yuan visited daily, sometimes at Ruo Xi Ge, and sometimes at their residence.
In stark contrast to Xing Yuan's leisurely days was Su Xing Chen, who was undergoing rigorous training under Feng Nian Xing. After a few days of interaction, Feng Nian Xing discovered that Su Xing Chen's foundation was truly lacking.
While he possessed some cleverness, he had received little education, only enough to recognize characters. His martial skills were merely the result of years of rough living, and naturally, he couldn't compare to someone who had received systematic training.
Feng Nian Xing viewed him with the expectation of a dragon soaring, and thus, found fault with him in every aspect. Consequently, he kept a close eye on him daily, urging him to study diligently, train hard, and shoulder responsibilities soon.
Feng Nian Xing had already communicated with Xing Yuan. She indeed had no interest in her current position. More importantly, in Feng Nian Xing's eyes, what kind of woman would charge ahead to shield them from the storms?
The previous situation was a matter of necessity. Now that Xing Chen had been found, it was naturally Xing Chen's place to step forward. For so many years, the Xing family had never produced any cowards.
Su Xing Chen didn't even have the time for melancholy before he was immersed in a day of devilish training. To be sure, after a period of training, he truly discovered its benefits.
He was someone who could endure hardship. Day after day, he became engrossed, and after training, all he wanted was to sleep, completely unable to think of anything else.
One day, as Xing Yuan entered the private room, someone came looking for her.
Yu Qian Yun was extremely anxious. She hadn't seen Su Xing Chen for many days since they last parted. After hesitating for two days, she still came to find him.
Yu Qian Yun, holding the information she had gathered, knocked on the door of the private room.
"Come in!" Xing Yuan, mistaking her for a servant bringing fruit, casually replied.
"Young Master Xing, long time no see!"
Xing Yuan turned around and looked at the person before her. Her memory was good, and there was no one else with such remarkable fortune.
"Miss Yu, do you need something from me?"
"Young Master Xing should know my intentions. I won't beat around the bush. I want to ask you, is Su Xing Chen with you?" Yu Qian Yun did not stand on ceremony, directly sat on a chair, her face serious.
Her eyes held worry for her beloved, but due to some information she had learned, she was exceptionally wary of the person before her.
Legend had it that the young general of Xing Yu City was always stern, ruthless, and a killer. Not long ago, he had also wiped out an enemy stronghold. Although rumors might be exaggerated, Yu Qian Yun was certain of one thing: this person was definitely not to be trifled with.
I wonder how Ah Chen is doing? Has he already... Even if he's alive, he must have suffered a lot.
Xing Yuan chuckled lightly, picked up her teacup, and swirled it gently.
"He is indeed still with me, but in what capacity are you asking me, Miss Yu? After all, we are not related in any way, and I have no obligation to answer!"
Yu Qian Yun understood the implied meaning in Xing Yuan's words. She gritted her teeth, but her concern for her beloved still prevailed.
"He, he is the one I love. We have already pledged ourselves to each other. Moreover, the main responsibility for the incident last time lies with me. If I hadn't let him in, none of this would have happened. So, if you want to blame someone, blame me! Let him go."
With a gong sound from below, the performance began, and the opera started.
"Miss Yu's words make it sound as if I am a cruel and unreasonable person. I don't mind, but do you believe that if he leaves my manor now, he will be ambushed by someone the next moment and thrown God knows where?"
"If you truly care for him, then let him stay with me. Even for the sake of his face, I will spare his life."
Yu Qian Yun fell silent. She understood the logic, but a vague sense of unease lingered in her heart. None of these people were easy to deal with. Given Su Xing Chen's personality, if he accidentally angered her, he might...
Yu Qian Yun cautiously probed, "Since that's the case, may I visit your estate to see him?"
A smile flickered in Xing Yuan's eyes, and she readily agreed. It would be good, perhaps seeing her would give Su Xing Chen more motivation. Time was not abundant for him now.
"Then please wait a moment, Miss Yu. We'll go after the opera," Xing Yuan said in a neutral tone. Yu Qian Yun did not dare to test her limits and merely sat there, quietly watching the performance below.
As soon as the opera ended, Xing Yuan picked up the flowers beside her and went downstairs. Yu Qian Yun followed closely behind her.
"Who is this?" Fang Xi Yue took the flowers, looking at Yu Qian Yun, who was following behind Xing Yuan, with great vigilance.
She was beautiful, and out of a woman's instinct, Fang Xi Yue felt a strong sense of hostility towards her.
"A casual friend who happened to have something to discuss with me. So, I'm afraid I'll have to leave early today," Xing Yuan said frankly.
"Okay, then go ahead and attend to your business!" Fang Xi Yue secretly breathed a sigh of relief and expressed her understanding.
"Sister is so heartless! Don't you miss me at all?" Xing Yuan complained, lowering her voice so that only the two of them could hear.
Fang Xi Yue glanced around, then, like a thief, lightly kissed Xing Yuan's cheek.
"Alright, business is important! I'll go back and remove my makeup." After speaking, Fang Xi Yue quickly turned and returned backstage.
Xing Yuan instantly dropped her gentle expression and turned back to Yu Qian Yun with clear displeasure, "Let's go!"
Yu Qian Yun said nothing more, merely following her noticeably quickened pace quietly.
Yu Qian Yun gazed at the grand mansion before her, her eyes showing obvious daze. These warlords hid their strongholds very discreetly; she had searched for so long without finding this place.
The key was that she hadn't expected this person to be so wealthy! She had grown up in Hai Cheng, and this mansion, rumored to be owned by the richest merchant in Hai Cheng, actually belonged to Xing Yu City.
That's right, going back a few generations, the Xing family had always been in business, only in the last few generations had they focused their efforts primarily on military matters. However, it was reasonable to have accumulated some wealth over the years.
As Yu Qian Yun entered, she immediately saw Su Xing Chen miserably squatting in a horse stance.
Su Xing Chen's eyes lit up when he saw the newcomers, and he immediately stood up. Then, Feng Nian Xing, with his back to both of them, struck him with a ruler, "Focus!"
"Uncle Feng, it's me! We have guests," Xing Yuan felt a bit of schadenfreude, but she still had to maintain some decorum in front of others.
Feng Nian Xing paused, then turned around, and said to Su Xing Chen, "Since that's the case, let's take a break for now!"
Su Xing Chen nodded repeatedly. He was exhausted these past few days. Although he was well-fed and had everything he wanted, he didn't feel as free as before.