"I'm not interested in women, at least not in women like you."
Zhangsun Fengye chuckled.
He originally didn't want to attend this marriage alliance between the two families. However, under the pressure of the high-ranking officials of the Sacred Ground, he had no choice but to make an appearance.
Even if Song Ningyan didn't find a way to sabotage the marriage, Zhangsun Fengye would have found one himself.
"What do you mean by 'women like me'?"
Song Ningyan dropped her demure facade and glared at Zhangsun Fengye, questioning him.
"What? Does Miss Song hope that I would take an interest in you?"
Zhangsun Fengye said with a half-smile.
"That's not it. It's just that your words seem to carry a hint of sarcasm."
Hearing this, Song Ningyan quickly retracted her sharpness and huffed lightly.
"If I were to seek a Dao Companion, I would not consider looks, status, or background, but only fate and love at first sight."
Zhangsun Fengye did not want to be a tool in a marriage alliance. If he were to find a Dao Companion, it had to be someone he truly liked.
"Nowadays, who falls in love at first sight? It's all about lust."
Song Ningyan scoffed disdainfully.
"Not so," Zhangsun Fengye said as he waved his folding fan, graceful and scholarly, "Your view, I do not agree with. Physical intimacy is but animalistic, not at all akin to love. What I seek is the belonging of souls. Just one look, and I'll know she's the one I've been waiting for."
"Ew, how cheesy!" Song Ningyan muttered under her breath.
"A bold woman like Miss Song naturally wouldn't understand. No matter, I can comprehend."
In Zhangsun Fengye's eyes, a woman like Song Ningyan who loved to compete lacked feminine charm.
Who uses boldness to describe a woman?
His words clearly carried a tinge of mockery.
"Get lost." Knowing that Zhangsun Fengye also wanted to call off the marriage, the two quickly agreed, dispelling the awkwardness. Song Ningyan dropped the pretense and rolled her eyes at him.
Father, it's not that your daughter doesn't want to cultivate feelings, but Zhangsun Fengye doesn't fancy me.
Song Ningyan felt relieved, the weight in her heart finally lifted.
"Miss Song, I'll leave the introductions to you."
Zhangsun Fengye had no interest in small talk with Song Ningyan; it was pointless.
"You've insulted me so much just now, and now you want my help? Forget it."
Song Ningyan crossed her arms, visibly displeased.
"In that case, I'll just tell our elders that I'm smitten with Miss Song at first sight and fully support the marriage alliance between our families."
Turning to glance at Song Ningyan, Zhangsun Fengye revealed a devilishly charming smile.
"Hey! That's a bit too much." Song Ningyan was startled, her face turning pale, "You just said you were looking for a soulmate, and I'm definitely not your type."
"No matter, a man as outstanding as myself can marry an extra woman. When I find my soulmate, I can still pursue her."
Zhangsun Fengye spoke indifferently.
"Stop, I'll go do it for you, just wait!"
Song Ningyan glared at him, not daring to take the risk, and conceded.
"Go ahead!" Zhangsun Fengye nodded in satisfaction.
Little guy, I can still handle you.
Zhangsun Fengye's lips curled up, enjoying the feeling of triumph.
With a heavy heart, Song Ningyan made her way to Chen Qingyuan's residence.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Song Ningyan entered the guest hall and went straight to the door, knocking on Chen Qingyuan's room.
Hearing the knock, Chen Qingyuan flicked his fingers and opened the door.
Then, Chen Qingyuan slowly came out and looked at Song Ningyan, "Is there something you need, Junior Sister Song?"
Ever since he made Song Ningyan yield last time, Chen Qingyuan had been calling her "Junior Sister" more and more smoothly.
"The Young Master of Piaomiao Sacred Ground, Zhangsun Fengye, wishes to meet you. He asked me to see if you're willing."
Song Ningyan was used to Chen Qingyuan's personality and didn't fuss over the titles of senior brother and junior sister anymore.
"I'm not willing."
Upon hearing this, Chen Qingyuan decisively refused.
What a joke, meeting with Zhangsun Fengye would be insane.
"Uh…" Song Ningyan didn't expect such a straightforward refusal, standing awkwardly in place, "Do you have a grudge against Young Master Changsun?"
"No," Chen Qingyuan shook his head.
"Then why don't you want to see him?"
Song Ningyan asked, puzzled.
"That guy doesn't look like a good person. For safety, it's best to keep a distance."
Chen Qingyuan explained.
Seems like you're not a good person either!
Song Ningyan only muttered this in her heart, not daring to say it out loud.
"Alright then! I'll go and decline for you."
Song Ningyan nodded.
"Thank you, Junior Sister." Chen Qingyuan said with a light smile.
Thinking back to his previous meeting and conversation with the old Clan Leader, Chen Qingyuan felt a chill. It was better to keep a distance from Song Ningyan, lest he gets tangled up in unwanted ties.
What did the old Clan Leader of the Song Family see in me? Why does he want me to be his grandson-in-law?
Chen Qingyuan pondered this question and came to a conclusion.
Handsome.
Irresistibly charming.
Alas! It's a curse to be too outstanding.
Chen Qingyuan indulged in a moment of narcissism, and without waiting for Song Ningyan to finish speaking, he "clack" closed the door again.
Looking at the shut door, Song Ningyan swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes, inwardly complaining, "Chen Qingyuan, this guy, has no manners at all."
To think that the legitimate daughter of the Song Family had become a mere messenger.
Song Ningyan conveyed Chen Qingyuan's unwillingness to meet to Zhangsun Fengye.
"Then let it be, thank you for your trouble, Miss Song."
Zhangsun Fengye sighed lightly, showing a trace of disappointment.
Afterward, Zhangsun Fengye expressed his fatigue.
Song Ningyan led the way, taking Zhangsun Fengye to the guest room in the west courtyard that had been prepared in advance.
As for Chen Qingyuan, he was staying in the guest hall of the east courtyard, quite a distance away.
After Song Ningyan left, Zhangsun Fengye headed straight for the east courtyard.
When he had Song Ningyan relay the message earlier, he had kept a watchful eye, secretly using his Dao Technique to observe and found out Chen Qingyuan's residence.
Now that he knew where Chen Qingyuan was staying, Zhangsun Fengye naturally wanted to visit personally.
"Not only is he one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, but he's also a disciple of the Dao Yi Academy. Chen Qingyuan, you must be an interesting person."
Zhangsun Fengye enjoyed interacting with interesting people, adding a touch of fun to his otherwise mundane life.
East courtyard, guest hall.
Lying on the bed and resting, Chen Qingyuan suddenly sensed a strange presence slowly approaching, his eyebrows slightly furrowing.
After a moment's hesitation, Chen Qingyuan decided to go out and take a look.
Opening the door, a handsome man in white appeared before him.
Damn it! Why is it this guy!
Chen Qingyuan recognized Zhangsun Fengye and inwardly exclaimed.
"I am Zhangsun Fengye from Piaomiao Palace, I've come to see Young Master Chen."
Zhangsun Fengye scrutinized Chen Qingyuan, his gaze deep, a smile on his lips as warm as a spring breeze.
He sensed a familiar aura from Chen Qingyuan, as if they had crossed paths before.
After a careful recollection, it dawned on him.
Some time ago, during the challenge between Wu Junyan and Zhangsun Qian, Zhangsun Fengye had noticed an interesting person, dressed plainly, deliberately concealing his appearance. At that time, Zhangsun Fengye even got a jug of wine.
"I am not, you've got the wrong person."
With that, Chen Qingyuan retreated back into the room and closed the door.
"……"
Standing outside the house, Zhangsun Fengye was left disheveled in the breeze.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas