CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: AN OUTING

EDITOR: DRAGON BOAT TRANSLATION

After Gu Qingqing and the others finished their meal, they strolled around the streets for a while before returning to the Zhuo Family, just missing Zhou Qing and the others.

"Geng Geng, you’re back? How was it? Did you enjoy the outing?" Zhuo Tingqiu came to Gu Qingqing’s courtyard after dinner. Upon learning they went out, he stayed back, practicing cultivation while waiting for Gu Qingqing and the others to return. Seeing them come back, he immediately approached them.

Gu Qingqing was a bit surprised to see Zhuo Tingqiu, yet happy. She quickly walked a few steps to stand before Zhuo Tingqiu.

"It was fun, there’s a lot to enjoy here." She smiled, gesturing to Zhuo Tingqiu.

Seeing that Gu Qingqing was happy, Zhuo Tingqiu was also quite pleased. After all, he had invited Gu Qingqing over, and of course, he hoped she would enjoy her stay in Shangyang City.

"Young Master Zhuo, why aren’t you resting yet?" Jun Wu walked over to Gu Qingqing’s side, helping her adjust her tassels while asking Zhuo Tingqiu.

"I thought I’d come and see if you were comfortable where you’re staying." Zhuo Tingqiu, not quite understanding Jun Wu’s implication, still explained.

"Thank you, Young Master Zhuo, for your concern. We’re quite comfortable here. It’s already late, and Geng Geng is tired. Young Master Zhuo should go and rest early, too." Jun Wu said, maintaining a stern expression, speaking more than usual.

Zhuo Tingqiu paused, looked at the sky, realizing it was indeed late. Though he wanted to say more to Gu Qingqing, he prioritized her well-being, nodding. "Alright, Geng Geng, I’ll take you to see that beach I mentioned tomorrow. Have a good rest, I’ll be heading out now."

Gu Qingqing blinked, wanting to say she wasn’t really tired yet, but seeing that Nan Hua and the others didn’t comment, she just nodded.

After Zhuo Tingqiu left, Rong Ye walked over to Jun Wu, patting him on the shoulder.

"Hey, you’re quite the talker now, huh?" Rong Ye remarked, noticing Jun Wu’s usefulness for the first time.

Jun Wu shrugged his shoulder, distancing himself from Rong Ye, choosing not to respond, and instead looking at Gu Qingqing. "Geng Geng, you must be tired today, get some rest."

Gu Qingqing was surprised to hear Jun Wu say so much, especially as he stared straight at her. She instinctively nodded, then bid farewell to Nan Hua and the others before heading to her room after obtaining their agreement.

After watching Gu Qingqing close her door, Jun Wu glanced at Nan Hua and the other two, then also headed to his room.

"Heh, this kid is getting cocky," Rong Ye expressed his discontent with Jun Wu’s attitude, snorting.

Nan Hua, however, didn’t respond, just glanced at him, fanning himself as he left.

"Hey, what does he mean by that?" Rong Ye pulled at Mu Chen’s clothes, pointing at Nan Hua, asking discontentedly.

"Alright, Fifth brother, we’re all tired, let’s go rest." Mu Chen pulled his sleeve free from Rong Ye’s grip, smoothing it while offering a reassuring word, then turned and left.

In a flash, Rong Ye was left alone, grimacing before returning to his own room displeased.

...

Meanwhile, in the courtyard where the Nalan Family was staying, Nalan Qing, having lost face with Nan Hua in the afternoon, returned to her room, shutting the door, even having dinner there.

In the evening, her door was knocked on, only reluctantly opening it after hearing Nalan Jin’s voice, letting him in.

"Second brother, why are you here at this time?" Despite being respectful towards Nalan Jin, Nalan Qing quickly poured him a glass of water, asking.

"I need to ask you whether you said something to the Lan Family’s Lan Shaoxin to provoke him into a fight, resulting in him getting hurt?" Nalan Jin placed the cup on the table, directly asking.

Nalan Qing’s smile froze, a flicker of panic in her eyes, but she dared not lie. "Second brother, how did you know?"

"That’s not for you to worry about," Nalan Jin’s eyes showed a hint of impatience, his expression stern. "Qing’er, I’m telling you, stop those underhanded tricks. Being rejected isn’t shameful, but instigating Lan Shaoxin to confront others is wrong, especially since he got hurt. If the Lan Family blames you, you know the consequences!"

Nalan Qing trembled, hurriedly bowing, clutching Nalan Jin’s clothes. "Second brother, I only mentioned it casually, I didn’t know Lan Shaoxin would be so foolish to actually start a fight, I really didn’t intend it!"

"Whether you intended it or not, only you know. If the Lan Family doesn’t bring it up, fine. If they do, find a way to solve it yourself!" Nalan Jin slapped her hands away, standing up, saying coldly.

He glanced at Nalan Qing, giving her no chance to speak again, turning to leave her room.

Nalan Qing, not expecting Nalan Jin’s indifference, sat on the chair, her expression shifting between various degrees of frustration.

...

In Zhuo Zhen Song’s study, where he was attending to official duties, the housekeeper entered after knocking.

"Family Head, there was an altercation today involving the guests invited by the young master and the Lan Family’s Lan Shaoxin. That Mr. Nan broke one of Lan Shaoxin’s arms; the Lan Family is causing a ruckus now," the housekeeper detailed the events at Spring Crane Building.

"Oh? How did this conflict arise?" Zhuo Zhen Song paused his writing, looking up with curiosity.

"Lan Shaoxin has feelings for Nalan Family’s Nalan Qing. Nalan Qing likely had previous disputes with Mr. Nan and said something to Lan Shaoxin, leading to his misunderstanding. Upon seeing Mr. Nan, he directly attacked but was outmatched, losing an arm," Housekeeper Lin, evidently informed, explained.

"That little lass from the Nalan Family doesn’t have pure intentions," Zhuo Zhen Song stroked his beard, shaking his head. "Lan Shaoxin also lacks discernment. Keep an eye on this, and if the Lan Family seeks retribution against Mr. Nan, provide assistance."

Zhuo Zhen Song disapproved of the Lan Family’s conduct, and given Nan Hua and the others had saved Zhuo Tingqiu’s life, he naturally favored them, not intending to side with the Lan Family.

"Understood, I’ll take care, sir." Housekeeper Lin, understanding Zhuo Zhen Song’s stance, nodded.

...

The next morning, Zhuo Tingqiu arrived early at Gu Qingqing’s courtyard. His attentive demeanor displeased Nan Hua and the others, who, because of Gu Qingqing’s fondness, couldn’t refuse his company, leaving them even more disgruntled.

"Geng Geng, let’s go, I’ll take you to see the beautiful beach I mentioned before." Zhuo Tingqiu had written to Gu Qingqing about picturesque places in Shangyang City and promised to take her there upon her arrival, not forgetting his promise.

Gu Qingqing’s eyes lit up, nodding eagerly.

Though Nan Hua and the others weren’t interested, they didn’t want Zhuo Tingqiu alone with Gu Qingqing, so they decided to tag along as well.

The beach was outside the city, some distance from Shangyang City, and they traveled there by carriage drawn by Heavenly Qilin Horses.