Seeing Ling Chi Yuan's pleading, even somewhat amusing, appearance, Feng Ran eventually agreed.
But what happened next made Feng Ran regret it, regret her momentary compassion.
She thought that if she hadn't agreed, then such a thing wouldn't have happened.
They arrived at a quiet courtyard.
The carriage stopped, and Feng Ran alighted, following Ling Chi Yuan.
Ling Chi Yuan said haughtily, "See? I've brought the person, so you can't say I was bragging."
"I told you, there must be fairies in this world. I've brought one this time, and you've seen her with your own eyes, so you shouldn't say anything more, right?"
"I told you long ago, I wouldn't stoop to lying."
"If it exists, it exists; if it doesn't, it doesn't."
Feng Ran bowed, then looked up. Upon seeing the two people before her, her face instantly froze. She didn't even dare to speak.
Her face was deathly pale.
She truly never expected such an embarrassing situation to happen to her.
If she could hide right now, she wished she could disappear instantly.
Li Yun Cheng and Xu Yun Qing had initially paid no mind, but upon hearing the familiar voice, they were stunned.
However, in the next moment, Li Yun Cheng looked at Ling Chi Yuan and said, "As expected, she's a fairy."
"This is the only time you've spoken truthfully."
Xu Yun Qing, however, was different. A playful smile spread across his face, his gaze lingering on Feng Ran, his eyes filled with a bloodthirsty glint. "Feng Ran, I didn't expect to meet you in such circumstances. This is truly a special fate."
Ling Chi Yuan looked at Xu Yun Qing, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
He even found Xu Yun Qing's gaze towards Feng Ran somewhat detestable.
Ling Chi Yuan immediately stepped in front of Feng Ran, shielding her behind him, and looked at Xu Yun Qing, saying, "What is it? Do you know each other?"
"Wait, regardless of whether you know each other, you should cover up your appearance first."
After speaking, Ling Chi Yuan turned his gaze back to Feng Ran. "Feng Ran, when did you get to know Xu Yun Qing? Let me tell you, this Xu Yun Qing is not a good person. You should stay away from him." He lowered his voice, murmuring softly into Feng Ran's ear.
At this moment, Feng Ran felt Xu Yun Qing's gaze fixed on her, and her entire body trembled.
She already regretted it and just wanted to leave immediately.
She hadn't expected Ling Chi Yuan to know Xu Yun Qing.
Feng Ran even resented herself, wondering why she hadn't refused.
If she had refused, Ling Chi Yuan wouldn't have forced her. She began to hate herself, wondering why she had shown such compassion.
Feng Ran thought that if she had known she would have to face this, she would never have agreed, no matter what.
Ling Chi Yuan sensed Feng Ran's discomfort. He took her hand and asked softly, "Feng Ran, are you not feeling well? Shall I take you to rest?"
"Perhaps, your body hasn't fully recovered yet."
Feng Ran's face was deathly pale because, as Ling Chi Yuan spoke, she heard Xu Yun Qing's mocking sneer.
Feng Ran understood that in Xu Yun Qing's eyes, she was a lowly person.
Li Yun Cheng chuckled and said, "Chi Yuan, you've met someone you care about."
"We've known each other for many years, but I've never seen you so attentive to any woman." Li Yun Cheng teased, "It seems Chi Yuan is about to be tamed."
"Yun Qing, aren't you happy for Chi Yuan?" Li Yun Cheng looked meaningfully at Xu Yun Qing, his eyes carrying a warning.
Xu Yun Qing seemed unfazed by Li Yun Cheng's words, continuing to stare intently at Feng Ran.
Li Yun Cheng shook his head, even wondering how Feng Ran had gotten involved with Xu Yun Qing.
Li Yun Cheng frowned. "Yun Qing, you shouldn't mistreat a friend's wife. You should understand this."
Xu Yun Qing, however, smiled. "Oh, really?" He looked at Feng Ran, his voice laced with sarcasm. "If I recall correctly, she is Feng Ran. Feng Ran is the top courtesan at Chun Man Yuan."
"It's said that anyone with money can have her."
Xu Yun Qing smiled and said, "I wonder, am I mistaken, Feng Ran?"
That single word, "Feng Ran," made her tremble all over. She was terrified.
Her face grew even paler.
Ling Chi Yuan's stern gaze fell on Xu Yun Qing, and he said furiously, "Xu Yun Qing, I brought Feng Ran here because I considered you a friend. If you insult Feng Ran like this, then from now on, we will no longer be friends."
Xu Yun Qing let out a cold snort, glanced at Feng Ran, and finally fixed his gaze on Ling Chi Yuan, saying indifferently, "I'm just concerned for you, so you don't get deceived. Women from places like that are good at deceiving."
"I'm afraid you'll be completely fooled and end up with nothing."
"Although you won't like to hear this, it's the truth. Whether you believe it or not, it's up to you."
"Oh, and Chi Yuan, don't worry, I'm only interested in ladies from prestigious families. After all, my future wife will be from a noble lineage."
Li Yun Cheng looked at Xu Yun Qing. Although Xu Yun Qing's mouth was often sharp, he wouldn't normally say such hurtful and provocative things. Today, Xu Yun Qing was truly acting strange.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Ling Chi Yuan's eyes as he looked at Xu Yun Qing.
He eventually placed his hand on Feng Ran's back, patting her gently. He whispered, "Feng Ran, don't pay attention to his words. Xu Yun Qing is usually like this. However, he's not a bad person at heart. He just has a sharp tongue."
"Ling Chi Yuan, I need to go outside for a moment..."
"I'll accompany you," Ling Chi Yuan said, looking at Feng Ran's pale face. He was worried and didn't want Feng Ran to be alone outside.
He was afraid Feng Ran would overthink things.
"No, you don't have to. No..."
Ling Chi Yuan seemed to recall something and immediately asked a nearby attendant to lead Feng Ran.
Feng Ran quickly followed the attendant, head bowed, and walked away.
But at this moment, Xu Yun Qing stood up and took a couple of steps forward. Feng Ran's heart leaped, and her footsteps instantly stopped. Her gaze fell on Xu Yun Qing, but she quickly turned away.
A mocking smile curved Xu Yun Qing's lips, and he let out a cold snort.
Just as Feng Ran was contemplating what she could say to stay there, Xu Yun Qing returned to his seat.
Feng Ran's heart, which had been in her throat, finally relaxed completely.
She finally let out a sigh of relief.
With Feng Ran no longer present, Ling Chi Yuan looked at Xu Yun Qing and said, "What's wrong with you today? Do you know Feng Ran? Why do I feel you have such deep hostility towards her?"
"Did she offend you?"
"No."
"Then, isn't it a bit excessive for you to treat her that way?" Ling Chi Yuan's voice became somewhat loud.
"Heh, is it? I don't think so."
"Ling Chi Yuan, your status is what it is. Naturally, you must be cautious in everything you do."
"Then how do you know about Feng Ran's situation?" Ling Chi Yuan asked guardedly.