Ling Chi Yuan approached everything with full confidence, as if obtaining whatever he desired was effortlessly within reach.
However, this time, he had encountered a formidable opponent, feeling as though Xuan Yuan Heng was a demonic entity.
Despite his diligent efforts for many days, he couldn't find any way to control Xuan Yuan Heng.
Xuan Yuan Heng was like an impenetrable fortress, with no discernible weaknesses.
A sense of powerless defeat washed over him.
This was the first time Ling Chi Yuan had experienced such a feeling.
"No, he cannot give up so easily. It hasn't even truly begun. How can he surrender now?"
"Everything happens for a reason."
Feng Ran was the only person in all these years who had stirred his heart, the only one he wished to cherish with all his being. How could he give up so readily? This was not the Ling Chi Yuan he knew.
More than half a month passed.
No matter how hard Ling Chi Yuan tried, he could not find a way to deal with Xuan Yuan Heng.
...
One day, as Feng Ran had just tidied herself up, the door was pushed open from the outside. Upon seeing Ling Chi Yuan, who appeared somewhat weary and with a troubled expression, she was quite taken aback.
He hadn't appeared for days, and the other girls in Chun Man Yuan had been mocking her. From initial discomfort, she had long since grown accustomed to it.
Just when she thought Ling Chi Yuan had given up and their paths would never cross again, he appeared.
At this moment, she was unsure what kind of heart she should have to face Ling Chi Yuan.
"What's wrong? Scared to see this young master? Can't even greet someone anymore?" Ling Chi Yuan's face was wreathed in smiles as he spoke cheerfully.
His smile stood in stark contrast to his tired complexion.
Feng Ran hesitated for a moment, then softly called out, "Young Master Ling."
What was the reason for Ling Chi Yuan's appearance today?
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to invite this young master in for a seat?" Ling Chi Yuan leaned against the doorframe, a smile on his face. He seemed boneless, as if about to faint at any moment.
If it were anyone else, they would have eagerly seized the opportunity to impress. But Feng Ran did not. She continued to look at the person before her calmly, showing no intention of making a move.
Seeing this, Ling Chi Yuan's expression shifted slightly. He feared that if this continued, Feng Ran might become angry. He immediately dropped his frail pretense. In fact, he was afraid that if he delayed, and Feng Ran became displeased, he would be driven away.
Just as Feng Ran was about to close the door, Ling Chi Yuan's hand reached in and stopped her.
Because Feng Ran moved too quickly, by the time she noticed, her hand could no longer be withdrawn. Ling Chi Yuan's hand was caught.
"Are you alright?" Feng Ran asked, flustered.
At this moment, even Feng Ran's speech became somewhat incoherent.
Her eyes were filled with panic.
She was truly afraid that Ling Chi Yuan's hand would be injured because of her.
In reality, these were minor injuries to Ling Chi Yuan. But upon seeing Feng Ran's worried expression, he had an idea.
"It hurts, it hurts a lot."
"Feng Ran, do you think this hand of mine is ruined? If it is, will you be responsible for me for the rest of your life?"
His intentions were as clear as they could possibly be.
Seeing Feng Ran's troubled expression, which looked as if she was about to fight him, he finally suppressed his smile and said softly, "I was just joking. Please don't take it too seriously."
Seeing Feng Ran's face still grim, Ling Chi Yuan grew genuinely frightened.
"Feng Ran, I..."
Feng Ran looked up at him, and for a long time, she couldn't even utter a single word.
Ling Chi Yuan also remained silent. He walked in, behaving with uncharacteristic meekness, sitting upright. Feng Ran found his serious demeanor so amusing that she couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.
Truthfully, she hadn't intended to. But she couldn't hold it in any longer and so she laughed.
Ling Chi Yuan did not seem angry. He simply watched Feng Ran, a smile on his face, as if this simple act brought him great satisfaction.
"Ling..." Just as Feng Ran was about to speak, she was interrupted by an urgent knocking at the door from outside.
Ling Chi Yuan frowned slightly, his demeanor instantly soured, his face becoming extremely displeased.
He initially didn't want to pay attention, but the commotion outside grew louder. Ling Chi Yuan had no choice but to open the door and saw a servant boy.
Observing the servant boy's anxious state, Ling Chi Yuan seemed to have guessed something.
Worried that Feng Ran might overhear, Ling Chi Yuan directly pulled the servant boy outside.
The servant boy naturally did not dare to say anything and followed him out.
Feng Ran watched Ling Chi Yuan's actions, sensing that there was something urgent or something he didn't want her to know. If that was the case, she wouldn't pry.
After all, everyone had their own secrets they wished to keep hidden.
Besides, in what capacity could she question Ling Chi Yuan?
Feng Ran waited in the side room for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Ling Chi Yuan returned, but his expression was grim, his face so dark that it deterred anyone from approaching or speaking.
Ling Chi Yuan remained with his face like thunder.
"Did something happen?"
"Is it related to me?"
Ling Chi Yuan looked up at Feng Ran. He seemed surprised that Feng Ran would suddenly ask such a question.
He was even more surprised by how perceptive Feng Ran was.
She had noticed such a subtle detail.
He had always believed he hid things well, but it now appeared that was not the case.
"Why do you think that?"
"No, it's just that I've always been someone who brings bad luck to people."
"Whenever anything happens to those around me, my first thought is that I've done something wrong."
After saying these words, Feng Ran felt a pang of regret.
Why had she said these things? She shouldn't have even asked.
In this way, her entanglement with Ling Chi Yuan would only deepen.
This was not something she desired.
She had always wished to have no connection with those around her.
She didn't want to drag others into her affairs.
Feng Ran, have you forgotten your own identity? Have you forgotten that you only bring misfortune?
Feng Ran, have you forgotten? Feng Ran, are you trying to harm others?
She was filled with regret at this moment, thinking of how to retract her words.
However, Ling Chi Yuan, on the other hand, was overjoyed, his heart filled with happiness.
He had thought that Feng Ran's heart would never hold him. Perhaps, to Feng Ran, he was merely a fleeting passerby in her life.
But now, after hearing Feng Ran's words, he realized that, in Feng Ran's heart, he was indeed someone different.
If that were the case, then his efforts had not been in vain.
"It's nothing." His previously troubled mood relaxed upon Feng Ran's concern, and his brows unfurrowed. He said calmly, "Feng Ran, you don't need to worry about my affairs. I can handle things myself."
"If my matters cause you any distress, then that is my fault," Ling Chi Yuan said with conviction.
Ling Chi Yuan looked at Feng Ran, meeting her averted gaze. He seemed to understand what Feng Ran was avoiding. He thought that perhaps, he should have a frank conversation with Feng Ran about everything.
To clear up any misunderstandings and misinterpretations, to explain everything, and to let Feng Ran see her own heart clearly.