Chapter 40: Why Not Try Again?
Chen Yan summoned a ride to the heart of the city, guiding Lu Si Si through a bustling marketplace before stepping into a mid-tier boutique specializing in winter garments. He was no extravagant noble, nor did his wealth flow boundlessly like an unceasing river. The silver in his pockets was already accounted for—soon, he would have to part with a hefty sum for compensation over the ruined dwelling.
Grand and opulent brands like *Canada Goose *were out of the question.
Instead, he chose a reputable, yet modest establishment. As soon as they entered, he called for an attendant and had them pick a down coat that suited Lu Si Si.
Face flushed, the girl instinctively shook her head, stepping back in refusal. But Chen Yan lowered his voice, his tone calm yet resolute. “You owe me more than a few lives already. What’s one piece of clothing? You can repay me when you earn your own silver.”
Hearing these words, Lu Si Si fell silent. She cast him a long, searching gaze—eyes reflecting emotions too complex to decipher—before obediently turning toward the mirror to try on the coat.
A soft ivory down jacket draped over her frame, replacing the warm yellow one she had been wearing. The old coat was folded into a bag, carried away by Chen Yan’s hand.
It wasn’t a lavish expense—just a thousand silver, barely enough to stir ripples in the lake of his thoughts.
Next, Chen Yan led her to a modest hotpot restaurant. As the bubbling broth released fragrant steam, he casually nudged a plate of marbled beef into the pot, speaking as though it were idle chatter. “Your examinations are over. You should be on break now. Are you heading home? Your family estate is in Jin Ling Prefecture—there’s no reason for you to remain at the academy.”
Lu Si Si hesitated before answering, “My parents and younger brother are traveling in Harbor City. No one’s home. Returning would be meaningless.”
Chen Yan’s chopsticks stilled momentarily. “That time we met on the flight from Harbor City to Jin Ling Prefecture…”
“Mm. That was when I followed my family to pay respects to our ancestors. But I have no right to step into the Yang Clan’s Ancestral Hall. I simply waited outside, burned some incense by the roadside, and then left the next day.”
Chen Yan’s brows furrowed as he studied the delicate girl before him.
Lu Si Si, however, only smiled gently. Her expression was calm, her voice even softer. “It’s alright, Chen Yan. I’ve been an ill-starred shadow in my family for years. They’re used to keeping their distance. I’ve long since grown accustomed to it.”
“You won’t have to anymore,” he said with quiet certainty. “From now on, your fate will be different. Your family will warm to you, little by little.”
Lu Si Si merely shook her head. “I don’t think I mind as much anymore.”
“No one can truly not mind.” Chen Yan exhaled slowly. “People are made of flesh and blood. We know who treats us well and who does not. It’s impossible to be indifferent to such things. Even if others fail you, you must at least be kind to yourself.”
Lu Si Si bit her lip before murmuring, “Chen Yan, you speak as though you understand this pain personally.”
“I don’t have parents,” he replied with a faint smile. “My grandmother raised me.”
She was stunned. The gears of her mind turned, connecting unspoken truths. When she looked at him again, there was something new in her gaze—an understanding, a quiet sorrow, and perhaps… something else.
Chen Yan noticed but said nothing. Instead, he tapped his chopsticks against the rim of her bowl, his tone light yet firm. “Your life is no longer one of treading cautiously through a minefield. There’s no need to be so careful all the time. Smile more.”
Lu Si Si lifted her face, and under the warm glow of the restaurant’s lanterns, she revealed a serene smile—white teeth like pearls, lips curving with gentle grace. “Like this?”
“Exactly like that. It suits you.”
“Then, I’ll make sure to smile more from now on.” The girl nodded earnestly, as though carving the promise into her heart.
She paused, then added, “Actually, these past few days, I’ve felt at ease. For the first time in my life, I can walk the streets without fear. I can sit by the roadside, watching people come and go, and feel… free. I’ve lived eighteen years, yet only now do I realize—this world is actually quite beautiful.”
Her gaze met his, steady and sincere. “Thank you.”
Chen Yan slid a few pieces of beef into her bowl. “Didn’t you say you wanted to travel? Now’s the time. Start close to home before you venture far.”
“Mm.”
“And make some friends at the academy. You’ve been too restrained, suffocating yourself.”
“…Alright. I’ll remember that.”
Satisfied, Chen Yan nodded and set about devouring his meal. His appetite had been stifled these past days—now, he indulged, consuming an entire plate of beef and two more of lamb slices in one sitting.
Lu Si Si still ate delicately, yet she was clearly enjoying herself. She focused on a plate of grilled fish, carefully picking out the bones with practiced ease.
By the time Chen Yan reached his limit, he set his chopsticks aside, took a sip of water, and turned solemn. “There’s something I need to ask you… The Harbor City’s Esteemed Adept who read your fate years ago—do you remember his name?”
Lu Si Si gave it serious thought before shaking her head. “I was only five. I don’t remember his name. But… I do recall his appearance.”
She hesitated, then described, “He had thick, striking eyebrows. Like two ink brushes. Very distinct.”
“Did you ever see him again after that?”
“No,” she replied, her voice light but firm. “Men like him are costly. My family would never spend such money on someone like me.”
Chen Yan tapped his fingers against the table, his mind shifting through possibilities before he spoke, “If you see your parents again, ask about this master from Harbor City. Try to find out his name. If you do, let me know. But don’t make it obvious.”
Lu Si Si frowned slightly. “Is something wrong with him?”
Chen Yan smiled, brushing away her concern with an easy air. “I suspect he was a fraud. Whatever fate he predicted for you—it was flawed. Nothing to be alarmed about.”
“Very well, if I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
Chen Yan added, “For now, try to avoid going to Harbor City. If… I’m just saying if… that master seeks you out, tell me immediately.”
“Alright,” Lu Si Si replied softly, her voice as obedient as a kitten.
At the beginning, Chen Yan only intended to help Lu Si Si shift her fortunes.
He had hidden in the shadows, employing the Fake Death Technique, a method that deceived the Heavenly Dao, using it merely to sever the ill fate surrounding Lu Si Si without drawing the attention of Harbor City’s Esteemed Adept.
Yet, after spending several days together performing the ritual, their relationship grew closer. Gradually, Chen Yan found himself unable to simply walk away. He wanted to go further—to erase the lingering threats around her completely.
It wasn’t desire, nor was it romantic attachment. It was simply that this girl was too soft, too pitiful. Anyone who saw her would feel a stirring of compassion. A chivalrous impulse rose within him—to do what was right.
After all, what young man hadn’t dreamed of being a hero?
The world often spoke of youthful righteousness, and perhaps only in youth could such ideals burn so brightly. If he were a few years older, worn down by reality, perhaps he would be colder, more indifferent.
—
Though Chen Yan had acted cautiously, what if the Esteemed Adept of Harbor City sensed something?
What if, after stealing Lu Si Si’s Fate, the man had more insidious plans?
Since he had already resolved to interfere, he might as well see it through to the end. That meant dealing with the threat from Harbor City as well.
But first, he needed to gather information on the man—learn his reputation, gauge his abilities.
Chen Yan was never reckless. When dealing with Luo Yun Zhai, he had meticulously spent an entire day scouting the area without ever showing his face.
A man like the Esteemed Adept must possess true cultivation and profound Dao attainment.
Even though Chen Yan had received a bounty of cultivation feedback, causing his strength to surge severalfold—that did not mean he was invincible.
Caution above all.
If he could strike from the shadows, why confront his foe head-on?
—
Dinner concluded. Chen Yan walked Lu Si Si to the roadside and hailed a carriage for her.
Just as she was about to board, she suddenly turned back, stepping closer. Without warning, her arms wrapped around his waist.
Chen Yan froze.
Before he could react, Lu Si Si, her face flushed crimson, stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Heaven bear witness—as a twenty-two-year-old who had never been in a relationship, Chen Yan stood as still as a statue.
Lu Si Si’s face was so red it seemed she might bleed. In a hurried whisper, she said, “This was my first kiss… You’ve done so much for me, but I have nothing valuable to give you.
Actually, I… I originally had another thought.
That night, after I woke up, I planned to stay behind—to give myself to you… But you left.
Then I understood… even if I had offered, you wouldn’t have accepted.
So, during dinner, I kept thinking about what I could give you…
Chen Yan, if you don’t want me to bother you, just say so. I promise I won’t cling to you.
I… I’m leaving now…”
Her words stumbled out in pieces before she darted into the carriage like a startled rabbit. In an instant, she was gone.
Chen Yan stood there, covering his face, dazed for several seconds before his thoughts finally caught up.
His first thought: So this is what it feels like to be kissed by a girl… Her lips were unbelievably soft.
His second thought—
Regret!
Damn it, am I too late to change my mind?!
Who said I wouldn’t accept?!
Why was she so sure?!
Maybe she should give it another try?!
My willpower isn’t that unshakable!
Should I call her back?
The city is full of inns and taverns—or just take her to the villa?!
Wait, no! That would be too shameless! It would ruin my persona!
I held my posture too high earlier, and now I’m stuck!
—
Still sulking over his missed opportunity, Chen Yan reluctantly prepared to call for his own ride home.
Enough wandering the streets for tonight.
Time to go home.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
Glancing at the screen—Hu Shang Ke.
Chen Yan answered, “What’s up, Old Hu? Is there news about the house compensation?”
“Not yet,” Hu Shang Ke replied cautiously. “I plan to get an estimate first before talking to the owner. But… something else came up just now, and I thought I should tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I passed by Extreme Net Cafe earlier. It was closed. The vendor next door—the one selling roasted chestnuts—mentioned something.”
Chen Yan’s playful expression faded, his gaze sharpening. “Go on.”
“Apparently, the police came last night. They took the Boss Lady’s younger brother away.
That’s all I could find out.”
Hu Shang Ke hesitated, then added, “I know you and the Boss Lady are close. She treats you better than the rest of us. So, when I heard this, I figured I should let you know.”
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation