Chapter 155: Family Heirloom

Everyone: "……"

It must be their ears that have a problem, right?

Otherwise, how could they hear such shocking words?

But the National Master clearly looked at Ye Qingran with an expectant expression, as if he were truly waiting for her reply!

That's the National Master, after all!

His identity is mysterious, his ability surpasses all, and his looks are peerless.

If he wishes, the women of Donglin Country will flock to him and become his women.

But at this very moment, he humbly awaits Ye Qingran's reply?

Crazy!

Ye Qingran met the National Master's smiling face, inwardly calling him a monster, wondering if he'd taken the wrong medicine today—he's usually stern, yet now he smiles like a flower.

Moreover, what is this guy up to? He suddenly appeared at the banquet, claiming to have long admired her—didn't you see how those noble ladies' eyes looked like they wanted to devour her?

Could he have come to rescue her?

Ye Qingran thought it over; though it seemed far-fetched, it wasn't impossible. After all, many people, misled by Consort Gu and others, believed she had missed her chance with Zhou Hai and would never marry. Seeing her pitiable state, the National Master, out of consideration for Fu Chenzhen, might be lending a hand?

That would be plausible.

"Surely he can't truly like me?" Ye Qingran thought to herself.

Thinking this, Ye Qingran felt an inexplicable stir in her heart, which vanished when she recalled his ruthlessness that night at the Guoshi Fu.

National Master, she can't afford him!

"National Master, have you made a mistake? Ye Qingran is not chaste and lacks even a Spiritual Root—how could she deserve your affection?"

Mu Qingrou was unwilling from head to toe.

From the moment she first saw the National Master, she had fallen for this perfect man; becoming his woman would be a great happiness.

"So what if she's not chaste? I, the National Master, also have two children. As for strength, my woman needs none—I can protect her myself!"

So overbearing!

So charming!

I so want to marry him!

The ladies, especially the unmarried maidens, felt their hearts about to leap out of their chests.

In this world, how can there be a man so naturally overbearing?

Yet he glanced at no one; his deep, distant eyes gazed affectionately at Ye Qingran.

Had she not witnessed his cold side, Ye Qingran would truly have been deceived by him.

"National Master, you are the moon in heaven, I am but dust—how could I be worthy?" Ye Qingran shook her head lightly, giving her answer.

Everyone secretly cursed Ye Qingran for not knowing good from bad, actually refusing the National Master's kindness; for a moment they both loved and hated her.

They loved her refusal, hated her charm.

"Miss Ye, why belittle yourself?" the National Master gave a faint smile, causing the moon and stars to lose their color.

"It's not that I belittle myself; indeed, my past is checkered with misdeeds, making me unworthy of the National Master."

"I care about your present, desire your future; the past is past." He spoke softly, his peerless face under the lights exuding a sensual, ascetic allure.

The invisible man Fu San was utterly stunned, exclaiming, "Impressive!"

Your Majesty, are you sure this is your first time falling in love?

How does he feel like a seasoned veteran?

Listen to these love words—how moving they are! Which young maiden wouldn't have her heart flutter upon hearing them?

Ye Qingran's eyes flickered; for a moment she couldn't tell how sincere his words just were.

If not for what happened six years ago, if not for that night's dalliance, perhaps the National Master would be a decent choice for her.

Ye Qingran pondered a while, then said: "I just turned down Zhou Hai today; if I immediately agreed to the National Master, that would be disrespectful to you."

The National Master broke into a smile, "No problem." Saying so, he pulled a bracelet from his bosom, stepped forward a few paces, and handed it to Ye Qingran.

"This is our family's heirloom, worn by the mistress of the house through the generations. Today I give it to you; if you agree later, you'll keep it; if not, just return it to me."

Ah?

"Isn't this inappropriate?" To accept a family heirloom before even a stroke of the eight characters—how unreliable does that sound?

"Nothing wrong with that. Giving it to you shows my sincerity; accepting it shows yours."

Ye Qingran blinked, uncharacteristically confused.

Is that really the case?

Before she could regain her composure, the National Master's bewitching voice sounded in her ear: "This thing is easy to lose; why not just wear it?"

Wear it?

"This isn't…"

Before she finished speaking, a dark-green Jade Bracelet appeared on her left wrist.

Ye Qingran was dumbfounded.

When did she put it on?

"It looks quite nice; I think it suits you well."

Ye Qingran: "……"

I suspect there's hidden meaning in your words.

"No way, this is too precious—I can't wear it!" If she broke it and got blamed, that would be trouble. Ye Qingran said while trying to take it off, but no matter how hard she strained, the bracelet seemed to have grown onto her wrist and would not come off.

Ye Qingran glared at him with astonished eyes.

Fu Hanxiu retained a faint smile of success in his eyes, fox-like and cunning, well hidden when Ye Qingran glared at him.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you—after putting on the bracelet, you can't take it off for at least three months."

What?

At least?

Does that mean it's a probabilistic event? Three months is the minimum?

"Then what's the maximum?"

"The National Master frowned, thinking, and said, 'It's hard to say the maximum. It could be ten years, or maybe even a hundred years…'"

Holy shit!

What kind of immortal bracelet is this?

Ye Qingran's urge to swear has never been stronger than now.

Fu Hanxiu, he definitely did it on purpose!

Done for, done for!

I had been thinking that, once the matter was settled, I'd hurry to leave Xiliang City, this place of right and wrong, keep my distance from him, and let that night's female flying thief become completely a thing of the past, forgotten in time.

Now…

Does this thing have a tracking function?

"Is there no other way to remove it?"

She forced those words out through clenched teeth.

Fu Hanxiu shook his head. "Looks like there isn't!"

Looks like?

She's really going to die of anger!!!

"After all, is there or isn't there?!"

"Yes."

Ye Qingran brightened, but after Fu Hanxiu finished his next sentence, her face fell again.

"However, the risk is high—the bracelet is very likely to shatter."

Fine, you're ruthless!

Ye Qingran is about to burst with anger, while Fu Hanxiu feels smug inside.

This jade bracelet is a fine heirloom of the Fu family; today he finally placed it on the woman he had taken a liking to. Although she feels no affection for him, he has at last taken a step of milestone significance.

Fu San, upon seeing that jade bracelet, was secretly startled.