Chapter 31: Xiao Ran

After returning home, Yan Buji originally wanted to discuss with Yan Xirou the matter of marrying her off to Zhou Hua, but he had some things to handle, so he postponed it for a night.

The next day.

"Sir, someone is requesting to see you in the parlor. They say you know them, and after you look at this, you'll know who they are."

Yan Buji looked puzzled, picking up the half jade pendant the servant had brought.

This half jade pendant is smooth as a mirror, neither white nor green, but somewhere between, with a faint red halo at its center.

"It's him?! Good, I'll go right away." Yan Buji's face darkened as he realized something.

Soon, Yan Buji arrived at the parlor, but he didn't see the person he expected; instead, he saw a clean‑looking youth in plain clothes.

The youth wasn't particularly handsome, with some baby fat on his cheeks; his big eyes lit up seeing Yan Buji come, and he stepped forward, clasping his hands and saying:

"I am your nephew Xiao Ran, greetings, Uncle Yan."

"Xiao Ran... you are the son of my brother Xiao Dingtian?!" Yan Buji widened his eyes, saying in surprise.

Xiao Ran smiled honestly, nodding: "Yes, I have come specially to pay my respects, Uncle."

Yan Buji chuckled: "Please sit and speak."

"Yes."

Although I don't know why Xiao Ran has come now, if it were merely for some money, it wouldn't matter.

After seated, Yan Buji asked: "Xiao Ran, how is your father these days?"

Xiao Ran's expression fell, replying: "Uncle, thank you for your concern, but my father passed away three years ago."

"Three years?! Alas, when I parted from Brother Xiao back then, I never imagined we would never meet again in this lifetime." Yan Buji sighed, feeling deeply moved.

Xiao Dingtian and Yan Buji were actually orphans from the same straw hut back then; Yan Buji chose to come to Lin Shan Cheng to engage in business and make money, while Xiao Dingtian was taken in as a disciple by a jianghu sect; they parted for twenty years, never expecting things to be as they are now...

"Alas, nephew, Brother Xiao and I shared a life‑and‑death bond; do you have a place to go? If not, you might as well stay with me—I guarantee that whatever I have to eat, you will have as well." Yan Buji said with a smile.

Xiao Ran clasped his hands: "Thank you, Uncle! Actually, I came this time... to ask you, Uncle, do you still remember the promise you made with my father back then?"

"The promise... you mean arranging a children's marriage alliance?" Yan Buji frowned.

Xiao Ran nodded.

Yan Buji fell silent for a moment, then closed his eyes and said: "This matter... I won't hide it from you, nephew; my daughter is indeed approaching the age to leave her chamber, but... she is currently studying at Lingshan Academy. I need to discuss this with her as well; of course I'm not refusing, and if you two can make it work, I, as your uncle, will naturally not stand in the way."

Xiao Ran froze for a moment, not expecting Yan Buji to say such an excuse.

Xiao Ran looked at him and clasped his hands: "I know full well that, whether in family background or appearance, I am not worthy of your daughter; so here I only ask that, for my father's sake, you take me in for a while. After that time, I will naturally depart."

"That's fine; I'll have someone arrange lodging for you. During this time you can also get to know Rou Er; if she has no objections, I will also support your matter." Yan Buji said with a smile.

Xiao Ran looked at him in surprise.

I originally thought this uncle's many objections meant he didn't want to give his daughter to me, but now it seems he isn't opposing; rather, he truly respects their own choice.

Thinking this, Xiao Ran clasped his hands in salute: "Thank you, Uncle."

"Hehe, you're welcome; during this time, let me take you around Lin Shan Cheng."

"All right."

After arranging lodging, Yan Buji then took Xiao Ran by carriage to tour the city.

Xiao Ran's identity is certainly beyond doubt; back then he had a good relationship with Xiao Dingtian, and one can see Xiao Dingtian's likeness in Xiao Ran's face.

The key is that half jade pendant; it is indeed what Xiao Dingtian left me when we parted.

It was said that if one of us fell on hard times while the other prospered, we would recognize each other with this half jade pendant; and if we had children, they would become a marriage alliance.

However, this young man Xiao Ran—Yan Buji finds he cannot read his thoughts!

If he were only after money but too embarrassed to say so, then his staying at the Yan residence would merely be for Yan Buji's wealth.

Yet when he sees those expensive jewels and ornaments, his face shows no change, appearing rather indifferent, indicating he is not here for money;

For a girl he has never met, merely because they were betrothed before birth, after all these years why would Xiao Ran travel a thousand miles to seek her out? Without an emotional basis, it simply isn't normal;

Moreover, although he dresses plainly, his whole bearing exudes a unique temperament; each time he sees this prosperous Lin Shan Cheng, his eyes may hold curiosity but no trace of envy.

Yan Buji found it strange what fate Xiao Ran had met; he went to a tailor's shop and shouted: "Boss, make a set of clothes for my nephew."

"Master Yan's esteemed presence truly brightens this humble place! This is Master Yan's nephew, a real talent!" The shop owner came out, smiling as he gave Xiao Ran a few glances.

Xiao Ran, flattered and startled, said: "Uncle, this...."

"It's fine, just a set of clothes; boss, how long will it take?"

"Since Master Yan himself has come, I guarantee I'll have it done before this afternoon!"

"Good, here's the deposit; use the finest fabric to make it!"

"Certainly."

Yan Buji paid readily, then took Xiao Ran to continue strolling the city.

He also bought Xiao Ran some daily necessities; Xiao Ran, quite curious, asked:

"Uncle, you're being overly courteous. Not only letting me stay at your home, you're personally handling these little matters for me."

"Alas, you say they're trifles. Your father said the same back then, but I cannot forget my roots." Yan Buji laughed, shaking his head.

Xiao Ran's face showed emotion; he felt a fondness for this uncle he had just met, at least he doesn't seem like a heartless, unrighteous person.

After a day out, Yan Buji and Xiao Ran returned to the Yan residence; the servants had already begun preparing dinner.

"Wait a moment; Rou Er will be back from the academy shortly, and then I'll introduce you to her." Yan Buji said with a smile.

"Yes, I hope my little sister won't despise me." Xiao Ran gave a wry smile.

"That won't happen; Rou Er is kind‑hearted and will surely get along well with you." Yan Buji said.

Xiao Ran nodded.

After a while, Yan Xirou returned with Xiao Cui; seeing Xiao Ran in the parlor, she glanced at him in surprise and asked:

"Father, I'm back; who is this?"

"This is the son of my childhood brother Xiao Dingtian, also your cousin, Xiao Ran."

"Originally it's Cousin Xiao, I'm the younger sister Yan Xirou, I've met you, Cousin." Yan Xirou smiled and said.

Seeing that Rou Er showed no change, Yan Buji secretly nodded in his heart.

It seems Zhou Hua that old thing isn't in a hurry to clarify with Yan Xirou; then tomorrow I'll go and settle accounts with him, after I finish the Spring Literary Assembly I'll just leave it to him.

As for Xiao Ran?

Although his background is somewhat strange, his identity is fine, but it seems he probably didn't come for Rou Er.