Chapter 20: No More Meetings
He Yun Sheng stood in front of He Yan.
Fan Cheng was somewhat taken aback.
He knew that the relationship between He Yan and He Yun Sheng, these siblings, had always been strained. Having known He Yan for so long, he had almost never seen her and He Yun Sheng appear together. On the rare occasions they did cross paths, they were always arguing.
But now, looking at He Yun Sheng's demeanor, it didn’t seem like they were quarreling. Instead, it appeared as though he was protecting He Yan. Had something unknown happened between them?
He then turned his gaze to He Yan. The young girl stared back at him with clear, bright eyes, full of frankness, devoid of lingering affection. It didn’t seem like she still held any feelings for him.
Fan Cheng took another step forward, his voice filled with concern and urgency. "I heard you fell seriously ill recently. I hope you’ve recovered... Would you like me to send some tonics to your home? What do you prefer? You seem to have lost weight, and I’m truly worried."
The man was decent-looking, dressed in fine clothes, and his earnestness was palpable. If it had been the original Miss He standing here, she would likely have been moved to tears.
Before He Yan could respond, He Yun Sheng, fearing she might be swayed by Fan Cheng’s sweet words, quickly interjected, "Don’t listen to his nonsense! Have you forgotten who caused you to fall gravely ill? The things they said at the Fan family’s doorstep! This man is nothing but a liar!"
He Yan had already heard this story from He Yun Sheng. The original Miss He, upon learning that her beloved had married someone else, went to demand an explanation, only to be thrown out by the Fan family’s servants without even seeing Fan Cheng. Heartbroken, she fell ill and never recovered.
Hearing this, Fan Cheng inwardly cursed He Yun Sheng for meddling, but his expression grew even more sorrowful. "Ah Yan, my parents arranged this marriage—it was their decision, not mine. I had no choice. But you must know how I feel about you. Why listen to outsiders sowing discord?"
"Who are you calling an outsider?" He Yun Sheng flared up in anger. "I’m her own brother! What are you to her? Don’t think you can take advantage!"
He Yan patted He Yun Sheng’s shoulder, signaling him to calm down. She then turned to Fan Cheng and bowed slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Fan. My health has fully recovered. It was merely a passing chill, and my younger brother is still young—he speaks recklessly."
Fan Cheng hadn’t expected her to say this and was momentarily speechless.
"What’s past is past. Young Master Fan is now married, and it would be improper for me to remain close to you, lest it distress your wife. From now on, let us go our separate ways and no longer meet."
He Yan felt her words were considerate, sparing Fan Cheng any embarrassment. Glancing at He Yun Sheng, she saw he seemed pleased with her response, looking at Fan Cheng like a victorious rooster, brimming with triumph.
Fan Cheng studied He Yan carefully.
Truth be told, their meeting had been purely accidental. During an outing, she had twisted her ankle, and Fan Cheng, ever the gallant, had offered her a ride.
To be fair, He Yan was quite pretty, though not breathtakingly so. As a young master from a wealthy family, he had seen all kinds of women. He Yan was likely drawn to his status and wealth, hoping for a life of luxury. A piece of meat delivered to his doorstep—why not take it? A decent-looking woman with a clean background—Fan Cheng had considered taking her in as a concubine.
Who would have thought He Yan was so ambitious, aiming for nothing less than the position of his lawful wife?How could he possibly marry the daughter of a mere city gate captain? He Yan was delusional. But to deceive her into his hands, Fan Cheng had coaxed her along, gifting her cheap cosmetics and trinkets that would send her into raptures.
Who would have thought that one day, upon learning of his impending marriage, He Yan would storm into the Fan residence and make a scene? The wife he was marrying was the eldest daughter of a civil official. If word got out, the marriage might be called off. So Fan Cheng had his servants drive He Yan away.
It was said that He Yan had been utterly heartbroken, nearly throwing herself to her death at his doorstep. Fan Cheng couldn’t be bothered. Later, he married his delicate bride, and everything went smoothly.
But after the honeymoon, Fan Cheng’s old habits resurfaced. His new wife, however, was fierce and domineering, keeping him on a tight leash. He couldn’t visit brothels or pleasure houses, and even some of his concubines had been dismissed. At this point, Fan Cheng began to miss the sweet and tender He Yan.
Unlike his shrewish wife, He Yan had been soft as water, though occasionally throwing cute little tantrums. Fan Cheng sent someone to inquire about her and learned that after leaving his residence, she had fallen gravely ill. When she recovered, she no longer went out alone, occasionally selling pastries with her younger brother across from the Zuoyu Tower.
He hadn’t expected to run into her here today.
He Yan seemed different from before.
The way she looked at him lacked the fawning and coquettishness of the past—her frankness was startling. Her features were the same, yet there was a new vitality about her, even a hint of a boldness she hadn’t possessed before. It was this boldness that made her striking beauty all the more distinct, and even the polite smile at her lips was hard to look away from.
It was as if she had been reborn.
"You’re still angry with me, aren’t you?" Fan Cheng said gloomily.
He was certain He Yan still held feelings for him. How could she have stopped loving him overnight? Just like before, if he apologized and gave her gifts, she would forgive him. Women like her—a few sweet words, a vow or two, and they’d be devoted to him forever.
He Yan had no idea what Fan Cheng was thinking. She had made herself perfectly clear—why did he seem not to understand? She turned to the old tailor and asked, "Have the measurements been taken?"
The tailor nodded.
"This is the deposit," He Yan placed the silver on the counter. "When will the clothes be ready?"
"Spring and summer garments in twenty days. Winter clothes will take longer, about a month or so."
"Alright," He Yan smiled. "We’ll come back in twenty days. Please make them beautiful," she pointed at He Yun Sheng, "The boy here is quite vain."
"Who’s vain?!" He Yun Sheng flushed with indignation.
The tailor chuckled but said nothing, nodding in agreement.
He Yan and He Yun Sheng left the shop, giving Fan Cheng only a slight nod before walking away without another word.
Fan Cheng wanted to say more, but the girl had already strode off decisively. He Yun Sheng, however, turned back and secretly shook a fist at him, his eyes full of warning.
"Hmph." Fan Cheng sneered.
"Young Master, Miss He’s attitude toward you…" the servant grumbled.
"It’s nothing," Fan Cheng waved a hand. "Women—just throwing a tantrum, that’s all."Today's He Yan was truly different from before. That aloof demeanor of hers was incredibly tantalizing. Fan Cheng suddenly realized he had spent so much time on He Yan, yet in truth, hadn't gained any advantage.
How could he let the prey that was already in his mouth escape? Since they'd met here today, why not pick up where they left off and complete this beautiful affair?
Fan Cheng revealed a confident smile brimming with self-assurance.
(End of Chapter)
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