Volume One, Chapter Nine: Taking Advantage

“That girl has finally come to her senses!”
Duan Wuhen took a sip of the warm tea, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

“Wuhen, my boy, the reason I called you here today isn’t just to thank you for saving Xiyue’s mother, but also to discuss setting a lucky date for your wedding.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiyue’s expression instantly turned flustered. She never imagined her father had such intentions.

But she wasn’t ready to marry just yet. Having grown up without ever experiencing a proper romance, the thought of giving up on her dream of a sweet love story was hard to accept.

“Dad—”
Yan Xiyue walked over and gently shook Yan Mingjun’s arm.

As her father, Yan Mingjun immediately understood his daughter’s little thoughts.

He then adopted a serious expression, grasped her hand earnestly, and said, “Xiyue, you’re not a child anymore. It’s time to settle down and start a family.”

“No! I don’t want to get married so soon!”

Watching the father and daughter locked in stubborn disagreement, Duan Wuhen shook his head and stood up.

“Um, uncle, Xiyue and I have only just met a few days ago. It’s still too early to discuss marriage.”

Yan Mingjun’s face showed signs of panic, while Yan Xiyue looked puzzled, tilting her head as she stared at Duan Wuhen, lost in thought.

“This guy, when did he become so reasonable? No, there must be some trick behind this! Haha, I’ve seen through it,” Yan Xiyue thought, silently praising her own sharp wit.

“Dear nephew, do you truly feel that way?”

Yan Mingjun couldn’t help but ask. From what he knew, the Grandmaster seemed to have arranged several marriage contracts for his disciple already.

Moreover, their family was likely the first Duan Wuhen encountered after coming down the mountain, so they had the advantage of proximity and priority, lest someone else snatch him away.

Seeing Duan Wuhen nod in response, Yan Mingjun sighed heavily and turned to go upstairs.

“Ah, well, young folks’ matters are best left to themselves.”

After Yan Mingjun left, Yan Xiyue leaned close to Duan Wuhen, her eyes darting about.

“Hey, what kind of trick are you hiding? You’re not the type to give up so easily.”

Duan Wuhen smiled mysteriously. “A mountain man always has his clever plans.”

Pouting, Yan Xiyue retorted, “Hmph, say what you will, I don’t care.”

At that moment, Shangguan Xiyue’s voice came from the kitchen, “Xiyue, is Wuhen here?”

Duan Wuhen promptly replied, “Yes, Auntie, it’s me.”

“Good, come in and sit down. Once I finish this dish, we’ll start dinner.”

Yan Xiyue followed the voice into the kitchen. “Let me see what delicious food Mom has prepared!”

Shangguan Xiyue affectionately rubbed Yan Xiyue’s little nose. “You little rascal, I made all your favorites. Always so carefree, and here’s Wuhen too.”

Unrelenting, Yan Xiyue grabbed Shangguan Xiyue’s arm. “Mom, let me try a bite of the braised pork ribs first.”

With no choice, Shangguan Xiyue picked up a rib and fed it to her.

“All right, are you satisfied now? Go on, let Mom get back to cooking.”

Yan Xiyue seemed not to hear, her eyes flickering as she looked at the other dishes on the table.

Suddenly, she felt her whole body lighten, as if lifted into the air.

Turning her head, she saw Duan Wuhen had scooped her up with one arm around her waist.

This intimate gesture instantly infuriated Yan Xiyue. “You rogue, let me go!”

But Duan Wuhen didn’t loosen his hold; instead, he carried her out of the kitchen.

Watching the pair’s departing backs, Shangguan Xiyue’s face lit up with a delighted smile.

“Xiyue, that girl, still denying it, but she likes him and is just too shy to admit it. Just like her father was back in the day.”

Yan Xiyue struggled fiercely in Duan Wuhen’s arms. “Rogue, let me go!”

Leaning close to her ear, Duan Wuhen exhaled warmly, “If you want me to let go, call me your good husband once, and I’ll set you free.”

Yan Xiyue’s ears flushed crimson. She wanted to resist, but against such strength, her defiance felt feeble and powerless.

After struggling for a while with no success, and seeing no sign that Duan Wuhen intended to release her, she realized she couldn’t stay held like this forever. What if someone saw?

Reluctantly, after much inner turmoil and blushing deeply, she whispered softly, like a shy mosquito brushing against his ear, “Hu…husband.”

Duan Wuhen froze, looking down at the blushing Yan Xiyue in his arms.

“Wife, what did you just call me? I didn’t hear clearly. Say it again!”

Yan Xiyue turned her head away, murmuring, “If you didn’t hear it, then forget it.”

Duan Wuhen was a little surprised. Why was this girl so obedient today?

Something felt unusual. He lowered his head, staring intently at Yan Xiyue.

She averted her gaze, whispering a plea,

“I did exactly as you asked. Now please let me go!”

Hearing this, Duan Wuhen had no choice but to honor his promise and released her.

“Ouch!”

A sharp pain flared in Yan Xiyue’s backside, causing her to cry out.

“Hey, why did you let go all of a sudden?”

Duan Wuhen rubbed his forehead. “Wasn’t it you who told me to let go?”

“You!”

“Or maybe I should give you a massage? Don’t worry, my technique is professional!”

“Pervert! Get away!”

Yan Xiyue was furious, wishing she could bite into his flesh.

Snapping out of it, she dashed away hastily.

There was no winning against this rogue. Staying any longer would only let him take more liberties.

If I can’t fight him, I can at least run away, she thought.

But then, Shangguan Xiyue’s voice called from the kitchen, halting Yan Xiyue’s escape.

“Wuhen, Xiyue, wash your hands. Dinner’s ready.”

Yan Xiyue hurried back into the kitchen. “Coming, Mom.”

Yan Mingjun, drawn by the sound, descended the stairs. Thus, the family gathered around the dining table, chatting and laughing.

Shangguan Xiyue raised her teacup. “Wuhen, I truly owe you. Thanks to you, I escaped harm. Here’s a toast to you.”

Duan Wuhen quickly lifted his cup in response.

Tea flowed and dishes were savored.

Shangguan Xiyue kept finding topics to chat with Duan Wuhen, leaving her precious daughter to the side, much to Yan Xiyue’s irritation. She channeled her frustration into her appetite, soon devouring the braised pork ribs.

Shangguan Xiyue gave Yan Xiyue a playful glare. “You little one, Wuhen hasn’t even started eating, and you’ve already finished it all.”

“It’s fine, Auntie. Since Xiyue loves it, let her have it!”

Hearing this, Shangguan Xiyue laughed even more happily. This child truly knew how to be considerate.