Volume One, Chapter Two: Yan Jiaxi Yue

“It’s alright, Uncle. I’ve only just arrived. If I’ve delayed your affairs because of this, I apologize in advance.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Mingjun’s face lit up with delight.

This child really knows how to speak!

Looking at Duan Wuhen, Yan Mingjun found him increasingly agreeable.

Despite his somewhat old-fashioned attire, the boy carried himself with remarkable composure.

Especially his eyes—they subtly revealed a sharpness that even deeply scheming Yan Mingjun found himself unworthy to match.

“All right, dear nephew, since you’ve come here yourself, it means you know about the engagement arranged between you and my daughter, Xiyue, since childhood. When she returns, you two young people should have a good talk.”

Duan Wuhen smiled and nodded.

“By the way, you haven’t met Xiyue yet, have you? I have some photos here—take a look.”

Yan Mingjun took a stack of photographs from his drawer and handed them to Duan Wuhen.

Duan Wuhen reached out and accepted them, his gaze immediately drawn to the girl in the pictures.

Beauty may not last forever, but a pleasing appearance is the mark of a fine woman; a face that could topple kingdoms and captivate the world.

The girl in the photos stood in the snow.

Duan Wuhen couldn’t help but recall a phrase: “In the North dwells a beauty, peerless and independent.”

After flipping through all the photos, Duan Wuhen looked up and said, “Uncle, Xiyue is truly beautiful.”

Yan Mingjun smiled with satisfaction and patted Duan Wuhen’s shoulder. “Haha, naturally. My Xiyue is a rare beauty. But it’s not just her looks—she’s skilled in chess, music, calligraphy, and painting.”

At that moment, footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by a lively voice: “Daddy, I’m home!” Before the words had even finished, a beautiful figure appeared in the doorway. She saw Duan Wuhen inside and showed a surprised expression.

Yan Mingjun quickly introduced, “Xiyue, come, let me introduce you. This is your fiancé—Duan Wuhen.”

Duan Wuhen stood up and greeted Yan Xiyue with a smile. “Hello, Xiyue. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Yan Xiyue scrutinized Duan Wuhen, then looked disdainfully at Yan Mingjun.

“Dad, didn’t you say my fiancé was exceptionally talented and brilliant? Why does he look like such a bumpkin?”

“Xiyue! That’s enough disrespect!” Yan Mingjun scolded sharply.

“Fine! Then I’ll ask you: which university do you attend?”

“I never went to school.”

“Ha! Then I won’t ask about your education. Let me ask a simple question: do you own property in Hancheng? I don’t want to marry you and end up without a place to live.”

“I live up on Qingcheng Mountain.”

“Qingcheng Mountain? You must be joking! How can anyone live in that backwater? In a straw hut?”

“I’ve been living like that for over ten years.”

Yan Xiyue was almost amused with anger—this Duan Wuhen was completely impervious to irritation.

“I don’t like a man who doesn’t strive for better!”

Helplessly, Duan Wuhen shrugged. He couldn’t tolerate the spoiled temper of this young lady. If she didn’t want him, then he would leave.

“Uncle Yan, if that’s the case, then our engagement is off. I’ll come by another day to formally call off the engagement.”

With that, Duan Wuhen turned and walked away without looking back.

Hearing this, Yan Mingjun immediately panicked and hurried to stop Duan Wuhen.

“Ah, Wuhen, Xiyue was just speaking in anger! Besides, look at your clothes—any girl would reject you dressed like that.”

Duan Wuhen stopped and glanced at Yan Mingjun’s attire, then at his own.

Indeed, he looked a bit shabby.

There was hope!

Seeing him pause, Yan Mingjun let out a deep breath, his anxiety easing.

“Come on, Liu, go to the mall and buy Wuhen a suitable set of clothes—make it quick!”

A few minutes later, Liu came in, panting.

“Director Yan, I’ve bought them.”

“Wuhen, come in and try them on in the room.”

Duan Wuhen took the clothes and glanced at Yan Xiyue.

Noticing his gaze, Yan Xiyue snorted coldly.

“Hmph! No matter how fine the clothes, they can’t mask the bumpkin aura you carry.”

But minutes later, a strikingly handsome figure emerged from the room.

“Oh wow, Wuhen! I didn’t expect such a big change just by changing clothes!”

Curious, Yan Xiyue shifted her gaze and found herself drawn in.

She never imagined the turnaround would be so swift. Wearing this outfit, Duan Wuhen was even more handsome than the popular young idols.

“Well, Xiyue, do you still have any complaints about Wuhen’s appearance now?”

Seeing Yan Xiyue silent, Yan Mingjun waved his hand.

“If that’s the case, Wuhen, you’ll live with Xiyue for now.”

“What? No, I don’t agree.” Yan Xiyue shook her head in refusal.

“That’s enough! If it were any other matter, I’d let it slide. But not this. You’re not to make a fuss today!”

Yan Xiyue was so aggrieved she felt tears welling up. In all her life, this was the first time her father scolded her in such a tone.

Seeing his daughter like this, Yan Mingjun’s heart ached.

But for her future, he had no choice.

Yan Mingjun took out a key and handed it to Duan Wuhen.

“Dear nephew, this is the key to a house I bought for Xiyue on the edge of the university town. You can live there for now.”

This was unacceptable! Yan Xiyue immediately grew unhappy.

Being asked to live with a boy she had just met—even if he was her fiancé—felt uncomfortable.

But seeing how much her father admired Duan Wuhen, she knew nothing she said could change his mind now.

Fine! If that’s the case, then I’ll just live elsewhere.

So, Yan Xiyue pretended to agree.

Seeing this, Yan Mingjun nodded with satisfaction.

“Let’s go!”

Yan Xiyue linked her arm with Duan Wuhen’s, smiling as she spoke.

Her sudden change in behavior immediately put Duan Wuhen on alert.

This girl had just fiercely opposed him, and now she was acting friendly all of a sudden?

Whenever things happen abnormally, there must be a trick. I want to see what game this girl is playing.

Under Yan Mingjun’s satisfied smile, Yan Xiyue walked away with Duan Wuhen’s arm in hers.

“Xiyue, you must seize this opportunity well. This young man is a sleeping dragon in Tanyuan. Whether the Yan family can take off in the future depends on you.”

As soon as they stepped out of the office, Yan Xiyue quickly slipped away from Duan Wuhen’s arm.

“Duan Wuhen, huh? If you think you can make me marry you, dream on. Everything exists only in dreams.”

She waved her hand and left without looking back.

Watching Yan Xiyue’s departing figure, Duan Wuhen’s lips curved into a smile.

This girl is truly interesting. Since that’s the case, I’ll enjoy playing along with her.

Then, glancing at Yan Mingjun still working inside the office, Duan Wuhen turned and left.