A shiver ran through Feng Ran's body at his words.
She felt a deep aversion to the man's proximity, and his touch made her tremble.
"Young master, please release my hand," Feng Ran said softly. "I will play for you now."
She had expected him to be reluctant to let go, but to her surprise, he released her as soon as she finished speaking. He then whispered near her ear, "Mm, then you must play well."
Feng Ran was slightly taken aback, as his hand then gently brushed across her face after he spoke.
It was a mere light touch, seemingly accidental. She felt she had no grounds to object.
She had never encountered a man like this before.
If he had been like others, being physically forward, she could have rebuked him directly. But this man was different.
She couldn't find any fault with him, making it difficult to speak up.
Feng Ran frowned, looking at the unfamiliar man before her, unable to fathom his intentions.
However, she recalled the words she had overheard earlier, and her brow furrowed. If he were indeed to sit there…
In truth, these were words she herself had spoken, but only last night, when she learned—
Perhaps he was merely acting, trying to make her completely drop her guard.
Feng Ran walked to the zither stand, adjusted it, and sat down. As her fingers landed on the strings, she subtly glanced at the man.
She had never seen him before.
She remembered those people saying earlier that he was a friend of the Regent. Yet, she had never met him.
Thinking this, Feng Ran let out a soft scoff. So, for all these years, she had been living in Xuan Yuanheng's scheme. She had always believed she knew Xuan Yuanheng very well, and recognized everyone around him. But realizing she didn't know the man before her, she found it incredibly ironic.
Her thoughts had drifted.
At this moment, the man's hand rested on the zither strings, plucking a single, faint note. A smile curved his lips as he said, "This young master is not ugly. You can look up; it won't frighten you."
Heh…
Feng Ran's face instantly flushed crimson. Her whole body trembled, her mind went blank, and she didn't know how to respond to his words.
The man's long, cold fingers then cupped Feng Ran's chin, forcing her head up.
The moment he saw Feng Ran, Xu Yunqing's eyes were filled with stunning awe. His entire being stirred.
He had never imagined that in a place like Chun Manyuan, he would find a woman of such exquisite beauty. Most remarkably, the aura she exuded captivated him, leaving him entranced.
When he saw the disdain in her eyes as she looked at him, he found it all the more intriguing.
Xu Yunqing observed the shift in Feng Ran's expression, only to find her standing calmly, making no excessive moves.
Feng Ran's hands, which had been on the zither, quickly withdrew.
"Lecherous hands" were common occurrences at Chun Manyuan. However, with Aunt Sheng's protection, she only served guests vetted by her. Thus, her life had been relatively peaceful. But Aunt Sheng was absent, and she was here only because Hongyi had forced her. Therefore, she firmly believed Hongyi must have received some benefit to act this way.
She had absolutely no faith in Hongyi's character.
Feng Ran also sensed Xu Yunqing's scorching gaze fixed upon her, as if trying to see through her.
Feng Ran immediately lowered her gaze, avoiding Xu Yunqing's eyes. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides.
While things had not yet reached an irredeemable point, they were certainly difficult.
Feng Ran's hands fidgeted restlessly, finally settling on her hair, smoothing strands that were not even out of place.
At this moment, she was silently praying for Xu Yunqing to leave her sight immediately.
Xu Yunqing's face was all smiles, and the way her expression changed was truly astonishing.
She was somewhat terrified.
Xu Yunqing's gaze fell upon Feng Ran, only to find her slumped on the ground, head bowed, saying nothing.
He found it rather peculiar. He had met all sorts of people. And those people sought him out only to curry favor.
Having grown accustomed to such individuals, he found them tiresome each time.
This behavior from Feng Ran was something he had never encountered before; it was truly captivating.
"Can you still play?" Xu Yunqing's gaze rested on Feng Ran as he asked calmly.
He thought Feng Ran certainly would not. He saw her as a person of great integrity.
Feng Ran didn't even hesitate, but calmly replied, "Young master, playing music is my profession. Naturally, I must do so for all my lives."
"Of course, I can play."
"But I have a condition, which I hope you will agree to."
"As long as you agree, I will do whatever you ask."
"Is that so? Anything at all?" Xu Yunqing's tone was full of playful provocation, and those who knew him understood he didn't mean it literally.
Xu Yunqing let out a soft laugh. "What if I asked you to spend the night with this young master here?"
As Xu Yunqing's words fell, Feng Ran's eyes widened instantly, looking at him in disbelief.
She had imagined a thousand possibilities, but never had she thought she would hear such words.
After saying this, Xu Yunqing did not move away.
His eyes were filled with playful amusement as he watched Feng Ran, as if awaiting her decision.
It could be said that Feng Ran's decision was truly important.
After all, Feng Ran was the most crucial element in this matter. Without Feng Ran, none of this would have happened.
Feng Ran looked at the man before her. She was so unsightly; she truly lacked the courage.
"Young master, I..."
Feng Ran spoke softly, lowering her head, but the words refused to come out.
She looked up, met the triumphant smile in Xu Yunqing's eyes, and lowered her head again, remaining silent.
Feng Ran walked towards Xu Yunqing and, looking up, was about to explain when a dart whizzed past her ear with a 'swoosh' and landed on the wall.
Feng Ran's life was spared, narrowly escaping danger.
After seeing the letter, Xu Yunqing then took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and placed it on An Nuan, saying, "This is a deposit from this young master for today."
"This young master originally had time, but discovered there was a problem. It seems I must leave."
The moment Feng Ran saw the jade pendant, she instinctively retreated, her eyes filled with wariness as she looked at the man.
Xu Yunqing, however, was unperturbed, as if nothing had happened.
Xu Yunqing forcefully pressed the jade pendant into Feng Ran's hand.
Feng Ran did not want to accept it, but as she tried to refuse, Xu Yunqing said sternly, "Take it. This young master genuinely has urgent matters to attend to."
"However, as soon as this young master has time, I will return immediately. And it would be best for you to accept it." Xu Yunqing's lips curved into a smile as he spoke.