Chapter 9: Actor

However, Leng Ruoyao did not think much of it, perhaps because Zhao Yan realized that his affectionate approach was not working.

After reading a few miscellaneous gossip articles, he decided to try the tactic of playing hard to get.

But no matter what tricks he played, given the deep hatred between them, she would absolutely never fall in love with him.

Seeing the doubt in the eyes of the two young girls before him, Zhao Yan also snapped back to reality, thinking to himself, why was he laughing when he was being treated like this by the one he loved?

In a blink of an eye, his expression changed, his face filled with grief.

“Ruoyao, I thought we were already very familiar with each other, I didn’t expect…”

Zhao Yan’s voice was slightly hoarse, his sorrow evident.

Huh?!

Ming Aiyi and Leng Ruoyao both looked shocked. How could he switch from smiling to grief so quickly?

Was that hint of a smile they saw earlier just their imagination?

“Ruoyao, since you don’t want my protection right now, I’ll leave first. But I really feel that you are in danger.”

Seeing the growing crowd of onlookers and having achieved his objective for this visit, Zhao Yan turned and left with a look of desolation.

His footwork was unsteady as he walked away, which couldn’t help but evoke pity.

“How could Classmate Yan fall for Leng Ruoyao? My love is over before it even began.”

A young girl in the crowd lamented.

“Those are ninety-nine third-rank spirit herb Xueluola Roses, Classmate Yan must have spent all his savings to buy them.”

“If there was a boy who loved me that much and was willing to give me even one third-rank spirit herb Xueluola Rose, I would be willing to be with him.”

“Exactly, I didn’t expect Leng Ruoyao to be so unappreciative and speak so harshly. Is it because she’s the Young Miss of the Leng Clan that she can be so arrogant? I really don’t know what makes Classmate Zhao Yan not good enough for her.”

“It seems Classmate Zhao Yan is no different from us. Leng Ruoyao still doesn’t like him. I don’t know what he’s pretending for, ninety-nine Xueluola Roses, haha.”

“Right, a fool who empties his savings for a woman, and she doesn’t even appreciate it, it’s just hilarious.”

Seeing Zhao Yan rejected, many girls still spoke up for him, which made some people in the crowd uncomfortable, and they began to mock him.

Hearing people mock Zhao Yan, those girls became enraged.

“Oh, you’re so argumentative, they’re looking for someone like you at the Labor Bureau, hurry up and go, don’t you even look at your own character.”

“Some people, it’s fine if their brains are empty, but don’t let them get waterlogged.”

“You’re not good-looking, your strength isn’t good either, you can only run your mouth, it’s really laughable.”

…

Under the fierce counterattack from the girls, those boys who were mocking Zhao Yan gradually couldn’t keep up and had to leave dejectedly.

Over at Leng Ruoyao’s side.

“Ruoyao, I think Young Master Zhao is a really good person, handsome and gentle. Even if you don’t like him, you shouldn’t have treated him so poorly.”

Ming Aiyi looked at Zhao Yan’s lonely, forlorn back and truly felt some reluctance.

“Aiyi, you don’t understand.”

Leng Ruoyao stared straight in the direction Zhao Yan had left, a trace of pain and hatred flashing across her expression.

“Ruoyao, he…”

“Aiyi, I can only tell you that he is definitely not as simple as he appears on the surface.

He is cunning and deceitful, all show and no substance. You must not have any other thoughts about him, understand?”

Leng Ruoyao tightly grasped Ming Aiyi’s hands and said with a solemn expression.

“I understand, Ruoyao. Rest assured, I absolutely won’t.”

Ming Aiyi looked at the serious Leng Ruoyao and nodded with firm determination.

…

Knowing how to resolve the current crisis, Zhao Yan was in a great mood.

He had already figured out the time Leng Ruoyao appeared at a fixed location each day, so he could visit a few more times each day to hint at the danger.

Anyway, he was only doing this for the reward and for his future good life.

Leng Ruoyao attached importance to the potential crisis during this period, and with her identity as the Son of Heaven, she likely had many trump cards.

If she was vigilant, perhaps she could avert the danger without him needing to act.

He didn’t believe that he couldn’t help Leng Ruoyao successfully resolve the crisis in these ten-odd days.

That would be all for today. He needed to go home and rest well.

Just as Zhao Yan was humming a tune happily on his way.

“Young Master Yan!”

A tall figure appeared before him. Zhao Yan looked closely and saw it was Li Wuchen.

“Young Master Yan, I was blind that day. I beg you to spare my family.”

Li Wuchen, tears streaming down his face, was about to kneel.

Bang!

Just as Li Wuchen was about to kneel, Zhao Yan was startled and quickly grabbed his arm to prevent him from lowering his knees.

“When did I say I would harm your family?” Zhao Yan was somewhat at a loss.

“Damn it, why are you kneeling on the street? Get up!”

People fear fame, just like pigs fear getting fat. He was here to gain experience in hiding his identity and did not want to become widely known.

Li Wuchen was also a prominent figure in Qingyang Prefecture. His kneeling would surely attract attention, and it would be troublesome if someone investigated him.

Zhao Yan had been cultivating within his clan since he was young and had few outsiders who knew him. He had only appeared once at a banquet hosted by the Imperial Clan recently, but he was wearing a mask at the time.

Moreover, he believed the Zhao Clan had the capability to conceal his identity, but the world has no secrets.

If any clues were discovered and followed, his true background could be completely exposed. After all, there were many who disliked the Zhao Clan.

He was only here for experience and didn’t want to be entangled in trouble.

And the Zhao Clan might even hope he encountered more trouble, thinking it would be more effective for his training.

Of course, if any impudent old fogeys dared to make a move against him.

At that time, peerless strong practitioners would traverse endless territories and arrive instantly, descending with the might of thunder.

Those who dared to strike him would surely bear the immense wrath of the Most Holy Zhao Clan.

“Young Master Yan, I cannot get up! I have sinned, I shouldn’t have…”

“If you don’t get up, I don’t mind making you kneel forever.” Zhao Yan’s face darkened.

Seeing Zhao Yan’s displeasure, Li Wuchen quickly got up.

“Young Master Yan, yesterday I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. My father wishes to invite you to our home as a guest. He wants to apologize to you, and this is a small token of his sincerity.”

Li Wuchen quickly took out a spirit transaction card from his pocket and handed it over.

“Cough, cough, you are indeed thoughtful.”

Zhao Yan calmly accepted the card and, while Li Wuchen was looking down, scanned it with his Spirit Communication Device. It contained five million spirit stones.

Looking at the spirit stones, Zhao Yan smiled with satisfaction.

Recalling his past self from his awakened memories, he hadn’t brought much wealth with him and was even lacking in cultivation resources. These spirit stones were exactly what he needed.

“You’ve done well, but a personal visit is not necessary…”

“Alright then, I’ll go with you.”

Originally, Zhao Yan just wanted to go home and relax quickly, but thinking about his weak position in Qingyang Prefecture, he realized he needed some helpers.

After all, even if he could help Leng Ruoyao resolve the crisis this time, what about next time?

If someone could watch their whereabouts from the shadows and he could appear when they encountered danger, he wouldn’t have to keep an eye on them constantly, which would be much more convenient.

“Young Master Yan, it’s wonderful that you agreed to visit!”

Hearing Zhao Yan’s agreement, Li Wuchen’s previously anxious heart instantly relaxed, and a sense of relief washed over him!