112 Seeing Instructor Yu Xuan Again
Yan Zhen cleared his throat and said seriously, “That’s true, but these things shouldn’t be forced. A forced melon isn’t sweet.”
The Clan Head Mother-in-Law stared intently at Yan Zhen. “Do you dislike Yu Die?”
Cousin Yu Die’s ears perked up.
Yan Zhen shook his head. “It’s not dislike, but I don’t have romantic feelings for her. I have great respect for Cousin.”
Cousin Yu Die hummed haughtily, clearly satisfied with his answer.
Her own ambition was to become a powerhouse like Supreme Elder Yu. She wasn’t interested in romance. Her attention towards Yan Zhen stemmed solely from concern for her cousin.
She hadn’t expected the Clan Head to value Yan Zhen so highly, even using her as a bargaining chip to keep him.
“Then who do you like?” The Clan Head Mother-in-Law’s brow furrowed slightly. Recalling Yu Die’s earlier words, she glanced at her younger sister. “Could it really be Yu Qing?”
—Pfft!
Dean Yu Qing, who was about to put down her teacup, sprayed a mouthful of tea onto Yan Zhen opposite her, then started coughing violently.
A dignified Mystic Ancestor choking on water! It spoke volumes about her current state of mind!
“Second Sister, you…”
“Quiet. I’m not talking to you right now.”
Dean Yu Qing flushed red, looked at her second sister’s indifferent profile, then turned a bewildered gaze towards Yan Zhen.
—If this brat deliberately says he likes her, knowing Second Sister’s ‘family first’ mentality, she might actually… This is bad! This fairy is in great danger!
However, Yan Zhen calmly accepted the fragrant handkerchief from Aunt Head Instructor, slowly wiped the tea from his face, and said with neither joy nor sorrow, “Mother-in-law is overthinking it. I only have respect for Younger Aunt Dean, no inappropriate thoughts.”
Dean Yu Qing snorted softly. Respect my foot, all he does is annoy people!
Clan Head Yu Lu watched Yan Zhen quietly, her expression unchanging. “Since that’s the case, then tell me what type you like. I will select one or two concubines for you from the Yu family daughters according to your requirements.”
Yan Zhen sighed inwardly. Since this was just a formality, he might as well play along with his mother-in-law’s wishes. “Naturally, I like Instructor Yu Xuan’s type: gentle and considerate, knowledgeable and well-mannered, capable both in public and in private.”
This answer was practically perfect.
Clan Head Yu Lu nodded slightly, then began to think.
Who in the family resembled Xuan’er the most? Naturally, it was… She looked up at Shui Bailan beside her.
Not just her, but Dean Yu Qing, Grand Elder Yu Yan, and even Cousin Yu Die all looked at Shui Bailan.
Shui Bailan blinked blankly, flustered by their stares, and adjusted her glasses.
“W-why are you all looking at me?”
As Instructor Yu Xuan’s aunt, their appearances were naturally somewhat similar, and both habitually wore glasses.
Their temperaments were also similar. Shui Bailan was known as the “Ice Maiden” outside, but she was very considerate towards her family. As the Outer Academy Head Instructor, she assisted the Dean in handling affairs, taking care of everything. Her cooking skills were also quite good; they often enjoyed her pastries.
Moreover, Yan Zhen always referred to Xuan’er as “Instructor Yu Xuan.” Even though they were dating, he still used the “Instructor” suffix, indicating he had a particular fondness for instructors.
Coincidentally, Shui Bailan was also an instructor, and a Head Instructor at that.
Just now, when Yan Zhen had tea sprayed on his face, it was this Aunt Head Instructor who first offered her personal handkerchief to wipe his face. That blue handkerchief embroidered with orchids was still in Yan Zhen’s hand.
The gazes of the five women instantly focused on the handkerchief clutched in Yan Zhen’s hand.
Shui Bailan blushed, quickly snatched the handkerchief back, hid it behind her back, and acted as if nothing had happened.
“Ahem, strictly speaking, I am not considered a member of the Yu family.”
That was true. Although Shui Bailan had sworn allegiance to the Yu family and become a member, she ultimately didn’t possess the Yu bloodline.
The other four women averted their gazes, also acting as if nothing had happened.
Yan Zhen was speechless, feeling like anything he said would turn awkward.
Shui Bailan said softly, “Actually, Sister-in-law and Xuan’er are the ones cut from the same cloth.”
The three other women were startled. Clan Head Yu Lu’s expression remained unchanged. “I am the Clan Head.”
Shui Bailan whispered, “You can just pass the position of Clan Head to Xuan’er later.”
Clan Head Yu Lu’s expression flickered. She actually started considering it seriously.
Dean Yu Qing was shocked, thinking that with her second sister’s temperament, she might actually do it. “Second Sister, don’t listen to Bailan’s nonsense. Mother and daughter… Xuan’er will be upset.”
Clan Head Yu Lu’s face tightened again. “I naturally know that.”
Yan Zhen also broke into a cold sweat. The conversation seemed to be heading into dangerous territory. If they continued, the Censorship Beast might appear.
“Then only I am left.” Grand Elder Yu Yan chuckled. “Does Little Yan Zhen like me?”
Yan Zhen sighed. “Great Aunt, please stop teasing me.”
“If you don’t like me, then there’s nothing I can do.” Grand Elder Yu Yan continued smiling. “We’ll just have to slowly find someone suitable for you within the clan.”
Yan Zhen felt overwhelmed. This serious matter was becoming increasingly ridiculous because of them.
“Having Instructor Yu Xuan is enough for me. You can arrange the other matters as you please.”
“This matter cannot be treated casually. I will do my best to select someone who meets your requirements.” Clan Head Yu Lu said expressionlessly. “Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. I hope you will abide by the promises made today.”
“Then, Mother-in-law, may I go see Instructor Yu Xuan now?”
“You may. Let’s go.”
Yan Zhen’s face lit up with a smile. He obediently followed behind the Clan Head Mother-in-law and the others, leaving Ting Chao Pavilion and heading towards the main residence.
After walking for about half an hour, admiring the scenery of the Yu family estate along the way, they finally arrived at a quiet courtyard backed by a small hill and a waterfall.
The courtyard was filled with daylilies, their fiery red flowers swaying gently in the wind, a captivating sight.
“Xuan’er is inside. You can go see her.” Clan Head Yu Lu said indifferently. “Remember, don’t cross the line. Otherwise, you can stay in the Yu family forever.”
“…”
—Clan Head Mother-in-law is terrifying.
After saying this, the five Yu women tactfully departed.
Yan Zhen watched their figures disappear behind the gate, then took a deep breath and strode into the courtyard.
The courtyard was empty and quiet. Instructor Yu Xuan must have dismissed her maids.
Yan Zhen thought for a moment, took out his communication talisman, and sent a private message to Instructor Yu Xuan.
[Zhen: Instructor, are you out of seclusion?]
After a while, a reply came from Instructor Yu Xuan:
[Xuan: Idiot, you finally messaged me. You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting.]
[I came out yesterday. I’m relaxing in my room now. What about you?]
Yan Zhen felt a pang of guilt. So Instructor Yu Xuan hadn’t messaged him because she was waiting for him to message first. He almost angered her.
[Zhen: I’m visiting someone’s home.]
[Xuan: Visiting?]
[Xuan: Do you have relatives or acquaintances here?]
[Zhen: It’s a beautiful instructor’s home. I just met her mother. We had a pleasant conversation.]
[Xuan: Oh.]
After a pause, another message arrived:
[Xuan: Which beautiful instructor? Is she from the Outer or Inner Academy? Is she very pretty?]
—She’s jealous, she’s jealous.
[Zhen: Very pretty. I was quite taken with her.]
[Xuan: You always have a thing for older women…]
Yan Zhen chuckled silently, didn’t reply, walked to the door, and knocked gently. Instructor Yu Xuan’s soft voice soon came from inside:
“Mother? I’d like to be alone for a while.”
She didn’t seem to want to open the door.
Yan Zhen knocked again.
“Coming, coming.”
The familiar aura drew closer. Yan Zhen held his breath.
Creak, the door slowly opened, revealing Instructor Yu Xuan’s gentle and beautiful oval face.
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