Chapter 963: When Did You See Her

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

He didn’t want to abandon his ambitions and return to his hometown after achieving the t.i.tle of Primus. Qiao Xuan shared the same sentiment; she didn’t want him to have any regrets in the future.

“We aren’t the ones at fault, so why should we bear the consequences? It’s too early to make decisions. Let’s observe the situation for now,” Qiao Xuan suggested.

Shao Yunduan smiled and agreed, “You’re right. We’re not there yet. Let’s wait and see. But I’m being honest with you.”

Qiao Xuan’s heart felt a mix of sweetness and bitterness. She held his hands tightly and whispered, “We can discuss this later. I don’t want to be separated from you either…”

She didn’t want to be apart from him.

“Good, then I have nothing to fear!” Shao Yunduan embraced her warmly.

Qiao Xuan laughed but suddenly let out a scream, standing upright and looking up at him. “Lady Tian has fallen for you, hasn’t she?”

Shao Yunduan sensed something was amiss, but he hesitantly nodded. “I believe so…”

“When did you meet her?” Qiao Xuan asked, her tone filled with curiosity.

“What?”

“Considering the rumors, Lady Tian must be proud and arrogant. It’s unlikely that she fell for you just from a distance. Something must have happened that captivated her, something she deemed special. She could sense that you were destined for greatness, which is why she said those things!”

“But how do you know her?” Shao Yunduan inquired.

Qiao Xuan paused, wearing a bitter expression. “I don’t know either!”

Shao Yunduan felt unsettled.

Qiao Xuan’s bitterness turned into suspicion.

Shao Yunduan grew anxious and held Qiao Xuan’s hands firmly. “Darling, trust me, I will never…”

He suddenly recalled the encounter in the pear garden during the intermediate examination.

Qiao Xuan, who had been staring at him, couldn’t help but give him a reproachful look, feeling a twinge of jealousy. “Go on.”

Shao Yunduan felt a headache coming on and was torn between amus.e.m.e.nt and frustration. He proceeded cautiously, “Darling, please don’t be angry. I just remembered – I might have met her before, but I didn’t do anything. We merely had a chance encounter!”

Qiao Xuan maintained an unwavering gaze, indicating her disbelief.

“I stumbled upon a handkerchief…”

“Why did you pick it up? How could you do that?”

“I didn’t! I felt that if those items were picked up by someone with ill intentions, it wouldn’t be good for the girl. We were gathered in the pear garden, and many candidates were waiting for the examination. My heart softened, and I picked up the brocade handkerchief. Shortly after, a couple of maids and servants dressed as men appeared, seemingly searching for something. They caught sight of me…”

Shao Yunduan spilled everything in one go, speaking earnestly.

His words flowed so smoothly that it was evident he wasn’t fabricating the story.

“I only exchanged a few words with her, I swear!”

“If I had known it would cause such trouble, I wouldn’t have been so meddlesome!”

“I shouldn’t have returned the handkerchief to them. I should’ve burned it and disposed of it.”

“Darling, please don’t be angry. It’s just my speculation. The Tian Family may not be the master and servant.” He genuinely had no idea.

Qiao Xuan felt a tinge of annoyance and playfully pinched him. “It’s your fault for being curious. Besides this incident, is there anything else?”

“No, no!” Shao Yunduan shook his head.