“How? Not welcoming me! Then I will leave!” Ye Chu’s gaze fell on Zhang Su’er. Zhang Su’er’s pretty face flushed deeply, her eyes widening in a perfect circle. She was a beauty indeed, no wonder Pang Shao had taken an interest in her.
Seeing Ye Chu truly turn to leave, Zhang Su’er called out urgently, “Stop!”
She would have preferred him to leave quickly, but feared Su Rong would be angry. After all, Su Rong had put considerable effort into inviting this fellow.
“So do you want me to stay or go?” Ye Chu smiled at Zhang Su’er, leaning casually against the wall, his gaze roguish as it swept over her chest and thighs.
“Come with me to see Su Rong!” Zhang Su’er took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She thought arguing with this scoundrel was only asking for trouble.
“Let Little Rong Su come see me instead!” Ye Chu laughed, his eyes turning towards the hall where Su Rong was surrounded by a crowd. He had no interest in joining that bustle.
But Ye Chu’s words drew angry glares from many. Zhang Su’er’s group of close friends were especially furious.
“Who does he think he is, expecting our Su Rong to go see him!”
“Hmph! With one word from our Su Rong, countless men would come running. Yet he puts on airs!”
“Drive him out. This scum thinks a bit of strength makes him important!”
“…”
The group of women scolded him, loudly denouncing Ye Chu. Liang Shan walked in and, seeing the scene, shrank back, not daring to stand too close to Ye Chu. He had no idea how Ye Chu had provoked this army of women to such rage.
“Go on then! Have Little Rong Su come over!” Ye Chu seemed deaf to the abuse, smiling at Zhang Su’er. He turned, gazing through the window at the mirror-like Han Lake. A cool breeze blew, refreshing against his skin. Ye Chu’s thoughts drifted to West Lake in his previous life, somewhat similar to this Han Lake.
The women denouncing him looked at Ye Chu standing quietly there, exchanging glances. They had not expected that even after such harsh insults, Yao City’s scum could endure it. Three years ago, was his temper not the most explosive?
At that moment, with his back to them by the window, he blended silently into the lake and scenery, exuding a touch of lonely quiet, even a hint of captivating allure. But recalling Ye Chu’s deeds, that feeling vanished instantly.
“I’ll go ask Su Rong!” Zhang Su’er shook her head and finally went to inform Su Rong. For some reason, her group of friends also gave up their denunciations.
Zhang Su’er relayed Ye Chu’s words to Su Rong. Surprisingly, Su Rong dismissed the crowd around her and walked towards Ye Chu’s position.
Seeing Ye Chu leaning by the window, gazing distantly at Han Lake, standing quietly without a sound, Su Rong did not disturb him. Her eyes fell on his outstanding back. He was taller and straighter than before.
Thinking of that figure in the palace, Su Rong realised for the first time that Ye Chu was utterly different from the past. She could not see through him at all.
Ye Chu simply stood there, lonely and out of place in this world. Su Rong thought that, were it not for his ruined reputation, with his current strength, this hazy silhouette might attract many women.
Su Rong walked to Ye Chu’s side, standing shoulder to shoulder by the window. Following his gaze, she saw him staring lost in thought at an arched bridge. She could not help asking, “What are you looking at?”
“I am thinking that calling this five-ring bridge Broken Bridge might suit it better!” Ye Chu smiled at the vivid woman beside him.
“Why?” Su Rong asked, puzzled.
“Nothing!” Ye Chu smiled, pulling his thoughts back. He could hardly recount the Legend of the White Snake to them. “What do you want? A confession of love or a proposal?”
Ye Chu instantly reverted to his frivolous, roguish manner, appraising Su Rong. His words drew another round of shameless scolding from those nearby.
“That night, was it you?” Su Rong looked directly at Ye Chu and asked, her gaze intense.
“Which night? What matter?” Ye Chu feigned surprise, staring at Su Rong.
“Do not pretend!” Su Rong fixed her eyes on him. “You know what I mean, which incident!”
Ye Chu shook his head, shrugging innocently. “I really do not know! Unless…”
Ye Chu widened his eyes, gaze falling on Su Rong’s abdomen, incredulous. “It cannot be that unlucky, can it? You cannot even clarify such a thing?”
“You remember now?” Su Rong looked at him. “Was it you? And who was she?”
Ye Chu found it unbelievable, shaking his head with a sigh. “Truly a wonder of the world! You are with child and do not know whose it is! You are not expecting me to take responsibility, are you? Let me tell you, these nights I have stayed home cultivating my character. Do not think I will be a cheap father. I believe a child is better created oneself!”
At first Su Rong did not understand, but then she reacted. Her face flushed crimson instantly, cheeks scarlet, utterly enchanting. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
“You asked if that night was me. If not that, what else? What man stays up late except to make babies?” Ye Chu shook his head seriously. “It really was not me! Do not expect me to take responsibility!”
Liang Shan, listening to Ye Chu, gaped in shock. Everyone stared dumbfounded at Ye Chu and Su Rong. What did Ye Chu mean? Was Su Rong pregnant? And unsure of the father?
Su Rong, seeing everyone looking at her, wished she could beat Ye Chu to death. With him spouting such nonsense, if anyone believed it, her reputation would be utterly ruined. Three make a tiger; she knew the terror of rumours.
“It is not…” Su Rong shook her head, angrily shouting.
“It is not you?!” Ye Chu exclaimed in realisation. “I knew it! In my heart, you are still a rather traditional girl. How could you do such a thing! If not you, then it is your friend’s! Who is it?”
Su Rong wanted to interject, but Ye Chu gave her no chance. He sighed sadly. “Women these days, morals declining, hearts no longer pure! They love flirting among men, teasing and seducing. After a few encounters, they tumble in the flowers and under the moon, treating feelings like child’s play, with no self-respect. Now even the child is of unknown father! To such girls, I have only one thing to say: please contact me!”
“Pfft…”
Someone could not hold back and sprayed a mouthful of water, staring dumbfounded at Ye Chu righteously criticising women.
“Scoundrel!” Liang Shan thought Ye Chu had reached shameless heights. Only he would dare say such things, righteously proclaiming it here. Was he not afraid these women would hate him?
The group of women, hearing Ye Chu’s earlier words, had been cursing his qualification to lecture others. But hearing the last line, they nearly burst out laughing. Though thinking about it, this was exactly what this scum would do. But dream on. No matter how little self-respect others had, they would not choose him!
“You…” Only Su Rong’s face burned red. With Ye Chu’s clowning interruptions, she could no longer ask if that night was him.
