Chapter 969: Questioning Him

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Upon hearing these words, Zhongyu Lingshan felt anxious. She looked at Master Zhongyu with urgency, not wanting to return home empty-handed today.

Master Zhongyu’s expression grew darker as if he were about to rise and leave in the next moment. Yet, in the end, he remained seated, unmoving.

Ye Leng’an showed no signs of impatience, calmly sitting there and sipping her tea. Although she didn’t say anything more, it was evident that she truly didn’t care.

As she had pointed out, the one currently in a passive position wasn’t her, so she had no reason to fret. Even if they failed to reach an agreement today, she wouldn’t suffer any losses, right? However, after today, it was likely that unfavorable news would spread from the Zhongyu family.

But then, she wouldn’t be held responsible. After all, she had laid out her conditions. If they couldn’t come to terms in the end, it would only indicate that in Master Zhongyu’s eyes, his daughter Zhongyu Lingshan was less valuable than the precious Frost Jade Toad.

Huangfu Ruiling didn’t spare a glance at Master Zhongyu, directing all his attention to Ye Leng’an instead.

This further intensified the awkward atmosphere in the main hall. Or, to be precise, the ones feeling the awkwardness were Master Zhongyu and Zhongyu Lingshan.

After a prolonged silence, Master Zhongyu glanced at Ye Leng’an with a hint of resentment in his voice. “Miss Ye indeed has a silver tongue. It seems that if we don’t comply with your demands today, Lingshan’s poison won’t be neutralized.”

“The ability to acquire the antidote for the poison lies solely in Master Zhongyu’s hands!” Ye Leng’an retorted with a grin. “Moreover, strictly speaking, I could be considered a victim in this matter! So, to be frank, my willingness to sit down and negotiate with you today is already a great concession!”

Such words were already quite impolite. Master Zhongyu’s expression was no longer just dark; it could no longer be described as simply grim. “Miss Ye, I need to return and discuss this matter with other elders in the family. After all, the Frost Jade Toad is the treasure of our Zhongyu family and can’t be easily brought out.”

Ye Leng’an raised a dismissive hand. “Master Zhongyu, do as you please. I’m not in a hurry anyway. Even if it doesn’t work out in the end, it doesn’t matter to me!”

Observing Ye Leng’an’s indifferent demeanor, Master Zhongyu struggled to maintain his composure. He then rose to his feet and bid farewell. “In that case, I’ll take my leave for today.”

With that, he cast a glance at Zhongyu Lingshan, signaling for her to follow.

Zhongyu Lingshan’s eyes betrayed her reluctance. Her purpose in coming today was to rid herself of the poison that had tortured her to an unbearable extent.

She understood that her father had already relented, but he couldn’t agree immediately due to matters of pride. However, she was the one suffering now, so she couldn’t simply leave. But she also knew she had no other choice and was forced to accept the situation.

Master Zhongyu and Zhongyu Lingshan’s departure didn’t cause any stir. Even Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an didn’t rise to see them off. Yet, the Zhongyu family were the ones at fault now, so they couldn’t say anything.

Once the two had vanished entirely, Ye Leng’an finally spoke slowly, “Ling, when do you think Master Zhongyu will come knocking again?”

She could tell that Master Zhongyu had already conceded. Whether he was voluntary or coerced, a compromise had been reached. The so-called discussion now was nothing but a last-ditch effort.

“Within three days at the latest, he’ll be back,” Huangfu Ruiling stated after taking a sip of tea. “However, it depends on how long Zhongyu Lingshan can hold out.”

Ye Leng’an chuckled involuntarily. “I think it’ll be very soon. Looking at Zhongyu Lingshan, she clearly won’t last much longer. It’s a matter of whether she can wear Master Zhongyu down. But I think it’s quite suspenseful.”

It was evident at a glance that Master Zhongyu might have some paternal love, but not much. Otherwise, he would have agreed outright instead of making excuses.

Clearly, in his eyes, his daughter was no match for the family’s interests.

Huangfu Ruiling rose and took Ye Leng’an’s hand. His expression, once cold towards Master Zhongyu and Zhongyu Lingshan, was now gentle. “Alright, let’s not dwell on such trivial matters. It’s getting late. Shall we eat first? And then, you still wanted to go out for a stroll, didn’t you?”

“Very well.” Ye Leng’an nodded, then grasped his hand and stood up. “Their visit really couldn’t have come at a worse time. Don’t they realize how off-putting it is to come knocking at such times?”

Hearing her complaint, Huangfu Ruiling laughed. “Alright, if he comes knocking again at this hour, we’ll just refuse to meet.”

Even though Ye Leng’an had initiated the meeting, the responsibility now squarely rested on Master Zhongyu.

As they spoke, they walked out. The atmosphere around them was both ambiguous and sweet.

Even the servants nearby couldn’t help but smile at the scene.

While the atmosphere on their side was pleasant, it was exceptionally oppressive in the Zhongyu family.

Before Zhongyu Lingshan even reached home, the poison in her body flared up again, nearly leaving her on her deathbed. It was only when the excruciating pain subsided that she felt as if she had been given a new lease on life.

This latest bout of suffering had almost drained Zhongyu Lingshan of all her strength. Therefore, as soon as she entered, she couldn’t help but speak up. “Father, why didn’t you agree to Ye Leng’an’s request? You’ve already agreed to it in your heart. Why continue dragging it out like this? Don’t you realize how excruciating each bout of suffering is for me?”

Perhaps because the pain was so profound, she had almost forgotten about her father’s authority as the head of the Zhongyu family. Thus, when she spoke, she couldn’t help but sound somewhat accusatory.

Master Zhongyu turned his head, his icy gaze fixed on Zhongyu Lingshan. “Are you questioning me, Zhongyu Lingshan? Do you think you’re now qualified to dictate my actions?”