Chapter Sixty-Three: Traveling Together

Tang Wei had seen this woman twice before—once at the entrance of the train station, and once in the underground trading market. On both previous occasions, the woman had been alluring and seductive, but today she appeared dignified and demure. Yet, regardless of how the woman presented herself, Tang Wei always felt a certain discomfort whenever she saw her—though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what exactly displeased her so.

Beside her, Xuanyuan Yunqian was chattering away, but Tang Wei paid her no mind, her gaze fixed on the two people approaching, or rather, on Ouyang Qianru alone. As she watched Ouyang Qianru’s deliberately graceful steps, Tang Wei’s eyes burned with a faint, involuntary fire.

After talking for a while without anyone responding, Xuanyuan Yunqian looked up and noticed Tang Wei staring at Ouyang Qianru with a strange expression. She immediately understood and exclaimed, “Oh! Chen, you don’t like her either, do you?”

“Well, I…” Startled by Yunqian’s question, Tang Wei didn’t quite know how to respond. But inwardly, she mused, “Yes, why don’t I like her? Whatever she does is her business—what does it have to do with me?”

Without waiting for Tang Wei to reply, Yunqian grew excited. “I don’t like her either! That’s great—sister, you and I feel the same way!”

Tang Wei found it curious. Why did Yunqian share her feelings? She couldn’t help but ask, “Yunqian, why don’t you like her?”

“Sister, let me tell you—she’s notorious around here for being a flirt. She dresses up every day like a peacock, and changes men like changing clothes. Of course I don’t like women like her!” Even as Ouyang Qianru approached, Yunqian didn’t lower her voice. She had always been bold and fearless—except, of course, before her eldest sister.

“Yunqian, it’s not nice to talk behind people’s backs,” Ouyang Qianru called out, feigning warmth. Clearly, she’d overheard their remarks. Given her temperament, it was surprising she hadn’t already flown into a rage.

Seeing her put on such an act, Yunqian found it especially odd. She stared at Ouyang Qianru, finally spotting a slight twitch in her expression—a sign of how hard she was holding herself back. Resting her chin on her hand, Yunqian glanced at the group, instantly understanding, and replied with a radiant smile, “I’m not talking behind her back; I’m saying it right to her face! Besides, I’m not slandering her. I’m telling the truth! Anyone who takes a stroll outside knows how fickle you are, Miss Ouyang. Your reputation speaks for itself—no need to hide it!”

Her words were biting. Ouyang Qianru almost exploded in anger. “You—” But Ouyang Qianhua, standing beside her, tugged at her sleeve and intervened. “Zhe and Yunqian, you’re here too? I suppose Father sent you two to handle this matter?”

Prompted by her elder brother, Ouyang Qianru glanced up at Zixuan, who stood smiling beside Tang Wei. He neither spoke up for her nor even looked her way, so she could only swallow her anger and stand quietly behind Ouyang Qianhua.

There was nothing particularly remarkable about Ouyang Qianhua’s words, but they irritated Yunqian nonetheless. After all, she had been confined to the house by her father, and it sounded to her as though he were mocking her. Bristling, she retorted, “That’s right, we’re here on important business. But how did you know? Why did you have to tag along?”

“Yunqian, you’re getting more mischievous by the day—now you’re teasing your Ouyang brother? Everyone knows the elders are looking for someone. Of course our family should help!” Ouyang Qianhua took no offense, instead praising Yunqian with a smile, which left her a bit embarrassed and unable to quarrel with him further.

Xuanyuan Zhe, for his part, had always admired Ouyang Qianhua. He was, after all, as capable as his own eldest sister. Seeing Yunqian’s awkwardness, he quickly stepped in to help her out. “Ouyang, why did your family send you personally this time? Isn’t that overkill?”

Ouyang Qianhua laughed. “You jest, Zhe! Overkill? Our family simply has no one else available, so I had to come myself. Unlike your Xuanyuan family—every one of you is so capable. Now that you’re starting to take on responsibilities, your family has gained another champion.”

What a seasoned hand at conversation! Xuanyuan Zhe felt embarrassed by such praise. “You give me too much credit. I’m not handling anything important—my father is in charge. I’m just here to accompany Brother Chen and the others.”

“That being so, Zhe, aren’t you going to introduce us? These two must be the masters who posted the missing person notice.” Ouyang Qianhua seized the opportunity and prompted an introduction.

Before Xuanyuan Zhe could answer, Zixuan stepped forward. “Hello! My name is Chen Xuan, and this is my senior sister, Chen Shiyi. Thank you for your help in finding Yaya!”

Tang Wei quickly added, “Thank you so much for your assistance!”

“Please, you flatter us. It’s our Ouyang family’s honor to help. I’m Ouyang Qianhua, the eldest son of the current family head. I’m in charge of the search, and I’ve already arranged everything. Unless something unexpected happens, we should find her in the next couple of days.”

Ouyang Qianru, seeing that she hadn’t been introduced, nudged Ouyang Qianhua from behind. But Zixuan spoke first, “No need for formalities—we’re about the same age. Just call us by name. Zhe has told me much about you; I’ve heard you never fail at any task. With your help, our chances are much better.”

“You’re too kind, Chen,” Ouyang Qianhua replied smoothly. “And what a coincidence! My sister has spoken of you many times—I’ve been eager to meet you myself. Now that I see you, you’re every bit the refined gentleman she described. No wonder she’s so taken with you! By the way, this is my sister, Ouyang Qianru.” He quickly pulled her forward, worried she’d claw holes in his back if he delayed her introduction any longer.

“Hello! I’m Ouyang Qianru. I look forward to working with you,” she said sweetly, stealing a glance at Zixuan.

“We all know who you are, Ouyang Qianru. Your reputation precedes you; there’s no need for further instruction. We’ll soon be heading up the mountain—you go your way, we’ll go ours. Let’s not interfere with each other.” Yunqian stopped her cold, for reasons unknown even to herself. But her words echoed Tang Wei’s thoughts; she had just felt too awkward to say so herself.

Ouyang Qianru, accustomed to being treated as a princess, could hardly tolerate such disrespect and was about to flare up when Ouyang Qianhua once again hurried to smooth things over. “Yunqian, I think you’ve misunderstood my sister. She just has a fiery temper, that’s all. She’s always been beautiful, so there have always been suitors flocking around her—one after another. She hasn’t found a boyfriend, but she’s gained a bit of notoriety. I think you two should spend more time together; once you get to know each other, things will be fine.” His words not only defused the situation but also subtly clarified that her bad reputation was just gossip, thus laying the groundwork for her pursuit of Zixuan. He was truly a worthy successor—his handling of the situation was masterful.

“Who wants to spend time with her?” Yunqian muttered, taking Tang Wei’s arm. “Sister Chen, let’s go! Ignore them!”

Tang Wei smiled, and said to Ouyang Qianhua, “Sorry, we’ll head up the mountain now. If you have business, go ahead.”

“Why not go up together?” Ouyang Qianhua pressed on, ignoring the refusal in Tang Wei’s eyes.

Tang Wei felt it would be impolite to refuse outright, but Yunqian had no such qualms. “Isn’t your Ouyang family big enough? If you want company, find someone else—why follow us?”

“So Yunqian doesn’t welcome us. Are you still angry with Qianru?” Ouyang Qianhua teased, his patience undiminished.

“Of course not! I just can’t be bothered with you. Let’s go!” She pulled Tang Wei away toward the mountain.

Ouyang Qianhua smiled and, watching them leave, turned to the other two. “Chen, Zhe, apologies for the scene. Our people are already on the mountain, but since everyone’s in such a hurry, we’d like to join the search as well—would it be convenient to go with you?”

“Yes, count me in too!” came an unexpected voice from behind Ouyang Qianhua. Another uninvited guest—who could it be?