The Endless Promise

24. Xu Furen

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"Xiao Yan." Zhang Cheng greeted, settling himself beside Xu Weiyan in the Garden.

He looked at the servants gathered and smiled charmingly at them.

"I know she plays the pipa like a fairy, but go about your business and let us discuss."

The maids flushed as they bowed and left with the other servants, twittering among themselves.

But Tong stepped forward quickly. "1st Young Master Zhang, how can you let yourself in unannounced? Not only that, but isn't it uncourteous to suddenly force your company on 2nd Miss?"

Zhang Cheng glared at Tong. "This busy-body! Did you forget your place?!"

"My apologies!" Tong bowed with no sincerity. "But after yesterday's Scandal, your presence will only feed rumours!"

Zhang Cheng scowled in anger. "Xiaoyan, won't you discipline your maid?!"

Weiyan's fingers paused on the pipa.

She was clearly annoyed, but didn't want Tong having enemies.

"A-Tong? Leave us. Help me set my things in order."

Tong bowed and left them alone.

Weiyan set the pipa aside and bowed her head. "1st Young Master Zhang." She greeted.

Zhang Cheng sighed. "XiaoYan, I've often asked you to call me 'Cheng gē ge', but you insist on being distant. My heart breaks, especially after recent events."

Weiyan bowed her head. "'Man might yearn for rain, but the heavens decide whether to give it. Two might seem destined, but the heavens decide whether to split them apart'."

"Such cruel words! Will you never return my love? We can always take destiny into our own hands!

"I'm willing to fight for our love, and I already spoke with Sect Leader Xu. He says the decision is yours!"

Weiyan's eyebrows dipped slightly. 'Shouldn't he have discussed with me first?'

But she simply bowed again.

"1st Young Master Zhang, please ignore me. You are too far above my reach."

Zhang Cheng hid his frustration. "I don't care about that! Why not hold my hand instead? I'll give you my name and everything you want! I'll give you a good life, and love only you!

"Please marry me!"

But Weiyan gave another bow. "1st Young Master Zhang, I assumed you would be pleased with recent events. If I'm out of the way, you can finally be with my elder sister."

Zhang Cheng's eyebrows nearly shot into his hairline with shock, but he caught himself.

"Ahem! About Xiaohu-. Er-- About Linhua, do not misunderstand. I and Linhua were once engaged, so naturally we remained friends to foster familial harmony. It's nothing more! I will cut ties with her, if you decide to marry me!"

Xu Weiyan gave a final bow. "1st Young Master Zhang, I must excuse myself to-."

"Hao! You always excuse yourself!" Zhang Cheng finally showed his annoyance. "How about we settle this like cultivators?!

"Let's have a duel! If I win, you must tell Sect Leader Xu that you want to marry me!"

Weiyan was a bit taken aback. "Isn't that an unfair advantage in your favour? I'm not yet your opponent. I must decline."

"Oh?" Zhang Cheng smirked. "I guess I will have to challenge my little brother!"

Weiyan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't notice and kept talking. "If I challenge Luoy -."