Chapter 14: Triple Plea

Outside the door, Wen Lan saw the hunter erupt in anger and recalled what Qingfeng had told her earlier. She now understood clearly that this hunter already had someone he loved and would absolutely not marry another woman.

It’s over—her golden finger was about to slip away.

Wen Lan felt that if she didn’t act now and take a chance, this script Heaven had arranged for her might fall apart.

So, gritting her teeth and closing her eyes, she flung open the door and rushed in.

“Big Brother, please have mercy on this humble girl!” She had said this line once before, so now it came smoothly to her. To match her words, she dropped to her knees with a thud, speaking through a choked sob as she begged.

“Big Brother,” she continued pleading, “I know a rough country girl like me isn’t even worthy of a fraction of you. I have no improper expectations—right now I just need a place to stay.”

If not for the situation forcing her hand, she wouldn’t want to marry this cold-faced master in front of her. But the thing was, he didn’t want to marry her either. Compared to her, he probably felt even more wronged.

Poor man, really.

But Xuan Yue didn’t pay her any mind. His face still grim, he interrogated Qingfeng: “Marriage is a serious matter, not a game. And yet you went and made a decision on your own, offering betrothal gifts in my name to the Lin family?”

“No, Master, I didn’t use your name. I used your hunter identity. The Lin family only knows that a hunter from the mountains wants to marry Lin Furong.”

“Is that so? And what about now?” Xuan Yue finally turned his gaze to Wen Lan.

Wen Lan, ever quick-witted, immediately responded, “I only know you as the hunter big brother. I don’t know anything else.”

Hmph. Xuan Yue clearly didn’t believe her.

That cold snort from him struck a small blow to Wen Lan, who had already started to feel a little guilty.

Back in her world, her mother doted on her, her father adored her, and even her cousin spoiled her. When had she ever had to lower herself and beg like this? Yet now, just to get out of Lin Furong’s predicament, she had already knelt twice before this man and made countless solemn promises.

But this man acted like she was asking for his life.

“Hunter big brother,” Wen Lan put on a serious face, “there’s a saying that good women don’t marry two husbands—but no one ever said that a man can’t marry twice. This young man went behind your back and offered betrothal gifts—that was wrong. But he did it out of a sincere desire to save me. And I, as a woman, am not even worried about what comes after. What are you afraid of, as a grown man? Are you scared I’ll cling to you?”

“……” Xuan Yue glanced at her indifferently.

Though that glance was calm, Wen Lan read all sorts of emotions in it: mockery, disdain, and complete disinterest.

It was… infuriating.

But no matter how angry she was, Wen Lan didn’t dare truly provoke this hunter. She still needed him to be generous enough to let her stay.

Forget it. Better to beg again.

“Big Brother,” Wen Lan softened her tone, “if you truly don’t trust me, we can draw up a contract.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Qingfeng jumped in, “Yes, Master, we can make a contract with her. During the contract period, she’ll take care of your daily needs, and we’ll provide her with housing. After you leave, I’ll find her a household to work for, so she can make a living. That way, it’s a win-win.”

“……” This time, Xuan Yue’s gaze toward Wen Lan carried some hesitation.

Wen Lan saw him waver and immediately stepped forward to bow again, calling him “Big Brother” and “Benefactor” repeatedly.

Qingfeng chimed in as well, saying the betrothal gifts had already been given, and if they backed out now, Lin Furong would be doomed. He also added that he had official duties and needed to leave soon, so this matter had to be resolved quickly.

Since Qingfeng had been acting out of goodwill, Wen Lan didn’t show any annoyance at his endless talking. Still, in her heart, she couldn’t help but grumble a little.

This hunter master really had bad luck to end up with such a chatterbox for a subordinate.

“All right.” Xuan Yue raised his hand to stop Qingfeng’s rambling. He sighed helplessly, “Things have already come to this, so we’ll have to go with it. But I have one condition. She can stay here—but she’s not to talk to me, and she’s not allowed to enter my room at will.”

With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and walked out of the house.

Leaving only Qingfeng and Wen Lan exchanging a knowing smile.

---