Chapter 2654: Mission 40

Editor: Henyee Translations

Gu Chaoyan was well-acquainted with the intricacies of Jiang Caixiu’s family and their cunning maneuvers. During the previous banquet, the county magistrate’s mention of the Lord of the Capital had triggered their interest.

The personal appearance of a scholar like Jiang Caixiu indicated the significance of their family’s stature. Despite the visible damage to their reputation, Jiang Caixiu, valuing his pride, remained undeterred, showcasing the determination that brought him to confront the situation.

Given these circumstances, Gu Chaoyan deemed it necessary to clarify matters and persuade them to abandon their pursuits.

She wished for them to relinquish their objectives, freeing herself from further involvement with this family. While she had an affinity for the Yan family, her primary focus remained on completing her mission efficiently and saving time.

Upon hearing Gu Chaoyan’s stance, a smile graced Jiang Caixiu’s face. It seemed Danqiu’s previous confrontation had not fully appeased her, and now, with her anger vented, she was ready for a more civil conversation.

Jiang Caixiu wore a smug expression, glancing at Tian Liu with satisfaction. Tian Liu, basking in Dan Qiu’s attention, failed to comprehend the source of his pride. Unbeknownst to him, Jiang Caixiu harbored plans to gradually distance Dan Qiu from the Tian family, ensuring they could no longer revel in their past glory.

As Jiang Caixiu contemplated her schemes, Tian Liu’s face betrayed his concern, primarily for Danqiu’s well-being at the Elementary Scholar’s residence, given her previous hardships.

Gu Chaoyan, cutting through the tension, took a direct approach. “What is it? Tell me,” she prompted, gesturing for a private conversation as she walked to the side.

Jiang Caixiu, now adopting a sincere tone, explained, “Danqiu, I led a peaceful life studying in the academy and was unaware of the developments. I only discovered the broken engagement with your family upon returning today. As soon as I learned of it, I apologized to my family and came to apologize to you.”

He made it sound like it was a serious matter.

If Gu Chaoyan was not a normal person, she would have believed it very soon.

Did he not know about the annulment?

His mother had echoed similar sentiments just the day before, and Jiang Caixiu’s current words did not align with his own thoughts. It seemed that he considered himself exceptionally intelligent, believing others to be fools easily manipulated by his schemes.

Gu Chaoyan sighed, subtly shaking her head in response to Jiang Caixiu’s perceived arrogance.

“Let’s not dwell on it any longer; it’s already in the past,” she calmly suggested, expressing no desire to engage in further arguments.

Disregarding Gu Chaoyan’s suggestion, Jiang Caixiu eagerly proposed, “In that case, let’s consider this matter null and void. My family will formally send the betrothal gifts, and once we are married, such issues won’t resurface.”

Gu Chaoyan, maintaining her composure, clarified, “The engagement has already been terminated. There’s no need to revisit the past. You can forge your path, and I’ll forge mine. Whether you understand the reasons or not, it’s evident that you’re unwilling to marry me. Lack of understanding simply signifies your lack of qualification.”

Expressing discontent, Jiang Caixiu retorted, “Why? Am I inferior to Tian Liu?”

Gu Chaoyan, throwing him a discerning look, simply walked away.

This action fueled Jiang Caixiu’s anger, prompting him to give chase, determined to seek clarification. How could he, an esteemed Elementary Scholar, not be considered a suitable match?