Chapter Fifty: Heartless Flowing Water

  Xiao Fan felt somewhat surprised by Chen Ying Er's arrival.

  What's wrong with this girl? She keeps running to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion every now and then, is she hungry or afraid that I'll embezzle the silver from the wine shop?

  It's not surprising that Xiao Fan suspected Chen Jia's daughter of having ulterior motives, given the unpleasant experience when they first met and later the cold demeanor as a superior to subordinate. Now, with this 180-degree turn, showing concern and cooking soup for her, the attitude change seemed too abrupt, making Xiao Fan wonder if Chen Jia and his daughter were up to something.

  Xiao Fan didn't know that he was measuring the heart of a gentleman with the heart of a petty person. Chen's father and daughter's plan, at most, was just to tie him to the Chen family's ship, which was actually a very kind plan. Old Chen even sacrificed his own daughter, which made Xiao Fan suspicious for a moment, and it was indeed a pity that a bright pearl was thrown into the darkness.

  The boss's daughter has arrived, and as the shopkeeper, he naturally had to greet her. In his heart, Xiao Fan felt very calm towards Chen Ying'er, without any shyness or excitement that an engaged couple would normally feel when meeting each other. To him, Chen Ying'er was his superior, his master, and Chen Si Liu's daughter... she had many identities, but the only one he somewhat resented was that of his fiancée. A marriage without emotional foundation was something he couldn't accept; perhaps ancient people didn't think it was a big deal, but Xiao Fan couldn't agree with it.

  The light at the door dimmed, and a slender figure appeared before Xiao Fan's eyes.

  Today, Chen Ying'er seemed to have deliberately dressed up. She wore a light green jacket with a same-colored lace-trimmed skirt, her hair was styled in a high bun, and her previously slightly thick eyebrows seemed to have been carefully drawn, making them look slender and long, exceptionally smooth, with a flush on her cheeks, a shy smile, and a captivating gaze that stirred one's heart.

  Xiao Fan secretly admired her beauty in his heart, while also deeply reflecting on himself. Such a beautiful woman, why wasn't he moved by her? Had he gone blind?

  After working up his emotions for a while, Xiao Fan finally slumped his shoulders in defeat. There was no way around it; he just didn't like it, and forcing himself to wasn't an option either.

  Xiao Fan has seen Miss. Xiao Fan bowed his hands in greeting.

  Chen Ying'er's face flushed red as she sidled away to let him pass, saying in a soft voice: "Young Master Xiao needn't be so polite, I don't deserve it."

  I

  Xiao Fan stared at Chen Ying'er in surprise, thinking that this self-proclaimed... whatever it was, wasn't too much, were they not familiar enough to be like this?

  Rubbing his nose and smiling, Xiao Fan's eyes couldn't help but glance behind Chen Ying'er.

  It was as if she knew what Xiao Fan was thinking, Chen Ying'er lowered her head and said in a low voice: "...... I came alone today, didn't let Baoqin follow."

  "Huh? Oh......" Xiao Fan awkwardly withdrew his gaze, and said in an attempt to cover up: "I just wanted to discuss some martial arts issues with her..."

  Chen Ying'er didn't say anything, but instead gave him a small, white, disdainful glance.

  "Miss, what brings you to Drunken Immortal Pavilion today?"

  "Can't you just call me by my name? Why must we be so distant?"

  Xiao Fan rubbed his hands and smiled dryly: "Not very familiar, sorry for not calling your name..."

  Chen Ying'er felt a surge of sorrow and bitterness in her heart, she couldn't even step over the threshold of calling out to him, let alone discuss lifelong matters. Thinking about this, she couldn't help but feel disheartened.

  But her father's words still echoed in her mind, this handsome and talented young man, if she didn't think of a way to keep him, was likely to leave the Chen family after some time, so what would become of her as his fiancée?

  Then Chen Ying'er mustered up her spirits, forcing a smile on her face, saying: "I came here to take a look. Father said you've managed the Drunken Immortal Pavilion very well, and I'm a bit curious."

  It turned out to be the leader's inspection work, Xiao Fang breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "Miss, take a look at your convenience."

  Chen Ying'er nodded, her beautiful eyes darting back and forth. Seeing the layout of the large hall, which was modeled after a coffee shop from a previous life, with irregularly arranged tables and chairs, she asked curiously: "Why are these tables and chairs placed in such disarray?"

  Xiao Fan smiled and said, "The mess has its own beauty. Since the guests are here to eat, this chaotic layout can help them relax their mood, making their emotions as casual and comfortable as these tables and chairs, which is very beneficial for the guests' appetite."

  Chen Ying'er's eyes sparkled with color, and she smiled lightly: "Father has been saying recently that you are a capable person, and it seems that this is indeed true. You have grasped the guest's thoughts so subtly and skillfully, you truly have an extraordinary aspect."

  Being praised by a beauty is certainly a very satisfying thing, Xiao Fan smiled with his mouth open wide, but still humbly said: "Where, where, you're overpraising me, actually I'm very ordinary..."

  Chen Ying'er also noticed the stage on the east side of the hall and couldn't help but ask: "What's the use of setting up this stage?"

  "Performing programs used, such as books, singing and dancing, acrobatics, etc., to attract customers' attention, to attract repeat business."

  "With great care and clever wisdom, you will surely achieve great success in the future..."

  "Haha, thank you, miss, I'm just standing on the shoulders of giants..."

  "With great talent but not arrogant, humble and open-minded like a valley, you are a modest gentleman..."

  “…………”

  “…………”

  Xiao Fan accompanied Chen Ying'er in the Drunken Immortal Building, and Chen Ying'er's small mouth was like a honeycomb, praising as she walked. The degree of praise was extremely high. At first, Xiao Fan humbly responded with a few words, but later he ran out of humble words to say, and Chen Ying'er continued to praise without stopping. Xiao Fan opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond.

  Xiao Fan didn't mind when others praised him, but if they overdid it, he would feel a bit unbearable. What's wrong with Chen Ying'er today? She was praising herself so hard, had she also read Carnegie?

  The old Cai and the dogzi in the store stared at Chen Ying'er with their eyes wide open, not knowing that this wine tower was so highly evaluated in the eyes of Dongjia's thousand gold. This made them extremely surprised and delighted.

  From the lobby to the third floor, and then from the third floor back to the lobby, Chen Ying'er had praised everything that was praiseworthy, and for a moment she fell silent, it seemed she couldn't find anything else to praise.

  Xiao Fan coldly looked at her and said indifferently, "Are you done flattering? Take a closer look again, is there anything missing? Find one or two things to continue flattering."

  Chen Ying'er's pretty face blushed bright red, her head lowered and she gently shook it twice.

  Xiao Fan kindly suggested: "You've finished bragging about things, now you can brag about people. For example, you can say that I'm very handsome..."

  Chen Ying'er burst out laughing, her pretty face even redder, apparently she also felt that she had boasted too much. Although Chen Ying'er was already eighteen years old, her emotional world was still a blank sheet, and her expression of emotions was also very awkward. Apart from lavishing praise, she really didn't know how to curry favor with the man she admired.

  "Alright, now you can tell me, what exactly are you here for?"

  Chen Ying'er was no longer as proud and arrogant as she used to be, her face turned red as she said in a low voice: "I... I actually wanted to come see you, really."

  "Want to come see me?"

  Chen Ying'er looked up at him, then quickly lowered her head, appearing somewhat timid as she said: "You... you're always busy managing the Drunken Immortal Pavilion and hardly ever return to the manor. Father says... Father wants to discuss something with you."

  "Anything wrong?" Xiao Fan's expression solidified, and he said in a deep voice: "What's going on with your dad?"

  Chen Ying'er's face turned bright red: "...... guess."

  Xiao Fan thought for a moment and exclaimed in surprise: "Could it be that your father intends to give the Drunken Immortal Pavilion to me?"

  Chen Ying'er blushed slightly and said: "......Guess again."

  "Isn't your father willing to let me marry Baoqin as a concubine?"

  Chen Ying'er's silver teeth clenched: "......Guess again."

  Xiao Fan let out a sigh and said: "Apart from these two things, I really can't think of anything else to discuss with your dad, you know, he and I have a generation gap..."

  Chen Ying'er was furious in her heart, didn't you put our marriage at all? The fallen flowers have a purpose, the flowing water is ruthless, but I have a daughter's thoughts of waiting to be married, how can a good person be so ignorant? Chen Ying'er was indignant and couldn't help but sigh "Alas, the bright moon shines on the ditch".

  What was originally a harmonious and polite scene has now fallen into an awkward silence.

  Chen Ying'er was naturally indignant, and Xiao Fan was also a bit at a loss. He wasn't an idiot; Chen Ying'er had made her words so clear that he couldn't help but understand her meaning. It's just that same old phrase - if you don't like someone, then you just don't like them. He didn't want to force himself, but he also couldn't bear the thought of hurting this nominal fiancée of his. So, for now, he could only pretend to be stupid and muddle through.

  It wasn't long before the silence was broken.

  A flurry of footsteps came, Xiao Fan looked up to see Cao Yi wearing official attire, his expression anxious as he led a dozen or so yamen runners hastily into the house.

  "Lord Cao, what is this......?"

  Cao Yi looked at him seriously and said in a low voice, "Just now, the Imperial Guard's flying horse express reported that the Crown Prince had left the capital in his imperial carriage with full ceremony and was heading towards our Jiangpu County. The Imperial Guard wants our yamen to prepare for the reception..."

  Xiao Fan was stunned.

  Cao Yi stared at Xiao Fan, his face strange and said: "The Crown Prince's trip out, with such a big fanfare, it shouldn't be... is he coming for you?"